Hardyes Countryside Camping

View prices & book 9.6 83 reviews
Maintaining campsite field
Grass pitching area
Cloudy skies
Country views

  • Rural site in Dorset overlooking open countryside by an old Roman road
  • A quarter of an hour's drive from Maiden Castle and Abbotsbury
  • Barbecues and dogs welcome; wheelchair-accessible facilities
Hardyes Countryside Camping is a pop-up site overlooking open Dorset countryside. Set in a convenient location just off the old Roman road that runs between Maiden Castle and Eggardon hillforts, this laidback spot has far-reaching views due south over the Hardy Monument and great access to several adjoining cross-country walking trails. This small site has purpose-built toilets and showers, a washing-up area, a gas barbecue and microwave for cooking, and plenty of space available for pitching up; all facilities are wheelchair-accessible too. Hardyes Countryside Camping also welcomes well-behaved dogs throughout the camping season, and permits barbecues as long as you're sensible with them. Hardyes Countryside Camping is about five miles to the west of Dorchester, where you'll come across a historic town centre, a railway station, supermarkets and a variety of interesting museums. The ancient hillfort at Maiden Castle (15 minutes' drive) is also within easy reach and is an excellent place to see sweeping views over the local countryside. Hardyes Countryside Camping is also around a quarter of an hour's drive from the Jurassic Coast. Abbotsbury, an attractive village at the end of shingly Chesil Beach, is 20 minutes away, while it'll take you roughly 25 minutes to get to the golden sands and seafront amusements of Weymouth.

Campground type

RV sites 3
Tent sites 27
Camper sites 3
Open now
Opens July 18
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 3 or more units (e.g. tent, caravan, RV or accommodation hire) traveling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Reception is unmanned after 6 p.m.. Please inform the park while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Languages spoken

English

French

Open from Fri, Jul 18 to

No availability here for your search criteria

Campsite types & availability

Reviews

  • 80%
    10
  • 6%
    9
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    8
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Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
7

98% would recommend this campground to a friend

96% would stay here again

What customers say

This peaceful, well-kept campsite offers amazing countryside views and a super friendly, helpful owner, Chris. Facilities are always clean and pleasant. Great for exploring Dorset, guests rave about Chris's local tips. Minor notes on water pressure or Wi-Fi are outweighed by overwhelmingly positive reviews and many repeat visitors.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 9
Arrival date (latest first)

Beautiful little find. If you’re looking…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
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No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Greg M.

Powered grass and gravel travel trailer campsite

Liked Beautiful little find. If you’re looking for a relaxed break away. Fresh pastries & bread available.

Chris was a delight to talk with.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent, quiet site, perfect host.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
6
Anonymous

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Everything as described. Lovely host, who will give you loads of details. Bakery in plase was an absolute game changer!
Nice and quiet place.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The campsite was in a perfect…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
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10
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10
Wifi
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Behzet T.

Powered grass and gravel travel trailer campsite

Liked The campsite was in a perfect location for exploration, with brilliant and clean facilities. The staff and owner, Chris, were friendly, welcoming, and helpful when needed. We will be returning to this campsite.

Disliked None.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Most amazing campsite, best family friendly campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
shania l.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Best campsite i’ve been to. The owners couldn't be nicer and more accommodating. Great location, lots of hidden extras such as a microwave free to use, notice boards with local events taking place. Toilets and washing room really close and really well maintained. We have had the best time and will definitely be coming again! Would happily recommend this campsite to anyone.

Recommend to friends Visit again

It was lovely the staff were…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked It was lovely the staff were very friendly and helpful. Me and family were very accommodated in every way! Really helpful info all available and delicious home bakes sold which is a lovely touch. Good parking options.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A lovely stay - thank you

Overall

9 out of 10
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Samantha Elaine M.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The ambience, location, simplicity.
The host's hosting skills, fresh pastries and good chat!

