Ringstead Bay Camping

View prices & book 9.6 19 reviews
Bell tent overlooking the ocean
Bell tent overlooking the ocean
Campers on site
Campers on the first weekend of opening
Guests sit outside of the bell tent
Bell tent on the grass
Grassy pitches
Bell tent with sea views
The campsite is based next to the coast
1/54
New
Campers on site
Campers on the first weekend of opening
Guests sit outside of the bell tent

  • Peaceful, rural site surrounded by woodland on the Jurassic Coast Path
  • Within five minutes’ walk of Ringstead Bay, a dog-friendly beach
  • On a working dairy farm with a shared fridge and freezer; café nearby
It pays to pack your walking boots for Ringstead Bay Camping, a peaceful, family-friendly site on a working dairy farm adjacent to the Jurassic Coast Path. Break them in with a five-minute walk to dog-friendly Ringstead Bay, before tackling the longer strolls to famed Durdle Door (under two hours’ walk) and Lulworth Cove (an extra 30 minutes of walking). This rural site should tick a lot of boxes, with its two and a half acres of relatively flat grass. There’s immediate access to footpaths from the site, but if your dog needs a quick run-around, there’s also an on-site (and off-leash) dog exercise area. You're also welcome to park next to your pitch. Nearby Ringstead Bay is a sweet spot for swimming, paddleboarding, windsurfing, surfing or launching a small boat. Let the children have a rummage through the rockpools around the reefs. Down by the bay (10 minutes’ walk or a five-minute drive from the field), there’s a café and shop with a kids’ play area and food like freshly made breakfasts, baps, woodfired pizzas and scampi and fries (ask for a takeaway if needed). They also stock basic camping essentials. Prefer to make your own meals? The on-site communal building, The Armoury, has a shared fridge and freezer. It also has lockable charging points for small devices. Elsewhere on site, there are toilets, showers, washing-up sinks and drinking water. You’re welcome to set up a fire, as long as it’s raised off the ground. The sheltered field has woodland on three sides, so access is via a private road through the woodland. Look out for the sea, Weymouth Bay and the Isle of Portland through the trees on the southern side. And here’s a nice fact about the field: it once held an American military establishment, so original bunkers, outbuildings and a World War II lookout are nearby.

Campground type

Tent sites 40
Rent a tent 10
Open now
Opens 25 July
Please note
  • Your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the campground/park are unlit.
  • No naked flames are allowed inside the hired accommodation units.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • If reception is closed on arrival: please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 25 July to

Site types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesCaravan sitesRV & Motorhome sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.6

Overall rating from 19 Pitchup.com customers

  • 76%
    10
  • 11%
    9
  • 11%
    8
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    7
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    6
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    5
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 4
PeacefulWalkers' paradise

100% would recommend this campground to a friend

100% would stay here again

What customers say

Great rural campsite with amazing sea views & woodland path to Ringstead Bay. Spotless facilities, super friendly staff. Handy fridges, freezers & phone lockers. Quiet, spacious, perfect for nature lovers. A bit bumpy in spots, but highly recommended for location & vibe.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 2
Arrival date (latest first)

Fabulous location easy walk to the beach with great beach cafe Great walk…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
E S.

Bell tent

Liked Fabulous location easy walk to the beach with great beach cafe
Great walk to the pub along coastal path
Very friendly and helpful staff
Clean facilites

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Rented a Bell tent for 3 nights. Absolutely perfect location with a…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 9
Anonymous

Bell tent

Liked Rented a Bell tent for 3 nights. Absolutely perfect location with a lovely view. Not too crowded, plenty of space around us. Short walk through Chine to quiet beautiful beach just along from Ringstead village. Facilities were perfectly adequate and cleaned regularly.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful location and views. Clean facilities. Friendly staff.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Anonymous

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked Beautiful location and views.
Clean facilities.
Friendly staff.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with clean facilities and lovely location

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 2
Anonymous

Bell tent

Liked Lovely location and very clean and tidy facilities

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Loved it

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
martin t.

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked Great location. Easy drive to Weymouth and monkey world. Good flat(ish) field. Nice 3 min walk down a wooded valley to Ringstead beach. Toilets v clean. Sheltered location with trees on 3 sides.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Stunning location! Clean facilities! We had such a lovely time and would…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 3
Anonymous

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked Stunning location! Clean facilities! We had such a lovely time and would recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a quiet and idyllic holiday by the coast.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing site!! Stunning view and surrounded by beautiful woodland, a few steps…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 7
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 3
Gemma S.

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked Amazing site!! Stunning view and surrounded by beautiful woodland, a few steps from the beach

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great views, clean facilities, and convenient amenities.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
nina t.

