- Camping with Wildlife watching
Wildlife-watching campsites in Wareham Forest
96% (862) • 1,212 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Wareham Forest
Sweet Hill Farm
1. Sweet Hill Farm
94%
(316)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Snelling Farm Campsite
2. Snelling Farm Campsite
99%
(147)
Wareham, England · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Goren Farm
3. Goren Farm
100%
(100)
Seaton, England · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Showers
Potable water
Wifi
Long Beach the American School Bus!
4. Long Beach the American School Bus!
Cheddar, England · 1 unit
Long Beach School Bus – an authentic, beautifully converted American School Bus for a memory-filled (and Insta-worthy!) stay on a welcoming free-range Somerset campsite full of fun and adventure.
Freshly retired from the highways of California, 'Long Beach' is an iconic American Yellow School Bus – or ‘Skoolie’ for aficionados – lovingly converted into a truly unique Glamping retreat.
Gloriously spacious, there’s plenty to delight couples, families, and groups of friends alike. For starters, you’ll have a proper kitchen to whip up your own school dinners complete with a gas oven, hob, grill, sink, and cooking equipment galore (There’s even a seriously cool fridge freezer, to help you chill those essential holiday tipples!)
Enjoy gastronomic delights at the dining table while enjoying the views through the panoramic windows, or outside enjoying a sizzling sunset supper on the barbecue.
With toasty underfloor heating and a clean-burning wood stove you’ll be gorgeously snug.
There’s a thoughtfully-chosen selection of books and games on board, and if music’s more your thing, remember to bring your Bluetooth speaker and choose your own groove.
You could even plonk yourself down in the driver’s seat if you like…with the original cab fully intact, you can travel anywhere your imagination cares to take you!
When it’s finally time to turn in, you’ll discover a king-sized John Lewis bed to the rear dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets and a gorgeous duvet. Flanked by windows, you’ll wake up to stunning scenery. If you miss out on claiming this for yourself, you’ll also find two comfy, John Lewis full-sized singles, and a really good sofa bed too.
Freshen up with a shower and fluffy towels (there’s even an illuminated mirror and a plug socket for your hairdryer!) then it’s on with the important business of planning your day.
Parked at Petruth Paddocks, your cosy bus couldn’t be in a better spot for a fabulous stay.
Things to note;
Check in from 3pm, check out by 11am. Pets are not permitted.
Facilities
Authentic American School Bus, sleeps 6 guests. Original driver’s cab area, kitchen with gas oven, grill, hob, fridge freezer, sink, cooking and dining equipment, storage and surface space, dining table and chairs, sofa bed, selection of books and games, power for charging all your stuff, lighting, underfloor heating, eco wood burning stove, kingsize bed, two full-sized singles, storage. Shower, loo, towels, 240v sockets, illuminated mirror. Outside: firepit, barbecue, garden table and chairs.
Acres of Beautiful and fun Camping with a huge Premier pitch for Long Beach!
A Family Field with an activity area where kids are free to clamber on old cable reels, sleepers, tractor tyres and of course our old friend Mr Landy - an original Land Rover. There are picnic benches for parents sit nearby and keep an eye on toddlers.
The great coffee shack ensures you get your caffeine hit as well as tea, hot chocs, iced coffee, iced tea and milkshakes. A small shop in Reception sells the essentials - drinks, snacks, toiletries and a few other bits and bobs!
Waste disposal and recycling facility.
