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The Daily Insight

Is it safe to wild camp in France?

Author

Matthew Barrera

Updated on March 29, 2026

Wild camping in France is a legal grey area, but is generally tolerated with the permission of landowners, or if you’re well away from tourist sites. You are also advised not to stay beyond 9am the next day. And whatever you do, don’t light a fire. They hate that.

Where can I wild camp in Dorset?

Camping in Dorset: Some of the best campsites in Dorset

  • South Lytchett Manor Caravan and Camping Park.
  • Rosewall Camping.
  • Higher Moor Farm Campsite.
  • Acton Field Camping Site.
  • The Chocolate Hotel Bournemouth.
  • Athelhampton House and Gardens.
  • Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens.
  • Durdle Door & White Nothe Circular Walk.

Can you wild camp in a motorhome in France?

Motorhome wild camping is permitted in France with the permission of the landowner or tenant and subject to certain limitations. The main restrictions are that motorhome free camping is not permitted on the coast, in protected natural sites, and on the perimeter of classified historic monuments.

Can I park my motorhome anywhere in France?

The French highway code stipulates that motorhomes may park beside roads and in designated parking places in the same way as other vehicles. Outside of towns, it is therefore generally legal to park up a motorhome at the side of a quiet road.

Can you camp along the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast of Dorset and Devon is a fantastic place for a camping holiday. Its beautiful and geologically-fascinating coastline is the best place for fossil hunting in the UK.

Where can I park my motorhome overnight in France?

In France, the parking rules for campervans and other motor vehicles are the same as for cars, except when police have set restrictions. According to French traffic law, you may park your campervan or motorhome at the side of a road. When stepping out of your vehicle, always watch out for traffic.

Where can I camp on the Isle of Purbeck?

Family-run camping and touring site on working farm in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, just outside Corfe Castle. A friendly, family-run park, just 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast and close to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Bell tent glamping with tearooms in the heart of the Purbecks, set on an estate by the Blue Pool.

Where can I camp near Swanage Dorset?

Small, friendly and family run farm camping site situated in Purbeck with grass pitches close to Swanage beach. Ridge Farm Camping and Caravan Park Ridge, Wareham, Dorset A friendly, family-run camping and caravan site on a small farm close to the Purbeck Hills and lovely South Coast. Smedmore Caravan Site Kimmeridge, Wareham, Dorset

Where are the best family run campsites in Dorset?

A friendly, family-run park, just 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast and close to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Family-run camping and touring site on working farm in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, just outside Corfe Castle. Award winning friendly, family run park for tent and caravans set in five and a half acres of Dorset countryside.

Where to camp in the Dorset AONB?

A quick drive from beaches, Durdle Door and Monkey World, this dog friendly site is your base in the Dorset AONB. Small, friendly and family run farm camping site situated in Purbeck with grass pitches close to Swanage beach. A friendly, family-run camping and caravan site on a small farm close to the Purbeck Hills and lovely South Coast.