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!
Spacious, private wild woodland pitches available for small and large groups with private fire pits
Range of bookable activities onsite including bushcraft, foraging and crafts!
Situated just 20 minutes from Dorchester, 30 minutes to Durdle Door and Bowleaze Cove
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
There are 15 accommodation options on-site
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)
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
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
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.
Site tariff
Interested in staying at Southover Woods?
Call 07540 091459 to book.
Unfortunately Southover Woods doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
Things to do on site and in the Dorchester area
The site has created the Woodland School where they share their passion for what great things the woods have to offer. It aims to teach the next generation and prides itself in supporting children to learn and grow in nature's playground. Booking can be made through the Rangers.
The site owners are also happy to assist bookings on activities such as fishing, horseback riding, quad-biking and clay pigeon shooting.
For getting out and exploring, the stunning Durdle Door is only a 30 minute drive away. One of the most picturesque spots in the area, it is perfect for a swim or simply a scenic walk. It can get busy so try going for sunrise or sunset! Ringstead Bay is only 20 minutes.
For other beaches, Bowlease Cove, has incredible food and parking on the beach. Knoll Beach at Studland is best for facilities and great for children as it's shallow. Most beaches are dog-friendly.
Dorchester is 20 minutes away, full of shops, eateries and charming attractions. Visit the The Keep Military Museum, The Dinosaur Museum, the Dorset Teddy Bear Museum or National Trust - Max Gate, Thomas Hardy's previous home.
Other nearby attractions include:
- Athelhampton House and Gardens (5 minutes)
- National Trust - Hardy's Cottage (15 minutes)
- Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre (15 minutes)
- Xtreme Falconry at Dorset Falconry Park (20 minutes)
- Bowleaze Cove (30 minutes)
Interested in staying at Southover Woods?
Call 07540 091459 to book.
Unfortunately Southover Woods doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
Finding other sites like Southover Woods
Nearby towns and attractions
Blandford ForumChesil BeachLytchett MatraversMonkey WorldMoretonOsmingtonPooleSandfordWarehamWest BayWeymouthWoolRelated searches near Dorchester
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