Bournemouth Camping: Best Campsites Near Bournemouth, Dorset

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

94% (2.1K) • 1,131 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bournemouth

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

94% (2.1K) • 1,131 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Bournemouth

1. Radcot Leisure on Thames

89%

(305)

107km from Bournemouth · 50 units · Tents, Glamping

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

2. Chalky Downs

96%

(605)

126km from Bournemouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

3. The T Barn

99%

(90)

111km from Bournemouth · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

4. Rest and Retreats Shepherd Huts

126km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping

Our shepherd huts are designed with indulgent luxury in mind, you will sleep well, in a king size bed with high thread count cotton sheets covering goose down filled pillows and duvet. “Freddie" hut will enhance your connection with the great outdoors with a gorgeous skylight above your bed. By day a cascade of natural light, by evening framing a view of the stars. For those wintery nights snuggle in and de-stress in front of the wood burning stove with a brew or glass of Prosecco on us. When you choose to rise listen to your Roberts radio in your fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances, enjoying breakfast on us with fresh milk, orange juice, cereals & a small loaf of local sourdough, fresh jams and of course a coffee made from your Nespresso. Located down an old Roman road in an ancient village you will have far reaching views of the Oxfordshire countryside, a few minutes stroll away a fantastic community owned pub awaits, local pint or well earned GnT? Let us host you here at Restandretreats for that romantic break or just to escape, unwind and clear your mind. Our location has the best of both worlds, your shepherd hut is located in an ancient Roman village in the Oxfordshire countryside, yet just 5 miles from the centre of Oxford with all its history and university colleges. If you choose you can compliment your stay with an indulgent shopping trip to Bicester Village premium outlet (11m) or Blenheim Palace (8m) with all its history and events on offer. Jeremy Clarksons Diddly squat farm (21m) and his new public house have also become popular with our guests. If walking or running is more your focus then why not explore the beautiful RSPB Otmoor bird reserve, a haven for wildlife with many visitor trials to enjoy, it’s merely a short walk away. Whatever your visit has in store our cosy pub, The Abingdon Arms, is waiting only 100metres walk away, offering fine ales and fine dining or perhaps just a take away pizza. We do welcome our furry 🐕 friends, but NOT in our “Freddy” hut, please check out our other listing for our dog friendly “Edie” shepherd hut listed on Airbnb. We can offer single nights Sunday through Thursday in the quieter months - please message us here or reach out to us at RestandRetreats and we will always see what we can do

5. Primrose Fields Campsite

97%

(204)

24km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Back-to-basics camping in a Dorset hay meadow

6. The Barn KT9

97%

(271)

127km from Bournemouth · 22 units · Tents, Glamping

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

7. Stockbridge View Campsite

93%

(89)

49km from Bournemouth · 62 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A simple campsite in the Test Valley, just a 15-minute walk from Stockbridge

8. Sweet Hill Farm

94%

(296)

48km from Bournemouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

9. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

98%

(60)

87km from Bournemouth · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden

10. Shotover Country Park Wild Camping

122km from Bournemouth · 25 units · Tents

Our 7 acre property is a mixture of woodland and meadows with a fresh water spring and several fruit and nut trees. It is wild and mysterious with amazing sunsets and we are just a stones throw away from Shotover Country Park, which is the real Narnia. C S Lewis lived on the edge of Shotover woods and so we can fairly assume that Shotover is the inspiration for the Narnia trilogy. Shotover Country Park is one of Oxfords best kept secrets and consists of 280 acres of freely accessible woodland and open countryside. It is a paradise for dog walkers, horse riders and cyclists and also has natural sandpits for children to enjoy. We will be offering woodland rides from this location in 2026 as we need to do some fencing work first.

11. Kingsmead Camping

99%

(96)

94km from Bournemouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A range of pitches, from grassy open spaces to off-grid woodland clearings, topped off by two well-stocked fishing lakes

12. Glamping and Camping near Bath

100%

(3)

77km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Glamping

Piccadilly Caravan and Camping Park is nestled in the countryside, just a ten minute walk from the historic National Trust village of Lacock. The site offers beautifully maintained grounds and welcomes tents and tourers with both non electric and electric grass and hardstanding pitches, along with a bell tent for glamping. Enjoy a taste of rural life, surrounded by country pubs, independent shops, walking routes and only five minutes from Lacock Abbey!

