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  1. United Kingdom
  2. England
  3. South West England
  4. Dorset

Southover Woods and Camping

95%
·
47 reviews
 · Dorchester, Dorset, England
60 acres hosted by Chloe S.
2 glamping pitches · 14 tent pitches
Avatar
Best glamping: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Best in South West England: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at some sites.
Creature comforts
Enjoy the comforts of home at some sites—including flush toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
Nearly wild camping in a vast Dorset woodland

All the joy of wild camping is offered at Southover Woods in rural Dorset – with one or two of the rough edges taken away. For one thing, this is a bonafide campsite so there’s no worries over being asked to move on and, for another, there’s the important business of access to a loo. Nonetheless, these small concessions to campsite life can't take away from the back-to-nature experience of camping here in rustic woodland surroundings. You can't drive to your pitch, pop into a clubhouse or pick up supplies from the campsite shop but you can truly immerse yourself in nature. You can sling a hammock between trees, you can have acres of wood to yourself and you can enjoy the simple pleasures of going off grid: campfires, birdsong and breathing easy among the trees.

The choice of pitches at Southover Woods is more like a choice of separate campsites. Biggest of the lot is the enormous Tenders Pitch which offers a yurt, an outdoor kitchen shelter, its own facilities and space for up to 30 people to pitch tents together among the trees. At the other end of the scale are Decanter, Lordship and Villager pitches; these well-spaced clearings in the trees each sleep up to eight and share a loo and shower. And, if you prefer to be bathed in sunshine, the meadow pitches at the edge of Southover Woods will be just right for you.

The whole idea here is to offer people the chance to relax in nature and if you embrace that idea, you could spend your weekend or week right here; the woods stretch to 60 acres after all. But the paths that criss-cross the woodland are a tempting way to explore too. The long-distance Hardy Way and Jubilee Trail offer alluring routes to follow to nearby rivers and villages. Beyond that, if you’re happy to get back in the car, there’s all of Dorset to explore including its Jurassic Coast, just half an hour’s drive away.

Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Forest
Field
Farm

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Tent pitches

14 units
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Meadow Camping 2

100% (14)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our meadow camping is definitely the accessible option for a pitch up and go stay.  Although an open field, unlike many campsites, we restrict the amount of campers per pitch. Stopping that ‘sardines in a tin’ feel.  With a two car space. car park in the Meadow and then the extra parking for other cars just a short wonder away and wheelbarrows are provided to move kit if needed. Follow signs on our map (can be found on our direct website) to our meadow pitches. Southover woodland itself cuddles the back of the meadow and a furrow of pine trees marks the opposing fence line. A sublime sunset bathes this pitch in the clear evenings really peaking that camping experience.  Please do be mindful of animals and store food and waste accordingly. We kindly ask campers to adhere to our ‘leave no trace policy’.  There are shared composting toilets with loo roll and a camp style showers in the meadow and a tap with access to water.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Lordship Pitch

100% (8)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Lordship is an idyllic pitch designated for families and small groups of up to 10 people. It is surrounded by a mixed species of Trees allowing the sunlight to glisten through the canopy, Lordship is quite special.  At Southover Woods we aim to inspire families to reconnect and get back to nature and our Woodland camping does just that.  Lordship is a wild woodland camping pitch, with a camp-style shower, a composting toilet and a fire pit with a kettle.  The pitch is spaced well from other pitches and sits just opposite The Woodland School. Being a good-sized pitch large enough for one or two tents or a couple of smaller tents.  Our woodland camping pitches are booked by only one party, so this site is exclusively for you and will give you your own space and privacy during your stay. So grab a tent and some marshmallows from 'Artie's shop' and head to the fire and make some memories with your loved ones.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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BlueBell - Hazel Wood - Mixed Pitch

