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All About Camping in Dorset

You love freedom, nature and spending nights under the starry sky? Then camping is exactly your thing. And what place could be better for your next trip than the county Dorset in South West England?

With its wild coast, green hills and numerous historical sites, Dorset offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. Start packing your tent and camping stove, we'll show you what you can do in Dorset!

  1. Popular Activities in Dorset
  2. The Most Beautiful Destinations in Dorset
  3. Find Campsites in Dorset and Book Online

Popular Activities in Dorset

Grange Farm Brighstone Bay, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Grange Farm Brighstone Bay in Dorset

Hiking: The South West Coast Path

Are you the type of person who only really gets into camping when your hiking boots are laced up and your backpack is ready? Then the South West Coast Path in Dorset will amaze you! Because this hiking trails is not just any footpath - it's the longest National Trail in England. And yes, we're talking about impressive 630 miles of hiking fun, of which a large part leads through the beautiful county Dorset. On this path you'll experience nature from its best side. The scenery is so breathtaking that it just screams, "Give me those photos!" From the rough coast to the rolling hills, the view is simply unbeatable.

But that's not all! The trail also brings you to the less well-known region Purbeck Hills. Imagine smooth hills, hidden forests and small ponds, just waiting to be discovered by you. Ah, and of course the old limestone quarries and ruins like Corfe Castle that lend this part of Dorset an almost mystical touch.

Last but not least: On camping.info you can easily find campsites in Dorset, which are well-suited for hiking with our filter function. So what are you still thinking about? Put on your hiking boots, pack your camera and off to Dorset we go!

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Dorset

Fishing: Relax by the River

You're the relaxed type of camper and a day by the river is a day in paradise for you? Then River Frome and River Piddle in Dorset are just the right places for you!

Here you can completely unwind and fish your own dinner while doing it. Trouts, pikes and sometimes even salmons - the diversity is impressive. The best time for fishing? Spring and autumn! The best thing to do is to get a day pass from the Dorset Angling Associations.

So, pack your fishing rod and off you go to one of the river-side campsites in Dorset.

Golden Cap Holiday Park, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Golden Cap Holiday Park in Dorset

Water Sports: Surfing, Kayaking and More

You hear the sea calling and want to throw yourself into the waves? Then Dorset is just right for you!

From beginners to pros, there's something for everyone in Dorset. Bournemouth Beach and Weymouth Beach provide great conditions for surfing, while harbours like Poole Harbour invite you to kayak rides. There are also offers for sailors, just come by one of the sailing schools on Portland!

And the best thing? In Dorset there are campsites directly by the sea, so there's nothing standing in the way of your water adventures while camping!

Fossil Hunt: Adventures on the Jurassic Coast

You've always wanted to be a real explorer? Okay, we don't have a time machine, but the Jurassic Coast in Dorset comes really close to one. As you walk between the cliffs and the beach, you'll embark on a journey back in time 185 million years. Yes, you heard correctly: This coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and considered one of the most important geological excavation sites worldwide!

Imagine you're sitting in the sand in Dorset, the sun is shining and suddenly you're holding a real ammonite or even a dinosaur fossil in your hand. Sure, it requires a bit of instinct and patience, but the hunt for fossils is a blast, also for camping with kids. And not just that: You can let experts come with you, who show you how to search properly and which finds are especially valuable.

So pack your spades and brushes, the fossil hunt on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset is like playing the lottery for nature lovers. And even if you don't find anything, the spectacular views of the steep cliffs and the azure sea are prize enough. Discover the prehistoric world at its best!

The Most Beautiful Destinations in Dorset

Grange Farm Brighstone Bay, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Grange Farm Brighstone Bay in Dorset

Brownsea Island: Natural Island Paradise

You think Dorset is just for mainland lovers? You thought wrong! Brownsea Island is a true natural paradise and the best thing ist, that it is just a quick ferry trip from Poole Harbour. As soon as you dock, you feel that this island is something very special.

Brownsea Island is about 1.5 square kilometers in size and belongs to the National Trust, which speaks for its natural beauty. A highlight is the red deer population of the island. You heard right, on this small island in Dorset, there are beautiful stags running around! But that is not all. The island is also a paradise for bird watchers, with rare species such as the avocet and the cormorant.

For campers who love hiking, there are a number of signposted hiking trails, which lead you through dense forests and along idyllic beaches. And if you're more the type for water sports, you can try out canoeing or sailing. Unfortunately, camping on the island itself is not allowed but you should definitely pay a visit when you're camping near it.

If you still want to stay on the mainland on your camping holiday in Dorset, you don't have to sacrifice a bit of nature: Moors Valley Country Park awaits with its cycle paths, adventure playgrounds and even a miniature railway - the perfect place for all families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Corfe Castle, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Corfe Castle in Dorset

Corfe Castle: Journey through Time

You're interested in history? Then Corfe Castle in Dorset will sweep you off your feet! The ruins of the centuries-old castle sit proudly atop a hill and have been through unimaginable events - from Viking raids to civil uprisings.

Corfe Castle originally dates back to the 11th century and the site itself was populated as early as the Iron Age. So if you want to add a proper dose of history to your camping holiday in Dorset, Corfe Castle is just the place.

And the best thing? There are some campsites in Dorset surrounding Corfe Castle!

Dorset Seafood Festival: Dining like Poseidon

Imagine sitting comfortably at your campsite in Dorset, the grill is sizzling and the smell of seafood is in the air. Sounds pretty brilliant, doesn't it? Now let's kick it up a notch: you're not in front of your motorhome, you're at the Dorset Seafood Festival, a paradise for anyone who can't get enough of fresh oysters, crabs, mussels & co.

