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Camp Hartland

94%
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· Wareham, Dorset, England
6 acres hosted by Camp H.
50 tent pitches
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Traditional camping on the Isle of Purbeck with campfires allowed and a pub next door

Situated on a road between two National Nature Reserves, it is difficult to compete with the countryside credentials of Camp Hartland. Blissfully rural and wonderfully quiet, the greens of the ancient Dorset heathland are dotted throughout the year with the ever-changing colour of wildflowers. In winter it’s the brown and white of crispy morning frosts, overlooked by circling hen harriers. Then, when summer comes, the purple haze of bell heather spreads into the grey waters of the nearby moors. Nestled in the midst of this wild and natural landscape is the 28 day pop-up site itself, a destination that clearly received Mother Nature’s memo: "Keep it simple, keep it green and keep it peaceful".

Three miles from Wareham and only a little further to the coast, Hartland Farm is a historic smallholding that is now a working stables. While horses frolic in the fields, a grassy heathland stretch is set aside for hardy campers and a couple of rustic family bathrooms have been readied for their arrival. Hot showers inside a wooden hut are accompanied by a washing up area. But beyond this there's very little onsite – just the way it should be. There are no electric hook-ups or chemical points, a positive approach by the owners to encourage only campers looking for that back-to-basics, authentic experience. And authentic it is, with the working farm on the doorstep and sheep grazing in the next-door field. Chickens scratch as they please, supplying eggs to the farmhouse, where you can also collect a morning croissant, perfect for breakfast.

While the site merits attention for its simplicity and welcoming atmosphere, Camp Hartland’s location dusts the icy on the cake. The nearest neighbour is a beautiful thatched pub that has a large summer garden, while the market town of Wareham, 5 minutes by car, boasts a 10th-century wall that give views over the medieval settlement and across the waterfields beyond. It is the dynamic heritage coast, however, that draws the crowds, with rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, secluded coves and unique formations like Old Harry Rocks. For all of these costal attractions Camp Hartland is well located and walkers can join fabulous sea-front footpaths just a stones throw from the site.

This is a campsite of old; an easy-going, peaceful place that boasts little more than what is required. Good, well-maintained sanitary facilities, a grassy patch to pop the tent and a welcome spot to kindle the campfire. While the less observant flock to their road map’s designated motorhome compound, this little gem retains its quiet charm and unpretentious beauty – a 28 day hideout in Dorset’s best position.

The unit will be in one of three camping fields, two lower down with a tree line giving shelter on windy days and one at the top of the site with bigger views of the surrounding nature reserve and sunsets (also sunrise if you are up early enough!) Please choose an available space on arrival, as there are no marked pitches. We have shared facilities include a family shower block with two hot showers and two toilets. There are also two further showers and four basic eco toilets on site (a hole in the ground with a cabin on top). This is a simple campsite in a stunning area.
Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Beach
Coastal
Field
Farm
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94%
45 Ratings · 45 reviews
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Adrian T.recommends
September 1, 2023
Grass Pitch
A really pleasant camp site. Toilet and shower facilities are homely and the on site cafe is perfect. 10 mins walk to the local pub is handy and although a drive to the beach is necessary there’s a fairly regular bus route which stops at the pub previously mentioned.
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Kaily F.recommends
August 26, 2023
Grass Pitch
Great stay - really lovely people and a delightful cafe. Gorgeous surroundings, great for exploring by bike. Quite a few mosquitos in the evenings where we were pitched, but probably would have been fewer in the top field.
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Mal M.recommends
August 22, 2023
Grass Pitch
This is a great campsite, set in a lovely area. Facilities were excellent.
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Kayvahn K.
September 7, 2022
Grass Pitch
Nice site, minimal play area
A nice site, however its not our preferred type of site, as quite close to other campers and there was a very loud group in nearby field who partied to 3am both nights. Beware lots of Mosquitoes in the upper area, had 62 bites after one night!
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Sue ?.recommends
September 6, 2022
Grass Pitch
Lovely couple of nights camping, with the horses. Very quiet, good facilities and great pies!
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Ellen G.recommends
September 6, 2022
Grass Pitch
Beautiful campsite
Absolutely perfect campsite. So relaxing with incredible facilities and really nice atmosphere. There was a hook or shelf everywhere you needed in the shower shack or toilet cubicle. 👌🏼 Had such a lovely last minute stay would 100% recommend - thank you. :)
Location
Wareham, Dorset, England, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Camp H.Joined in May 2013
From the host
Nestled in beautiful countryside, just a short distance from Corfe Castle and Studland beaches in Dorset, Camp Hartland is the perfect campsite for friends and families to enjoy an outdoor adventure. There are 3 camping fields to choose from with no formal pitches. We have a chalet style wash block with 2 family washrooms (shower / toilet / sink) and washing up facilities. There are 2 further showers and 4 eco toilets located around the farm, so there is never too far to walk if nature calls. The sociable hub is often centred around our Horsebox Cafe. Jill opens in the morning and the afternoon serving up tea, coffee, cold drinks, hot breakfast baps, picnic pies to take away for the day, our well known pasties (all made on site), cakes, cookies and ice creams. Camp Hartland is open during the summer holidays and offers you a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of your busy lives and sample the great outdoors exactly as it should be. Come and pitch your tent for a night or more, sleeping below the stars in peaceful surroundings. A choice of beautiful beaches just a short drive away for you to brace yourself for an invigorating sea swim, lie on the silky sand, take country walks, bike rides or sit by your tent reading a good book. Whatever your past time, we look forward to seeing you soon!
Nearby attractions

The nearest sizeable settlement is the traditional market town of Wareham sandwiched between the rivers Piddle and Frome. Each summer it plays host to the Purbeck Film Festival (07939 968238), with films projected against the old city walls. In the other direction lays hilltop Corfe Castle (01929 481294), reminiscent of a fairy tale, something accentuated when the steam train (01929 425800) chugs past bound for Swanage (08704 420680). It is here that you'll find Durlston Country Park (01929 424443), an area of grass and woodland strung across the dramatic coastline. Walk to Dancing Ledge in the west, Old Harry Rocks in the east, or back inland to Kingston. Kimmeridge Bay (01929 481044), Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are all a short drive away, unique coastal formations that epitomise the beauty of the Jurassic Coast. Closer to home, nature lovers should wander to Stoborough Heath Nature Reserve (08456 003078) and Hartland Moor Nature Reserve (08456 003078), either side of the campsite.

Food and drink

We are walking distance from our neighbours, Lenctenbury Farm with PYO fruit and farm produce shop, and our local pub, The The Halfway Inn (01929 480402), a beautiful, historic pub with a thatched roof, friendly and accommodating owners .  You will find good pub grub, great beverage selection (whatever your tipple!) and pub garden with children's play area.

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