Lake camping in Wareham Forest

Walk, cycle, and camp in these ancient Dorset woodlands.

97% (54 reviews)
97% (54 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Wareham Forest

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top lakeside campsites in Wareham Forest

89%
(256)

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England
A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge
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£30
 / night
67%
(3)

Crooked Willows Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Wimborne. Dorset, England
Crooked Willows Farm offers an ideal country break with a range of desirable features. Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.
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£15
 / night
94%
(33)

Hobby Farm

16 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England
A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast
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£22
 / night
100%
(5)

Oakhill Ponds, spring-fed swim

6 units · Glamping25 acres · Somerset, South West England
A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.
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£125
 / night
100%
(6)

The Blue Pool

8 units · Glamping300 acres · Wareham, England
Treehouses on the edge of Dorset’s Blue Pool
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£150
 / night
89%
(14)

Wild Swim2Sauna Safari Tipis

35 units · Glamping6 acres · Devon, South West England
Wild swimming and off-grid living in tipis and tents on the banks of Devon's River Avon
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£32.50
 / night
95%
(54)

The View Camping

53 units · Tents14 acres · Poole, Dorset, South West England
Welcoming family camping with campfires and far-reaching views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills
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£10
 / night
100%
(1)

Glastonbury Wild Glamping

2 units · Glamping2 acres · England
Glastonbury Wild Glamping offers two beautiful 18ft yurts tucked away in a wildflower meadow overlooking the historic Glastonbury Tor. The site is in a magical location and provides the perfect opportunity to switch off and find total peace and tranquillity. There is natural wild swimming pond, shower facilities with hot water, compost toilets, and and a shared outside kitchen, with cutlery, pans, fridge, camping hob. The Yurts are furnished with India-inspired interiors and offer panoramic and uninterrupted views of Glastonbury Tor from your luxury super king sized bed! Crisp warm linen, wood burner and hot water bottles for the chillier nights. This is an opportunity to switch off your devises and stay connected to nature and your surroundings and totally re charge.
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£100
 / night
100%
(5)

Mangerton Lake

4 units · Glamping17 acres · Bridport, England
Offering amazing views over the valley and lake it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. Fall asleep to the sound of the spring bubbling and wake up to beautiful views in one of Dorsets areas of outstanding natural beauty. If you are an angler our lake is well stocked with Carp, Roach and Tench, fishing is included with your stay. We are 3 miles from the nearest beaches or you can walk straight onto the footpaths and explore the countryside. We are about 1.5 miles from the historic market town of Bridport which is well know for its antiques and vintage markets. We are also close to some fabulous restaurants, cafes and pubs.
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£80
 / night
89%
(9)

Camping at Brandiers Farm

2 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Wiltshire, South West England
Bucolic rural glamping in a beautiful natural beauty spot on the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
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£120
 / night
100%
(1)

Eversfield Safari Tents

2 units · Glamping2 acres · Okehampton, England
Lakeside safari tent stays on an organic farm just north of Dartmoor National Park
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£275
 / night
100%
(3)

Noxon Farm

1 unit · Tent2 acres · Lydney, England
Surrounded by the lush, ancient woodlands in the Forest of Dean forest, this serene and spacious 2 acre field offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday celebration or a mates getting together, set up camp under canopy of stars. The field is part of an old dairy farm with beautiful fishing lake. Our camping facilities are eco friendly and we have 2 compost toilets along with wash basins and washing up sinks. Two hot showers as well. Solar lighting is at the facilities and there is a fire pit available.
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£90
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop

Lake camping in Wareham Forest guide

Overview

With more than 1,500 hectares of woodlands and heathlands to explore, Wareham Forest provides plenty of opportunities to escape the crowds. Hike the 13-mile Wareham Forest Way through the heart of the forest, or choose from several short walks and circuits such as the Woodlark Trail, a favourite for families. Cyclists won’t want to miss the tree-lined Sika Trail, after which you can picnic among the trees or enjoy lunch at a country pub. The forest is well known for its wildlife, so keep a lookout for Sika deer, rare birds, and sand lizards.

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for a 5-star camping experience: Wareham Forest Tourist Park has grass pitching for tents and powered hard-standing sites for caravans and motorhomes. There’s also a heated swimming pool and children’s playground on-site and a country pub within walking distance.
  • Best for caravans and motorhomes: Birchwood Touring Park has a choice of grass, hard-standing, and gravel pitches, all with direct access to the forest trails. Electric hook-ups and TV aerials are available too.
  • Best for peace and quiet: Wooders Campsite has spacious grass pitches, bell tents for hire, and fire-pits, set on a rural working farm.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Holiday parks and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Book at least three months in advance if you plan to visit at this time. 
  2. You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival. 
  3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Some campsites open from Easter through October, while others stay open year-round.

When to go

Summer is peak season in Wareham Forest, and parking can fill up quickly—make an early start to snag a spot. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but the woodlands are particularly photogenic in the autumn months, with their ever-changing canopy of fall foliage. Wildlife watching is often most rewarding in the early morning and early evening.

Know before you go

  • Wareham Forest is located in central Dorset, about a 20-minute drive west of Poole. Trains run from Poole to Wareham (a 10-minute journey), from where it’s a half-mile walk to the forest. 
  • There is free parking at Sika Trail, Woolsbarrow, Stroud Bridge, and Sugar Hill, all with direct access to Wareham Forest.
  • Many trails at Wareham Forest are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

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