Best motorhome and campervan campsites in Dorset

With a stunning coastline and truly spectacular scenery, it’s easy to see why Dorset is one of the UK’s most popular destinations for motorhome and campervan tourers. But the great thing about Dorset is that even in the popular summer months you never have far to wander off the beaten track to encounter unspoilt hidey-holes aplenty. There are few parts of England where an aimless amble can be quite so rewarding.

Fortunately, Dorset is well served by campsites, making a tour of the county’s best spots super easy. So when you want to pull up and take a breather for a day or two then just choose one of our favourite campsites below, and you won’t be disappointed.

Once your motorhome or campervan insurance is in place, you can set off knowing you’re fully covered – the only question being where should you stop for the night?

Quick guide to Dorset

Dorset’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast is a truly spectacular, rugged coastline and one of the main reasons so many people visit year after year. You can’t put a foot down without stepping on countless interesting fossils charting a humbling record of 185 million years of Earth's geological history.

You’ll also find Poole Harbour the world’s largest natural harbour, highly photogenic crumbling rock formations like Durdle Door, Gad Cliffs and Old Harry Rocks, splendid beaches, picturesque ruins, great food and drink, and unique and precious wildlife reserves of international importance.

And if you like to indulge in a spot of adventure then visitors of all ages can have a go at orienteering, climbing, walking and hiking, mountain biking, and bushcraft to name just a few. For those with sea-legs there are lots of coves and beaches suitable for coasteering, surfing, SUPing, kayaking, sailing and swimming – the area is a world-renowned hub for water-based activities.

If you’re visiting this special place then be sure to stay at one of these motorhome and campervan campsites to be certain of a wonderful stay.

Don’t forget, if you’re taking expensive equipment like mountain bikes, kayaks or cameras then you’ll want decent cover for your personal items, too. Give the knowledgeable team at Motorhome Protect a call to discuss your campervan insurance requirements.

For family fun - Wood Farm Caravan Park, Charmouth

Location: Axminster Road, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6BT

Price: Campervan pitches are between £17.50 - £35 a night.

Why stop here? Set among mature, native trees, and less than a mile from Charmouth’s beach, Wood Farm Caravan Park is the perfect spot for families to pitch up and kick back among the rolling countryside of Dorset. With ancient hill forts, quaint villages, and historic stately houses to be explored there’s plenty of opportunities for days out nearby.

But if you want to stay around the site then the welcoming and dedicated team work hard to keep everything ship-shape, so you’ll always be relaxing in pleasant surroundings. There are lots of on-site activities available including an indoor heated swimming pool, family fishing ponds, tennis court and adventure playground.

There’s also a family bar, and a small cafe serving all-day breakfasts, lunches and afternoon tea. If it’s someone’s special day or you just want a fancy meal out, then pop down to nearby Lyme Regis and its plentiful supply of eateries. Or just nine miles east along the coast can be found the upmarket fish restaurants, cafes, pubs and foodie hangouts of West Bay.

For award-winning facilities - South Lytchett Manor, near Poole

Location: Lytchett Manor, Poole, Dorset, BH16 6JB

Price: Up to £41.75 for a deluxe pitch in high season between April and August.

Why stop here? Wow! Awarded the AA’s Campsite of the Year 2016, the Best Motorhome Site in Britain 2018 by Practical Motorhome, and now South West Campsite of the Year Winner 2021, this multi-award winning site has to be visited!

Situated in an idyllic 20-acre location just three miles from Poole Harbour, there’s oodles of space at South Lytchett Manor for everyone to spread out. And it’s not just for two-legged visitors, your trusty four-legged friends are also well catered for. The team at South Lytchett Manor are rightly proud of their dog-friendly credentials – even boasting dog-washing facilities, a dedicated off-lead dog walking area, and complimentary dog biscuits! They’ve even made a selection of their favourite circular dog walks available to download and a guide for dog owners filled with helpful hints and tips.

With luxurious heated showers and a choice of full-sun serviced pitches, they really have thought of everything. These facilities have even bagged the Platinum prize in the Loo of the Year Awards for three years in a row! Is there an accolade they haven’t won?

For a visit to Dorset food and wine country – Brewery Farm, Ansty

Location: Antsy, Dorset, DT2 7PN

Price: Electric, hardstanding campervan pitches are £24 per night.

Why stop here? Dorset has long been known for its fine array of local food producers. But their vineyards and winemakers have enjoyed something of a renaissance in recent years winning international awards with their delicious wines of regional character. One of the very best must be the Langham Wine Estate.

In the middle of classic Thomas Hardy country, Langham’s carefully selected south-facing slopes have the same chalk, clay, and flint soil composition as the Champagne region in France. So, it’s no surprise to hear that its fabulous fizz has been winning wine plaudits for its low intervention approach, traditional methods, and sublime flavour.

If you’re staying here as part of a food and wine tour then just six miles from Langham is the wonderfully quiet and peaceful Brewery Farm. A popular site for campers who want to beat the crowds, Brewery Farm has 10 hardstanding pitches and is surrounded by areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and many popular walks. Whether a ramble up to the Dorset Gap, a hike along the Jurassic Coast, or just a stroll around the footpaths in and around the village you can spend many happy hours traipsing around here. Perfect for walking off those extra calories!