100% (6)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 4
Our Hazel Wood Pitches are a higher ground, woodland pitch surrounded by Hazel and Ash Trees. With the sun glistening through the Trees at sundown these pitches are truly special. Just a short walk up Hammock Hill from the car parks and using wheelbarrows provided to wheel kit up, you will walk into a fresh and wild pitch. Hazel Wood has shared long drop toilets and camp style showers, these are well placed insuring privacy but we advise showering in swimwear. *Please note the toilets and showers do not have doors* Each pitch has a set Fire Pit, Kettle and Grill but we do allow campers to move about and make their own pitch here. Being mindful of others its a great spot to meet like minded people. These pitches are ideal for small parties of campers, solo stays and couples. Small Tents, Hammocks and Bivvy's. Please note these are a shared facilities pitch. We do allow children here but advise using our Woodland Pitch for family stays. Drop off area for this pitch is at The Meadow gate, we then ask you to park in one of the car park provided. Please see the map and key info for more details. Do you use social media - check out this pitch on Instagram....@south.overwoods
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
Instant book

AshTree - Hazel Wood - Mixed pitch

100% (5)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 4
Our Hazel Wood Pitches are a higher ground, woodland pitch surrounded by Hazel and Ash Trees. With the sun glistening through the Trees at sundown these pitches are truly special. Just a short walk up Hammock Hill from the car parks and using wheelbarrows provided to wheel kit up, you will walk into a fresh and wild pitch. Hazel Wood has shared long drop toilets and camp style showers, these are well placed insuring privacy but we advise showering in swimwear. *Please note the toilets and showers do not have doors* Each pitch has a set Fire Pit, Kettle and Grill but we do allow campers to move about and make their own pitch here. Being mindful of others its a great spot to meet like minded people. These pitches are ideal for small parties of campers, solo stays and couples. Small Tents, Hammocks and Bivvy's. Please note these are a shared facilities pitch. We do not allow children here but advise using our Woodland Pitch for family stays. Drop off area for this pitch is at The Meadow gate, we then ask you to park in one of the car park provided. Please see the map and key info for more details. Do you use social media - check out this pitch on Instagram....@south.overwoods
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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DayDreams - Large Groups

100% (5)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 20
Daydreams is designed for larger groups, situated adjacent to Max Events it has a busier and more active feel. Parking in the Daydreams car park and heading in past the black pond, DayDreams is a pitch in total privacy. Having a low beech canopy this pitch is the ultimate hammock hanging camping pitch. Centred by a fire pit with a kettle and grill. Surrounded by log seating and with a composting toilet and camp-style shower. When you book Daydreams you will have exclusive use of the site. Please note we cannot accept children in this pitch due to the pond. Download the Map and Key info for further details including directions to Southover Woods and the site map. For a video of this pitch check out our Instagram @south.overwoods
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Meadow Camping 1

63% (4)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our meadow camping is definitely the accessible option for a pitch up and go stay.  Although an open field, unlike many campsites, we restrict the amount of campers per pitch. Stopping that ‘sardines in a tin’ feel.  A two car space in the Meadow, just a short wonder from the shared Car park for extra cars and wheelbarrows provided to move kit if needed. Look for and follow signs or check our map (can be found on our directwebsite) to our Meadow Camping pitches. Southover Woodland itself cuddles the back of the meadow and a furrow of pine trees marks the opposing fence line. A sublime sunset bathes this pitch in the clear evenings really peaking that camping experience.  Please do be mindful of animals and store food and waste accordingly. We kindly ask campers to adhere to our ‘leave no trace policy’.  There are shared composting toilets with loo roll and a camp style showers adjacent in woodland just next to the meadow on both sides and a tap with access to water.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Villager Pitch

100% (4)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our Woodland Pitch Villager is designated for Families and Groups of up to 10 people. Villiger is our perfect wild camping pitch, so much so, it is one of our favourites. Taking a stroll through the tunnel of Rhodey’s from a large shared car park, Villiger opens up into a charming little spot. With a higher geographical setting than other pitches, you get snippets of view through the canopy, giving that Tree-Top house perception. The pitch is well-spaced from other pitches, with the site large enough for a variety of tents. A villager is centred by a fire pit and log seating. Kettle and grill provided. We have a composting toilet and a camp-style shower in the pitch and encourage campers to use eco-friendly soaps only.  Parking for villagers can be found in the large car park.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£24
/ night
for NaN guests
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Willow Tree - Hazel Wood

