How to book
The campsite is open for group camping from 1 April - end of September. All camping visits need to be booked in advance. To talk to the Group Booking team, please call 01202 707744 and select option 2, or email brownseagroupbooking@nationaltrust.org.uk
The campsite
With its views over Poole Harbour and the Purbecks, the campsite is set around the very site that Lord Baden-Powell used for his experimental camp in 1907.
Equipment and facilities
The campsite is equipped with hot showers and a toilet block for campers, drinking water and a washing up area and a campfire area (subject to permission from the Duty Manager and dependent on fire risk on the day).
To make bringing your group as easy as possible, we have a range of equipment available to hire from tents to cooking equipment and dining shelters.
Cargo boat luggage transfer service
For larger groups (40-50+) who choose to bring their own equipment we offer a cargo boat transfer service on the Brownsea Seahorse (our landing craft vessel). Groups can load their kit directly onto a trailer on the Seahorse at the Sandbanks jetty or at Poole Quay and the Outdoor Centre team will then tow the trailer straight to the Outdoor Centre on Brownsea to reduce manual handling.
Getting here
Brownsea Island Ferries (01929 462383) and Greenslades Pleasure Boats (01202 631828 / www.greensladepleasureboats.co.uk) run the boat service from Poole Quay and Brownsea Island Ferries run the boat service from Sandbanks. You will need to book your boat crossing with the ferry companies directly who will be able to advise you on prices and luggage allowance. This is usually restricted to one piece of hand luggage per person plus 3 food crates per 10 people.
Arriving on Brownsea
The campsite rangers aim to meet all groups on the quay as they arrive, however in busy periods we may have several groups arriving at the same time.
Some groups like to take on the challenge of walking and bringing their own luggage to the site. Please let us know if you would like your group to do this – it is after all something that we encourage.
When you arrive at the campsite, a centre ranger will gather the group for an induction to the site.
We aim to make Brownsea Island and our services accessible for all. Please discuss with us any exceptional needs which the group or group members may have.
