Wildlife parks in Dorset

Staying at on one of our UK Club campsites in Dorset places you perfectly amidst some of the UK's richest wildlife habitats, from dense Sika Deer woodlands to the dramatic Jurassic Coast. You don't have to venture far. In Dorset, nature often comes right to your pitch!

Off-site, there are wildlife opportunities on the miles of walking trails, whether inland or coastal. And with many wildlife parks and reserves to visit, you can enjoy stunning wildlife on your touring holiday in Dorset. 

Catch a glimpse of coastal wildlife by the sea, visit primates at the Ape Rescue Sanctuary, see swans at Abbotsbury Swannery or go on a badger watch tour. Visit the Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park, or for the younger visiter Farmer Palmer's Farm Park. With so many places to visit, here are our top five places:

1. RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, Isle of Purbeck 

RSPB Arne, Wareham. Photo by Philip Rhodes.

RSPB Arne Nature Reserve is an essential stop for any outdoor enthusiast exploring Dorset, providing a network of spectacular trails and an unmatched wildlife experience on the shores of Poole Harbour. With excellent facilities, including accessible paths and the availability of all-terrain mobility scooters (Trampers), this reserve welcomes walkers of all abilities.

Spend a day exploring its rare lowland heath, ancient oak woodland, and coastal paths, where you are likely to spot Sika Deer, rare Dartford Warblers, and perhaps even one of the six native British reptiles. The reserve offers breathtaking views across the water to the Purbeck Hills and Corfe Castle, making it the perfect, picturesque base for a day of nature-focused rambling, birdwatching and connecting with the best of the Dorset outdoors.

Stay at: Hunter's Moon Club Campsite - 8 miles away

2. Brownsea Island, near Poole Harbour

Red squirral. Member photo by John Cooper.

For a truly memorable day out, take the short ferry ride across Poole Harbour to Brownsea Island, a renowned National Trust and Dorset Wildlife Trust jewel. This car-free island is a haven for nature lovers and a major draw for outdoor adventurers, offering stunning coastal walks and woodland trails. Brownsea is one of the last places in England where the Red Squirrel thrives, providing a magical wildlife encounter in the ancient pine woodlands.

Beyond the squirrels, the island features an internationally important lagoon attracting thousands of wading birds, making it a spectacular spot for birdwatching. As the birthplace of the Scouting movement, the island also offers historical interest alongside its pristine natural beauty, making it a perfect, unique destination for a full day of exploration and tranquility.

Stay at - Hunter's Moon Club Campsite - 11 miles away

3. Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve, near Swanage

Durlston Castle Park.

Perched spectacularly on the cliffs above Swanage, Durlston Country Park is a must-visit for those who love walking and dramatic coastal views. Part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reserve offers over 320 acres of clifftop, wildflower meadows, and ancient woodland, all connected by an award-winning network of waymarked trails.

From the Victorian splendor of Durlston Castle you can follow accessible routes like the Woodland Trail or tackle parts of the challenging South West Coast Path. Durlston is famed for its sea-life, with excellent chances to spot Bottlenose Dolphins and Porpoises from the clifftops, as well as colonies of breeding seabirds like Guillemots and Razorbills. With great accessibility, and a rich history (look for the Giant Globe!), it provides a perfect day out for explorers of all abilities.

Stay at: Haycraft Club Campsite - 5 miles away

4. Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, near Wareham

Monkey World isn't a zoo, but a world-renowned, 65-acre sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of over 250 primates from around the globe. Many residents, including the largest group of chimpanzees outside of Africa and Europe's official orangutan crèche, have been rescued from illegal smuggling, abuse in the pet trade, or exploitation as tourist props.

Visitors can explore the vast, naturalistic enclosures, attend engaging keeper talks to hear the incredible rescue stories, and see the primates living safely in social groups. A visit offers a fascinating and emotional day out that perfectly combines family fun (including the huge Great Ape Play Area) with vital education on conservation and the crucial work being done to fight the illegal wildlife trade.

Stay at: Crossways Club Campsite -  6 miles away

5. Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park

The Dorset Heavy Horse Farm Park in Verwood offers a unique and nostalgic day out dedicated to the preservation of some of Britain's rarest and most magnificent working animals, the Heavy Horses (including Shires, Clydesdales and Suffolks). The park is a genuine rescue centre, providing a loving retirement home and purpose for these gentle giants.

Visitors can get up close to these impressive animals, watch daily demonstrations of traditional farming skills, and even enjoy carriage rides through the scenic parkland, often pulled by a team of heavy horses. Beyond the horses, the farm features a range of small domestic animals, a museum, and fun tractor rides, offering a full day of hands-on, educational and family-friendly rural heritage.

Stay at: Hunter's Moon Club Campsite - 27 miles away

6. West Bexington

Just a short drive from Bridport, the Dorset Wildlife Trust reserve at West Bexington is a coastal jewel on the famous Chesil Beach.

This small, quiet site is internationally important, featuring rare shingle flora, sheltered reedbeds and coastal scrub that makes it a vital refuelling stop for a wide array of migratory birds in spring and autumn. Visit for tranquil birdwatching and an authentic taste of the wild, rugged Jurassic Coast.

Stay at: Bridport Bingham Grange Club Campsite - 9 miles away

CAMC is not affiliated with the providers listed above so please check their websites for up to date information.