Campsites in Christchurch, Dorset

66 bookable campsites within 15 miles of Christchurch Sorted by distance

Christchurch campsites: cracking spots for coast and country

If you could settle down somewhere between Bournemouth and the New Forest, you’d probably be pretty happy, right? (Think beach days, family attractions, wildlife-filled walks, maybe a country pub or two…) Sorted: simply book yourself a break at a Christchurch campsite.

The laidback Dorset harbour town flies a little bit under the radar, not quite getting the press of its near neighbours, but it’s a cracking place to hang out for a little while, both for its easy access to local attractions and for its own charms (boat trips, riverside rambles, a couple of castles and an ancient priory among them).

And given that the outdoors around here is so spectacular, it’s perhaps no surprise to find that outdoor accommodation is both plentiful and popular too. Christchurch camping pitches, caravan parks or swish glamping stays… all are fab ideas for gorgeous and good-value hols. Read on for our guide to getting the best out of campsites near Christchurch. 

Camping near Christchurch: farm sites and fancier pads

Once you’ve settled on the area, it’s time to pick your Christchurch campsite. Now, these days there’s much more to camping than just plonking your tent in a field and lighting up a campfire, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to work out what sort of facilities and style suit your travelling party (and indeed whether your chosen place allows campfires, if that’s an integral part of the experience for you).

So much depends on the kind of break you want… Holing up in a remote location with just your camping stove for company? Pick a wild camping pitch. Hoping to get the kids enthused by fresh air and rural life? A Christchurch farm campsite would be fab. In search of lots of things to keep the nippers busy so you can have a little rest? Check out Christchurch holiday parks packed with things like kids’ activities, a play area and an open-air pool to splash in (a bar for the benefit of the grownups isn’t a bad plan either…).

No tent? No problem. Rent one on site (a yurt, perhaps, or a bell tent), settle into a cosy camping pod near Christchurch or treat yourselves to all the space and kit that come with a stay in a static caravan or a smart lodge. And of course there are plenty of touring pitches and motorhome pitches near Christchurch too for folk bringing their own home on wheels. 

Top days out for Christchurch camping holidays

Did someone say beach? It’s highly possible they did, because there are several splendid sandy stretches around here, whether you make a beeline for buzzy Bournemouth, head over to Highcliffe or aim for accessible Avon beach. For something a bit different, take a stroll out to the beach at the far end of Hengistbury Head, wandering through a Site of Special Scientific Interest and past ancient rock formations.

Coastal days don’t have to mean beaches – try Mudeford for boat trips and crabbing or hang around at the harbour in Christchurch for seafood restaurants and a splash park for the small sorts.

There’s heaps of history around here too: you can’t miss the lovely Christchurch Priory (dating back to the 11th century and reputed to be the longest church in England) and the stunning seaside estate of Highcliffe Castle. A stroll around the stunning gardens at Exbury is a fine plan too – as is a ride on its little steam railway.

Stretch your legs a little more with an amble or bike ride around the New Forest National Park, keeping your eyes open for deer, wild ponies and all sorts of birds as you go (if you’re not successful, try visits to the New Forest Wildlife Park and New Forest Reptile Centre for guaranteed critter spotting).

Kids clamouring to trade the gentle hues of nature for something more brightly coloured? Try an outing to Adventure Wonderland, visit Peppa Pig at Paultons Park or send them bouncing across the inflatables at the New Forest Water Park.

Planning a longer sojourn in the south west? Browse all our campsites and holiday parks in south west England.

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