If you’re planning a camping trip at Durdle Door, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about Durdle Door camping, whether you have a tent, a camper van, or a motorhome.
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Free Camping at Durdle Door
We love a bit of wild camping, so naturally, we looked at ways to camp for free at Durdle Door.
We didn’t have much luck. Camping is not permitted anywhere along the coast or the beaches near Durdle Door, and we found no nearby park ups on Park 4 Night either.
At any popular tourist destination such as Durdle Door, this is not uncommon. Unfortunately, not all campers are responsible, and so the rules are there to preserve the area.
We encourage you to follow the rules so we can all continue to enjoy the natural beauty of this heritage site in Dorset. Below, I will be sharing alternative options that allow you to camp near Durdle Door.
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Camper Van Pitches at Durdle Door
Durdle Door Holiday Park is a family-owned business providing unrivalled access to Durdle Door and the surrounding coastline. Here, they offer two kinds of pitches for camper vans and motorhomes.
Sea View Camping at Durdle Door
The first is the Sea View Camper Van pitches. As the name suggests, this spot provides incredible views over the ocean. And although you can’t see it from your pitch, Durdle Door is just a 5-10 minute walk away.
We paid just £20 for this pitch which includes an electric hook up and access to the extensive campsite facilities, including toilets, shower facilities, fresh and grey water points, and a kitchen area. It was an extra £5 to bring our dog, Ronnie.
It states on the website that only vehicles under 5 metres are permitted to stay on this pitch; however, we are around 5.5 metres, and we had no issues. There was plenty of space around us, so I’m not sure why the restriction is there, but it’s worth keeping in mind.
Our only complaint about this pitching area is that it slopes to such a degree that even our levellers couldn’t fix it. But for just one night, it wasn’t too much of an issue. There’s also a public car park directly in front of the pitch, but it closes in the evening, leaving an unobstructed sea view.
Abbeyfield Camping Pitches
The second, the Abbeyfield pitches, allow for more privacy, and the ground is flat in comparison. However, I’ll leave it to you to decide if it warrants the additional £5 to stay there.
Located in a beautiful woodland area, you get all the same perks as a sea view camping pitch; however, in my opinion, it’s just not the same vibe without the sea view.
Perhaps if you stay for longer than one night, you would be more comfortable here because of the level ground and protection from the wind.
It’s also an option for larger camper vans and motorhomes that are too long for the sea view camping area.
Tent Camping at Durdle Door
If you want to camp near Durdle Door in your tent, then you are in luck. While it is not permitted to camp anywhere along the coast in this area, Durdle Door Holiday Park cater for tents up to 4 x 4m in size.
The dedicated area for tent camping at Durdle Door Holiday Park is called Rookery Camping.
It’s £20 for a tent pitch that allows 2 adults and 2 children, plus 1 tent and 1 car. There is no electric hook up available; however, you do have access to all campsite facilities.
Durdle Door Glamping
You also have the option of glamping at Durdle Door. The holiday park offers premium holiday homes, caravans, camping pods, and glamping cabins, so there is truly something for everyone.
The camping pods and glamping cabins offer the best of both worlds. They are perfect if you enjoy the camping lifestyle but prefer a warm and comfortable environment.
Other Campsites Near Durdle Door
While Durdle Door Holiday Park is the closest and most convenient campsite near Durdle Door, it’s often fully booked during the Summer, so you may need to look at alternative options.
Other campsites in the area include Purbeck Glamping, Galton Campsite, The Creek Caravan Site, Friendship Cottage, and Swannys Campsite.
Things to do when Camping at Durdle Door
There are plenty of things to see and do in the area. I’ll cover a few of the places here, but check out my complete guide to things to do near Durdle Door for more.
Man O’War Beach
Just east of the famous arch is Man O’War beach. Like Durdle Door, it is a pebble beach boasting crystal clear water and astonishing views of the Jurassic Coast.
Lulworth Cove
Even further East of Durdle Door is Lulworth Cove – Another secluded coved beach that is almost a perfect circle. You can reach Lulworth Cove via the South West Coast Path.
Lulworth Castle
Not too far from Lulworth Cove is Lulworth Castle – an early 17th-century hunting lodge steeped in history.You can explore the castle or enjoy the extensive garden area home to woodland walks and parks.
Sunsets, Sunrise, & Star Gazing
If you’re lucky enough to get good conditions, you can expect spectacular sunsets and sunrises when camping near Durdle Door. The Jurassic Coast also provides some incredible stargazing opportunities.
Walks and Hikes
There are endless opportunities to explore the Jurassic Coast and surrounding countryside on foot. Walking guides and maps are available from the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre.
Enjoy Camping at Durdle Door!
Well, that’s about all you need about camping at Durdle Door. I hope you have a fantastic time! If you have any questions, please ask. Otherwise, I wish you happy and safe travels.
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Pensacola RV Park
Saturday 30th of September 2023
Your essence of camping at Durdle Door is eloquently captured in the blog. Pensacola RV Park It's a great resource for anyone arranging a trip to this gorgeous place because of the amazing photographs and thorough information.
James Jones
Friday 26th of May 2023
Don’t believe this rubbish. If your walking the South West Coastal Path then the Durdle Door Holiday Park is the worse place to stay. The business is owned by the Lulworth Estate and they are taking advantage of people. I tipped up and paid £33, that’s not a typo, £33 for a pitch. After a bit of research I could have turned up in a huge six berth tent with 6 people and also paid £33. The business needs to give more consideration to solo walkers or couples and set the price accordingly. His isn’t only an issue for the Durdle Door Holiday Park but the majority of other sites on the SWCP. I would continue and encourage people to wildcamp until these greedy business change attitude.
Our Taste For Life
Monday 19th of June 2023
Hi James. Thanks for the comment. We were shocked to see that the price had increased by £10 since our visit last year! £33 for a campsite is scandalous, but many campsites are charging this sort of rate these days. We prefer to wild camp where possible but that's getting tough on the South Coast now. The UK is not the best for vanlife really is it!