The Railway Campsite
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/-2.023901761901854,50.61958466215458,12,0,0/376x277@2x)
- 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
Campground type
30
20
At least one of the party members must be aged 16 or over.- This is a quiet park: no music is allowed.
- Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
- The park caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
- Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
- Single-sex bookings of 6 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
- No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
- Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.
- Raised fire pits are allowed in designated areas only.
Languages spoken
English
Open from Fri, Jul 3 to
Campsite types & availability
5 
Primitive grass RV campsite
10 people maximum Ground type: Grass
Pitch size: Max 6m width × 6m depth (36m²)
Arrival daysFrom £20 (£20)
View prices & book
- 7
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
10 people maximum Ground type: Grass
Pitch size: Max 6m width × 6m depth (36m²)
Arrival daysFrom £20 (£20)
View prices & book
Reviews
98% would recommend this campground to a friend
97% would stay here again
What customers say
This campsite offers a relaxed, back-to-basics experience with plenty of space and beautiful views of the steam railway. Visitors praise the friendly staff, convenient snack shack with good food, and clean, well-maintained compost toilets and hot showers. The location is ideal for exploring Swanage and Corfe Castle. Some minor issues with toilet smell and finding level pitches were noted, but overall, the site is highly recommended for its value and peaceful atmosphere.
Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews.
Last updated 8/4/2026
70 
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Excellent site
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked Plenty of space to pitch the tent. Decent quality food from the Food Shack. Friendly staff and Annabel always willing to help.
Very close to the 'Swanage Railway' station for an easy trip into Swanage or Corfe Castle.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Very poor
Primitive grass RV campsite
Liked Nothing
Disliked The toilets where disgusting smelly and lots of flies I no it’s was hot but no excuse .I know there composting toilets but not nice to see every thing no need for that.we see one person drive in look at the toilets and say how bad they are and drive out .shower not good the snack shack was very dirty could not eat there .kids should not be exposed to that sort of thing .
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Good morning, we are very sorry to hear that you had such a bad experience. This is most unusual.
We do understand that the eco loos are not to everyone’s taste! We do clean and sanitise them at least three times a day. Unfortunately, the very hot weather does make a difference. However, they are due to be emptied today. Concerning their design, that is a typically how eco loos look. They aren’t a ‘pretty sight,’ however, we would rather be eco conscious than use portable toilets which definitely get stinkier! We are a good value campsite which is open 60 days a year so it doesn’t warrant a large block of toilet cubicles as the field goes back to nature for the rest of the year (we also wouldn’t be able to get planning permission for that).
We are sorry to hear that you thought that the showers were bad. Again, they do get checked regularly and are free to use. They are just of a simple design, but then again we are a basic campsite valuing an outdoorsy experience.
In regard to the Snack Shack this is very disappointing. We have recently been awarded a food hygiene rating of 5, which we believe is very true to our practices in the kitchen. This is also surprising as we have many very positive reviews surrounding the Snack Shack and other facilities.
We are a family-run campsite and put a lot of care into the things we do. If you had any questions or concerns at the time we would have been very happy to help.
I love this campsite its had…
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked I love this campsite its had a gorgeous setting, eco friendly, nice breakfast available and plenty of space. Good value for basic camping. The staff are lovely. Great location for Swanage.
Recommend to friends Visit again
.…
Primitive grass RV campsite
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
Lovely site basic good facilities - a fair price and great views!
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked The site was perfect for our train enthusiast children. Facilities are basic but clean - infact I saw the toilets be cleaned 3 times whilst I was there.
Disliked We booked because the site is advertised as for families and couples and the website and the gate clearly states no noise after 10pm. The first night this was adhered to and was very peaceful - However on the second a group came back to site around 11pm being very loud and disruptive, driving round shouting and whistling which woke up my children. There needs to be more to enforce this as it was the only thing to slightly spoil a lovely camping trip!
There is very little signal/wifi but we enjoyed this!
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: This is very hard to do as they all booked on Pitchup individually and then joined together as a group! I did go over and tell him to be quiet which they did do. I’m sorry you were disturbed.
People come back late during carnival especially on firework night I’m afraid.
.…
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
.…
Primitive grass RV campsite
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
On site catering, Freedom to pitch…
Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked On site catering, Freedom to pitch anywhere I liked. Great location.
Disliked Not the site's fault but barking dogs, and people who don't know how to use compost loos.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Lovely views clean showers and toilets…
Primitive grass RV campsite
Liked Lovely views clean showers and toilets quiet campsite perfect for exploring the area
Recommend to friends Visit again
Very peaceful, lovely camp near Corfe
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Anonymous Primitive grass tent or trailer tent campsite
Liked Really lovely atmosphere, very peaceful and not overcrowded camping. The Snack Shack is super useful to have and our kids loved the general setup of the camp. Showers were great, toilet is a bit of a weak spot. Location is great to reach train or go around the area by car. The passing steam train at the bottom is a fantastic bonus.
Recommend to friends Visit again
Features
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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 WatersportsAmenities on park
Bath available 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 WifiGroups welcome
Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Budget/backpacker Hikers’ paradise Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular sceneryUtilities
Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearbyType
Farm Large (51-200 sites) Pop-up campgroundAccessibility
Accessible parking at site Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mudNearby 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 nearbyLocation
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
Bus
Rail
Ferry
AirportPlease 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
Water quality at nearby bathing waters
| Name | Distance | Type | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swanage Central | 2.9 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Studland Knoll House | 3.8 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Kimmeridge Bay | 4.7 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Shell Bay North | 5.2 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Poole Sandbanks Peninsular | 6.1 mi | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
Data source: European Environment Agency
Must see
Corfe Castle 2 mi
Swanage Railway 2.9 mi
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 3.8 mi
Brownsea Island 5.6 mi
Lulworth Castle & Park 8.2 mi
National Trust
Corfe Castle 1.9 mi
Studland Beach and Nature Reserve 3.6 mi
Brownsea Island 5.6 mi
Clouds Hill 12.1 mi
White Mill 12.9 mi
Cycle routes
Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.
Other
Worth Matravers - Cliffs, Caves and Chapel 1.6 mi
Worth Matravers - Winspit - Dancing Ledge 1.6 mi
Corfe - Nine Barrows Down - Swanage 2 mi
Herston - Worth Matravers - Corfe 2 mi
The Purbecks - Castle and Coastal 2.2 mi
Local events
- Dorset County Show (Saturday, September 5, 2026 – Saturday, September 5, 2026)
Dorchester, England 19 mi
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 The Railway Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
- Is The Railway Campsite dog friendly? Yes 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?
Read moreRV, travel trailer and tent sites Arrive: Anytime – Anytime Depart by: 4 p.m. - How much does it cost to stay at The Railway Campsite? From $26.85 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.