
Exploring the great outdoors is always a joy, but it’s even better when you can share the experience with your four-legged friend. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful countryside escape, a scenic coastal retreat, or a campsite packed with adventure, Dorset has some of the best dog-friendly spots in the UK.
From sandy beaches and rolling hills to charming woodlands and open fields, Dorset is a haven for nature-loving pet owners. Camping with your dog not only strengthens your bond but also gives them the chance to explore new sights, smells, and experiences in a safe and welcoming environment.
In this guide, we’ve rounded up the top dog-friendly campsites in Dorset, ensuring that you and your pup can enjoy a tail-wagging adventure together. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, these campsites offer the perfect combination of relaxation and excitement for both you and your canine companion.
Why should you choose a dog-friendly campsite in Dorset?
Miles of Coastal Walks: Why not explore the breathtaking Jurassic Coast, with plenty of pet-friendly beaches such as Studland Bay or Durdle Door?
Countryside Trails: The New Forest is one of many beautiful country walks where you may enjoy open heathlands, old forests, and charming pathways brimming with animals.
Bustling towns:Many dog-friendly restaurants are ideal for all family members. Rockwater Branksome, the Sobo beach in Southbourne, and the Urban Garden in Bournemouth town centre are a few suggestions.
Highlands End Holiday Park (Bridport)
📍 Location:Highlands End Holiday Park, Eype, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6AR
🐾 Why it’s great: It is a ten-minute walk that takes you to the stunning Eype Beach, while a scenic twenty-minute stroll leads you to the charming fishing village of West Bay. It has a wide array of amenities, such as a pub, entertainment, children’s playground, games room, sauna, and a swimming pool. There is a convenience store on site that sells freshly baked goods, as well as Martin’s restaurant and bar, which is open daily for breakfast and evening meals between February and November.
💡 Top Tip:Head to The Anchor Inn in Seatown, located at The Anchor Inn, Seatown, Chideock, Dorset, DT6 6JU, a dog-friendly pub offering breathtaking sea views!
Woodyhyde Campsite (Swanage)
📍 Location:Valley Road, Wareham, BH20 5HT
🐾 Why it’s great: This campsite has a wide array of facilities and space, and it sits on around 13 acres of land, providing 160 unmarked pitches suitable for tents, motorhomes, and campervans. There are 100 electric hook-up points available, with 20 hardstanding pitches specifically for motorhomes and campervans, shower facilities, an onsite shop and off-license, and wifi.
✅ There are some great dog-friendly pubs near the campsite. Some fan favourites are: The Bankes Arms Hotel (Studland), The Kings Arms (Swanage), The Old Harry Rocks (Studland), The Ship Inn (Swanage), The Salt Pig (Swanage) or The Royal Oak (Swanage), There is a wide array of walking trails that the entire family can enjoy. Some of the best trails are: Purbeck Hills Walk (South West Coast Path), Durlston Country Park Walk, Corfe Castle to Swanage Walk, Studland Bay & Old Harry Rocks Walk, and Swanage to Worth Matravers Walk
💡 Top Tip:Take your pup on a steam train ride from Corfe Castle to Swanagefor a unique adventure!
Durdle Door Holiday Park (Lulworth)
📍 Location:West Lulworth BH20 5PU Dorset Wareham, BH20 5PU
🐾 Why it’s great: Durdle Door Holiday Park has several great amenities, including a restaurant, onsite convenience store, children’s playground, laundry facilities, dishwashing areas, and showers. There are several facilities for your pooch, including the Man O’ War Bar & Restaurant or doggy ice cream parlours which you can get at the Boat Shed, Lulworth Cove Ice Cream Kiosk, or Durdle Door Corner. There are some breathtaking sites to explore with views of the Jurassic coast including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Lulworth Castle, The abandoned town of Tyneham, or the coastal town of Weymouth.💡
💡 Top Tip:If visiting in peak summer, head to Man O’ War Bay, a quieter dog-friendly alternative to Durdle Door Beach.
Norden Farm Campsite (Corfe Castle)
📍 Location:Norden Farm Campsite Norden Farm Campsite, Wareham BH20 5DS
🐾 Why it’s great: This campsite has a wide array of amenities, including showers, flushable toilets, laundry services, cleaning facilities for your pooch, complimentary wifi, an on-site farm shop stocking local produce, camping essentials and gas canisters, food vendors, a children’s play area, a fishing pond, as well as fireplace rentals. There is a wide variety of pubs and restaurants near the campsite, including The Greyhound Inn (Corfe Castle) The Fox Inn (Corfe Castle), The Cottage Café (Corfe Castle), and The Swanage Railway Café (Corfe Castle Station), which are all around 1 mile away from the campsite. There is a wide array of things to explore with your pooch, including the ruins of Corfe Castle, Studland Bay, and the nature reserve, or ride the Swanage railway and see the gorgeous Purbeck hills
💡 Top Tip:Visit Corfe Castle, where dogs on leads are welcome to explore the ruins with you!
Charmouth Camping & Caravanning Club Site (Charmouth)
📍 Location:Charmouth Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Monkton Wyld Farm DT6 6DB
🐾 Why it’s great: There is a wide array of facilities, including pitches for tents, caravans, motorhomes, and small campervans, with options for grass and hardstanding pitches, flushable toilets, showers, laundry facilities, dishwashing facilities, wifi, an onsite shop, and a children’s play area. There is a wide array of dog-friendly eateries near the campsite: The Marquis of Lorne (Lyme Regis), The Anchor Inn (Seatown), River Cottage Canteen & Deli (Lyme Regis), The Harbour Inn (Lyme Regis), The Swann Inn (Lyme Regis), The Town Mill Bakery (Lyme Regis) or The Red Lion (Charmouth) there is a great number of things to do with your dog, including Charmouth Beach (1 mile), Lyme Regis (4 miles), River Cottage (4miles), Uplyme & Lyme Regis Woodland Walks (4 miles), and Golden Cap (7 miles)
💡 Top Tip:Walk along the South West Coast Path towards Lyme Regis for amazing views!
Tips for Camping with Your Dog in Dorset
Check campsite rules: Some have leash requirements or limited access to certain areas.
Pack for your pup: Bring essentials like a bed, food, a water bowl, and a doggy first aid kit.
Be mindful of wildlife: Keep your dog under control near livestock or nature reserves.
Respect the environment: Always pick up after your dog and use designated waste bins.
Know the dog-friendly beaches: Some have seasonal restrictions (May-Sept), so check before you go.