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked -The sea view is absolutely stunning.
-The surrounding area is beautiful, with a scenic hiking path offering views of the sea and a cozy beach just a short walk from the campsite.
-The toilets and showers were exceptionally clean.
-Having a fridge and freezer on site was a fantastic addition — very convenient!
-All the staff we encountered were lovely and incredibly friendly.

Disliked - One small downside was that the remains and roots of the harvested plant were left on the ground, making the terrain a bit rough in places.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for staying with us. We appreciate your feedback. We do agree, the grass isn't perfect but there are better areas across the field. Unfortunately, the exceptionally dry spring and the local Council only giving us the go ahead 2 and a half weeks prior to our opening date, meant that we weren't able to do much about the state of the grass. The plan is to re-seed the grass in the autumn which should give an improved surface next year.

Nice pop up which was quiet, friendly and spacious!

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
Lynsey T.

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked Lots of space, woodland walk to beach direct from the site, toilet block, washing facilities/water and showers all close and exceptionally clean.

Email to access campsite straightforward.
Cafe a short walk away. Camp fires and dogs allowed.

Freezer facilities available if required

Owners very friendly and welcoming

Disliked Not a dislike but constructive feedback,

A sign before the turning to the owners property would help as Google maps directed us the wrong way.

A direction sign back from the cafe in the woodlands again might be useful.

Opening hours for cafe could have been extended to accommodate evening
Or have a small show for supplies. It didn’t bother us as staying a short time but maybe for those staying longer.

Recommend to friends Visit again

I had a great experience at Ringstead Bay Camping. The location is…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Alin O.

Unpowered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent site

Liked I had a great experience at Ringstead Bay Camping. The location is excellent—quiet, with beautiful sea views and walking access to the beach. The campsite is spacious and clean, and the natural surroundings create a very relaxing atmosphere.

The shared facilities (toilets, showers, and washing-up areas) were well maintained and regularly cleaned. Staff were friendly, and everything was well-organized. It’s a perfect place if you’re looking for a more traditional, back-to-nature camping experience without overcrowding or noise.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys coastal walks, sea views, and peaceful nights under the stars. I’ll definitely come back!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Beach access Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Communal fridge Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Fishing nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Ringstead Bay Camping

Ringstead Bay

Ringstead Farm

Dorchester

Dorset

England

DT2 8NF

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.63426°N
2.36157°W

Nearest transport

Coach
7 km Marks and Spencer
9.9 km South Station
18.7 km Red Lion
Rail
6.9 km Weymouth Rail Station
7.6 km Upwey Rail Station
8.2 km Moreton (Dorset) Rail Station
Ferry
6.8 km Weymouth Ferry Terminal
27.3 km Poole Ferry Terminal
27.9 km Poole Quay Ferry Landing
Airport
40.6 km Bournemouth International Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Those who pack their walking boots can have a nice time mapping out potential routes. There’s a stunning route east to White Nothe (less than an hour’s walk). Osmington Mills (15 minutes’ walk or 10 minutes’ drive) and a popular 17th-century pub are in the other direction. Walk further west to reach Bowleaze Cove and Weymouth’s sandy beach and attractions like an aquarium and miniature golf. Driving to Lulworth (25 minutes)? Pay a visit to the abandoned village of Tyneham (half an hour), which can be visited when the firing ranges are closed, or take a round-about route to The Tank Museum (20 minutes) and Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre (20 minutes). If you’re going west by car, perhaps consider touring the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens (35 minutes), Lyme Regis (an hour) and West Bay (45 minutes), the filming location for Broadchurch.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Ringstead Bay 0.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Bowleaze Cove 4.3 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 5.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Durdle Door West 6.1 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Durdle Door East 6.3 km Sea N/AExcellentN/AExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary 6.1 km

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve 7.2 km

Lulworth Heritage Centre 8 km

The Tank Museum 10.7 km

Lulworth Castle & Park 10.8 km

National Trust

Max Gate 9.4 km

Hardy's Cottage 10.8 km

Clouds Hill 12 km

Corfe Castle 21.4 km

White Mill 28.4 km

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Ringstead - Osmington Mills - Osmington Walk 0.6 km

Osmington Mills - Ringstead - Upton 0.9 km

Ringstead Bay - Chaldon Down - Ringstead Bay 1.4 km

South Down NT Car Park - Scratchy Bottom 1.5 km

South Down Car Park - White Horse Hill - Osmington - Osmington Mill - Ringstead - South Down CP 1.5 km

Local events

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday 6 September 2025 – Saturday 6 September 2025)

    Dorchester, England 10.8 km

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Ringstead Bay Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Ringstead Bay Camping dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near Ringstead Bay Camping? Those who pack their walking boots can have a nice time mapping out potential routes. There’s a stunning route east to White Nothe (less than an hour’s walk). Osmington Mills (15 minutes’ … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Ringstead Bay Camping?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  11 a.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Ringstead Bay Camping? From $36.91 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.