An island campsite near the beach, surrounded by thriving habitats in a spot famous for red squirrels.
The simple tent pitches are widely spaced in clearings between the trees and we rotate them to support conservation on the island. Book a pitch online, and we'll allocate yours when you arrive. Remember you'll need to be able to carry your tent and other gear on and off the ferry and to our luggage trailer. You'll have shared access to equipped camp kitchens, but should bring all the other gear recommended in the packing guide (see the Guide to Brownsea Island Campsite).
The tree tents are suspended between the trees, no higher than 1.2m, ready for you to put your own roll mat and sleeping bag inside. They sleep two or three people (children must be over three years old). You'll have shared access to equipped camp kitchens, but should bring all the other gear recommended in the packing guide (see the Guide to Brownsea Island Campsite). Stays in the tree tents are subject to wind conditions.
The bell tents are traditional, pre-pitched tents on wooden platforms. The smaller (4m) bell tents sleep two people, and the larger (5m) bell tents sleep up to four people. Dogs are not allowed on Brownsea Island.
The bell tents have a double futon-style mattress with bedding and linen for two people. In addition, the 5m tents have two foam futons to make beds for two more guests, although you'll need to bring the bedding and linen for them. There's also a table with two camping chairs in each of the tents. We'll provide cooking equipment, a cool box with frozen cool packs, a washing-up bowl and access to a shared field kitchen.
Please bring your own cup, plate/bowl and cutlery, as well as your food. Bring towels, and we recommend extra lighting like a wind-up lantern or extra torch. Don't forget bedding and linen for the additional futons if you'll be using them. You'll mind more information about what to pack in the Guide to Brownsea Island Campsite.
Brownsea Island was part of the Scouting and Guiding movement's early beginnings, when the first 'experimental' camp was held here in 1907. It's the country's only SCENES - Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature, Environment and Sustainability - and is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve. There's space for up to 60 group campers in a designated area with an equipped field kitchen, near the facilities. South Shore Lodge bunkhouse (sleeps 12) and St Mark's Bothy (sleeps five) are nearby and can be booked together.
Find all you need to know about a holiday at Brownsea Island Campsite, including how to travel to the island, facilities and more...
View the campsite map
Camp under the trees at Brownsea Island, Dorset and uncover the history of the Scouts movement in 'Escape to adventure island'. You can also find more episodes from series seven, filled with nature and history.
From red squirrel walks and fungi hunts to family bushcraft sessions and yoga...
Perfect for family and friends on holiday together or as part of an organised group or association trip, Victorian conversion South Shore Lodge sleeps 12 people in basic bunk-bed accommodation right by the beach on Brownsea Island.
St Mark's Bothy opened in 2024, a small stone building from the 1800s, right next to the beach and South Shore Lodge. It has simple facilities for five people.
For friends and family who might like to stay near you in a holiday cottage, there are two National Trust cottages by the water's edge on Brownsea Island. Custom's House sleeps two guests, and Agent's House sleeps six. Both are bright and fresh with great views.
Famous for red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting
Take a walk on Brownsea Island, Dorset, and encounter a variety of birds and other wildlife that calls this island sanctuary in Poole Harbour, home.
There is plenty of wildlife and history to discover on this woodland walk. Catch a glimpse of a rare red squirrel or traces of Brownsea's once industrial past.
Enjoy a scenic tour of Brownsea Island’s best viewpoints, offering spectacular seascapes that take in neighbouring islands and the Purbeck Hills beyond. Make sure you bring your camera.
Find the perfect spot for your trip - by a lake, on the coast, in wild countryside or near mountains. Find out more about pitches for tents, campervans and caravans, and glamping options including pods and safari tents.