Swanage is located at the eastern end of the Isle of Purbeck peninsula. Its coastal position makes it an excellent base for people looking to spend time at the beach, but there's plenty more to see and do besides, including exploring the Jurassic Coast. This selection of Swanage campsites has something for everyone.
Swanage, Dorset (1.1 miles)
Family-friendly site with an onsite bar, restaurant, shop and entertainment, just five minutes from Swanage.
3.52 /5
Swanage, Dorset (3.4 miles)
Camping site set in the heart of the Purbeck countryside, a short distance from Swanage and Corfe Castle.
4.49 /5
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset (3.6 miles)
Award-winning family friendly site with charming, back-to-nature camping. Just four miles from Studland Beach.
4.62 /5
Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset (5.6 miles)
Family-run camping and touring site on a working farm with an onsite farm shop, just outside Corfe Castle.
4.94 /5
Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset (10.6 miles)
20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast and sandy beaches, with pubs within walking distance.
4.86 /5
Lytchet Matravers, Poole, Dorset (10.9 miles)
Adult-only (16+), dog-friendly touring and camping park for a peaceful getaway in the Dorset countryside.
4.5 /5
East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset (11.3 miles)
Family camping with campfires on a wildflower meadow, near Bovington Tank Museum, Monkey World and Lulworth.
4.82 /5
Hurn, Christchurch, Dorset (12.3 miles)
A family-run riverside campsite in Christchurch with excellent onsite facilities such as golf, café and a bar.
4.44 /5
Wool, Dorset (12.5 miles)
Award-winning friendly family run park set in five and a half acres of Dorset countryside.
4.78 /5
Wareham, Dorset (12.7 miles)
Family friendly camping, touring and glamping next door to Monkey World. Onsite alpacas you can walk and meet!
4.82 /5
Bockhampton, Christchurch, Dorset (14 miles)
Family friendly bell tents in rural Dorset. Just five minutes from the New Forest and 20 minutes to Bournemouth.
5 /5
West Moors, Ferndown, Dorset (14.7 miles)
Family friendly camping, touring and glamping near the Jurassic Coast, in easy reach of the New Forest.
4.63 /5
Lytchett Matravers, Poole, Dorset (11.3 miles)
Family-friendly camping and glamping with fantastic views over Poole Harbour. Campfires welcome!
4.81 /5
Bournemouth, Dorset (12.3 miles)
Bell tent glamping, set on the beautiful Parley Estate. Just 15 minutes from Bournemouth beach.
4.45 /5
Furzehill, Wimborne, Dorset (14.4 miles)
Brushing the Cranborne Chase AONB, this is a dog and family friendly escape with a pool, near the South Coast.
Ringwood, Hampshire (14.7 miles)
Back to nature camping at a New Forest family park with a pool, gym, restaurant, entertainment and fab activities.
Swanage, Dorset (0.4 miles)
Beach camping and glamping bell tents with golf on site, very close to Swanage Steam Railway and pier.
Swanage, Dorset (1 miles)
Small, family friendly tent and campervan site with shepherd's hut. Located minutes from South West Coast Path.
Swanage, Dorset (1.3 miles)
Family and pet friendly tent and touring holiday park nestled under the Purbeck Hills with indoor pool, restaurant.
Swanage, Dorset (2.4 miles)
Small touring site in Dorset AONB, just ten minutes from Swanage Bay. Dog friendly.
Swanage, Dorset (2.5 miles)
Small, friendly and family run farm camping site situated in Purbeck with grass pitches close to Swanage beach.
Harmans Cross, Swanage, Dorset (2.9 miles)
Back-to-basics, family friendly tent and tourer camping located next to the Swanage steam trains Railway.
Swanage, Dorset (2.9 miles)
A peaceful site with picturesque views of Corfe Castle, ten minutes from Swanage Beach. Dog friendly.
Wareham, Dorset (5.2 miles)
The Purbeck Hills, award winning beaches and a castle make this a popular family site.
Kimmeridge, Wareham, Dorset (6.4 miles)
Privately owned and Caravan Club affiliated site, set on a stunning and unspoilt stretch of the Jurassic Coastline.