When you’ve polished off your fine wines from Langham then there’s a well-stocked farm shop on-site which has plenty of delicious local brews on offer. While across the road can be found the 250-year-old Fox Inn pub, with its renowned Sunday carvery, bar and restaurant. Be warned, although the area enjoys majestic star-filled skies, you’ll still need to pack a torch for your short stagger back to your pitch.

Facilities include spacious pitches, a modern shower and toilet block with indoor washing up area, chemical disposal point, and decent Wi-Fi. After all, enjoying peace and quiet doesn’t mean you have to forego your social media fix! There are also fire pits to hire and logs for purchase so you can enjoy marshmallows under the stunning rural sky. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

For a tranquil spot away from the crowds - Hobby Farm, near Lyme Regis

Location: Bluntshay Lane, Bridport DT6 6RJ

Price: Pitches are from £15 per night. Up to two well behaved pets can stay for an additional £2 each per night.

Why stay here? This rustic and very tranquil adults-only campsite has 14 non-electric pitches suitable for smaller touring vehicles. There are clean, well-maintained toilets and showering facilities available. The friendly owners live nearby and take a relaxed approach to life on the site. The camping fields gently slope, and pitches are on a first-come, first-served basis. So, remember to bring your own chocks!

There’s a special relaxing ambience here with a tree and hedge-lined camping meadow centred around a large fishable pond, beside which alders and willows grow. Whether you choose to chill out next to a campfire, paddle around in the small white rowboat, or take an easy 10-minute stroll to The Five Bells Inn, you’ll be sure to have a relaxing time. But if you’re looking for a “holiday park” experience, then Hobby Farm is, most definitely, not for you!

The nearest beach is just over three miles away at Seatown, stop off at the Anchor Inn for refreshment when you arrive. And if you’re having withdrawal symptoms from civilization then the bustling, historic Lyme Regis is only a short drive away.

If you’re using your sat nav to find Hobby Farm in your campervan be aware that the postcode could send you miles away! Search for Hobby Farm Holidays on Google Maps instead.

For stunning views of the Jurassic Coast - Rosewall Campsite, near Weymouth

Location: East Farm Dairy, Osmington Mills, Weymouth DT3 6HA.

Price: Campervan pitches are between £18 - £30 depending on when you’re visiting. The pitches are not suitable for touring caravans and there’s no electric hook-up.

Why stay here? Just five miles from the seaside town of Weymouth, this large, family-run site boasts modern facilities, a laundry room, and a well-stocked camp shop for all your daily essentials. Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it’s located in the hamlet of Osmington Mills, with a 13-acre south-facing camping field that offers one of the best views of Weymouth Bay in the area. On-site activities include horse-riding and excellent fishing on their three coarse angling lakes.

Away from the site are Weymouth and Chesil beaches, Nothe fort and gardens, and the RSPB sites at Radipole and Lodmoor. You could spend a peaceful few hours rock pooling at Osmington Bay, searching for fossils on the beach, or snorkelling at Ringstead Bay. Or maybe just relax with a picnic and soak up those awesome coastal views.

For visiting the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove - Durdle Door Holiday Park, Wareham

Location: West Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5PU

Price: Around £30 for a premium hardstanding pitch. Up to two dogs on leads are welcome for £3 per night per dog.

Why stay here? Appealing to serious geologists and casual sightseers alike the iconic limestone rock arch of Durdle Door and the sweeping turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove are a must-see for many visitors to the county. For a site offering unbeatable access to both beautiful attractions, look no further than Durdle Door Holiday Park.

Owned by the same family for 400 years, the stunning Lulworth Estate includes this wonderful holiday park that backs straight onto the South West Coast Path. It’s any easy walk from the park to explore the dramatic cliffs and secluded coves of this amazing area. If you stay at the park the village is just a 30-minute walk with restaurants, coffee shops, cafés, pubs and a useful information centre.

Whether you want open countryside or sea views, you’ll find them here along with electric and grey waste hook-up, children’s play areas, a handy laundry and the all-important Wi-Fi.

Be aware that the coastal footpath joining Durdle Door to the perfectly sheltered Lulworth Cove is one of the busiest in the UK and sees hundreds of thousands of walkers every year. Perfect for sea bathing if you can avoid the crowds.

For history buffs - Norden Farm Campsite, Corfe Castle

Location: Corfe Castle, Dorset BH20 5DS

Price: From £10.50 for a small campervan in low season to £23 for a large motorhome in high season.

Why stay here? This well regarded, all-grass site has great facilities set on a working farm just outside the quaint village of Corfe Castle and its world-renowned castle ruins. The ruins themselves are a worthy centrepiece for any day out. But the village is also worth a visit with its pubs, shops and bakery. There’s also a Model Village, Animal Rescue Centre, and a steam train ride to the beautiful Swanage nearby.

Get yourself covered with campervan insurance

Wherever in Dorset you find yourself this year, make sure you and your possessions are protected with the right campervan insurance. Here at Motorhome Protect, our friendly team of experts can help you find cover that includes a range of benefits like:

• Cover for up to 365 days a year which can include foreign use
• Unlimited EU cover
• Up to £3,500 of cover for your camping personal effects

Call the team for a quick and easy campervan insurance quote today.

Policy benefits and features offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.