Discover the best lakeside campsites near Poole, Dorset with campfires

96% (46 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Poole

Dog-friendly getaways

Under £50

96%

(99)

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

The View Camping

53 units · Tents14 acres · Poole, Dorset, South West England

Welcoming family camping with campfires and far-reaching views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

Crooked Willows Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Wimborne. Dorset, England

Crooked Willows Farm offers an ideal country break with a range of desirable features. Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.

Hobby Farm

16 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

12 top lakeside campsites near Poole with campfires

96%

(99)

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

Crooked Willows Farm

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Wimborne. Dorset, England

Crooked Willows Farm offers an ideal country break with a range of desirable features. Situated on a 40-acre farm on the outskirts of Holt Heath National Nature Reserve, it provides ample space and proximity to a nature reserve for rural walks. Additionally, there is a local pub within easy strolling distance. The farm takes measures to preserve the land and ensure good grazing for the resident cattle and horses by moving guest areas periodically. The guest areas are equipped with drinking water supply and compost toilets. While campfires are not permitted for safety reasons, portable firepits can be hired, and wood can be purchased on-site. The owners of Crooked Willows Farm are known for their friendly and helpful nature, as mentioned by previous travelers. The surrounding area offers numerous walking opportunities, including a leisurely stroll to the nearby Cross Keys inn. Wimborne Minster, a 10-minute drive away, provides additional options for pubs, restaurants, and a supermarket. Moreover, the site is conveniently located within a half-hour drive of Bournemouth's sandy beach and the exciting activities of the New Forest National Park.

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

The View Camping

53 units · Tents14 acres · Poole, Dorset, South West England

Welcoming family camping with campfires and far-reaching views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills

Hobby Farm

16 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

100%

(5)

Oakhill Ponds, spring-fed swim

6 units · Glamping25 acres · Somerset, South West England

A uniquely peaceful Somerset glamping site set around two ponds in its own beautiful wildlife garden.

The Blue Pool

8 units · Glamping300 acres · Wareham, England

Treehouses on the edge of Dorset’s Blue Pool

88%

(8)

Camping at Brandiers Farm

2 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Wiltshire, South West England

Bucolic rural glamping in a beautiful natural beauty spot on the borders of Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.

100%

(2)

Wonderland Festival Retreat

2 units · Glamping10 acres · Henfield, England

Glamping by the lake with an optional sauna and hot tub

Booked 2 times

Glastonbury Wild Glamping

2 units · Glamping2 acres · England

Glastonbury Wild Glamping offers two beautiful 18ft yurts tucked away in a wildflower meadow overlooking the historic Glastonbury Tor. The site is in a magical location and provides the perfect opportunity to switch off and find total peace and tranquillity. There is natural wild swimming pond, shower facilities with hot water, compost toilets, and and a shared outside kitchen, with cutlery, pans, fridge, camping hob. The Yurts are furnished with India-inspired interiors and offer panoramic and uninterrupted views of Glastonbury Tor from your luxury super king sized bed! Crisp warm linen, wood burner and hot water bottles for the chillier nights. This is an opportunity to switch off your devises and stay connected to nature and your surroundings and totally re charge.

89%

(14)

Wild Swim2Sauna Safari Tipis

35 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Devon, South West England

Wild swimming and off-grid living in tipis and tents on the banks of Devon's River Avon

100%

(3)

Noxon Farm

1 unit · Tent2 acres · Lydney, England

Surrounded by the lush, ancient woodlands in the Forest of Dean forest, this serene and spacious 2 acre field offers the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday celebration or a mates getting together, set up camp under canopy of stars. The field is part of an old dairy farm with beautiful fishing lake. Our camping facilities are eco friendly and we have 2 compost toilets along with wash basins and washing up sinks. Two hot showers as well. Solar lighting is at the facilities and there is a fire pit available.

Available this weekend

Catchasmile Elmore Fisheries

16 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Gloucester, Gloucestershire

Peaceful location Busy fishing venue in daytime Toilets and washing basin Fire pit and BBQ area available 10 mins to shops and pubs Canal and river walks close by 15 mins to Gloucester City centre 45 mins to Cotswolds Fishing equipment and bait available for hire Well kept grounds Small cafeteria with snacks and drinks

Radcot Leisure on Thames

50 units · Glamping, Tents1 acre · Oxfordshire, South East England

A Thames’ island campsite in the Oxfordshire countryside – with a lovely pub just over the bridge

Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

The View Camping

53 units · Tents14 acres · Poole, Dorset, South West England

Welcoming family camping with campfires and far-reaching views over Poole Harbour and the Purbeck Hills

Lakeside campsites near Poole with campfires guide

Overview

Perched on the shores of Poole Harbour, one of the largest natural harbors in the world, there are plenty of ways to get on the water in Poole. Swim and build sandcastles at the 3-mile long Sandbanks beach, take a wildlife-watching cruise around Brownsea Island, or try kitesurfing, windsurfing, or stand-up paddleboarding around the harbor. Even camping comes with a view of the water, and there are several holiday parks and camping grounds along the seafront. Away from the coast, explore miles of cycling trails, picnic in the gardens of Upton Country Park, or enjoy wine tasting at a Dorset vineyard.

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

Forming the southern coast of Poole Harbour, the Purbeck peninsula is fringed by steep limestone cliffs and spectacular coastal walks. Hike across the sea cliffs of Old Harry Rocks, discover the atmospheric ruins of Corfe Castle, or admire the views from the Swanage steam railway. Camping along the peninsula takes you back to nature, whether staying in a forest lodge or parking your motorhome on a working farm.

Jurassic Coast

West of Purbeck, Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast—so-called for the dinosaur fossils found on its beaches—stretches all the way to Orcombe Point. The coastal hikes here are some of the most impressive in the UK, with soaring cliffs, crumbling castle ruins, and sandy coves. Marvel at landmarks such as the Durdle Door, stay at ocean-view campsites along the way, and don’t forget to sample the region’s famous ale, a staple in local pubs.

Cranborne Chase

Escape to the countryside in the Cranborne Chase and West Wiltshire Area AONB, just a 30-minute drive north of Poole. Enjoy leisurely walks or bike rides through the downlands, admire wildflowers and rare orchids, and camp amid patchwork farmlands. To the north, the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is within day-trip distance, while to the south, the Moors Valley Country Park and Forest is a favorite for families.

When to go

May through October has the most pleasant weather for camping in Poole, and the beaches draw big crowds in July and August. Be sure to book ahead if you plan to visit at this time. Winter campers can keep Poole on their itinerary, too. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing and sunny days are still common—just swap your tent for a motorhome or caravan.

Know before you go

Poole has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Poole has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.