In the Village and nearby;
6 great Restaurants
5 lovely Take-aways (some deliver)
8 fabulous pubs plus lots more a short drive away
plenty of local stores and farm shops as well as all the main supermarket chains
In the area;
Buses, bike & E-Bike hire, Taxis, Trains
9 Gorgeous Beaches
Marshes, Lakes, Cheddar Gorge & Wookey Hole, RSPB & Nature Reserves, an Animal Park, Landscaped Gardens, Culture & Historical Landmarks
Local activities;
A Shooting Range, Yachting, Kayaking, Horse and Alpaca Riding and Trekking, Activity Centre, Ballooning, Gliding, Racing, Karting, a Zoo, a Steam Railway, Walking, Running, Cycling, River activities, Wild Swimming, Carboots, Local Market, Cakery, Woodworking, Softplay, Gym & Leisure Centre… Phew!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
Bredy Farm
5. Bredy Farm
88%
(71)
Bridport, England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
6. Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
100%
(33)
Sidbury, England · 18 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A welcoming and wild-ish camping and glamping site on the edge of a forest in East Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Paddington Farm
7. Paddington Farm
94%
(31)
Glastonbury, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A simple campsite at the foot of Glastonbury Tor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Hardyes Countryside Camping
8. Hardyes Countryside Camping
96%
(48)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Haywards Bridge Farm
9. Haywards Bridge Farm
77%
(13)
Shillingstone,, England · 99 units · Tents, Motorhomes
We are a Riverside Wild Camp site. A five 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
The Old Airfield
10. The Old Airfield
85%
(143)
Burley, England · 114 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A New Forest airfield that's been overtaken by nature, less than 10 minutes' drive from the coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
11. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps
98%
(43)
Sherborne, England · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset
Pets
Showers
Potable water
Haddon Copse Farm
12. Haddon Copse Farm
99%
(49)
Woodrow, England · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Simple camping and glamping in an unspoilt location with glorious views of the Dorset Downs
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Tom's Field (New Forest)
13. Tom's Field (New Forest)
99%
(44)
Fordingbridge, England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Small, family-run camping in the New Forest National Park, brought about by popular demand
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
14. Andrea's Farm Breaks Bell Tent
97%
(17)
Corfe Castle, England · 1 unit
A bell tent on a Dorset farm campsite with views of Corfe Castle
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Small Trees Campsite
15. Small Trees Campsite
97%
(38)
West Wellow, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Walnut Farm Glamping
16. Walnut Farm Glamping
98%
(40)
Bridport, England · 7 units
Cosy en-suite yurts with acres of space, campfires, a hot tub and wild swimming on site.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Harry's Field New Forest
17. Harry's Field New Forest
92%
(61)
Fordingbridge, England · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway
Pets
Campfires
Showers
West Holme Glamping, Manor Lane, West Holme,Wareham,Dorset BH20 6AQ
18. West Holme Glamping, Manor Lane, West Holme,Wareham,Dorset BH20 6AQ
100%
(6)
Wareham, England · 2 units
West Holme Glamping is a micro-site with pre-erected bell tents in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Just the job for romantic mini-breaks or holidays for small families, it's set in 20 acres, so there’s plenty of privacy and lots of space to roam around.
The bell tents here come equipped with a double bed, rugs, picnic tables, lanterns, a gazebo and a gas barbecue. The three showers and three toilets are shared between six tents.. You'll just need to bring your own bed linen and towels or add them to your booking.
You can explore the area by car – medieval castles, beaches, National Trust sites and the Jurassic Coast are all less than half an hour’s drive away. Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are 20 minutes' drive away. Pretty market towns like Dorchester (also 30 minutes) or seaside resorts like Swanage (20 minutes) are all worth a mosey, while historic Wareham has Saxon town walls and riverside churches to explore. The sandy beaches of Studland and Swanage are also within half an hour's drive of the site.
If you’re feeling energetic, the Isle of Purbeck has plenty of walks and bike rides on the rocky peninsula overlooking the English Channel, as well as parts of the South West Coast Path.
The local farm shop is a 2 minute walk and sells the very best of local Dorset produce if you fancy cooking on the barbecue. And if you don’t, there’s a cosy tea shop attached, and there are plenty of gastropubs serving real ales and great grub in less than a 15-minute drive too.
Showers
Potable water
Cooking equipment
Flowerdew Farm
19. Flowerdew Farm
100%
(18)
Bridport, England · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and camping with alpacas near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Buckland Farm Camping
20. Buckland Farm Camping
95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Kirsty
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great location for access to the highlights of the Jurassic Coast. Friendly, laid back, amenable and knowledgeable host. Small quiet site with all the things you need.
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P
Phil
2 weeks ago
Tent
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our booking due to illness, but it looks nice and we will eventually get there
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K
Kmdray
2 weeks ago
Tent
It doesn't claim to be a forest, but it's a perfectly arranged woodland campsite, with pitches in grassy glades. We were the only ones there for our first night, but had quiet neighbours the second night. So relaxing and cool as shaded by the trees. We were welcomed by Sarah on arrival and had a great weekend. Thank you.
See moreA
Andy
2 weeks ago
Tent
We really enjoyed our stay at Bridgewood. Sarah and Paul are very friendly and helpful. We loved having fresh eggs for breakfast, and sitting in front the campfire at the end of the day. Would be happy to come back, beautiful forest and peaceful.