100% (4)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 4
Our Hazel Wood Pitches are a higher ground woodland pitch surrounded by Hazel and Ash Trees. With the sun glistening through the Trees at sundown these pitches a truly special. Just a short walk up Hammock Hill from the Meadow car park and using wheelbarrows provided to wheel kit up, you will walk into a fresh and wild pitch. Hazel Wood has shared composting toilets and camp style showers, these are well placed insuring privacy. Each pitch has a fire pit, kettle and Grill but we do allow campers to make there own pitch here. being mindful of others its a great spot to meet like minded people. These pitches are ideal for small parties of campers, solo stays and couples. Small Tents, Hammocks and Bivvy’s.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Craftsman Pitch

83% (3)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 20
Craftsman is designed with larger groups in mind. Enjoy the morning sun on your face with freshly brewed coffee or crack a beer around the campfire under the starlit sky in Craftsman. The Wild Woodland Camping at Craftsman has a lovely open feel with the morning sun peering through the trees. Centred by a fire pit with a kettle and grill. Surrounded by log seating and with a composting toilet and camp-style shower. It is a Large pitch and has several woodland pockets with space for Large Tents, Hammocks, Marquees and Tarps. It is next to Max Events and has a busier, more active feel. When you book Craftsman you will have exclusive use of this large pitch. Additional people are £15 per person per night. Dogs are welcome and are free. Download the Map and Key info for further details including directions to Southover Woods and the site map. Check this pitch out on our Instagram @south.overwoods
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Greyhound Pitch

100% (3)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 20
Greyhound has been designed with larger groups in mind. Being located on the Large group side of the campsite this pitch is forgiving for bigger groups naturally making a little more noise. Greyhound is located in the centre of Southover Woods, Turning right from ‘The Middle’ car park (overflow parking) and heading down the track to the Greyhound car park. Walking into Greyhound through the magical mossy tunnels you will see a large Woodland pitch, Centred by a fire pit with a kettle and grill. Surrounded by log seating and with a composting toilet and camp-style shower. Greyhound is suitable for Large Tents, Hammocks, Tarps and small marquees. Set up camp and enjoy making memories with friends around the fire. When you booking Greyhound you will have exclusive use of the pitch. Download the Map and Key info for further details including directions to Southover Woods and the site map. Check out a video of Greyhound on Instagram @south.overwoods
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Decanter

100% (2)
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
From The Large Car park take a short stroll through the magical Rhodey tunnels to Decanter. This pitch embraces our Woodland's interesting features, Decanter is Mother Nature's playground for both young and old.  A central fire pit immersed in a little woodland dimple and then surrounded by log seating facilitates this pitch. Logs can be purchased on-site and we ask for our campers to kindly not use deadwood as this is a vital habitat for the ecosystem of the woodland.  Suitable for tents and hammocks alike, this pitch is both family-friendly and private enough for couples wanting to enjoy some time together.  A composting toilet with a loo roll is provided and a camp-style shower.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Instant book

Meadow Camping 3

Booked 1 time
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our meadow camping is definitely the accessible option for a pitch up and go stay.  Although an open field, unlike many campsites, we restrict the amount of campers per pitch. Stopping that ‘sardines in a tin’ feel.  With a two car space. car park in the Meadow and then the extra parking for other cars just a short wonder away and wheelbarrows are provided to move kit if needed. Follow signs on our map (can be found on our direct website) to our meadow pitches. Southover woodland itself cuddles the back of the meadow and a furrow of pine trees marks the opposing fence line. A sublime sunset bathes this pitch in the clear evenings really peaking that camping experience.  Please do be mindful of animals and store food and waste accordingly. We kindly ask campers to adhere to our ‘leave no trace policy’.  There are shared composting toilets with loo roll and a camp style showers in the meadow and a tap with access to water.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests
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Instant book

