Dorset Forest Camping

Oakerswood at sunset (added by manager 10 Mar 2021)

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Remote Dorset retreat hidden deep in ancient woodland
Dorchester and the Jurassic Coast within a 20-minute drive
Firepits and communal marquee available on site

A peaceful and remote spot for nature lovers, walkers and cyclists alike, Dorset Forest Camping is hidden away in peaceful ancient Dorset woodland. Here’s a chance to explore hundreds of acres of undisturbed forest on remote footpaths, spotting cattle and deer grazing among the trees and listening to birds singing overhead. And even though the site itself is well tucked away from the road, it's still only 20 minutes’ drive from Dorchester (handy for picking up supplies in its sizeable supermarkets). If you’re mad about walking, running or cycling, you’ll be in your element here. There are plenty of circular walks and bike rides round about – both gentle ones leading to wild swimming spots on the river and more hardcore trails in Puddletown Forest for experienced mountain bikers. Close by, you can try your hand at horse riding, fishing and golf or take to the high seas with sailing lessons in Poole, half an hour’s drive away. Back at your base camp, all is set up so that guests can experience the serenity of the forest in virtual solitude. There’s still plenty going on in the evening though, so if the mood takes you, gather with fellow guests around the communal firepit for a barbecue and chat. Showers, compost loos and a washing-up area complete the picture on the facilities front.

Site type

Languages spoken

English

French

Greek

Features

No dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house

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

Disabled facilities

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

Tents for hire

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

No dogs allowed

Themes

Bush

Peaceful

Remote location

Spectacular scenery

Walkers' paradise

Wild camping

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Dump point

Electric car charging point(s)

Gas cylinders available

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Dog walk nearby

Type

Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby

Cycling nearby

Fishing nearby

Golf nearby

Horse riding nearby

Mountain biking nearby

Restaurant nearby

Sailing nearby

Location

Dorset Forest Camping

Moreton

Dorset

England

DT2 8QZ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

50.72459°N
-2.2676°W

Route directions

At map reference SY80792 91145, look for the sign 'Oakerswood'. Follow the track past the house and into the wood. After half a mile, the Oakerswood Camp sign is on the right.

Nearest transport

Coach

11.9 km Post Office

11.9 km Red Lion

12.1 km South Station

Rail

4.2 km Moreton (Dorset) Rail Station

5.8 km Wool Rail Station

11.3 km Wareham Rail Station

Ferry

18.2 km Weymouth Ferry Terminal

19.5 km Poole Ferry Terminal

20 km Poole Quay Ferry Landing

Airport

31.3 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

Even though it’s tempting never to leave the forest, you’ll find lots to do when you finally emerge. The Tank Museum, Lawrence of Arabia’s simple Clouds Hill cottage and the famous “Battle of Britain” church in Moreton village are all a pleasant stroll from Dorset Forest Camping. Down on the Dorset coast, you can hike along the clifftops from pretty Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door, swim in secluded bays or explore the Georgian backstreets and yacht marina in Weymouth (25 minutes' drive). Closer to home, the Saxon town of Wareham (10 minutes) is packed with pubs and cafes, and further east, you can pick up local gourmet foods at the Wednesday market in Dorchester (20 minutes). You won’t go short of cultural treats around here either. Time travel back to the Middle Ages at the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ museum and memorial, or explore Tudor history and rambling rose gardens at Athelhampton House & Gardens (both 10 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Durdle Door East	11.4 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	N/A	Excellent
Durdle Door West	11.4 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Lulworth Cove	11.8 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Ringstead Bay	12 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Bowleaze Cove	14.7 km	Sea	N/A	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

The Tank Museum 3.7 km

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre 4.7 km

Hardy's Birthplace 8.6 km

Lulworth Castle & Park 10.4 km

Lulworth Heritage Centre 11.8 km

National Trust

Clouds Hill 1.4 km

Hardy's Cottage 8.7 km

Max Gate 11.1 km

White Mill 17.1 km

Corfe Castle 17.7 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Clouds Hill - Moreton 1.8 km

ATHELHAMPTON 4.8 km

Beacon Hill - Hardy's Cottage - Stinsford - Beacon Hill 6.9 km

WATERSTON MANOR 8.3 km

Higher Bockhampton - Puddletown Forest 8.7 km

Local events

Tolpuddle Martyrs' Festival and Rally (Friday, 19 July 2024 – Friday, 19 July 2024)
Dorchester, England 3.4 km
Tankfest (Friday, 28 June 2024 – Friday, 28 June 2024)
Wareham, England 3.8 km
Camp Bestival Dorset (Thursday, 25 July 2024 – Thursday, 25 July 2024)
Wareham, England 10.6 km
Dorset County Show (Saturday, 7 September 2024 – Saturday, 7 September 2024)
Dorchester, England 11.1 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.

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Does Dorset Forest Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
Is Dorset Forest Camping dog friendly? No View all features
What attractions are near Dorset Forest Camping? Even though it’s tempting never to leave the forest, you’ll find lots to do when you finally emerge. The Tank Museum, Lawrence of Arabia’s simple Clouds Hill cottage and the famous “Battle … Read more