Dorset Camping

Get back to nature and sleep under the stars.

According to the Met Office’s latest three-month outlook, the meteorological summer, running from 1 June to 31 August, is twice as likely to be hotter than usual in 2025. So, what better time to sleep under canvas. Dorset has some brilliant campsites to choose from; some on working farms, others right by the coast, or within walking distance of a cracking pub. We’ve put together a list to help you decide. Wherever you pitch up, don’t forget the marshmallows, perfect for toasting over the BBQ or melting into your hot chocolate as you gaze up at the stars. Bliss!

Rosewall Camping
Perfect for getting away from it all, this lovely family-run site in Osmington offers beautiful sea views. It is situated just a stone’s throw from the South West Coast Path and, importantly, a great pub is easily reached on foot. 

Rosewall, Osmington

Bagwell Farm
Part of a working farm, Bagwell is a charming family-run campsite with space for tourers too. Gorgeous walks begin right from within the site, especially along the Fleet, part of the Jurassic Coast. The well-stocked information room lists local events, so you won’t miss out on what’s happening nearby.

Bagwell Farm Touring Park, Chickerell

Coppet Hill

Just three miles from the iconic Jurassic Coast, near to Bridport, this award-winning campsite is set on a 600-acre family farm surrounded by some of Dorset’s most stunning hills. It's a peaceful haven for walkers, campers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Coppet Hill, Nr Bridport

South Lytchett Manor

Only three miles from Poole, South Lytchett Manor, previously crowned ‘Best Campsite in Britain’ is a site to really enjoy! The immaculate facilities and friendly team help ensure you get the most from your camping trip. Bringing children? There’s plenty of fun with an outdoor play park, a dedicated ball area for football fans, plus table tennis and even badminton. It’s easy to make new friends at this welcoming, family-friendly site.

South Lytchett Manor, Poole

Woodyhyde

We first visited Woodyhyde nine years ago when our son was just two years old. Why we went? It’s in the heart of the Purbecks, close to Corfe Castle and Swanage, with walking routes aplenty. And, importantly for a certain trainspotter in the family, it’s right next to the Swanage Steam Railway! Wave at the steam trains as they chug past, choo choo! The site offers excellent facilities and is within walking distance of Harman's Cross station, where you can hop on the train to Swanage for traditional seaside fun.

Woodyhyde Campsite, Purbeck

Wareham Forest Tourist Park

There are many great campsites in Wareham Forest, but Wareham Forest Tourist Park is  one of the few in Dorset with its own outdoor swimming pool. A regular winner of the Dorset Tourism Awards ‘Campsite of the Year’, it sets high standards! Woodland (non-electric) pitches let you camp among the trees, or you can opt for the open fields. There’s nothing like the great outdoors!

Wareham Forest Tourist Park 

Newlands Holidays
Just a short stroll from Charmouth beach, one of the best fossil-hunting spots in Dorset, Newlands Holidays offer three fields to choose from when pitching your tent: whether you’re after sea views, proximity to the play area, or closeness to the leisure complex. With both indoor and outdoor pools and a splash zone, families are guaranteed entertainment whatever the weather.

Newlands Holidays, Charmouth 

Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping
Set amidst 190 acres of serene Dorset countryside, this working farm offers a peaceful rural escape. It produces apples for award-winning cider and is home to a variety of animals. Conveniently located, it’s just a short drive away from Bridport and stunning West Bay. This family-run site welcomes children and is very dog-friendly. The local pub is just a 10-minute walk away; and talking of walks, the owners have created marked paths in the woodlands and orchards for visitors to enjoy this much-loved place. One of our readers told us the pitches are huge and the views are stunning, which all helps to make this campsite a true escape from everyday life!

Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping, Nr Bridport 

Back of Beyond
Set close to the New Forest and not far from Bournemouth's beautiful beaches, is Back of Beyond Touring Park. It's exclusively for adults and perfect for those looking to truly get away from it all. Set in a natural environment with dark skies, you can lie back and enjoy stargazing without the light pollution we’re so used to. Choose from various camping options - from wild camping in Emma’s Glade (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) to all-weather astro turf pitches. Explore 18 acres of woodland and private lakes. Conservation is a top priority here, creating a haven for all kinds of wildlife. This peaceful site prides itself on tranquillity; the loudest noise you’ll hear is the dawn chorus.

Back of Beyond Touring Park, Nr The New Forest