Meadow Camping 4

Booked 4 times
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our meadow camping is definitely the accessible option for a pitch up and go stay.  Although an open field, unlike many campsites, we restrict the amount of campers per pitch. Stopping that ‘sardines in a tin’ feel.  With a two car space. car park in the Meadow and then the extra parking for other cars just a short wonder away and wheelbarrows are provided to move kit if needed. Follow signs on our map (can be found on our direct website) to our meadow pitches. Southover woodland itself cuddles the back of the meadow and a furrow of pine trees marks the opposing fence line. A sublime sunset bathes this pitch in the clear evenings really peaking that camping experience.  A fire pit, kettle and grill are provided to again ease your camping trip, however utensils and other cooking props can be found in our communal kitchen situated in The Woodland School for shared use. We do however advise you to wash before use and please return to the kitchen for others. Washing up facilities can be again found in this location. Please use eco friendly soaps.  Please do be mindful of animals and store food and waste accordingly. We kindly ask campers to adhere to our ‘leave no trace policy’.  There are shared composting toilets with loo roll and a camp style showers in the meadow and a tap with access to water. Again we do ask our campers to use eco friendly soaps to protect and preserve our beautiful woodland.  Are you looking for something to do with the children… check out The Woodland School, our very own activity pitch and Arties shop for s’mores and more!
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
No picnic table
from
£30
/ night
for NaN guests
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Meadow Camping 5

Booked 1 time
Tent pitch · Sleeps 10
Our meadow camping is definitely the accessible option for a pitch up and go stay.  Although an open field, unlike many campsites, we restrict the amount of campers per pitch. Stopping that ‘sardines in a tin’ feel.  With a two car space. car park in the Meadow and then the extra parking for other cars just a short wonder away and wheelbarrows are provided to move kit if needed. Follow signs on our map (can be found on our direct website) to our meadow pitches. Southover woodland itself cuddles the back of the meadow and a furrow of pine trees marks the opposing fence line. A sublime sunset bathes this pitch in the clear evenings really peaking that camping experience.  Please do be mindful of animals and store food and waste accordingly. We kindly ask campers to adhere to our ‘leave no trace policy’.  There are shared composting toilets with loo roll and a camp style showers in the meadow and a tap with access to water.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£12
/ night
for NaN guests

Glamping

2 units
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Tenders Pitch

100% (12)
Yurt · Sleeps 24
Welcome to Tenders, our Bohemian style Yurt camping pitch nestled in the opaque Dorset woodland.  Tenders is a beautiful site containing a Yurt and an outdoor kitchen area, as well as a number of shake holes providing interesting topography with light and open areas.  This is our largest site extending to around 12 acres of woodland. Tenders has its own car park and entrance sweeping round into the beautiful site that has been developed for a truly magical woodland experience.  The pitch accommodates campers with a seating area centred by a fire pit and kettle, a composting toilet and camp style shower.  This Camping pitch is designed for couples looking to enjoy a dreamy weekend away to families craving connection whilst being in nature. The Yurt is furnished with sleeping facilities of a double bed and mattress protector. A single camp bed and/or a travel cot can be provided upon request.  Please note we currently do not provide bedding.  With a log burner keeping you snug we can provide logs, firelighters and kindling however please note we do not accept responsibility for your fire management and request you speak to our team if you seek guidance. Our campfire kitchen does have a small selection of cooking utensils, we do however advise to wash prior to usage and ask that all food and waste is stored being mindful of animals and in line with our ‘leave no trace policy’ requiring removal of all rubbish. Although you are paying for the whole site we do require notification of the amount of people attending the site for insurance purposes, failure to notify us will void insurance. There is space to pitch around 3 large tents, and lots of trees for hammocks, as well as smaller areas for smaller tents. This site can easily accommodate 20 people without feeling crowded, but would be a wonderful spot for a family wanting space and peace. 
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£80
/ night
for NaN guests
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The Hut On The Hill

