Riverside Lakes

View prices & book 9.5 45 reviews
Kingfisher lake - specimen carp to nearly 30lb
Kingfisher lake - specimen carp to nearly 30lb
Bell tents
Cut-out lawns between the meadows
Chill out pitch
Cloverleaf pitch
Hideaway is one of our electric bell tents fitting up to 6 campers with view over the lake
The island
Comfortable five-metre bell tents
1/128
Bell tents
Cut-out lawns between the meadows
Chill out pitch

  • Attractive natural site on a family-run Dorset smallholding
  • New Forest National Park 15 minutes' drive; Paultons Park half an hour
  • Fishing lakes and animals to meet, plus craft activities for the kids
Riverside and lakes in one location? Yes, family-run Riverside Lakes, on the Dorset/Hampshire border 15 minutes' drive from Wimborne, is an attractive spot indeed, with lots of gorgeous corners to choose from when you fancy chilling out in the open air. The lakes aren’t just for decoration though – they’re for fishing, and open to guests whether they're experienced with a rod or just trying it out for the first time. There are carp of up to 30lb in the specimen lake, with lots of littler ones in the smaller lake. Unhooking mats, weigh slings and nets are provided free of charge (and it's all fenced off so children are kept safe when roaming about). This site is part of a smallholding that’s also home to friendly pigs, alpacas, goats and chickens for you to meet; they’re even friendlier if you turn up with something from the site shop to feed them. Handily there are also various indoor activities available, including pottery painting and tie-dying. There’s a nicely natural vibe at this site, with pitching areas mown but much of the rest left as natural meadow. There's a policy of no cars on the pitches to make sure it's all peaceful and safe for kids. Bathroom facilities are spacious and clean, and there's a washing-up station and a fridge/freezer area to stash all your food and drinks ready for your evening campfire. Each pitch has a free-to-use firepit, with wood available to buy on site (please don't bring your own). Wood-fired pizzas are available on selected nights, or you can walk to one of the local pubs for dinner if you prefer. Just make sure you're back in time for the splendid stargazing on site.

Site type

Travel trailer sites 55
Rent a tent 5
RV sites 55
Tent sites 55
Open now
Opens April 1

Tourist board rating

Please note

Extras

  • Facilities/activities including fishing are subject to extra charges payable on arrival.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Swimming in the lake is not allowed.

Occupancy

  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.

Reception

  • Reception is unmanned after 8 p.m.. Please inform the park while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time, so that the team can provide information about your unit/pitch.

Admission

  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Wed, Apr 1 to

AA 5 pennants

No availability here for your search criteria

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
0 dogs
Class B motorhome
Other options

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 45 Pitchup.com customers

  • 66%
    10
  • 22%
    9
  • 6%
    8
  • 2%
    7
  • 2%
    6
  • 0%
    5
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    4
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    3
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    1
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Peaceful

98% would recommend this site to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

This family-run campsite gets rave reviews for its spacious, tidy sites, lovely scenery, and many animals. Guests loved the friendly, helpful staff and clean washrooms. On-site fishing is a hit. Downsides: spotty Wi-Fi, parking off-site, and sometimes inconsistent shower temps. Many want to come back!

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 2026-08-04

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 5
Arrival date (latest first)

Overall a very good stay, would defiantly visit again.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 5
 Sarah V. 1 review

Viewpoint powered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Good size pitches, pizza night, fishing, animals, good base to explore, bins provided.

Disliked Could do with a little play area , on a very sunny pitch with no shade but no fault of the site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very beautiful stay

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 2
Anonymous

Lake view powered grass campsite

Liked Very clean and well organised, we loved the animals and the staff was very friendly.

Disliked As a fisherman, I have been disappointed about the closure of the second lake, but I totally understand the reason. I’ll enjoy it next time.
Also area with vero poor signal and I did not ask for WiFi, so I do not know if they has it.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Scenic, quiet and simple

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 6
 Karen D. 5 reviews

Viewpoint powered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Layout
No cars at pitches
Plenty of bins
Ample freezer / fridge facilities for ice packs
Beautiful walk with dogs around the lakes
Scenic
Enjoyed watching and animals
Quiet even though there were families and children on site - loved how the kids were happy climbing the tree by the toilet block. I heard one shout "I'm surrounded by nature!"

Disliked Could have done with a map, or info on local walks and pubs

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site for all! Has everything you could need.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
 Hayley C. 5 reviews

Ridgeway primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked I have been to this site many times but after a break in camping due to personal reasons I hadn't been since the handover to new owners.
Can safely say I still love this place!
This time I travelled by motorcycle with my nephew & I'm grateful there is still the fridges & freezers available for guest use. I am unable to carry a large cool box so this meant I could still plan ahead with food as opposed to buying daily; tesco supermarket will deliver an online shop to reception!!
The toilet & shower facilities were always clean despite us arriving towards the end of a busy weekend.
The plugs in the little 'dressing room' within the shower block meant that despite having no hook-up; again a downside to motorcycle camping, it meant we could plug in essential devices & powerbanks to charge while washing up (obviously at our own risk).
The little shop selling slushie drinks was very much appreciated midway through pitching a tent in motorcycle gear midst a 32° heat wave.
Motorcycle theft is rife currently & despite not being allowed to park at your pitch I felt completely safe with my motorcycle being parked where it was & will definitely recommend this site to other bikers. Its fab for a get away either as a small (quiet) group or touring alone.

Disliked We did have a slight issue with one of the fridges not being as cold as expected which meant some food went off quickly.
I actually forgot to bring this to the attention as it was the night before we left.
I'm sure it has been noticed & rectified already.