Disliked Pushing the shower button - but this is a minor gripe

Recommend to friends Visit again

The owner could not have done…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Dan S.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The owner could not have done anymore for us to help. He lent some pegs as ground was harder than I was prepared for and had many conversations around things to see and do in the area.
Lovely site - quiet and picturesque

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great views, chilled atmosphere…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
9
Accommodation
7
Facilities / Activities
6
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
7
Wifi
No rating
Sophie K.

Powered grass and gravel travel trailer campsite

Liked Great views, chilled atmosphere

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely site with friendly staff and clean facilities

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
8
Accommodation
8
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
8
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
6
Lisa B.

Powered grass and gravel travel trailer campsite

Liked Everything. Lovely quiet site with friendly owners, facilities are nice and clean

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

We had a fantastic stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Damien E.

Powered grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked We had a fantastic stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping.

From the moment we arrived, the owner made us feel incredibly welcome and went out of his way to make our visit comfortable. He kindly placed us at the top of the camping field, away from other people and noise, something we really appreciated with our 4-year-old twin boys, who are tucked up in bed by 8pm.

The information he provided about local family activities was excellent, and the short trip to Weymouth was a real highlight, the twins absolutely loved it.

Another lovely touch was being able to order freshly baked sourdough bread, croissants, and other treats right to the site, such a thoughtful detail that made our mornings extra special.

We would definitely recommend Hardyes Countryside Camping to other families and will certainly be coming back.

Disliked The shower block and toilets were busy in the mornings and evenings when in use by people. To be expected with the amount of people staying there so no problem for us. Very clean 👌🏻

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Picnic table Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

Nearby leisure

Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby

Location

Hardyes Countryside Camping

Higher Hogleaze Farm

Town Hill

Dorchester

Dorset

England

DT2 9ET

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.72596°N
2.5547°W

Nearest transport

Bus
5.3 mi South Station
9.1 mi Marks and Spencer
9.1 mi Coach Station
Rail
3.8 mi Maiden Newton Rail Station
5 mi Dorchester West Rail Station
5.3 mi Dorchester South Rail Station
Ferry
9.4 mi Weymouth Ferry Terminal
24.7 mi Poole Ferry Terminal
25 mi Poole Quay Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Local attractions and activities include: - Dorchester: 10 minutes' drive - Maiden Castle: 15 minutes - Abbotsbury: 20 minutes - Cerne Abbas Giant: 20 minutes - Weymouth: 25 minutes - Lyme Regis: 30 minutes - Lulworth Castle: 40 minutes - Seaton Tramway: 50 minutes.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Hive 7.7 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Lodmoor 8.5 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Bowleaze Cove 8.5 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Weymouth Central 8.9 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
West Bay (West) 9.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Abbotsbury Swannery 5 mi

Hardy's Birthplace 7.2 mi

Mapperton House & Gardens 8.1 mi

Weymouth Sea Life Park and Marine Sanctuary 8.4 mi

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve 8.7 mi

National Trust

Max Gate 5.9 mi

Hardy's Cottage 7.2 mi

Clouds Hill 13.2 mi

Montacute House 17 mi

Tintinhull Garden 18.5 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

BRIDEHEAD 1.9 mi

South from Little Bredy 2.2 mi

Hardy Monument Circular 2.7 mi

A Chess Piece Visit 3 mi

Eggardon Hill and Powerstock 4.2 mi

Local events

  • Dorset County Show (Saturday, September 6, 2025 – Saturday, September 6, 2025)

    Dorchester, England 5.7 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Dorset?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Hardyes Countryside Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Hardyes Countryside Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Hardyes Countryside Camping? Local attractions and activities include: - Dorchester: 10 minutes' drive - Maiden Castle: 15 minutes - Abbotsbury: 20 minutes - Cerne Abbas Giant: 20 minutes - Weymouth: 25 minutes - Lyme Regis: … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Hardyes Countryside Camping?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  8:30 a.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Hardyes Countryside Camping? From $33.69 (for 1 night, 5 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.