Group camping

We’re proud to welcome organised Scouting and Guiding groups to Brownsea Island, the birthplace of the movement. A dedicated area of our campsite is reserved just for Scout and Guide groups, with low-cost pricing supported by the National Trust public campsite and the Brownsea Island Scout and Guide Heritage Trust.

Indoor options

We offer two indoor accommodation options:

• South Shore Lodge, a comfortable and spacious bunkhouse for up to 16 people
• St Marks Bothy, a cosy bothy sleeping five

Camping style and suitability

Brownsea Island group camping is ideal for young people aged 10+. Due to the island’s remote and natural setting:

• Groups must carry all personal and shared kit from the quay to the site — a 25–30 minute walk along unpaved tracks.

• A few trolleys are available on arrival, but you’re welcome to bring your own (must be folded town for transport via gangways and boats).

• Your group should adopt a lightweight, expedition-style camping approach with minimal impact and 'leave no trace' principles.

Back to Roots

In 1907, Lord Baden-Powell held the original experimental camp on Brownsea Island — the foundation of modern Scouting and Guiding. Our group camping area is believed to be on that very same site, offering a truly “Back to Roots” experience.

We're also the UK's only SCENES - Scout Centre of Excellence for Nature, Environment and Sustainability site. As part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve, we place a strong emphasis on environmental awareness, sustainability and respect for the island's unique ecology.

The Campsite

Nestled beside Poole Harbour, with views of the Purbecks, the campsite sits right on the historic 1907 camp location. The group site includes:

• Two camping areas with shared access to a central flagpole.

• Maximum capacity of 60 people total across two groups, ensuring plenty of space and minimal environmental impact.

• Direct shoreline access — ideal for groups arriving by boat.

• Sheltered surroundings, natural pond edges (not suitable for activities), and woodland.

• Shared access to clean toilets, hot showers (including disabled access), washing-up area, drinking water taps, and a small shop area with snacks and essentials.

Please Note: The island is open to the public, and while group areas are marked, some members of the public may pass through due to the site's Scouting significance. This should be reflected in your group’s risk assessments.

Cooking and equipment

Each group is provided with:

• A field kitchen shelter

• Gas cooking facilities (no personal cookers allowed)

• Pots, pans, and utensils

• Tables and benches (available on request)

Campers must bring:

• Tents, personal cooking/eating gear (cutlery, crockery), sleeping equipment, lighting (torches/battery lamps – no candles or open flames)

Fires and cooking safety

Brownsea is a high fire-risk area. Therefore:

• NO open flames — including campfires, barbecues, Trangias, candles, or solid/liquid fuel stoves
• Gas stoves are provided in field kitchens
• Do not cook inside tents – this is a carbon monoxide risk

Waste and sustainability

As a SCENES site, we operate a zero-waste policy for group camping:

• All rubbish and food waste must be taken home with you.

• Plan your menus and activities with waste reduction in mind.

• Over-cooked food? Share with neighbouring groups instead of binning it.

Let’s work together to leave Brownsea better than we found it.

Getting here

• Groups arrive via passenger ferry from Poole Quay – View the timetable here

• Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll help you pre-book ferry travel. We ask that groups arrive after 12:00 and depart before 15:00.

• Ferry fees are not included in the campsite fee and will be invoiced once booked

Ferry luggage allowance per person:

• 1 small personal bag (e.g. daypack or small rucksack)

• 1 camping rucksack or holdall (up to 45 litres)

• 1 tent

• All luggage must be carried in one trip — no overloading or multiple trips permitted

We ask all Scouting and Guiding groups to ensure that individual luggage is packed within the standard allowance outlined above for campsite guests.

An additional £15 standard kit charge will apply per group. This covers:

• Up to 5 additional bags per group, for shared food, group kit, or other essential items.

Please note: Any luggage exceeding this allowance may be subject to extra charges from the ferry company, payable on the day at the ferry kiosk on Poole Quay. These charges are in place to manage space, manual handling limits, and safety onboard the ferry.

Arrival and check-in

Upon arrival:

1. Collect a map from reception on the quay.

2. Walk 25–30 mins to the campsite, carrying all belongings.

3. Use our trolleys, or bring your own if needed.

4. One leader must check in at the campsite reception before pitching tents.

During your stay

• Enjoy self-led trails, nature walks, and Scouting history

• Book watersports with our third-party water sports provider

• Explore the island and take in its wildlife and heritage

• Find out more about outdoor activities on the island

Booking details

• Submit your booking enquiry here

• Max of 60 people across both group pitches

• 2026 camping season: 3 April – 28 September

• Minimum stay: 2 nights during school holidays, 1 night outside

Costs

• £11 per group per night

• £7 per person per night (same for youth and adults)

• Ferry fees extra, added to your final invoice

Deposit and payments

• Bookings under £200: full payment required upfront

• Bookings over £200: £200 deposit, balance due 60 days before arrival

• Bookings can be held for 14 days if travel is more than 90 days away

Check-in/out times

• Check in: 14:30 – 17:00

• Check out: by 10:30 (return cleaned equipment by this time)

Cancellation policy

Ready to return to the roots of Scouting and Guiding?
Submit your group camping enquiry today and begin your Brownsea Island adventure.