Riverside Camping in Wareham Forest

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.

92% (373)

Top-rated campgrounds

Kayaking on the River Brue from the campsite

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.

92% (373)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

99%

(59)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden

2. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%

(167)

114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England

A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

3. Farrs Meadow

96%

(141)

31 units · Tents, Glamping · Dorset, South West England

A charming Dorset campsite overlooking the Stour Valley and a short walk from both the river and the market town of Wimborne Minster

4. Stowford Manor Farm Campsite

87%

(39)

51 units · Glamping · Trowbridge, England

We are a family run farm situated in the beautiful Frome valley. The farm has a range of interests from the traditional Jersey milking cows to a community of workshops used by local craftsmen. The cafe serves cream teas from Easter to the end of September and pizzas are sold in evenings during the summer months. Ours is a small family run camp site with the River Frome on one side, next to the medieval buildings of Stowford Farm. The river is suitable for fishing, boating, swimming and paddling. Historic Bradford-on-Avon is only a 5 minute drive and the City of Bath 15 minutes. For those who enjoy more rural pleasures, 200 metres from the campsite Farleigh Hungerford boasts the only river swimming club in the country, and you can become an instant member for a very small fee.

5. Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

6. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%

(140)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England

An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast

7. Buckland Farm Camping

95%

(21)

12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Somerset, South West England

Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills

8. The Old Airfield

85%

(143)

114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Hampshire, South East England

A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast

9. Bredy Farm

87%

(63)

31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

10. Oakhill Ponds

96%

(13)

8 units · Glamping · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

11. Haywards Bridge Farm

75%

(12)

99 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shillingstone,, England

We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. Eight acre small until recently growing sustainable vegetables and wild flowers, hosting camping and events, nestled beneath Hambledon Hillfort on the bank of the Stour. We have access to the North Dorset trailway at our entrance, our neighbours are the North Dorset Railway, a museum, cafe and soon to be working line, all under preservation and within 50 yards walk, the mighty Hambledon hill is a great trek with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, for those looking to relax Bournemouth and Weymouth beaches are less than 30 miles, for shoppers Salisbury to the East or Bath just over an hour to the North, there really is something for everyone!

12. Feltham’s Farm Cheese Barn

100%

(8)

1 unit · Glamping · Shepton Mallet, England

Farm stays on a Somerset smallholding with a cheese dairy

13. Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

14. Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

15. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

16. Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

17. Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

18. Lickham Bottom Camp

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills

19. Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Camper favorites in and near Wareham Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Romantic Country Glamping

91%

(11)

2 units · Glamping · Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, South West England

A pair of self-contained glamping getaways in Wiltshire

Wild About Campers

100%

(2)

5 units · Glamping · Stockland, Devon, South West England

Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Stud Farm

100%

(4)

1 unit · Glamping · Brockenhurst, England

A shepherd’s hut on a traditional New Forest farm

Korkhouse

1 unit · Glamping · England

KorkHouse is an off-grid cozy, sustainable tiny house for two, made with eco-friendly cork cladding and a plywood interior. The cabin features it's own outdoor hot tub/bath, private mini island, solar power, a kitchenette, memory foam bed, wood burner, TV, shower, and it is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries and fun things to do even on a rainy day. Located at the crossroads of Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire, it's perfect for creatives seeking inspiration. Near Bruton, Glastonbury, and Frome, with easy access from London. 4 min Taxi & 10 min Bike from Gillingham station. 4min drive & 30 min walk to nearest pub.

Lickham Bottom Camp

100%

(9)

3 units · Glamping · Taunton, England

Ready-made camping in Devon’s Blackdown Hills

Brue Field, Gladwill Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Bruton, England

Reconnect with nature in a peaceful escape away from the hecticness of life. Exclusive to a family group or friends sharing a well equipped field kitchen & dining area in an organic meadow by the River Brue. Wildlife teems in the meadow and the surrounding Stourhead woodlands offering adventures in nature. There are 5 unique living pods with proper beds and creative interiors. A booking includes 2 days use of a natural swimming pond. This is a journey into simple living - not a party venue.

Stories from the community

G

Graham

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

The area i lovely and quiet with plenty of wildlife I went in autumn/winter time so not a lot going on at the site Can imagine it’s busy during summer months

H

Haven

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We loved our stay at Little Eden. This was my second visit and I can see it becoming a little home away from home in the future. It brings a lovely sense of peace driving up the driveway.

Grass Campsite with wooden jetty access to River Brue

J

James

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

1 night at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.

This is where you will find all the facilities on site!

E

Emily

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Wow, Little Eden is exactly what it says it is. It has everything for a wonderful camping experience. You are totally emmersed in Nature. You can hear the wild life and birds around you. You can use a fire pit and sit outside under the stars, whilst keeping warm. The decor is beautiful, the facilities are great. Showers, toilets, washing machine, fridge and anything else you can think of. I would definitely recommend Little Eden to everyone. Thank you so much Andy, Emily 🙏

N

Nick

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

David was an amazing host, extremely helpful and gave excellent advice. Facilities are not luxurious but erfectly adequate and what you want from a remotr campsite. Even though the wind blew hard we were well protected.