13. Deer Barn Retreats

94%

(33)

109km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Glamping

Dog-friendly glamping on the Somerset-Devon border

14. The Slips

91%

(85)

112km from Bournemouth · 39 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A relaxed, back-to-basics campsite in the West Sussex countryside

15. Oxwick Farm

100%

(79)

99km from Bournemouth · 14 units · Tents, Glamping

Camping and glamping on an eco-friendly re-wilded farm on the southern side of the Cotswolds.

16. Jubilee Camping

96%

(98)

22km from Bournemouth · 51 units · Tents

Simple tent camping in the farming village of Damerham with fine views and easy access to the New Forest National Park

17. Quaint Farm in a National Park

100%

(26)

81km from Bournemouth · 2 units · Glamping

Our 17 acre Farm is set deep within the beautiful South Downs National Park on the outskirts of the quiet village of Milland (near Liphook) in rural West Sussex (close to its border with Hampshire and Surrey). We have direct access to an excellent bridleway and footpath network through peaceful open countryside and quiet lanes as well as being on the Serpent Tail and close to the South Downs Way. Our Glamping Pod and Shepherd's Hut are available to book all year round. We also offer stabling if you would like to take your horses or ponies on holiday with you! Milland village (0.8 miles) has the Rising Sun pub, serving great food and drink, and Milland Stores, which stocks all your essential fresh and local produce as well as having a small cafe.

18. Lepe Beach Campsite

89%

(149)

37km from Bournemouth · 20 units · Tents

Traditional tent camping with views of the Solent and Isle of Wight. Oh and did we mention it's only 150 yards from the beach!?

19. Abbey Home Farm

94%

(218)

110km from Bournemouth · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

20. Bridgewood Camping - Woodland camps

97%

(33)

45km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Tents, Glamping

Nearly wild woodland camping in Dorset

Top camping destinations around Bournemouth

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Kayaking on the River Brue from the campsite

G

Graham

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

The area i lovely and quiet with plenty of wildlife I went in autumn/winter time so not a lot going on at the site Can imagine it’s busy during summer months

H

Haven

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We loved our stay at Little Eden. This was my second visit and I can see it becoming a little home away from home in the future. It brings a lovely sense of peace driving up the driveway.

A

April

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!

A

Angela

October 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

I have always loved Sweet Hill Farm. It’s a lovely relaxed campsite with sea views and amazing walks nearby. Also, being able to have a camp fire is fantastic. The showers are brilliant too. The only disappointment for me this year is that the compost loos have been replaced with horrible portaloos! Please bring back compost loos, they are so much nicer!

Grass Campsite with wooden jetty access to River Brue

J

James

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

1 night at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.

C

Charlie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Excellent site, so relaxing and beautiful: just as described. Cannot recommend highly enough, will definitely return and highly recommend

G

Gillian

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Oxwick Farm

A very warm welcome from Nigel at the site, with explanation of the site. We loved staying in one of the pre-pitched bell tents, so cosy and warm with very comfy beds! Warm shower and clean composting loo. Helpful little things like the - rechargeable lanterns for use and bottle lanterns when it got dark. A plus too, lots of kitchen ware and crockery.

R

Ryan

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

It is well organised, easy to access and you really do feel you are in the countryside/out in the wide open spaces. I highly recommend this site and aim to be back very soon!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sweet Hill Farm

This was my first time camping here and I will definitely return again. Whilst SatNav got me most of the way, the directions on Hipcamp made the last little bit of the journey much easier. I was welcomed warmly at the well-stocked little cafe, and given a map to show my how to get to the field I pitched in. The tracks on-site are full of large potholes - so definitely something to be mindful of, especially if you have extremely low-suspension on your car! However, take it slow and easy and all is well here. I had the most amazing view, from where I pitched up, over to Portland Bill lighthouse. Both sunset and sunrise were stunning. Facilities here are extremely basic - but it’s enough for those that simply need to get away from life for a while and sleep under the stars without all the creature comforts of home. Of course, there is a place for being able to have all the mod-cons available, but this is camping the way it should be done! I wasn’t here long enough to speak to any of the other campers, but everyone seemed relaxed and there was no loud music or anything played into the night, meaning I could drift to sleep easily enough at the end of the day. Thank you all.

This is where you will find all the facilities on site!

