Swanage Camping: Best Campsites Near Swanage, Dorset

95% (1474 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Swanage

Under £50

99%

(115)

Top camping destinations

Star Hosts in Swanage

99%

(115)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

The T Barn

17 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

The Barn KT9

21 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

96%

(581)

Chalky Downs

36 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

12 top campsites near Swanage

99%

(115)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

The T Barn

17 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

The Barn KT9

21 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

Abbey Home Farm

21 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1600 acres · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Eco-camping for real. Cooking on an open fire. Unspoilt natural beauty.

Chalky Downs

36 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

98%

(57)

Spring Hill Wild Camping

15 units · Tents13 acres · Andover, England

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.

91%

(33)

Bredy Farm

31 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

97%

(31)

Ebborways Farm

99 units · Motorhomes, Tents21 acres · Wells, Somerset, South West England

Proper camping where everyone is welcome in Somerset’s Mendip Hills

97%

(71)

Woodlands Camping

10 units · Motorhomes, Tents200 acres · Ropley, England

A back-to-basics campsite in the South Downs National Park

89%

(157)

Penn Meadow Farm

49 units · Motorhomes, Tents145 acres · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family owned farm, nestled perfectly into the chiltern hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening.

87%

(166)

Cotswolds Camping

71 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents1 acre · Charlbury, Oxfordshire, South East England

Simple camping surrounded by all the delicious Oxfordshire and Cotswolds village food offerings

Available this weekend

95%

(83)

Southover Woods and Camping

16 units · Glamping, Tents60 acres · Dorset, South West England

Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

Ebborways Farm

99 units · Motorhomes, Tents21 acres · Wells, Somerset, South West England

Proper camping where everyone is welcome in Somerset’s Mendip Hills

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Bredy Farm

31 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Bridport, England

Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends

Spring Hill Wild Camping

15 units · Tents13 acres · Andover, England

Spring Hill Wild Camping is a camping site set in the beautiful Hampshire village of St Mary Bourne. Within easy walking distance of the two local pubs, the well stocked village shop and a pick-your-own fruit farm with cafe and play areas. The campsite aims to be a low impact, environmentally friendly site, providing only the basic necessities for camping; well maintained toilets and clean water. If you are looking for hot showers and a pool, this is not the campsite for you. If you are looking for beautiful views, countryside walks and open fires Spring Hill Wild Camping is the campsite for you.

Dog-friendly getaways

99%

(115)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Old Litten

1 unit · Tent8 acres · Steep, Hampshire, South East England

Nestled atop a serene hill, this idyllic field offers a perfect escape for campers. Blanketed in lush, green grass, the field stretches out under a vast, clear sky, providing panoramic views of the South Downs National Park. Wildflowers in vibrant hues dot the landscape. As the sun goes down, the sky transforms into a canvas of twinkling stars, untouched by city lights. This remote haven, far from the hustle and bustle, is a sanctuary for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature.

The Barn KT9

21 units · Glamping, Tents3 acres · Greater London, South East England

A unique rural campsite in Surrey, a stone's throw from London's Zone 6

Chalky Downs

36 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Brighton, East Sussex, South East England

Traditional tent camping in a stunningly-located South Downs farm, just down the road from buzzing Brighton

The T Barn

17 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents10 acres · Cirencester, Gloucestershire, South West England

Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Swanage guide

Overview

Nestled along the enchanting coastline of England on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage offers a variety of camping options among a perfect blend of coastal beauty and rich history. Campers will find a variety of attractions around the Isle of Purbeck to explore, including hikes along South West Coast Path as well as a coastal paradise of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and historic landmarks like Corfe Castle. Lulworth Cove is great for coastal walks, swimming in turquoise waters, and kayaking through the cove. It also offers private grass pitches, holiday homes, or cottage rentals close to its waters. Or camp in New Forest National Park and embark on scenic hikes through ancient woodlands and cycling adventures along picturesque routes.

Where to go

Lulworth Cove

Set some 16 miles from Swanage in Dorset is Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campers can set up tents or hook up the motorhome to nearby private campsites along the Jurassic Coast that provide clean shower and toilet facilities, picnic areas, and easy access to the cove’s turquoise waters. Or rent a cottage or go glamping in a shepherd’s hut for a bit more comfort. Created by melted ice overflow from nearby seas and rivers, the cove waters are popular for swimming and kayaking. Then, enjoy land activities like coastal walks along rugged cliffs for sea views or explorations to Lulworth Crumple and Stair Hole.

Corfe Castle

Northwest of Swanage lies Corfe Castle, a historic ruin built by William the Conqueror that exudes medieval charm. Nearby private farm campsites and holiday parks in villages offer a range of amenities, including tent pitches and campervan spaces, as well as clean shower and toilet facilities, electrical hookups, on-site shops, and wifi access. Cottage and cabin rentals are also available near the castle. Then wake up and enjoy Corfe Castle’s ancient walls that are over 1,000 years old. Afterward, take a hike along Purbeck Hills on the Purbeck Ridgeway to get views of Old Harry and the Swanage Railway.

New Forest National Park

Just a short drive northeast of Swanage sits the enchanting New Forest National Park. Wilderness explorers can hike the park's trails, including the scenic routes of Lyndhurst Circular Walk and Tall Trees Trail, which offer views of the forest’s ancient woodlands and open heathlands. Find cycling adventures and exciting wildlife sightings—most notably of the free-roaming New Forest ponies. Afterward, unwind at a tent or caravan park run by Camping in the Forest with amenities like full electric hookups and toilet and shower facilities.

When to go

Summers in Swanage bring pleasant temperatures and are popular for coastal walks, swimming, and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn offer milder weather and a vibrant display of foliage, creating a colourful backdrop for hiking and exploring. Winter in Swanage brings a different charm, with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Temperatures range from 5°C to 10°C.