Cabin · Sleeps 2
'The Hut on the Hill' at Southover Woods and Camping brings an element of Glamping to our current wild woodland camping site. A handmade off-grid Shepherds Hut using timber grown and milled here in Dorset. This unit sits within the 'Pony Paddock' and benefits from a large open space with views over rolling fields. Facing west the hut gets a glorious sunset but benefits from a small woodland patch at the rear with a fire pit and log seating. Inside the Hut are three main areas. A bathroom with a full-size shower, sink and toilet. A bedroom area with shelving and a large dressed double bed. Please also note towels are provided. Centrally the hut has a small table and chairs for dining and a kitchen space with a sink, fridge and gas hob. All cooking utensils and crockery are provided. Having a log burning stove the hut will cater to winter campers wanting to curl up in front of the fire.
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
Showers
No picnic table
from
£120
/ night
for NaN guests

Reviews

95% Recommend91 Ratings · 47 reviews
Recommends
· June 2025
Magical, peaceful, back to nature
Tent · With pets ·
Lordship Pitch
An absolutely magical campsite. Staying here felt like a true escape from the world, the pitches are so well spread out that it feels like you have the whole place to yourself. With no cars the kids were able to be wild and free, they loved playing on the big swing exploring the woods. The compost loo and bucket shower are positioned on the pitch so that they felt really secluded, which was great, as before arriving I was a little worried that there was a risk that other campers would be able to see us, but that wasn't the case at all. This felt as close to nature as can be, but with just enough of the comforts to make it easy! I would thoroughly recommend a stay here.
C
Cat ?.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent ·
Lordship Pitch
Very nice site. We had a really cool experiences camping in the woods which. There was a good communication from the owner and we definitely will come back
K
Kseniya T.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Brilliant trip back to nature?
Tent ·
Meadow Camping 2
Awesome campsite. How lovely to leave civilisation. Beautiful spot and so many lovely walks on your doorstep. Proper peace! Chloe and her family were so interesting and so helpful.
H
Hermina C.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Highly recommend!
Tent ·
Decanter Pitch
Beautiful location! Would highly recommend! We were a little bit confused on how to get to the site, Chloe was brilliant and sent us through some directions and we found it easily from them. Nice private camping areas with their own firepit and composting toilet. Great for couples or groups of people as there are lots of different pitches offering different unique locations and views. Looking up and seeing the stars above a fire pit, priceless!
Avatar
Jack H.
2 reviews
Recommends
· April 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Meadow Camping 2
I enjoyed the views and quiet area. Chloe The host was lovely and super accommodating. Chloe was really kind, even took time out to find us when we got lost trying to find the way. Our daughter was able to run around enjoying the surroundings, exploring and playing freely. Our dogs were able to bark and be free.
V
Van Dyke V.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Just great!
Tent · With kids ·
BlueBell - Hazel Wood - Mixed Pitch
Such an incredible little hideaway. We camped in the woods. I haven't camped like that since I was in the cadets 30 years ago! Great rustic toilets / showers. Fire pit was awesome; plus heating the kettle on it too.
R
Ron Y.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
DayDreams - Large Groups
Great spot for large groups. Feels exactly like wild camping. Would recommend to anyone.
M
Matt C.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Group trip ·
Tenders Pitch
We had a great time at Tenders Pitch. Great location, perfect evening with my boys around the fire pit.
A
Anthon G.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
Villager Pitch
We loved camping at southover woods! We stayed at villager pitch and it was amazing 🤩 will definitely return.
Z
Zuzana V.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Tent ·
BlueBell - Hazel Wood - Mixed Pitch
The site at Hazel Wood was outstanding! Beautiful and level with an excellent fire pit. A very peaceful two nights for my boys and I. We enjoyed the’near’ wild camping experience without the usual fear of being‘moved on’. Chloe could not have been more welcoming, friendly and helpful. Will certainly be going back to Southover!
Avatar
Billy B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Hazelwood Pitch - 2 night stay
Tent · With pets ·
AshTree - Hazel Wood - Mixed pitch
Hazelwood was such a great pitch! We were up there with three other tents but it still felt peaceful and secluded. Each pitch has it's own fire pit, grill and kettle, and logs were available to purchase. Bucket showers and toilets were available nearby, and staff/rangers were on hand via phone to answer all of our queries even though we rocked up late-ish about 8pm. We would definitely stay here again, it was so nice to wake up under a canopy of trees and feel like you were camping in the wild.
A
Andriana K.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2024
Worth it for the location alone.
Tent ·
Meadow Camping 2
Amazing location and a very friendly and attentive host.
A
Andrewvgmuir ?.
2 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Amazing group pitch
Group trip ·
Tenders Pitch
Wonderful semi-wild pitch. We have tried the meadow pitch here before (would also recomend) but booked the Tenders pitch as it included a yurt and outdoor kitchen which was perfect for a friend who doesn't enjoy camping experiences too much. The site is huge! Amazing value for money if there is a group of you going. The site has everything you could need. The woods are very close to the Dorset coast. The woods themselves are beautiful and bright pink from Rhododendron's. The children had great fun exploring and playing hide and seek in the woods. Cannot recommend enough.
S
Samantha J.
5 reviews
