Campgrounds for backpackers in Dorset

Throop Hollow Farm

• Rural, family-run site with fantastic views of the Piddle Valley
• A 10-minute drive to Monkey World; 20 minutes to Lulworth Cove
• Pick your own pitch on arrival; 500 metres from the river Piddle

Charside Camping

• Simple stays on a grassy field in a rural valley with a firepit
• A 10-minute drive from Bridport and 20 from West Bay
• On a National Cycle Route and 20 minutes’ walk to the local pub

The Pavilion at Shaftesbury Estate

• Secluded, largely off-grid glamping site on a Dorset farm
• Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park and golf courses within a 10-minute drive
• Real beds with bedding and towels provided, plus communal kitchen

The Walled Garden Campsite

• Green and spacious Dorset site within the Moreton Estate
• Jurassic Coast, Monkey World and Tank Museum within 15 minutes' drive
• Café and play area within the grounds; abundance of walks nearby

Monkey Chop Farm

• Dog-friendly site on a farm surrounded by the Dorset countryside
• A 25-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast; 45 minutes to Chesil Beach
• Pubs, farmers market within easy reach; fishing and kayaking nearby

Clayford Field

• Rural six-acre site 10 minutes' drive from Wimborne
• Just off the 17-mile Castleman Trailway and 10 miles from Bournemouth
• A 10-minute forest walk from a country pub

Shepherds Close Farm Campsite

• Peaceful working farm site surrounded by the north Dorset countryside
• Direct access to the Hardy Way trail; 15 minutes' drive to Gold Hill
• Farm shop on site, with firepits available to hire

Mayo Farm Camping

• Unspoilt, rustic wild campsite on the edge of Shaftesbury
• Half-hour drive to Stourhead and Longleat; an hour to Jurassic Coast
• Easy access to town centre and local walks on Melbury Hill

Moonacre Campsite

• Peaceful camping on an east Dorset farm 15 minutes' drive from Poole
• Just off the A31 and A350; South West Coast Path half an hour's drive
• Woodland walks direct from the pitches, and wildlife around the site

Hill View Farm

• Family-run wildlife haven in the Dorset countryside
• A 35-minute drive from Durdle Door and 40 minutes from Bournemouth
• Quiet after 10pm; communal campfire area; pubs and shops nearby

Hillside Campsite

Redlands Farm

Portland Bill Camping

• Basic coastal site with spectacular sea views
• In a scenic clifftop location between Southwell and Portland Bill
• Direct coast path access and a few minutes' walk from rockpool beaches

Littlesea Holiday Park

Knoll Farm Campsite

• Scenic farm site in the Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve
• A 10-minute drive to Wareham and 25 minutes to Poole
• Firepit hire and wood/kindling sales, plus yoga classes on request

Loscombe Farm

• Secluded wild camping spots on a working Dorset farm near Dorchester
• A 20-minute drive to the Jurassic Coast; 15 minutes to Chesil Beach
• Woodland walks on site; five minutes’ drive from pubs and shops

Wimborne Fishing Lake

• Peaceful site with fishing lake a short walk from Wimborne town centre
• Kingston Lacy and Knoll Gardens within a 10-minute drive
• Day fishing tickets and rod hire on site; barbecues welcome

The Walled Garden

• Scenic seasonal site attached to the walled gardens at Moreton
• New amenities block added in 2016
• On the edge of Moreton village and enclosed by woodland