Sandbanks campsites: seaside stays for the not-so-rich-and-famous
It may be home to the world’s most expensive coastal street, but you really don’t need a millionaire’s home to have a good time around this part of the world – Sandbanks campsites do the job just as well (and with a much better dose of fresh air than if you were rolling around in some marble-clad mansion too…)
After all, the sea and that long, splendid stretch of sand are the main aspects that drew those folk down here in the first place, and those attractions are open to all visitors. Bag a berth at a good-value campsite near Sandbanks and you’ll have a few more pennies in your pocket to invest in the fab range of watersports available around the bay or to treat yourselves to a posh dinner at one of the top-notch local seafood restaurants.
Good value doesn’t have to mean basic, of course – plenty of Sandbanks campsites have swish rental tents and lodges for those seeking a little bit of luxury. That said, you can totally strip life back to the essentials for a wild camping stay if you prefer. It’s all about finding the place that’s just right for you – and that’s where our Sandbanks camping guide comes in. Read on to find out more about the fab range of options around this stunning stretch of the Dorset coast.
Camping near Sandbanks: from the frugal to the fancy
Those bringing their own place to stay (be it a tent, a caravan or a motorhome) will be OK to settle at any campsite near Sandbanks, right? Well, not quite – there’s rather more to it than that these days, as you’ll note when you clock the list of filters on the left of this page.
Planning on quiet country times between beach outings? Pick a peaceful spot, maybe a farm site, possibly even an adults-only site if you’re keen on a kid-free couple’s escape. Reckon you’ll need lots of facilities on hand to keep the nippers entertained? Look out for more developed Sandbanks holiday parks that have such things as a swimming pool (outdoor for summer hols, indoor for off-season) and a play area (maybe also a bar – it’s your holiday too).
If your style of travel lends itself better to having all the accommodation (and much of the rest of the kit) sorted for you, we’ve got all that covered too with our glamping options. Have a taste of the tent life by booking into a bell tent, tipi or wigwam, or get cosy in a Sandbanks camping pod, shepherd’s hut or gypsy caravan.
Need a bigger place for a bigger party? Check out spacious static caravans or find something family-sized among our collection of lodges and cabins.
What to do while staying at a campsite near Sandbanks
As previously noted, the beach is the thing – the Sandbanks peninsula is part of a gorgeous three-mile stretch of soft sand that’s just right for paddling and sandcastle-building. Deckchairs, parasols and ice creams are all on hand for folk planning to flop out, with crazy golf, volleyball and a play area for more active types.
There’s plenty of activity out on the water too – neighbouring Poole Bay is one of the largest natural harbours on the planet so there’s heaps of space to get to grips with sailing skills, paddleboarding, windsurfing and all sorts of other aquatic antics. If you want to get truly immersed, hook up with a Poole diving centre for snorkel and scuba trips over west to the Jurassic Coast.
Away from the beach, hop on a ferry from the Sandbanks jetty over to seek rare red squirrels on the wildlife-packed Brownsea Island, or grab your bucket and bait for an afternoon of crabbing at Poole Quay.
For family days out nearby, try Farmer Palmer's Farm Park, the slides of Splashdown waterpark or a trip into Bournemouth to meet marine creatures at the Oceanarium.
Keen to spend as much time as possible by the coast? Pick up inspiration for your next break with our full selection of campsites and holiday parks near the beach.
