20+ Campsites Near Poole

Poole is flooded with beautiful things to do – from relaxing on the sandy beaches, fishing in the harbour and enjoying watersport activities to exploring the nearby island, diving into the town's history and taking in the surrounding wildlife. The coastal town is a beautiful escape from city life, and you’ll be entertained throughout your camping trip. Here are some fun things to do whilst camping in Poole.

Enjoy Poole Harbour

Poole is incredibly popular for its harbour, being the largest natural one in Europe. The magnificent location has designated zones for watersport activities such as,

• Windsurfing and kitesurfing
• Jet skiers
• Sailing
• Winging
• Paddleboarding
• Canoeing and kayaking
• Yacht Charter
• Powerboating
• Waterskiing and wakeboarding

If you bring your own gear, you’ll have to apply for a permit to use Poole Harbour. If you’re new to watersports or want to rent equipment, there are plenty of excursions you can book that’ll provide you with equipment and guides to teach you how to use it.

You could also enjoy a relaxing cruise at Poole Harbour. These cruises take passengers around the harbour, Brownsea Island, Sandbanks peninsula, Studland Bay, the Jurassic Coast and more. You’ll be able to capture picturesque views, see stunning wildlife such as seals, seabirds, dolphins and other marine creatures and listen to detailed commentary on local landmarks.

Explore Poole Quay

Poole’s Quay is a historic waterfront where you can expect to see tall ships, fishing vessels, powerboats, phenomenal views and more. If you walk along the Quay, you’ll find some traditional shops, restaurants and pubs. You can even enjoy some tasty fish and chips as you soak in the atmosphere and watch the boats sail in and out.

If you’re camping in Poole during summer, you can also attend Poole Quay Summer Firework Spectacular. This annual firework display event brings a fantastic vibe to the Quay. You can enjoy live music and entertainment, great food and, of course, marvellous fireworks. If you plan your camping trip in advance, you can even book a firework cruise and enjoy the display from a unique viewing point.

Relax at Poole’s beaches

Poole has so many golden sandy beaches perfect for building sand castles, enjoying the water, having a picnic or relaxing in the sun. Some beaches in Poole, including Sandbanks Beach and Canford Cliffs Beach, hold a Blue Flag status for sunbathing, swimming, watersports and more.

Here are some more beautiful beaches to visit while camping in Poole:

• Branksome Chine Beach
• Shore Road Beach
• Branksome Dean Beach
• Flaghead Chine Beach
• Hamworthy Park Beach
• Shell Bay
• Lake Pier Beach

Discover Brownsea Island

A short ferry ride from Poole Quay is Brownsea Island – famous for its thriving habitats and red squirrels. Whilst visiting, you can see various birds, including dunlin, kingfishers, common and sandwich terns and oystercatchers.

You’ll also find many spectacular walking trails that you can explore. On your journey, be sure to look out for the rare red squirrels and other stunning creatures. If you enjoy a bit of history, take a pit stop to Brownsea Castle, where you can see history unravel and learn more about the Tudor castle and the island.

After a long day of exploring the island, tuck into a picnic in the woodlands or head back to Poole.

Other Poole attractions

If you want a break from the water and beaches, there are tons more you can explore in Poole.

• Poole High Street: You’ll never be too far from your favourite independent shops and chain brands, restaurants and cafes as the Poole high street stretches from Poole Quay up to the Dolphin Shopping Centre – Dorset's largest shopping centre.
• Poole Museum: Reopening in 2024, Poole Museum is a popular site that sits in the Old Town and tells the story of the coastal town. From history dating back to 295 BC, you can discover all you need to know about the town and those who live there from past to present.
• Upton Country Park: Just 20 minutes away from our Moreton Club Site is the tranquil Upton Country Park. The park has stunning gardens and woodland trails and makes for a wonderful place to set up a picnic, go for a walk or just relax.
• Tower Park: An entertainment haven for the whole family, Tower Park is a great visit for when the weather is not so good and you want to enjoy a fun day indoors. At Tower Park, you’ll find a cinema, bowling alley, children's play area, waterpark and countless restaurants.

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