Wareham, Dorset (6.4 miles)
From treehouses to wild camping - Blue Pool camping has something for everyone. Peaceful tranquillity at it's best.
Ridge, Wareham, Dorset (7.4 miles)
A friendly, family-run camping and caravan site on a small farm close to the Purbeck Hills and lovely South Coast.
Lytchett Minster, Poole, Dorset (9.9 miles)
An award-winning 5-star campsite, located in stunning parkland just 3 miles from Poole and the Jurassic coast.
Wareham, Dorset (10 miles)
Bell tents for families and couples on a peaceful equestrian farm, 20 minutes from the Jurassic Coast.
East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset (10.5 miles)
A quick drive from beaches, Durdle Door and Monkey World, this dog friendly site is your base in the Dorset AONB.
Coldharbour, Wareham, Dorset (10.9 miles)
An open, rural, family-run caravan and campsite, surrounded by Wareham Forest, centrally located in Purbeck.
Wareham, Dorset (11.5 miles)
A 5-star park in Wareham Forest with a swimming pool. Bring the family and the dog - all welcome. Open all year.
Corfe Mullen, Dorset (12.1 miles)
A peaceful yurt glamping experience for a woodland family getaway with relaxing onsite holistic massages.
West Parley, Ferndown, Dorset (12.5 miles)
Camping and touring 15 mins from the New Forest and near to Bournemouth and beaches. Open year round.
Wareham, Dorset (13.3 miles)
A family-owned park with unrivalled access to the famous limestone arch at Durdle Door.
East Knighton, Wareham, Dorset (14 miles)
Friendly and family run camping site for tents and small campervans, just four miles to Durdle Door and Lulworth,
Winfrith Newburgh, Dorset (14.1 miles)
Pre-erected bell tent glamping for families with onsite animals. Five minutes from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.
Winfrith Newburgh, Dorchester, Dorset (14.2 miles)
Small, peaceful, family run CL site in Winfrith Newburgh, close to the beaches. Open year round.
Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset (14.3 miles)
Group glamping in spacious bell tents on the outskirts of the New Forest. Ideal for hen dos and birthday parties.
Clayford, Wimborne, Dorset (15 miles)
A rural family friendly site just 30 minutes from Bournemouth and Sandbanks beaches. Ten minute walk to a pub.
East Knighton, Dorset (14.2 miles)
Small, peaceful, family friendly site for tents and small campervans. Rallies welcome. Dog friendly.
Sopley, Christchurch, Dorset (14.4 miles)
Lavishly furnished yurts with private facilities and campfires set by the New Forest and Sopley Lake. Dog friendly.
Start your visit with a leisurely walk along Swanage Pier! It's a great place place for a family photo or spot of crab fishing.
Swanage Beach is sure to be a hit with all the family too, with calm waters and beach wardens in the summer months. The dare-devils in your group may like to try seeing the coastline from a different angle, either kayaking or coasteering with Land and Wave or Cumulus Outdoors.
Nearby Shell Bay is a clean and white sandy beach, ideal for building sandcastles or relaxing with a good book. This pretty beach is located in the Studland and Godlingston Heath Nature Reserve, maintained by National Trust, and has a great circular walk through the sand dunes.
At Shell Bay you’re also close to Old Harry Rocks, which are a must see when in Dorset. This beautiful and unique headland is best viewed from the Studland to Swanage coastal path, or you could take the Second World War Walk and see sights such as Fort Henry, pill boxes and Dragon's Teeth (tank obstacles).
Stoborough Heath National Nature Reserve and Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve are also within easy reach.
Back in town, hop onboard a stream train to journey along the Swanage Railway to nearby Corfe Castle. The kids will also love Putlake Farm, a real working dairy farm with pedal go karts, trampolines, a petting centre and the opportunity to bottle feed your favourite farmyard animals.
To the south of the town, beautiful Durlston Country Park - complete with a fascinating Victorian castle and grounds - and Anvil Point Lighthouse are both worth a visit.
Swanage is also an good base for exploring the magnificent Jurassic Coast, with Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove both highlights. Weymouth, Poole and Bournemouth are more good day trip options.