Camping on Brownsea Island

Notes for guests

Adventure Camping: Public camping aimed at primarily friend groups, families and individuals.

Group Camping: Due to Coronavirus restrictions we are unable to take any group bookings for 2021. We hope to be able to accept bookings for 2022 towards the end of the year. Group camping is defined by groups of 15- 60 persons camping at one time for Scouts and Guides association groups.

Two night stays: Available on a first come, first served basis, subject to availability.

Getting to and from the island: 

The only way to access the island is by passenger ferry. Boats run between April and October and you will need to pre-book your arrival boat. Return boats must be pre-booked but can be done so from the campsite. If you intend using these boats (essential unless you’re bringing your own) then the cost of the ferry is not included in your campsite fee.

Arrival boats run from Poole Quay to Brownsea Island in the afternoon. Departure boats from Brownsea Island to Poole Quay run in the morning only.

Arriving by private boat: You are welcome to arrive by sailboat, canoe or kayak.

Travel: We recommend coming by train, Poole Train station is a 20 minute walk from the Quay, with regular direct trains from London Waterloo.

There is no vehicle access available on Brownsea Island and access is by passenger ferry only. The nearest parking is the Quay visitors multi story car park - a 10 minute walk to the ferry at Poole Quay.

On the Island: For Adventure Camping, you will need to make your own way to the campsite: a 20–25 minute walk on a rough track. Please travel light as you will need to carry your own belongings to the campsite. You will not need to bring cookers or cooking equipment with you, as these will all be provided. Suitcases and wheeled cases or bags are not suitable.

Cooking: It is prohibited to carry camp cookers and fuel on our boats so please do not bring these with you for your stay. Shared field kitchens are located around the campsite which are equipped with cooking facilities. We will provide you with a box of cooking equipment, but you will need to bring items for personal use such as cutlery and crockery.

Hazards: As arrival to the island is via boat, you must be able to independently transfer from the boat onto the jetty with your baggage. The campsite is close to the sea and cliffs.

Baggage Policy: You will be responsible for carrying your baggage on and off the ferries and to and from the campsite which is around a 20–25 minute walk. We therefore advise packing as light as possible and you should be able to carry your personal baggage yourself without having to make additional trips.  Backpacks are recommended.

Food: You will need to bring all your own food. There is no food shop on the island, only a café – open during day visiting hours only.

Drink: Drinking water is provided from standpipes at the campsite and may be used for drinking and cooking.