Riverside Lakes
4.78 /5
Set within 26 acres of glorious Dorset countryside, Riverside Lakes offers a relaxing stay just 20 minutes from Bournemouth. Spacious, mown grass pitches welcome both tents and tourers, with the option of electric too. For a touch of luxury, stay in one of the fully furnished bell tents, each set by one of the scenic lakes with onsite fishing available. Meet the friendly animals and even take part in one of the onsite arts and crafts activities!
Featured in our 2024 Outstanding Sites list of reliably excellent camping, glamping, and touring sites
Family and dog friendly camping, touring and glamping in 26 acres of peaceful Dorset countryside
Top facilities with fishing/wildlife lakes, a shop, fires welcome, animals, activities and more!
Located just 15 minutes from the New Forest, 20 minutes to Bournemouth and the coast
About Riverside Lakes
Within a 20 minute drive of the New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast, this family friendly site is perfectly located for days of exploring. Covering 26 acres of countryside, you can also enjoy gentle strolls onsite, fishing in the lakes or simply unwinding at your pitch. Each of the pitches are neatly mown into the camping field, welcoming up to ten guests each. Enjoying unspoilt views over the surrounding landscapes, there are 16 pitches with an electric hook up, available for both tents and tourers. Pitches one to 11 are certified with The Camping and Caravanning Club, therefore those staying on these pitches must be a member. All of the pitches are grouped into areas amongst the meadow and woodland. Each of the clusters is accessible by car, with long wild grass in between to help with privacy. For those wanting a little more luxury, the site offers five fully furnished bell tents, each sleeping up to six. Set next to the scenic lakes, the tents come equipped with a double bed, single beds for extra guests, bedding, linen, lighting, blankets and a log burner to keep you nice and toasty. For unwinding outdoors, there is a picnic table and fire pit with a grill. If you want to keep busy onsite, there are a whole range of activities available too. Take part in pottery painting and tie dying and create something to remember your stay, or even meet some of the friendly animals including alpacas, Kune Kune pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and more! Dogs are also welcome to join you for your stay, so there is no need to leave a member of the family behind. There is a large fire pit and smaller ones dotted around the site for toasting marshmallows too. BBQs are also allowed, with bricks to keep them raised from the grass.
Camping and touring is available from 29th March until 1st October. Bell tents are available from 1st May until 1st October.
There are 36 accommodation options on-site
Bookable pitches and accommodation options
6 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Centre Point)
Max 10 people
Grass pitches without electric in the centre of the site, suitable for tents only.
6 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Chill Out)
Max 10 people
Grass pitches without electric in a far corner of the site, suitable for tents only. These pitches are a little walk from the shower block but there is a compost loo nearby. Direct access to the woodland walk.
5 x Non Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Ridgeway)
Max 10 people
Spacious grass pitches without electric at the top of the site, suitable for tents only and offering shelter and views across the whole site. These pitches are very close to the car park, toilets, showers and farm.
3 x Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Lake View)
Max 10 people
Grass pitches with a 16 amp electric hook up looking out across Willow lake. Suitable for tents only. These pitches have no shelter so are great sun traps.
3 x Electric Grass Tent Pitches (Overview)
Max 10 people
Grass pitches with a 16 amp electric hook up between Kingfisher and Willow lakes offering the perfect fishing spot. Suitable for tents only. These pitches have a little shelter and are close to the toilet facilities and freezer shed.
8 x Electric Grass Touring Pitches
Max 10 people
Grass pitches with 16 amp electric hook up and lake views. Suitable for tourers only. These pitches are a close walk to all facilities and amenities and have their own washing up and CDP areas nearby.
Site tariff
Things to do on site and in the Horton area
When the weather is warm, a trip to the New Forest Water Park (20 minutes) is the perfect way to have some fun. Take on the real life 'Total Wipeout' and try and get through the course without getting wet!
The bustling town of Bournemouth is also within a 20 minute drive. Full of shops, eateries and attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy. Head to Bournemouth Pier for some traditional seaside fun or visit Oceanarium to see some sea life.
Kingston Lacy (20 minutes) is a pretty National Trust property, perfect for a gentle morning or afternoon out. Wander the manicured grounds, explore the lavish home and let kids run wild in the two play areas.
Other nearby attractions include:
- Go Ape Moors Valley (10 minutes)
- Liberty's Owl, Raptor and Reptile Centre (15 minutes)
- Boscombe Pier (15 minutes)
- Snowtrax Alpine Activity Centre and Snowsports Shop (15 minutes)
- Sandbanks Beach (35 minutes)
Finding other sites like Riverside Lakes
Nearby towns and attractions
Blandford ForumBournemouthBransgoreBurleyChristchurchFordingbridgeLytchett MatraversPooleRingwoodSimilar sites
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