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R
Rebecca
2 weeks ago
3 nights at Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
Lovely grassy pitch in a beautiful meadows - lovely clean facilities. Some traffic noise but not a deal breaker.
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S
Samantha
3 weeks ago
Tent
My son and I had the most excellent time at Bridgewood. Time slowed down and we spent quality time in the woods. Hugely recommend
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Camilo
3 weeks ago
Tent
Lovely place to spend a night in the woods. Felt serene and safe, with beautiful areas to walk around. The little wood shed to buy small jars of local honey and eggs was a lovely touch even though we just took logs.
See moreJ
Jacqueline
3 weeks ago
Weekend Trip to Forest Edge Camping & Glamping
If you're looking to relax and soak up nature this is a beautiful spot on the edge of the forest. We stayed in a Bell Tent with lovely extras with some nice fruit tea bags and sugar stir sticks. Everything looked brand new.
Very clean showers and toilet blocks - modern and fresh.
Nothing was too much trouble - don't normally camp but I would have been happy for a week with a good book but sadly could only stay one night :-(
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H
Hew
3 weeks ago
Tent
Fantastic site - such a wonderful place to spend the night. I can't wait to come back!
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W
Wesley
3 weeks ago
4 m campervan
With pets
Great spot good walks would recommend
Good cafe sausage and Bacon bap was great
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T
Tori
June 2026
5 m car
I absolutely loved camping on Charlottes land, I came back for another night! From the gorgeous views to the insane stars at night! 😍
It took a little while to get used to the portable toilets but the rest of the facilities are great for the price. It’s £1 for 3 mins hot water shower and you’d be surprised how much you can get done in 3 mins! 😂 There’s charging ports too to charge your devices and you can choose what field you want to camp in. I recommend faraway field for the views 🫶🏻 I’ll definitely be back. Thank you Charlotte!
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Dermot
June 2026
Tent
Great woodland site, pitches are kept well apart. Hosts met us on arrival, and are lovely. Thoroughly recommend. Great spot.
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Michael
June 2026
5 m car
With pets
Was a great time, great location, fabulous host, already thinking of next booking, cafe great, sauna fantastic, this place is a must visit. Had absolutely nothing to complain about. Great job Charlotte
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Wendy
June 2026
6 m campervan
With pets
Lovely and quiet and I was able to have widespread uninterrupted views of the nearby horses and coastline with no one else near me. Facilities were clean and staff helpful. And the sun shone after a torrential night so perfect stay!
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Theo
June 2026
Tent
We had a great time staying at Bridgewood, Sarah and Paul are kind and accommodating hosts and the site is well cared for and organised. We had a spacious and secluded camping area, and the forest is very peaceful and serene, we want to come back!
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Holli
June 2026
Tent
We had a great time camping at Goren Farm! The cream teas and cider were amazing. Julian was really friendly and helpful and the pitch was really beautiful and private.
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maria
May 2026
Tent
With kids
Fantastic campsite - spacious pitches, lovely surroundings, wonderful customer care - Loren went above and beyond to make our stay fabulous. Kids loved it, are already asking to come back and stay longer.
Thank you, hope to come back soon!
See moreB
Bridget
May 2026
Tent
With pets
Great camping, super place with good facilities.
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s
stephen
May 2026
6 m Class A
With pets
Just a great campsite, especially if you're into music and like to have free space to pitch. The Orchard is amazing but you do need to like life around you and I don't mean the wildlife type. Great for big groups. The Barn / club has amazing lighting (lasers) and sound system & a sand dance area + a heated swimming pool with fire pits. The restaurant does fantastic pizza / food with Tuscany vibe, lovely helpful staff and decent showers / toilets.
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ClarryB
May 2026
Tent
With kids
We loved Snelling Farm! Such a great space to camp on. There were quite a few others there but all spread out so never felt busy.
The kids played for hours on the tyre and rope swings and the hay bale play area provided hours of fun. A central point where parents could see the children and know they were safe!
So warmly welcomed by the team and the little shop on site open twice a day helped us with essentials like Purbeck ice cream as well as chipolatas and logs for the fire.
Great position for local attractions like the Tank museum and monkey world.
Really felt like we were miles from anywhere!
See moreWareham Forest camping 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.