Recommends
· June 2024
Tent · Group trip ·
Lordship Pitch
Really friendly people, amazing place. I'll definitely go back.
Y
Yağız O.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Highly recommended
Tent ·
Lordship Pitch
Such a beautiful locations. The forest pitches are amazing and spacious. It was a great all around experience.
S
Sammy P.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2024
Remote camping
Tent · Group trip ·
Meadow Camping 2
What a fantastic location! We turned up with a group of 10 and was met by the owner who was very friendly and helpful. Our pitch had a firepit aswell as some benches surrounding it which we all sat around in the evening. The location is very remote which was lovely, surrounded by woods and open fields. I would highly reccomend anyone to this site, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and hope to return one day! Thank you
Z
Zack B.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· April 2024
Wild camping
Tent · Group trip ·
DayDreams - Large Groups
Exceptional. It is the 3rd time we use this campsite and we absolutely love it. Access road it is a bit rough tough.
P
Paul M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· September 2023
Camping with friends
Tent · Group trip ·
Craftsman Pitch - Large Groups
We stayed at the Craftsman’s pitch and it was absolutely wonderful. You are in the middle of nature and it was just so peaceful. The road to get in is quite a long and bumpy dirt road so just be prepared for that. We will definitely be back to a Hipcamp
M
Megan D.
1 year on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· September 2023
Do a bit of homework
Tent ·
Meadow Camping 1
The advertisement for this campsite has tick boxes indicating it has showers and a shop. This is stretching the truth. You can fill a bucket of water (from a tap which isn't near the shower and not easy to find) and suspend it on a rope over your head. The shop is a tent with an honesty box that has fire wood and a few biscuits. Its a nice peaceful location but be warned is located at the end of a really bumpy farm track. All fine if you know what your getting into.
T
Tim L.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2023
Perfect Weekend
Tent ·
Willow Tree - Hazel Wood
We had a great time staying at Southover Woods. Perfect peaceful, back-to-nature experience. Pitches are well-spaced, with a nice welcome pack and fire pit. Hosts were very friendly and happy to help when we needed more firewood. Would definitely return 😊 thank you for a lovely stay.
S
Sophie M.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Lovely, quiet, spacious
Tent · With kids ·
Villager Pitch
We really enjoyed the location and Chloe was super helpful. Even offering to pick up supplies when we got a flat tire. At SouthOver Woods time goes so much slower, and although we only had four night it felt like six. There were other campers on location, but we hardly saw them. It was so lovely to cook over an open fire every night. Popcorn, S’mores, Dampers, and Damper donuts all cooked over the embers. Only two things to be wary about - take insect repellent, we got eaten. Second is the access track, it’s narrow in places and the brambles were over grown. I put some major scratches in the paint work.
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Fraser L.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2023
Tent ·
Meadow Camping 2
At first was a bit hard to find but once we found the coordinates on the page it was easy to follow from there. The place is absolutely stunning . Chloe was very helpful and easy to reach. We absolutely loved our stay at the camping. This is our new most favourite place
S
Silvia A.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
A great stay!
With pets ·
Tenders Pitch
A great stay! So secluded and really stunning. Facilities were just as described on the website and it was pretty easy to find. Will be booking again next year!!
N
Natalie E.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Tenders Pitch
One of the most beautiful, secluded and magical campsites I’ve ever stayed in. So private and really feels like you are in your own fairytale. Thank you so much, best weekend ever!!
R
Rachel D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2023
Such a lovely place.
Tent · With pets ·
Lordship Pitch
What a lovely place. I fully recommend it to everyone. I will be back definitely. Thx Chloe for great memories.
P
Paweł G.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
Woodland wonderment
BlueBell - Hazel Wood - Mixed Pitch
I loved camping at Southover Woods, it was a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary. I'd love to come back when the bluebells are out! Our 18month old son was in his element exploring the woods, and was delighted to discover the mud kitchen and swing! It would be fantastic if the signage could be made clearer to show where to go from the crossroads, all the way to where to park for the hazel woods sites and their numbering - may have just been us being weary after the drive but we were a bit flummoxed! Also, come prepared for ticks!
K
Katya B.
5 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
With kids ·
Tenders Pitch
Absolutely fantastic trip, the Yurt was amazing, the site was fantastic, with great facilities. Really remote, was great to get away with the family ! Will definitely be going again!!
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Tim R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
Tent · With pets ·
Lordship Pitch
Loved our stay, everything was perfect. Have already booked to return in a couple of weeks. Very impressed.
H
Holly R.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· June 2023
With kids ·
Tenders Pitch
Brilliant site!, super helpful host. Yurt was awesome, everything you need for a wilderness adventure away from it all. Only slight downside is the track to tenders is very rough. Not sure a car would get over it well but everything else was perfect ! Will be coming again asap 💯
D
David W.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· May 2023
Tent ·
Lordship Pitch
What a beautiful spot. Felt like we were in a secluded wood all on our own.
C
Chris N.
2 years on Hipcamp

