Wildlife-watching campsites 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.

93% (863) 319 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wareham Forest

Sweet Hill Farm

1. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

2. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

3. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
36 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cullompton, England
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

5. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Flowerdew Farm

6. Flowerdew Farm

100%
(18)
23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

7. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%
(44)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Bredy Farm

8. Bredy Farm

87%
(63)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Liberty Farm Camping

9. Liberty Farm Camping

100%
(3)
22 units · Tents, Glamping · England
This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

10. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Farrs Meadow

11. 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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Small Trees Campsite

12. Small Trees Campsite

97%
(38)
33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Jubilee Camping

13. Jubilee Camping

96%
(98)
51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite

14. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%
(10)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Forest Edge

15. Forest Edge

100%
(24)
44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Homemade Holidays

16. Homemade Holidays

100%
(19)
2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
Haywards Bridge Farm

17. 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!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£22
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

18. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Snelling Farm Campsite

19. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%
(140)
70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

20. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%
(20)
3 units · Glamping · Salisbury, England
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£128
 / night

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.

93% (863) 319 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wareham Forest

Sweet Hill Farm

1. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(296)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Frome Meadow Campsite

2. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
114 units · Tents · Dorset, South West England
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Kingsmead Camping

3. Kingsmead Camping

99%
(96)
36 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Cullompton, England
A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£24
 / night
The Yellow Submarine!

4. The Yellow Submarine!

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · England
Stay in the only Yellow Submarine Glamping in the UK! Our Yellow Submarine is comfy and cosy and lots of interactive fun. Its a unique, magical (and totally land-based!) experience! The Yellow Submarine is complete with Radar, Giant Octopus Detector, Shark Warning System, Anti-Whale-Bump technology and a special cool space for Mums' wine. There are buttons to press, and knobs and dials and gauges and lights and real portholes. Look through the Periscope to check for any Sharks, Whales, Dolphins and Sea Monsters lurking nearby. There's a Galley Kitchen with Hob, Fridge, Sink, Crockery, Cutlery, and all the bits and bobs you'll need. Outside you'll find a BBQ & Firepit. When not deep under the Ocean, you'll find the Yellow Submarine at Petruth Paddocks - the best fun Free-Range Camping in Somerset. The vibe is as chilled as a rather good Prosecco thanks to the cucumber-cool Jules and the team there. There's a Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and an old Land Rover. You’ll find a great food shack serving delicious Paninis, Loaded Chips, Baked Potatoes, and brekky rolls in the morning and get your caffeine hit with proper coffee, or great tea, iced milkshakes and hot choccy! Veggy / dairy free available too! ‘Kev the Ice-Man’ has the most delicious flavours of Marshfield’s Ice Cream, and the most wonderful Stone-Baked Pizzas are on Friday evenings from June - end August with Vegan & dairy-free options available. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs! ​​​ In the Village nearby; 6 great Restaurants 5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver) 8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away Local stores, farm shops, supermarkets​​​ In the area; Buses, Bike / E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains 9 Gorgeous Beaches Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole, RSPB / Nature Reserves, Animal Parks and Zoos, Landscaped Gardens, Culture, Historical Landmarks and the Paranormal! Whooooooo! Local activities; A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse Trekking, Alpaca Experiences, Activity Centres, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Steam Railway Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboot and Local Market, Cakery, Softplay, Gym and Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£159
 / night
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

5. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%
(33)
5 units · Tents, Glamping · Sherborne, England
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£30
 / night
Flowerdew Farm

6. Flowerdew Farm

100%
(18)
23 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£27
 / night
Tom's Field (New Forest)

7. Tom's Field (New Forest)

99%
(44)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Bredy Farm

8. Bredy Farm

87%
(63)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bridport, England
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Liberty Farm Camping

9. Liberty Farm Camping

100%
(3)
22 units · Tents, Glamping · England
This is a small family farm, which has been organic for over 15 years. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's a lovely tranquil spot with wonderful views, only half an hour from the Jurassic Coast, yet away from the bustle of the coastal traffic and caravan parks. Campers can get organic milk from the dairy and sausages and bacon from the farm. Halstock, Corscombe and Evershot villages and pubs are close by.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Hardyes Countryside Camping

10. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(43)
35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£25
 / night
Farrs Meadow

11. 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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Small Trees Campsite

12. Small Trees Campsite

97%
(38)
33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£12
 / night
Jubilee Camping

13. Jubilee Camping

96%
(98)
51 units · Tents · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England
Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£24
 / night
Glamping Retreat & Campsite

14. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

95%
(10)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England
Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£19
 / night
Forest Edge

15. Forest Edge

100%
(24)
44 units · Tents, Glamping · Devon, South West England
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Homemade Holidays

16. Homemade Holidays

100%
(19)
2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England
A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£115
 / night
Haywards Bridge Farm

17. 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!
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£22
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

18. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Snelling Farm Campsite

19. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%
(140)
70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Wareham, England
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

20. Cholderton Estate, near Stonehenge

90%
(20)
3 units · Glamping · Salisbury, England
Quirky accommodation on a 2,500-acre nature-filled estate, just 15 minutes from Stonehenge
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£128
 / night

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Wildlife-watching campsites 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

  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.