S

Sophie

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We pretty much had the site to ourselves and loved the area, especially the nearby cider farms. Nice extra touches like Faith in Nature toiletries in the showers and useful having an undercover spot to do washing up and make tea/coffeem

A

Angie

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

We loved our weekend at Oak Tree Nook. The outdoor kitchen shelter was a wonderful evening hang out with everything we needed and more. In the daytime we explored the woods, spent time in the hammock, sunbathed - bliss. We were cosy in the bell tent at night and although we didn't need the log burner, it was great to have the option. The open air shower was sooooooooo good! We would love to come back!

A

Anup

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild About Campers

We loved staying at tams land. The views are absolutely beautiful as is the sound of nature and wildlife. We stayed in the otter tent which was well equipped for a family of 3 and a dog! Tam is an excellent host, unfortunately due to traffic we arrived late than planned on Friday night however tam was understanding and accommodating anf helped us settle in quickly. On the Saturday night it was a complete wash out and tam offered to let us stay in another one of their lodges as it had a log burner - this was excellent, appreciated and well timed (we'd been on the beach all day and were completely soaked)! We would definitely recommend staying here! Thanks again Tam!

a

andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Snelling Farm Campsite

A very spacious campsite with well-maintained composting facilities. The scenic drive down to the site is beautiful, and the clear night skies make it perfect for stargazing. Martins and owls were active both day and night, adding to the atmosphere. On some alternate nights, music played nearby from around 10 pm to 4 am. While noticeable, it was at a consistent and tolerable volume, and importantly, it wasn’t accompanied by disruptive behaviour.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Farrs Meadow

Great campsite, friendly owner! We stayed a couple of weeks ago, and have already returned since, and plan to again in a few weeks. Great location. Highly recommend 👌🏼

k

kelly

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lickham Bottom Camp

Fantastic site and Penny is a great host! We stayed in Bluebell, despite the wet weather we had a wonderful stay. Everything you need is provided, the kitchen is very well equipped, and Penny is on hand for any queries and advice on the local area etc. There is plenty of space and we were not at all disturbed by our neighbouring campers, as the pitches are well spaced. We wouldn’t hesitate to stay again!

Carree

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

Weekend Trip to Snelling Farm Campsite

Fantastic campsite, heavenly amount of space, great atmosphere and brilliant facilities 😊👍

C

Cayzerjulie

August 2025

Tent

5 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Excellent position on the River Brue. Welcoming host in beautiful campsite. Facilities clean and well supplied with earth-friendly products too. Kayaking along the river from the linked site, Wall Eden was fabulous, lovely and shady in the heat. Thanks!

J

James

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Lovely simple easy laid back place. Great to go paddle boarding, although there's a bit of algae at the moment. Didn't spoil the fun, though. Andy is a lovely friendly chap and very responsive and helpful. Will consider revisiting next year. The Bird at Westhay also highly recommended.

lauren

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to The Old Airfield

Absolutely loved camping at The Old Airfield. Very friendly staff and helpful. Loads of space to park up and tent so you'll never feel 'on top' of other campers. Lovely vibe, clean showers and toilets. Had a nice bar and pizza trailer on site too to order from every night. Very relaxing and loads of free roaming animals near by! Definitely will be coming back!

Stephanie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at The Old Airfield

The staff were fab as were the showers, toilets and the sociable communal space serving drinkings and tasty pizzas. The only downside was the noise from the adjacent road.

S

Stuart

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Farrs Meadow

David was a super friendly host and the site was in a beautiful setting. Nothing was too much trouble, and there was plenty of space on the pitches. Location wise, you couldn’t ask for anything better. You could have been in the middle of nowhere, but Wimborne is a 20 minute walk away!

S

SALLY

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Great little site . Really chill and lovely little touches they’ve added . Felt very safe and relaxed .

C

Cathryn

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Little Eden is a dreamy idyllic spot. We had the most amazing, relaxing 4 nights here. We loved the fact that you can pitch wherever you like and just make yourself at home. The kitchen area has everything you need if you forget any of your cooking essentials. There is also a fridge and freezer. The toilets and showers are perfectly adequate and you can help yourself to logs for your campfire and just pay for them on line. We had the best sleep we've had for a long while, we loved the peace and quiet. We can't wait to come back! Thank you Andy X

C

Catherine

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Frome Meadow Campsite

We had a lovely time camping on Sam's land. It was great to be next to the river frome - the kids had a great time with the rubber rings and our paddleboard. The compost toilets were really well kept and the always hot showers a real luxury. Would definitely come again!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside camping in Wareham Forest guide

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

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.
You will need to pay a deposit to secure your campsite reservation; some sites ask for the full payment prior to arrival.
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.