Camping on Brownsea Island in the middle of Poole Harbour in Dorset, has been a tradition ever since the Boy Scouts first pitched their tents back in 1907, but now it’s possible to have a comfy bed in a bell tent or even stay in a new shepherd hut.
The National Trust campsite on Brownsea Island reopens on Friday 3rd April 2026 in time for the Easter holidays, and campers will be able to pitch their tents through to the end of September 2026.
A shepherd hut arrives on Brownsea in time for Easter
Tents in trees
While visitors can bring their own tent, the logistics of getting all the gear onto the island can make it easier to stay in a pre-pitched bell tent with a double bed.
For the more adventurous guests can spend a night suspended between the trees in tents which can sleep two to three people, although stays in the tree tents are apparently subject to wind conditions!
New for the 2026 season are the shepherd huts which had to be transported to the island on a barge. They are simply furnished with a double bed and a canvas covered outdoor kitchen to complete the ‘back to nature’ experience.
Tree tents for up to three people but it will probably be a bit cosy!
Bring your own tent if you like
“Unforgettable setting”
Holiday operation manager for the National Trust at Brownsea Island Georgia Simpkin said:
“Brownsea’s campsite offers an unforgettable setting, with direct access to the beach and a network of scenic woodland and heathland trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
“Nature surrounds you at every turn, and it’s not uncommon to spot the island’s famous red squirrels darting through the nearby trees. It’s a truly special place to switch off, explore, and feel immersed in the natural beauty of Brownsea.”
A bell tent with a seaview
A real chance to relax with no electricity to charge a phone by the bedside!
Well-stocked camping shop
Campsite facilities include hot showers and toilets with accessible facilities also available.
There are drinking water taps, cooking shelters and a well-stocked camping shop. To help lighten the load that visitors need to carry onto the island, cooking equipment is also available to borrow.
For those who wish to explore the harbour, The Watersports Academy runs two hour kayaking and paddleboarding sessions.
These guided tours introduce the basics of paddling while giving participants one of the best views of the island.
New addition to the stable of options to stay in
The shepherd huts make for an ideal romantic weekend away
“Rare chance to slow down”
Georgia added:
“The team are really looking forward to welcoming campers back and are excited about the new shepherd hut offer. The campsite is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy nature whilst taking in the wonderful views across Poole Harbour.
“With no traffic noise and quieter stays midweek, the island offers a rare chance to slow down, disconnect and immerse yourself in nature.”
The new concrete slipway at Sandbanks has been constructed but work to the quay continues
Work progressing on Sandbanks slipway
Currently the only way for the public to get to Brownsea Island is via the ferry which operates from Poole Quay, however work is going well on building the new boat slipway at Sandbanks which will soon be able to provide a more convenient way to get to the island for people from Purbeck.
Ideally, the new boat service between Sandbanks and Brownsea should be operational in time for the summer but the National Trust says it’s not making any announcement until it has a firm date for the completion of the slipway work.
Fantastic display of wildlife photos taken on Brownsea Island by M Brooke in Swanage Library
Brownsea without the boat trip!
Brownsea exhibition in Swanage
In the meantime, anyone who can’t get over to Brownsea Island can visit the photographic display of Brownsea wildlife in Swanage Library by talented Dorset photographer M Brooke.
The stunning and detailed photographs which must have taken a lot of patience to capture, will be exhibited until 4 pm on Monday 20th April 2026.
The display will then be moved to Wareham Library where it will go on show for another two weeks.
Brownsea Island which is part of Studland parish
Spring events on Brownsea Island 2026
- Easter adventure trail - 28th March to 12th April, 10 am to 5 pm. Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure discovering the amazing lives of birds. There will be a clay modelling workshop in the visitor centre over the Easter weekend and a chocolate egg waiting at the end of the trail. Price: £3.50 per trail (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
- Wild wetland bird walk - 25th April and 23rd May, 10 am to 12.30 pm. Experience the birdlife of Brownsea Island with a guided birdwatching walk. Led by a knowledgeable Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, explore one of England’s top birdwatching sites, Brownsea Lagoon. Price: £37 per adult, £18 per child (all inclusive). Booking required.
- Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle – 14th April, 21st April, 5th May, 19th May, and 2nd June, 1.30 pm to 5 pm. A fascinating journey through Brownsea Island’s rich history exploring the island and the castle’s picturesque grounds. Price: £40 per adult (member) and £52 per adult (non-member). Booking required.
- Pootastic activity trail – 23rd to 31st May, 10 am to 5 pm. A unique and quirky trail dedicated to animal droppings. Have fun with various activities while learning some poomazing facts. Play cow pat Frisbee, roll balls like a dung beetle, and try to identify the poopetrator. Price: Free event (normal admissions apply). Booking not required.
Further information
- More about camping on Brownsea Island
- Map of the Brownsea campsite
- To book camping or a shepherd hut email brownseaislandcampsite@nationaltrust.org.uk
- To book an event on Brownsea
