Brownsea Island Campsite

This historic campsite is on Brownsea Island, just off the coast in Poole Harbour. The island has sandy beaches and shallow waters on its southern and western shores, as well as a patchwork of woodland and heathland, reedbeds, lakes and a lagoon of international importance for overwintering and summer-nesting birds. The island is famous for red squirrels and you can often join a guided walk to spot them.

Trails criss-cross the island, taking in wildlife, views and great picnic spots. For families, there are activities like the tree climbing trail, natural playgounds and an area for building dens. You can join The Watersports Academy to kayak or paddleboard. 

Although Brownsea is only 20 minutes from the mainland by ferry, it feels a world away and offers a real escape with no traffic or light pollution and remarkable sunrises and sunsets . You can reach the island on your own boat, but most guests arrive on the ferry from Poole, and then it's a 20-minute walk to the campsite. Brownsea offers a traditional camping experience with simple pitches and shared camp kitchens. It was home to the first Scout camp in 1907, and is an important place for the Scouting and Guiding movement with regular group camps on the island. Complete a group camping enquiry form if you'd like to bring your Scout or Guide group to Brownsea.

Check in is 2.30pm - 5.30pm, with departures by 10.30am. Your ferry ticket is not included in your campsite booking - please check ferry timetables in advance. Your island entry is included in your campsite booking. Limited baggage can be taken onto the Brownsea Island ferry – see the guide for information on baggage allowances and chargeable items. Please pack light ensuring you can carry all your own gear on the ferry and to the campsite including tent, sleeping bag and mat, torch, food and cup/bowl/cutlery. You will  have the option of dropping your gear in the shared luggage trailer to be delivered to the campsite later in the day. We provide drinking water and cooking equipment in shared camp kitchens on the island. Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on Brownsea Island. Find more information in the Guide to Brownsea Island Campsite.