The Railway Campsite

View prices & book 9.5 175 reviews
Train going past the site
Train going past the site
The steam train running past
Train passing at site
Sunrise one morning
View of the site on a cloudy morning
View of the site
View of the field
Caravans set up on site
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The steam train running past
Train passing at site
Sunrise one morning

  • Eight-acre field with Swanage Railway steam trains passing by
  • A 10-minute drive to Swanage Beach; 35 minutes to Durdle Door
  • Off-ground barbecues and firepits allowed; dogs welcome
If you’ve got little train enthusiasts in your family (or large ones, for that matter…), this is a site that’s likely to please them very much indeed. As the name suggests, The Railway Campsite is located next to the railway – and none other than the famed Swanage Railway. Waving at the steam trains as they puff past is a popular pastime around this dog-friendly site – although there are also some great Dorset countryside views for when there’s no railway action, plus lots of space around the eight-acre open field for whatever you choose to focus your attention on. And presumably you’ll want to take a ride on one of those trains too? That’s easily done, since Harmans Cross station is just next door to the site. All you have to do is choose whether to journey up to Corfe Castle or over to Swanage for a day at the beach (both about 15 minutes by train). When you’re not riding the rails, you can get out to some great coastal corners, including Studland Beach, Kimmeridge Bay or Dancing Ledge – all are within a 20-minute drive. This is a back-to-basics site, but it does have wooden composting toilets, a shower hut and chemical disposal facilities. The on-site snack shack opens its doors on weekends for breakfast, drinks and light evening meals. It's also open on Thursday evenings for Jamaican food. Off-ground barbecues and firepits are allowed (the site has firepits for hire and wood for sale if you need it), so you’re welcome to have a go at making your own dinner. You can source provisions at the small supermarket in the village of Harman’s Cross (five minutes’ walk).

Site type

Tent sites 50
RV sites 3
Open now
Opens July 4
Please note
  • Twin axle vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 16 or over.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, Jul 4 to

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent sitesTravel trailer sitesRV sitesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsMobile homes for rentRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
Other options

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 175 Pitchup.com customers

  • 76%
    10
  • 4%
    9
  • 17%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 0%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 1%
    4
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    3
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 6
Peaceful

98% would recommend this site to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite is spacious, friendly, and well-run, offering great value. Guests rave about the clean facilities, including compost toilets and hot showers, and its prime location near the steam railway, Corfe Castle, and Swanage. The on-site food shack is a hit. Despite mention of basic facilities and occasional shower lineups at peak times, most visitors plan to return.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 18
Arrival date (latest first)

I would be happy to recommend this site without hesitation

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked There was Plenty of room to pitch.
Although the facilities were basic they were cleaned regularly.
The site was local to attractions.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We all had a great time and it was so nice to see the steam trains!

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Sophie B.

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Loved the stay here! Toilets were always clean (as clean as a compost toilet can be) and stocked up with toilet roll. Shower was hot and clean. It was great having the train station so close to get to swanage/corfe easily.

Disliked Only 4 showers for the amount of people who stay. Although we came at a busy period, maybe its not as booked normally.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you .we are busy at weekends with people for 2 nights! So most of the time they are ample. I have just added an extra 2 this year so better than last !

Excellent, friendly back to basics site with a few extras.

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
Paul M.

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Great location
Relaxed feel
Snack shack brilliant. The Jamaican food night on Thursday was excellent.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would definitely be booking to go back again next year!

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
Paris P.

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Loved the space, family friendly feel. Owner was lovely and checked in on us every now and then but also left us to our own devices. Clean field, nice snack shack at the top. Toilets were clean and always stocked up with loo roll. Owners dogs were super friendly and kept my kids busy throwing the ball for them ! Trains passing through were great to see.. we visited Durdle Door , Corfe Castle and Monkey World during our stay and was fairly close to all of them. Lots to do! But also hidden away from everything to have a peaceful break !

Disliked Nothing! Loved everything.

Recommend to friends Visit again

great location, friendly owner; sawdust clean eco-toilets, hot showers

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked location, food shack

Recommend to friends Visit again

Love this site but the toilets have really put me off using it in

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The space, the freedom to pitch where you wanted, the pitch size, the amazing views, the hot showers.