Location

Dorchester, Dorset, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Chloe S.

Joined in March 2022
From the host
Welcome to Southover Woods and Camping a Wild Woodland Campsite. Nestled within the heart of Dorset's embrace, Southover Woods invites you to an extraordinary location spanning over acres of private woodland. A sanctuary for those seeking solace in the wild, our campsite boasts a unique blend of seclusion and communal spirit. Each campsite, carefully dispersed amidst the Trees, centres around a mesmerising fire pit embraced by rustic seating, offering campers both warmth and connection. Our accommodations cater to a diverse preference of camper, from the adventurous charm of hammocks in Hazel Wood to the serene escape of our Bohemian style Yurt pitch. Please note that we have rustic toilets and showers which are open with no doors.
Nearby attractions

There are footpaths and bridleways through the trees and beyond. Well-signposted, long-distance routes that pass through the woods include the Hardy Way and the Jubilee Trail. Max Events (0117 950 8080) operate group activities including paintballing, quad biking and archery nearby. Wessex Fly Fishing (01305 848460) is just outside the woods and the Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum (01305 848 237) and the National Trust’s Cloud Hill (01929 405616), once a rural hideaway for T.E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) are attractions within five miles of site. Monkey World (01929 462537) and Bovington Tank Museum (01929 405096) are not much further. Dorset’s Jurassic Coast is about 15 miles south of Southover Woods with seaside Weymouth, pretty Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and fossil-strewn Kimmeridge Bay all about a half-hour drive away.

Food and drink

Cooking on the campfire is all part of the experience at Southover Woods so that is heartily encouraged but if you need supplies, the closest shop is a small convenience store in Puddletown, about three miles away. The nearest pub is also in the village, called The Blue Vinny.

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