Riverside Lakes

View prices & book 9.5 20 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
The island
Comfortable five-metre bell tents
Bell tent
1/101
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

Touring caravan pitches 55
Rent a tent 5
Motorhome pitches 55
Tent pitches 55
Open now
Opens 1 April

Tourist board rating

Please note
  • Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Reception is unmanned after 8 p.m.. Please inform the site while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time, so that the team can provide information about your unit/pitch.
  • Facilities/activities including fishing are subject to extra charges payable on arrival.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Wed, 01 Apr to

AA 5 pennants

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
0 dogs

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 20 Pitchup.com customers

  • 65%
    10
  • 25%
    9
  • 5%
    8
  • 5%
    7
  • 0%
    6
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    5
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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
 6
Peaceful

100% would recommend this site to a friend

100% would stay here again

What customers say

A top-rated, friendly, family spot with big pitches & clean facilities (showers/bath). Kids loved the farm animals, fishing, and peaceful vibe. Hosts super welcoming. Downsides: weak phone/Wi-Fi, parking off-pitch. Fire ban in effect.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 2
Arrival date (latest first)

Amazing site, highly recommend. Clean, family run & very accommodating

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 6
Nadine G.

Treeline non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked We booked last minute and so glad we did. The campsite is brilliant from the moment you arrive with a lovely warm welcome. You can tell it’s family run. The site was clean, pitches well spread out and generally a lovely feel to it. The animals (lambs, goats, pigs, alpacas and chick) and fishing lakes were a great addition which my son loved (as did we). They don’t allow cars on the pitches which makes the site quieter and safer for the kids to play (you can drive to pitch to set up and pack down). Loved the thought that has gone into the site - fire pits and table benches on each pitch aswell as draining boards in the washing up areas.
My autistic son can struggle sometimes but it was very accommodating for him and the owners were so welcoming to him - he especially like it when he was offered to feed a baby lamb as he had been really upset the previous night about leaving them.
The deliver of logs to our pitch every night (paid for in advance) was fab. My son loved the pizza that was made on site and delivered to our pitch on a quad bike - hot and delicious. One of the best sites we have been to so much so we have booked to go back in half term (3 weeks later).
Doesn’t have great WiFi but they do have a barn with sofas you can sit in which does have good WiFi. Didn’t both us as camping is a time for us all to put our devices down.

Disliked For us there was nothing we didn’t like. We were lucky to be near the toilet / shower block as I’d imagine it’s a bit of a trek if you’re in one of the further pitches. There is a eco toilet nearer (which was clean) but not everyone likes to use them.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent facilities, I will visit again.

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
Daniel B.

Treeline non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Very well kept grounds. Very nice washrooms and toilets available and the eco toilets are regularly checked and Very clean.
Animals on site was pleasant to see and a lake where I saw someone fishing.
Was a quiet and pleasant stay.

Disliked Nothing I can think of, it was only a short stay for me but enjoyable.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Spacious pitches, clean and tidy site.…

Overall

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

2nd Meadow non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Spacious pitches, clean and tidy site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Friendly people, beautiful surroundings and clean campsite

Overall

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

Treeline non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Owners were very welcoming, the price was extremely reasonable for everything and a lovely location. I stayed in the treeline section which was out of the way which I loved as it was very peaceful.

Disliked Would have liked if we could’ve parked our car next to our pitch.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site, clean facilities. Really friendly…

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
Anonymous

Viewpoint electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Great site, clean facilities. Really friendly and welcoming.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A really wonderful campsite. Lots of…

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
Amy G.

Sunset non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked A really wonderful campsite. Lots of different pitches for different group sizes, sunset pitch was perfect for the two of us. The toilets and showers were clean and well kept, and there's lots of animals (I would enjoy saying hi to the pigs!).

There is even an eco loo near the pitches further back (we were in Sunset 42) which was nice as it meant we didn't have to walk back to the toilet block all the time.

The owners were really helpful and friendly. One of my favourite campsites I've stayed on.

Disliked Nothing to dislike - there wasn't much phone signal during the day (but was oddly fine at night after about 10pm) but I always welcome this as it forces me to switch off.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Pitches are spacious and nicely laidout.…

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
Anonymous

Treeline non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Pitches are spacious and nicely laidout. Facilities were clean and maintained. Lovely little farm on site and two decent fishing lakes. Family that run the campsite were really friendly. I'd absolutely recommend the campsite and the woodfired pizzas made on site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely site, stayed with the family,…

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
Gareth A.

Chill Out non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Lovely site, stayed with the family, we all had a lovely time lots to do. My boys used the fishing lakes each day and managed to both get PB catches and the Mrs and I loved the animals on site and peaceful location.
Highly recommended, lovely family run campsite will be returning again soon.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site - highly recommend

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
Kirsty H.

Lake view electric grass pitch

Liked Lively campsite , plenty of space , good facilities . Absolute fantastic hosts. Family loved fishing on site !

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Wonderful family stay

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Beckie S.

Viewpoint electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Absolutely loved it. Location was great. Facilities are great. The family that run it are just wonderful. We are definitely going to return. The animals are great, kids loved them. Lovely that you feel safe letting the kids run off together to play.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

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

Baby-changing facilities Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Local produce Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Tents for hire Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent pitches

Themes

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

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Communal freezer Communal fridge Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Large (51-200 pitches)

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 Horse riding nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Motorhome service point Seasonal pitches Tourer storage facilities Water hook-up points for tourers

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

  • New Forest and Hampshire County Show (Tuesday, 28 July 2026 – Tuesday, 28 July 2026)

    Brockenhurst, England 24,4 km

  • Tankfest (Friday, 26 June 2026 – Friday, 26 June 2026)

    Wareham, England 29,2 km

  • Camp Bestival Dorset (Thursday, 30 July 2026 – Thursday, 30 July 2026)

    Wareham, England 32 km

  • Summer Solstice at Stonehenge (Sunday, 21 June 2026 – Sunday, 21 June 2026)

    Salisbury, England 35,9 km

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

    Southampton, England 36,6 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?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  1 p.m. –  8:30 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site 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 R1 607,89 (for 2 nights, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.