The festival takes place in Weymouth every year in July and brings thousands of visitors to the harbour promenade. It's much more than just a food festival; it's a societal event, where you can mingle with like-minded people. The Dorset Seafood Festival combines food and culture into an experience that camping fans in Dorset should not miss.

And hey, you're on holiday, so why not top the whole thing off with a cold beer? Especially great: Local breweries are also at the festival to show you how well a craft ale can go with fresh lobster.

Durdle Door, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Durdle Door in Dorset

Durdle Door: Magic-like Limestone

You want the perfect holiday photo and enjoy nature while taking it? Then you absolutely have to plan a trip to Durdle Door during your camping holiday in Dorset!

The fascinating limestone arch, formed by millions of years of erosion, is a true highlight of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Directly next to it, Lulworth Cove is waiting for you - an idyllic, almost circular bay, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and a picnic.

And: Durdle Door Holiday Park is just a stone's throw away!

Find Campsites in Dorset and Book Online

Now you're almost perfectly prepared for your camping holiday in Dorset. The only thing missing is the right campsite where you can relax after all the activities and excursions.

Luckily, you'll find a wide range of campsites in Dorset on camping.info. And with the filter function, you can make your search a lot easier and find your ideal campsite among the many options - whether child-friendly, dog-friendly or by the sea, you'll find it here!

So pack your camping equipment and the marshmallows for the campfire and set out for Dorset!

Find and book one of the available campsites in Dorset now

Sandy Balls Holiday Village, Dorset, Camping Dorset, Camping
Sandy Balls Holiday Village in Dorset

Popular Camping Regions in the Area

South West England395 campsites
Oxfordshire154 campsites
Devon110 campsites
Hampshire101 campsites

3 Things Campers in Dorset Should Know

Can I go fishing when camping in Dorset?

The answer is a resounding YES! Dorset is a paradise for anglers. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner casting your first rod, there's something for everyone. But before you dip your hook in the water, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  1. You need a fishing licence, which you can easily buy online. Yes, there are rules in the wild, and they are there to protect fish stocks for future generations. The fishing licence is not expensive and ensures that you can fish with a clear conscience.
  2. Pay attention to the season and the species of fish you want to catch. Different species of fish such as trout, carp or perch have their peak season at different times. A little research in advance won't hurt!
  3. If you want to fish on rivers like the Frome or the Piddle, check the ownership. You can't fish just anywhere in Dorset, sometimes you need permission from the landowner.

So, get your fishing licence, do a little research and you're ready to start your fishing adventure in Dorset. Have fun and good luck!

Find and book one of the available campsites in Dorset now

What can I do in Dorset when camping with kids?

Sure, you're planning a family camping trip and wondering how to keep the little ones happy in Dorset, right? Don't worry, there's something for everyone in this county - big or small. Here are the Top 3 Activities for camping with kids in Dorset.

  1. Treasure Hunt on the Beach: We're not talking about just any beach here, but the fabulous Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Imagine your mini Indiana Jones finding a real fossil! Beaches like Charmouth and Lyme Regis are famous for their fossilised remains from prehistoric times. Armed with a spade and magnifying glass, kids can make their own little discoveries. And hey, it's not only exciting, but educational too!
  2. Adventure Playgrounds in Moors Valley Country Park: If your kids love climbing, swinging and running around, then Moors Valley Country Park in Dorset is an absolute must. This huge nature park not only offers walking and cycling trails, but also dedicated adventure playgrounds. From zip wires to wooden castles, there's plenty to keep the little ones occupied for hours. And while they play, you can relax and sip a coffee or explore a bit of nature yourself.
  3. Watch Animals on Brownsea Island: For the little animal lovers, Brownsea Island is a real paradise in Dorset. You can reach the island with a short ferry ride and then you're in a nature reserve with an impressive variety of species. From red deer to rare birds, there's everything to see here. You might even spot a squirrel! The great thing is that children can experience the wilderness without any worries.

Find and book one of the available campsites in Dorset now

Is wild camping allowed in Dorset?

In England, and therefore also in Dorset, wild camping is not allowed. This means you can't just pitch your tent anywhere in the wild. However, sometimes there are special "wild camping" sites, which are not really "wild", but offer a bit more seclusion and nature experience than the big campsites.

So, make sure you know where in Dorset you can and can't camp and stay at one of Dorset's many nature-friendly campsites. And remember to always follow the code of responsible camping: Leave no rubbish behind and leave nature as you found it. That way, Dorset stays beautiful for everyone!

Find and book one of the available campsites in Dorset now

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Frequently asked questions

Which is the best campsite in the region Dorset?

The best rated campsites in the region Dorset are:

  1. Beaulieu Gardens Holiday Park, 5
  2. Chichester, Cp. & Car. Club Site, 5
  3. Grange Farm Brighstone Bay, 5
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Which campsite in the Dorset region is recommended?

These campsites in the region Dorset are recommended:

  1. Sandy Balls Holiday Village, 5
  2. Chichester, Cp. & Car. Club Site, 5
  3. Grange Farm Brighstone Bay, 5
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How expensive is camping in the region Dorset?

An overnight stay at a campsite in the region Dorset costs on average €29.33. Prices vary depending on the season and the facilities and location of the campsite.
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Which campsites are available in the region Dorset?

The occupancy rate of campsites in the Dorset region is very much dependent on the travel period. During holidays and public holidays, campsites are often fully booked well in advance. The location and popularity of a campsite as well as the weather are further factors. We therefore recommend looking for availability early and booking directly online. For short-term camping holidays in the Dorset region, we offer you the option of searching for currently available campsites in real time.
Show available campsites in the region Dorset