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
Site type
30
20
Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).- Single-sex bookings of 6 or more people (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
- No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
- The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
- At least one of the party members must be aged 16 or over.
- This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
- Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
- 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, 03 Jul to
Pitch types & availability
5 
Non-electric grass motorhome pitch
10 people maximum Ground type: Grass
Pitch size: Max 6m width × 6m depth (36m²)
Arrival daysFrom £20 (£20)
View prices & book
- 7
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
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 site to a friend
97% would stay here again
What customers say
A proper spacious, chilled campsite with friendly folks and great value. Loved the location, especially the Swanage Railway nearby, and the snack shack was a winner. Toilets and hot showers got a thumbs up, though some found it hilly. More showers needed when it's busy.
Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews.
Last updated 2026/08/04
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Great campsite, friendly people, incredibly well…
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Anonymous Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Great campsite, friendly people, incredibly well priced. Will be back!
Recommend to friends Visit again
Excellent site
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
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
Non-electric grass motorhome pitch
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…
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
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
.…
Non-electric grass motorhome pitch
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
Lovely site basic good facilities - a fair price and great views!
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
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.
A lovely, peaceful site. …
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked A lovely, peaceful site. We accidentally ended up there during Swanage carnival week, and it was still not crowded feel. We hid from the sun in the woods, so were less able to enjoy the scenic views, and couldn't see the trains go by, but we didn't spend much time on site, as we came specifically to use the beaches and canoe. Next time hopefully we can escape for longer, and enjoy more time there.
The food was good, and good value for money, and the owners and their dog were very friendly too!
Disliked The only things I would say weren't ideal was the entry way was very steep/tight - ok for a car, if you don't stop, but I wouldn't fancy towing anything in or out!
Also, composting toilets may give some pause... didn't bother us, but possibly not for people who want luxury. Composting toilet means a shed with a seat/hole that drops into a big pit.
Recommend to friends Visit again
.…
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
.…
Non-electric grass motorhome pitch
Liked .
Recommend to friends Visit again
We will be back :)
Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch
Liked Everything!
Disliked Nothing
Recommend to friends Visit again
Features
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Pop-up campground
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 WatersportsAmenities on site
Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area WifiGroups welcome
D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcomeRules
Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all yearThemes
Budget/backpacker Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradiseUtilities
Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energyNearby amenities
Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby Shop nearbyType
Farm Large (51-200 pitches) Pop-up campgroundAccessibility
Accessible parking at pitch 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 Horse 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
Coach
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 | 4,7 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Studland Knoll House | 6,2 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Kimmeridge Bay | 7,6 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Shell Bay North | 8,4 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Poole Sandbanks Peninsular | 9,8 km | Sea | N/A | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
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, 5 September 2026 – Saturday, 5 September 2026)
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.
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 moreCamping and touring Arrive: Anytime – Anytime Depart by: 4 p.m. - How much does it cost to stay at The Railway Campsite? From R440,09 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.