Dorset Campsites – Jurassic Coast & Countryside
Dorset is one of England’s finest camping counties. The Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth to Swanage, is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the country, and Dorset’s countryside is equally rewarding: rolling chalk hills, ancient woodland, market towns, and some of the best independent campsites in the south of England.
Best Areas to Camp in Dorset
The Jurassic Coast – The coastline between Weymouth and Swanage contains some of Dorset’s most iconic scenery. Durdle Door’s famous natural limestone arch and the circular bay of Lulworth Cove are within walking distance of each other, and Corfe Castle’s ruined clifftop towers make for a dramatic backdrop further east. Campsites in this stretch of coast fill up fast in summer, book early.
Purbeck – The Isle of Purbeck (not actually an island) sits between Poole Harbour and the sea, and includes Corfe Castle, the sandy beaches of Studland Bay, and Swanage on the coast. A strong area for family campsites with easy access to beaches and the Swanage Steam Railway.
West Dorset – Quieter and less visited than the east, West Dorset offers countryside camping near Beaminster, Bridport, and Lyme Regis, where fossil hunting on the beach is a reliable family activity. This stretch of coast edges into Devon and is part of the same Jurassic geology.
Inland Dorset – Hardy country. The chalk downland around Dorchester, Blandford Forum, and Shaftesbury is classic English countryside, with farm campsites set in peaceful valleys well off the tourist trail. Maiden Castle, one of the largest Iron Age hillforts in Europe, sits just outside Dorchester.
Things to Do
The South West Coast Path runs the length of Dorset’s coastline and the walk between Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door is one of the most photographed short walks in England. Fossil hunting along the beach between Charmouth and Lyme Regis is hugely popular with families. Inland, the Kingston Lacy estate, Sherborne Castle, and Monkey World ape rescue centre all make for strong day trips. Thomas Hardy fans will find his connections to the county everywhere, his birthplace at Higher Bockhampton is preserved by the National Trust near Dorchester.
Dorset’s food scene is well worth exploring too, with local seafood along the coast, farm shops throughout the county, and the town of Bridport establishing itself as something of a foodie destination in recent years.
Find Your Dorset Campsite
Browse independent campsites across Dorset below, from coastal Jurassic sites to countryside farm pitches. Every listing connects you directly with the site owner.