Also, not really a dislike but I wish there was a little box, maybe within the kitchen, for guests to leave unopened or small no longer needed items for future guests.
I had an unopened roll of kitchen towels & a package or antiseptic wipes that I left on the side hoping someone may have found them to use!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Family friendly

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Jemma h. 3 reviews

Viewpoint powered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Really lovely place, clean and well looked after after. It is a family run site who are friendly and made us feel welcome we will definitely rebook.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Beautiful site, very relaxing with lovely…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Christina P. 1 review

Ridgeway primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Beautiful site, very relaxing with lovely walks around the lakes with my dog.
Will definitely be returning, everyone was so friendly.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We liked EVERYTHING about this campsite!…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
 Becky S. 1 review

1st Meadow primitive grass campsite

Liked We liked EVERYTHING about this campsite! The owners Kelly and Matt are so lovely! The whole place has such a lovely wholesome family feel.
We loved seeing the animals everyday.
Lottie the pig is so beautiful I wanted to take her home with me 😆
On Saturday evenings you can order homemade (by Kelly) wood fired pizzas and they are insanely good!
The facilities were really good, always clean! There’s even a bath, so great for little ones or just children who generally don’t like washing and make a fuss (like my daughter 😆)
We will 100% go back!

Disliked I didn’t actually get to take the pig home 😭😆

Recommend to friends Visit again

We are going back

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Glenn R. 2 reviews

Chill Out primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Absolutely stunning place, the family who run it a super friendly, pizza and fishing is a must

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fabulous campsite with super friendly team

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Amber O. 2 reviews

Viewpoint powered grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Wonderful campsite - beautifully set out with spacious pitches and great facilities. Team are super friendly and helpful - and firewood/pizza delivery is fab! Highly recommend and definitely heading back :)

Disliked Nothing to dislike!

Recommend to friends Visit again

A great, friendly family running a beautiful site. We will be back

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Steve M. 2 reviews

Chill Out primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Everything

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

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

Baby-changing facilities Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Local produce Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Tents for hire Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome 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

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent sites

Themes

Forest Hikers’ paradise Lake and/or mountain Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Communal fridge 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

Type

Farm Large (51-200 sites)

Accessibility

Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Bathrooms: Step-free access

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Caravan storage facilities Motorhome service point Seasonal sites Water hook-up points for caravans

Location

Riverside Lakes

Slough Lane

Horton

Wimborne

Dorset

England

BH21 7JL

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

50.86347°N
1.92613°W

Route directions

If coming from the Horton Inn way with a tourer or motorhome, you may want to go past the site's turning and find a safe space to turn around, as the turning to the left is at an angle and can be tricky to negotiate.

Nearest transport

Coach
9.6 km Meeting House Lane
13.5 km Bournemouth University
15 km St Johns Church
Rail
15.2 km Branksome Rail Station
15.7 km Parkstone (Dorset) Rail Station
15.8 km Bournemouth Rail Station
Ferry
17.4 km Poole Quay Ferry Landing
17.7 km Tuckton Tea Gardens Ferry Landing
17.9 km Poole Ferry Terminal
Airport
11.6 km Bournemouth International Airport
41 km Southampton 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

This is a fantastic area for outdoor activities, with places like Moors Valley Country Park (10 minutes' drive), which has cycle paths, orienteering and a treetop trail, and the New Forest National Park (15 minutes) close by. The national park has heaps of walks, bike rides and wildlife, plus attractions like New Forest Water Park (20 minutes) and the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu (40 minutes). And there's the coast too, of course – top spots nearby include the sandy beach in Bournemouth (25 minutes), wildlife-rich Hengistbury Head (half an hour) and the sailing hotspot of Lymington (40 minutes). At around an hour’s drive, Swanage and Durdle Door are a little further away but doable for a day trip. More family days out? How about Liberty's Owl, Raptor & Reptile Centre (20 minutes), Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park (20 minutes) or Paultons Park, Home of Peppa Pig World (half an hour)?

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Bournemouth Pier 16.8 km Sea N/AExcellentGoodGood
Bournemouth Durley Chine 16.9 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Bournemouth Boscombe Pier 17 km Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent
Bournemouth Alum Chine 17.1 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Bournemouth Manor Steps 17.2 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentN/A

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Kingston Lacy House and Gardens 9.5 km

Adventure Wonderland 11.4 km

Breamore House 15.5 km

The Bournemouth Balloon 16.3 km

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum 16.7 km

National Trust

Kingston Lacy 9.5 km

White Mill 11.5 km

Brownsea Island 19.6 km

Mompesson House 24.3 km

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 24.4 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Holt Heath - Horton Tower - Holt Heath 3.5 km

ST GILES' HOUSE 5.6 km

CRICHEL HOUSE 5.8 km

CRANBORNE MANOR 6 km

BOVERIDGE HOUSE SCHOOL 7.6 km

Local events

  • Southampton Boat Show (Friday, September 18, 2026 – Friday, September 18, 2026)

    Southampton, England 36.6 km

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Saturday, September 5, 2026)

    Dorchester, England 38.4 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.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Riverside Lakes have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Riverside Lakes dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Riverside Lakes? This is a fantastic area for outdoor activities, with places like Moors Valley Country Park (10 minutes' drive), which has cycle paths, orienteering and a treetop trail, and the New Forest National … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Riverside Lakes?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8:30 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-park accommodation
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  8:30 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Riverside Lakes? From $135.80 (for 2 nights, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.