Southover Woods

Southover Woods offers an almost wild, peaceful woodland camping and glamping experience just 20 minutes outside of Dorchester. With both shaded woodland and meadow pitches, the site is ideal for groups or families wanting to pitch together. Get back to nature with the whole site being car-free and off-grid, with a private fire pit for toasting marshmallows at night. The shores of the Jurassic Coast are also only 30 minutes away!

About Southover Woods

This peaceful site is set in over 65 acres of woodland and includes two beautiful meadows. The ethos of the campsite is 'taking time in the woods to live life well', so if you are looking to get back to nature, this is a great off-grid spot. Nestled in the South Dorset countryside, a short journey to the Jurassic Coast, and connected by bridleways and footpaths to local and national walks, it's perfectly positioned for an outdoorsy break. During the day, you can take part in bookable onsite activities such as bushcraft, forest bathing or walking trails. In the evenings relax by your fire pit gazing up at the starry sky, either peacefully in your own woodland camping spot or with others in a shared area. There are woodland camping pitches set in their own areas. For solo campers, couples or groups of up to four, the three Hazel Wood pitches offer a shaded clearing suitable for those in hammocks and small tents. Set in a scenic meadow clearing, there are also two non electric grass pitches, which allow for both tents, vans and roof tents, with up to ten guests. A great spot to watch the sunset and an ideal "pitch up and go space". Decanter, Lordship and Village are woodland pitches that allow a maximum of 10 guests, each with their own compost loo and bucket shower, kettle and grill, perfect for large groups. These pitches are set next to the car park and one of the water points, great for transporting your gear to your pitch. Catering for even larger groups, pitches Craftsman, Daydreams and Greyhound, allow up to 20 guests. These pitches have a busier feel, each pitch with a fire pit, log seating, kettle and grill. Each pitch also has its own composting loo and bucket shower. There is also the "Tenders" pitch, perfect for families and couples, set in a large section of woodland for up to 20 guests. The space features a yurt with a double bed, heating, an outside kitchen, private facilities and a large fire pit. There is plenty of room around the yurt for another two large tents to be pitched and numerous small tents and hammocks. Everything on offer is intended to help keep life simple and sustainable while you stay, including the bucket showers. These offer a natural solution to keeping the body and forest as pristine as possible - simply heat up water over your campfire, pour it into the bucket, and hoist it overhead for a rewarding hot shower! Nights can be best spent gathered around the fire pit toasting marshmallows. Please note, that disposal BBQs are not allowed. Placing the grill provided on top of your fire pit makes for the perfect alternative! Logs can be purchased onsite. Animals are welcome, with dogs allowed in the woodland pitches, just please clean up after them. Ponies are welcome to stay in the second meadow. The meadow pitches are pet free. Please note, children are not permitted in the Daydreams pitch as there is a pond on entry. Also, there are three water points on site so a water carrier is highly recommended. There is also parking all around the site so you can park at the one closest to your pitch.

Open from 12 April to 31 October

Facilities and amenities

Site facilities include composting toilets and wild outdoor bucket showers. Each pitch is also supplied with an individual fire pit, kettle and grill. Water is provided at one of three standpoints however, this should be boiled for drinking.

There is parking available onsite, as well as logs to hire.

The site is home to Birchbank Events where you can book private yoga and wellness or bushcraft events (they also cater for cooperate groups and large parties). A pony paddock is also available for bringing your own horse to stay.

The nearest supermarket is Spar, a ten minute drive away. For something to eat or drink, The Martyrs Inn is a 25 minute walk and The Blue Vinny pub a ten minute drive from the site.

Adult only

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets

Bike hire

Café / restaurant

Communal BBQ

Disabled facilities

Drinking water

Electric hookups

Entertainment

Family friendly

Fires allowed

Fishing

Games room

Glamping

Golf

Horse riding

Hot tub

Internet access

Kids club

Kids playground

Laundry

Near beach

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

RV pitches

Shop

Showers

Swimming pool

Toilets

TV room

Vineyard

Water hookups

Watersports

W.C. disposal

There are 15 accommodation options on-site

3 x Hazel Wood Pitches

3 x Hazel Wood Pitches

Max 4 people

Woodland space near the bluebell woods. Suitable for hammock hanging and pitching small tents, with a fire pit and a cooking grill. These pitches share composting toilets and bush shower facilities.

5 x Meadow Pitches (Pet Free)

5 x Meadow Pitches (Pet Free)

Max 10 people

Spacious non electric grass pitches in a meadow setting, each with a private fire pit with a kettle and BBQ grill. These pitches share composting toilets and bush shower facilities. Sorry, no pets.

3 x Decanter, Lordship And Villager Pitches

3 x Decanter, Lordship And Villager Pitches

Max 10 people

Well spaced, non electric pitches in 20 acres of wood, with their own fire areas and some shared spaces. Suitable for tents only.

3 x Craftsman, Daydreams And Greyhound Pitches

3 x Craftsman, Daydreams And Greyhound Pitches

Max 20 people

Open woodland six acre pitches, suitable for a number of large tents with a private compost loo, camp shower and fire pit. Each is for one group's exclusive use.