Camping in Weymouth

What's available

There are 17 campsites in Weymouth published on BritStays. Sixteen are listed under Weymouth itself, and one, Martleaves Farm Campsite, is in Wyke Regis, Weymouth. Many are farm sites, such as Northdown Farm, West Fleet Farm, South Buckland Farm and Bagwell Farm. Others are caravan and touring parks, including Clay Pigeon Caravan Park, Wych Elm Caravan Park and East Fleet Farm Touring Park. None of the listings give a sleeping capacity, so check pitch sizes and any limits on tents, awnings or vehicles before you book.

These are the facilities that come up most often across the 17 sites:

• EV charging nearby: 13 sites
• Toilets: 11
• Parking: 6
• Bar: 6
• WiFi: 6
• Gift shop: 5
• Laundrette: 5
• Playground: 4

Toilets are listed at 11 of the 17 sites, so don't assume every site has them. If you need toilets, showers or a laundrette, confirm before you pay a deposit. This matters most on a longer stay.

Coast or countryside?

The listings don't say which sites are by the sea and which are inland. All of them are filed simply under Weymouth. The best way to choose is to open each listing, look at its map and decide whether you'd rather be near the town and seafront or somewhere quieter. Many of the sites are farms, so expect a rural setting at those, but check the details yourself rather than guessing from the name.

Matching a site to your trip

Families: Four sites list a playground. One of them is Portesham Dairy Farm Campsite, which also has a cafe and a bar, so parents get somewhere to sit while children play. Higher Moor Farm Campsite offers takeaway food, which helps on nights when nobody wants to cook.

Couples: If you'd like something a little more comfortable, two example sites list a spa. These are Eweleaze Farm, which also has evening entertainment and a bar, and Sweet Hill Farm, which has toilets and parking too. Bagwell Farm has a bar, a restaurant and takeaway food, so you can have a relaxed evening without driving anywhere.

Dog owners: Among the example stays, Martleaves Farm Campsite in Wyke Regis, Weymouth is the one marked pet friendly. It also has toilets and WiFi. Other sites may accept dogs, but the listings don't say so. Ask the site directly, and check for any extra charges or rules about leads.

Travelling without a car: Osmington Mills Corner Campsite is listed as near a bus stop, and Wych Elm Caravan Park as near a train station. Both are worth a look if you're arriving by public transport.

Electric vehicles: Thirteen sites have EV charging nearby, including Rosewall, West Fleet Farm and South Buckland Farm. That makes Weymouth a practical choice if you're driving an electric car. Bear in mind that nearby charging isn't the same as an on-site hook-up.

What to do once you're there

Local heritage is the main draw. Portland Castle and Rufus Castle are both good for an afternoon. The Hardy Monument and Max Gate are both National Trust properties, and Wolfeton House is a historic stately home. With younger children, Fancy's Family Farm in Weymouth is an easy, animal-filled outing.

For a longer day out, there's plenty more:

• Sherborne Steam & Waterwheel Centre
• The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life and the Corfe Castle Town Trust Museum, both in Swanage
• New Forest Water Park and Bournemouth Aviary, both in Bournemouth

Opening days and times vary, so check before you set off.

When to book

School holidays and bank holiday weekends are the busiest times at most UK campsites. Sites with the most facilities, such as a spa, bar or playground, tend to fill first. If you need a particular site for those dates, book as early as you can.

Outside peak weeks you'll usually have more choice and more flexibility. Before you pay, check the site's cancellation terms, since camping is at the mercy of the weather. If you're bringing a dog, need an accessible pitch or are travelling in a large group, contact the site first so there are no surprises when you arrive.