Camping Dorset
123 campsites
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- South West England
- Southbourne
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- South West England
- Fordingbridge
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- South West England
- Christchurch
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- South West England
- Bridport
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- South West England
- Christchurch
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- South East England
- Isle of Wight
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- Scotland
- Hampshire
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- South West England
- Salisbury
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- South East England
- Romsey
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- South West England
- Salisbury
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- South East England
- Ashurst
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- South West England
- West Wittering
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- South West England
- Bridport
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- South West England
- Dorset
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- South East England
- Brockenhurst
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!
Popular Activities 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!
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.
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
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: 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: 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!
