Our complete guide for to campsites in Dorset

Dorset’s Jurassic coastline is iconic. Put Dorset into a search engine and invariably an image of Durdle Door will appear. This natural limestone arch jutting out into the sea is a world-famous feature of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic coastline and well-photographed.

Created when the sea pierced through the limestone around 10,000 years ago, Durdle Door forms part of a host of coastal attractions along this stretch of the South West Coast Path, which also includes the turquoise-watered bay of Lulworth Cove.

The Jurassic Coast actually begins in Devon and stretches for 95 miles towards Dorset’s Studland Bay, where you’ll find another iconic Dorset feature, the chalk-white cliffs of Old Harry Rocks.

Another option for your coastal fix is to head to the Isle of Portland, where Portland Bill Lighthouse stands proud on the cliff edge, and then walk along the shingle barrier of Chesil Beach (which is 18 miles long) with the sea one side and the unique habitat of the Fleet Lagoon on the other.

There are of course plentiful beaches along Dorset’s coastline, from sandy coves to pebbled shorelines with fossils to be found. Ones to note include Lyme Regis, Charmouth, and Golden Cap (the highest point on the south coast of England). VisitDorset’s beach guide will help you find the perfect beach for you.

It’s not just the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and the county’s inviting beaches that deserve to be explored. If staying on a campsite in Dorset these attractions are worthy of your time, too.

The riverside market town of Wareham has a history going back more than 2,000 years and, until the fourteenth century, it was a busy port. These days Wareham is somewhere to relax, have something to eat, or take a trip along the river.

Dorchester is a typical market town that has five excellent museums and exhibitions. The Dinosaur and Teddy Bear museums and the Terracotta Warriors, Tutankhamun, and Mummies exhibitions are all within walking distance of each other.

Dorchester is also Dorset’s county town and birthplace of famous author and poet, Thomas Hardy. There are a variety of places to eat out here, with the best place to head being Brewery Square. In the summertime, many of the eateries have al fresco dining, giving a feel of London’s Covent Garden to Dorset.

Famed for the commanding castle that overlooks the village, Corfe Castle is also a picturesque place to take a stroll. There are two main streets, linked at the village square. Around the square is a small collection of shops, tea rooms, pubs and a church.

You can enjoy sitting outside one of the cafés, with views of the castle high on the hill above the village, or watch the steam trains on the Swanage Railway as they make their way down from here to the Victorian seaside resort at Swanage. Of course, a visit to the castle ruins is also a must – with fallen walls and secret places, these romantic ruins have 1,000 years of history to share.

Evacuated in 1943 during World War II, the village of Tyneham has been deserted ever since and, over the years, nature has begun to reclaim the empty homes. The fact that Tyneham is now owned by the Ministry of Defence, and is only accessible to the public at weekends and select dates throughout the year, all adds to the mystery of this very unique and unusual place.

No matter the time of year, catch the cliff railway down to the beach at Bournemouth and you’ll find holidaymakers making the most of the seven miles of sands. As well as the traditional seaside attractions, Bournemouth’s pier has a range of high-adrenalin activities on offer, including a highline obstacle course and a terrifying-looking zip wire. Bournemouth also has plenty of shops and restaurants.

One of England's 10 designated National Parks, The New Forest is not actually located in Dorset, but lies on the western edge of Hampshire which borders east Dorset. This means the New Forest is easily accessible from several campsites in Dorset.

Known for its many trails, wild heathland and native ponies, the forest is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Don your walking boots, or hop on two wheels, to discover the diverse wildlife and natural beauty, or wander the cobbled streets of the pretty towns and villages. For wet weather days there are several museums to explore, including the renowned National Motor Museum at Beaulieu, housing over 250 vehicles telling the story of motoring through the ages.

For anyone wanting a beach holiday in Dorset there are a selection of campsites on the Dorset coast offering access to glorious sandy beaches for a family trip to the seaside.

If you're looking for a campsite in Dorset near the beach, you’ll find seaside resorts of varying sizes and styles, from genteel Lyme Regis to more lively Weymouth. Fossil hunters can head for the pebbled sands of Charmouth Beach, or if sunbathing and sandcastles is more your thing, spend a day on the golden sands of Bournemouth.

Set in Hampshire, bordering the county of Dorset, the New Forest makes for an ideal place to visit during your camping holiday to Dorset.

Choose a campsite in, or near, the New Forest and be surrounded by nature and wildlife. You can also easily access the many walking trails of the forest within a few miles, or some almost direct from your pitch.