E

Emily

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

Wow, Little Eden is exactly what it says it is. It has everything for a wonderful camping experience. You are totally emmersed in Nature. You can hear the wild life and birds around you. You can use a fire pit and sit outside under the stars, whilst keeping warm. The decor is beautiful, the facilities are great. Showers, toilets, washing machine, fridge and anything else you can think of. I would definitely recommend Little Eden to everyone. Thank you so much Andy, Emily 🙏

P

Paul

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Chalky Downs

Our host was very friendly and helpful. Facilities were fine, clean and tidy. You will probably need some ramps if you want to be completely level but wasn’t a problem for us.

L

Liam

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Had such a great stay at The Barn!! Such a lovely campsite and it has everything you need for a relaxing stay! There are great walks in the local area and the on site cafe had amazing pastries! Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful break!

M

Millie

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Great campsite, really peaceful, beautiful views and great amenities.

A view of the hut from one of the surrounding footpaths.

E

Emily

September 2025

1 night at Quaint Farm in a National Park

Matt met us on arrival and helped carry our bags to the The Shepherds Hut which is well fitted out , nicely decorated , lovely and clean, and well equipped. Nice hot shower and towel rail. Electric fire and also a log burner should you need it for the cold weather,The bed was so so comfy and the oat biscuits and eggs were delicious !! All windows had lovely views. Ivan & Sylvia S xxx

A

Alec

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Abbey Home Farm

Wonderful spot! Incredibly friendly and welcoming staff. Warm showers were an unexpected bonus!

Entrance to the farm land where the campsite is.

N

Nina

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Chalky Downs

Me and my partner stayed at Chalky downs for 2 nights for a little get away ✨. Sharen’s land is beautiful, everyone is so friendly and we even got to order a sausage bacon and egg bap with tea and coffee in the morning! ☀️. We went into Brighton town for a bit of shopping and to see the sea, only a 14 minute drive and we parked in the station car park 👏🏼. Would 100% recommend and will definitely be going back! Thank you so much. 🫶🏼

I

Issy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Lovely, small campsite on working farm. Each pitch comes with a fire pit and bbq which is a nice touch. Great cafe on site and food trucks/ street food on certain days. We’ll be back!

C

Craig

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

Awesome set up, with thoughtful amenities like BBQ, BBQ utensils, camp fire pit, wood, hammocks, seats, etc. After it rained, we were treated to a wonderful rainbow display. The coffee and pastries in the morning were a treat.

S

Sophie

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We pretty much had the site to ourselves and loved the area, especially the nearby cider farms. Nice extra touches like Faith in Nature toiletries in the showers and useful having an undercover spot to do washing up and make tea/coffeem

C

Christine

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Barn KT9

My recent glamping trip in a bell tent was absolutely great, perfectly blending tranquil nature with a comfortable double bed; soft blankets and pillows and the spacious and thoughtfully decorated bell tent ready and waiting for us. We were able to immediately relax and enjoy our surroundings. It was the perfect escape for anyone who has had a long week at work and loves camping with a touch of luxury. The sun was shinning and it was wonderful to lie hammock! I'm already looking forward to my next visit!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Bournemouth guide

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

The rocky peninsula known as the Isle of Purbeck juts out south of Poole Harbour and is part of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. A hike along part of the South West Coast Path is the best way to discover the coast, passing landmarks such as the Durdle Door, Old Harry’s Rocks, and Kimmeridge Bay. Afterwards, ride the Swanage steam railway to Corfe Castle, stop at a country pub to sample Dorset’s local ale, or spot wildlife on a cruise to Brownsea Island.

East Dorset

Dorset’s rural landscapes are dotted with ancient woodlands, magnificent castles, and Victorian gardens. Picnic on the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, explore miles of hiking and cycling trails in the Cranborne Chase AONB, and camp on rural farms far from the crowds. Further north, the verdant Salisbury Plains are home to one of the UK’s most famous landmarks—the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.

Hampshire

East of Bournemouth, the pretty coastal towns of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are popular destinations for summer campers, and lie on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park. Head into the park to enjoy woodland walks and scenic bike rides, stopping to explore traditional villages and dine at country pubs along the way. For a change of pace, ferries set sail to the Isle of Wight, where you can enjoy sea-cliff walks, blue flag beaches, and ocean-view camping.

When to go

Bournemouth’s coastal micro-climate has long been its unique selling point—the city has one of the warmest and driest climates in the UK. Beachgoers arrive en masse in peak season (July-August), but waters are often warm enough to swim in spring and autumn, which is the best time to avoid the crowds. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in winter and the city’s holiday festivities are worth a winter caravan trip.

Know before you go

Bournemouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Bournemouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.