Disliked The new compostable toilets, they absolutely stunk and my youngest refused to use them.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Sorry trying to be eco friendly! One needs to use more sawdust to reduce the smell. I go round regularly and clean and put sawdust dust down.

Stayed three sites on tour or south coast. This was the best for us.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 1
Rob B.

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Very relaxed atmosphere. We travelled as a couple. Plenty of room. Brilliant site fees. Lovely view of steam and diesel locamotives pierce the day. Just so relaxed. Good local public transport a short walk if you want to venture into town or around without a car. Kids playing seemed so happy. It was a joy to watch.

Disliked Thought the toilets would be a problem. Discovered they were not. This was further confirmed in conversations with other holiday makers.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Stunning views, safe & chilled with all amenities & cafe

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
 10
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Large open space, some shaded areas, views of the steam railway carriage, the valley overlooks the beautiful ridge of the Purbecks. Very chilled and lovely owner makes passing visits so you feel safe. Plenty of water taps and assessable loos, washing up and showers. Cafe on site, plenty to drink and eat.

Disliked None

Recommend to friends Visit again

Camping on top of a hill, showers…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Camping on top of a hill, showers

Recommend to friends Visit again

Space - location . Toilets were kept clean…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Space - location .
Toilets were kept clean

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Large (51-200 sites) Pop-up campground

Accessibility

Accessible parking at site Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mud

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

The Railway Campsite

Sunny Glade

Haycrafts Lane

Harmans Cross

Swanage

Dorset

England

BH19 3EB

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.61958°N
2.0239°W

Nearest transport

Coach
3 km East Street
3 km East Street
4.6 km Bus Station
Rail
10.4 km Wareham Rail Station
10.9 km Holton Heath Rail Station
11.5 km Poole Rail Station
Ferry
8.5 km Shell Bay Ferry Terminal
8.9 km Sandbanks Ferry Terminal
9 km Brownsea Island Ferry Landing
Airport
22.2 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

Famed for its ever-changing shades of blue and green, the Blue Pool (15 minutes’ drive) is surrounded by acres of heath- and woodland laced with trails. Take the easy path skirting the lake (where kids can also hunt for magic fairy doors), or steel yourself for a more challenging uphill route leading to views of the Purbeck Hills. Overlooked by the Georgian Clavell Tower, Kimmeridge Bay (20 minutes) is part of the Jurassic Coast. Rockpooling here may well yield some fossils; if not, you can head to the Etches Collection Museum, which displays fossilised marine creatures dating back millennia. The bay has clear waters for swimming and a summer snorkelling trail. Stay on the Jurassic Coast and move westwards to Durdle Door (35 minutes from the site), an iconic limestone arch stretching out into the sea. You can admire this imposing natural landmark from the dog-friendly beach or from the lookout point up on the cliff (easily reached via the South West Coast Path).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Swanage Central 4.7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Studland Knoll House 6.2 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Kimmeridge Bay 7.6 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Shell Bay North 8.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Poole Sandbanks Peninsular 9.8 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Corfe Castle 3.3 km

Swanage Railway 4.6 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 6.1 km

Brownsea Island 9 km

Lulworth Castle & Park 13.2 km

National Trust

Corfe Castle 3.1 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 5.8 km

Brownsea Island 8.9 km

Clouds Hill 19.4 km

White Mill 20.8 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Worth Matravers - Cliffs, Caves and Chapel 2.6 km

Worth Matravers - Winspit - Dancing Ledge 2.6 km

Corfe - Nine Barrows Down - Swanage 3.2 km

Herston - Worth Matravers - Corfe 3.2 km

The Purbecks - Castle and Coastal 3.5 km

Local events

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

    Dorchester, England 30.5 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 sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does The Railway Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is The Railway Campsite dog friendly? No View all features
  • What attractions are near The Railway Campsite? Famed for its ever-changing shades of blue and green, the Blue Pool (15 minutes’ drive) is surrounded by acres of heath- and woodland laced with trails. Take the easy path skirting the … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of The Railway Campsite?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  Anytime –  Anytime
    Depart by:  4 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at The Railway Campsite? From $29.44 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.