Whether you’re a hardened adventurer or prefer a comfy bed, we’ve rounded up some of the Vale’s best sites offering either traditional camping or the last word in luxury
by Lottie Hayton
For some, the idea of camping triggers memories of idyllic childhood getaways, the freedom to explore and being close to nature. For others, the prospect of living outdoors with nothing but some canvas between you and the elements is more a test of character than it is a relaxing holiday.
With the staycation a recent necessity rather than a choice, ‘glamping’ has become increasingly popular. Glamorous camping – if there can be such a thing – offers the novice outdoor adventurer the luxury of sturdier (or at least pre-erected) accommodation, with access to more luxurious cooking and bathroom facilities – top of the range sites even offer hot tubs.
Whether you’re happy pitching your own tent or hanker after some home comforts, there’s a huge range of options in and around the Blackmore Vale. We’ve rounded up some of the more interesting offerings, from off-grid hideaways for enthusiastic ramblers to family-friendly farms and well-equipped sites for large groups…

Best for groups
Stock Gaylard Estate, Sturminster Newton
Prices vary based on group size and site
Four spacious and secluded sites that sleep 2, 11, 12, and 15 (and an extra two in each if guests bring their own tent and bedding). Each has a campfire, gas showers, toilets and enough electricity to run lights and a fridge. The larger sites also have gas ovens and stocked kitchens. The Withybed suite offers an outdoor bath.
You will be within an hour of the coast and on the 27 and 28 August the estate hosts The Oak Fair, which sees over 200 exhibitors and stalls gather to celebrate the Dorset countryside.
www.stockgaylardglamping.com
01963 23511

Best for beaches
Dewflock Farm, Winterborne Monkton
Pitches from £30, bell tents from £270
This fun and relaxed working farm is the perfect place for families to explore the local area. Choose from a grass pitch, bell tent or shepherd’s hut. Bike routes are easily accessible and there are some lovely beaches nearby, including Ringstead and Lulworth. If you’re visiting before 21 August, do check out the Burton Bradstock 40th anniversary music festival.
www.dorsetfarmcamping.com
07977 079144

Best for families
Bloomfield, Child Okeford
From £100 per night
There are five yurts and a safari tent on this seven-acre dog-friendly site, each of which sleeps up to two adults and three children. Each pitch has a fully equipped kitchen, covered outdoor seating and a firepit. The solar-powered facilities block houses fridges and freezers.
www.bloomfieldcamping.com
07970 979432

Best for going off-grid
New Court Farm Camping, Batcombe
From £14 per night
Pitch your tent on a farm in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Facilities are basic, with no electricity or wifi, although there are unisex portable toilet, hot showers and cold water. It’s the perfect location for those wishing to find peace and quiet on a budget – although it feels remote, local pubs and shops are only a 10-minute drive away.
newcourtfarmcamping.co.uk

Best for animal lovers
Yeabridge Farm, South Petherton
Minimum stays apply and vary by month
Themed and luxury yurts offer heating from a log burner and solar lights. The hosts can arrange for a selection of wine to be delivered to your yurt.
The farm offers ‘chickens for hire’ – three chickens for you to care for, along with feed, bedding and a hut next to your own accommodation (and you can keep any eggs they lay during your stay!)
www.yeabridge.farm 01460 242800

Best for luxury
Farmstead Glamping, Colber Farm nr Sturminster Newton
From £110 per night
Colber Farm’s glamping retreat aims to be a sustainable luxury experience. It boasts two shepherd huts and a tiny barn, each in its own secluded spot on this family-run dairy farm. Available all year round, the heated accommodation includes ensuite bathrooms and outdoor bathing in wood-fired hot tubs and a copper tub (pictured), a fire pit and wood-fired oven. Guests can pre-order breakfast hampers. Dogs are welcome.
There are many beautiful local rambles on the doorstep, including the North Dorset trailway, while the historic Sturminster Newton Mill is a 10-minute walk away. Guests can get to the Jurassic coast by car in just under an hour.
www.farmsteadglamping.com 01258 472162 info@farmsteadglamping.com

Best for budgets
Chettle Campsite, Blandford Forum
From £24 for tent, motorhome or trailer pitches; £50 for bell tents
Hardened campers will enjoy going off-grid at Chettle Campsite – using a compost loo and cooking over an open fire. This dog-friendly site is next to the Jubilee Way and gives easy access to walks in Cranborne Chase and the Chalke Valley. There are showers and washing-up sinks, and even an on-site ‘library’ that offers a sheltered place to curl up with a book after a day’s exploring.
chettlecampsite.com 07716 479177