Pre-Paid Camping

The Great Dorset Steam Fair is a camper’s paradise with over 170 acres allocated for pre-paid camping each year which will accommodate a staggering 5,000 individual units (caravans and tents etc). This includes disabled camping (for badge holders only). At the busiest time of Steam Fair week there will be between 15,000 and 20,000 show visitors camping on site!

Pre-paid campsites are available for tents, caravans and properly manufactured campervans and motorhomes. We allow cars, 4×4’s, Landrovers & crewcabs. HOWEVER, NO VANS, LORRIES OR TRUCKS OF ANY DESCRIPTION WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE PRE-PAID CAMPSITES.

All pre-paid campsites open from 8am on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 and close midday on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

For a standard unit, a charge of £25.00 per night will apply (excluding cost of admission tickets to the show). One unit = one caravan, one motorhome or tent, etc, plus the towing vehicle for caravans. Any additional cars are charged at £25.00 daily payable in advance. Only one additional car permitted for each unit booked. Please click on the “Buy Tickets” button to see the full range and prices of other pre-paid camping options.

All pre-paid camping is subject to availability. Bookings and payments must be received by 7th August 2022. However, early booking is advisable as demand for the 2022 show is expected to be high.

All pre-paid campsites will be serviced with drinking water and will have access to showers, toilets and Elsan facilities. Some campsites will also have shops for general groceries and goods. There will also be shops on the main exhibition showground. There is also a Gas Company on site for LPG. Due to fire restrictions only gas barbeques are allowed (strictly no charcoal barbeques).

IMPORTANT : Before you make a booking it is essential that you read our camping Conditions of Entry (please click on our “Info” button on the Home page). No refunds will be given so if you are in any doubt, please contact us before your booking is made on 01258 860361.

ALL Tickets, Vouchers and Camping passes will be sent out electronically for you to Print out at home prior to the event. People who have purchased the consecutive 5 Day Tickets will exchange their e-vouchers for an equivalent 5 Day Wristband at one of the Ticket Exchange Points (located at the Pay Gates).

Please also click on ‘Frequently Asked Questions‘ for further details.

Electric Hook-up

We are pleased to be able to supply a limited number of Electric Hook-up campsite pitches . We advise you to book as soon as possible to guarantee a pitch. Due to the popularity of the Electric Hook-up pitches, these can only be booked for 7 nights. A charge of £300.00 is payable for this 7 night service which covers the combined cost of electric hook up and your camping pitch together.

All campsites open from 8am on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 and close midday on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

Each electrical hook-up pitch will be provided with a 6 amp supply. A 6 amp supply allows for low consumption electric only. For example you can power a fridge, lights, TV and charge a mobile phone or other accessory with a 6 amp supply. You are advised not to use an electric kettle or convector heater as the use of such items is likely to cause your power to trip. If your power goes off please first check the distribution box where you have plugged in your lead and if necessary you will have to reset the switch on the distribution box.

The electric supply must be transferred to the caravan by means of a lidded recessed inlet device; a lead through the caravan window to electrical equipment inside the caravan is not permitted.

The electrical supply to all pitches will be terminated at midday on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

Disabled Access & Camping

Disabled visitors are very welcome at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Please be aware that because the showground is a working farm there are steep, stony, hill sections and some areas of the site may be difficult to access due to the land. However, our team of stewards will do their best to assist you.

All campsites open from 8am on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 and close midday on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

We provide a number of facilities to assist disabled visitors’ needs which include; dedicated disabled parking, dedicated disabled camping areas, disabled toilets and showers.

A mobility scooter hire facility is available and located near the Showground entrance. However, scooters need to be booked in advance of the show by contacting Poole Shop Mobility on 01202 670450 or visiting their website www.wheelsforfreedom.org.uk. Scooter availability is limited and it is advised to book your scooter well in advance to avoid disappointment.

We do not have any facilities for charging electric wheelchairs; we advise you to bring your own generator or book an electrical hook-up pitch.

Campsite Facilities

Gas Sales: Gas will be available for sale on the showground & in the campsites.

Electric Hook Up: We are pleased to be able to supply a limited number of Electric Hook-up campsite pitches . We advise you to book as soon as possible to guarantee a pitch. Due to the popularity of the Electric Hook-up pitches, these can only be booked for 7 nights. A charge of £300.00 is payable for this 7 night service which covers the combined cost of electric hook up and your camping pitch together.

Grocery Stores: A grocery store will be available in campsites providing general goods.

Showers: Showers are located in our campsites and will be open between 7am and 8pm daily.

Toilets: Portable toilets are located around the showground and campsites. Our contractors carry out a continuous cleaning operation and work very hard to make sure that the toilets are clean and tidy.

Elsan Tanks: Elsan Tanks will be available in each campsite for the disposal of toilet waste, and can be found next to each block of toilets

Pay on Arrival Camping

We are pleased to be able to offer pay on arrival camping for tents, caravans, & motorhomes.

NO VANS, LORRIES OR TRUCKS OF ANY DESCRIPTION WILL BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO THE PAY ON ARRIVAL CAMPSITES.

Please be advised that all vehicles towing caravans must comply with our Public Campsite Conditions of Entry.

Pay on arrival campsites will be serviced with drinking water and will have access to showers, toilets and Elsan facilities.

All pay on arrival campsites open from 8am on Tuesday 23rd August 2022 and close midday on Tuesday 30th August 2022.

A charge of £30.00 per night will apply (excluding cost of admission tickets to the show) per unit. One unit = one caravan, one motorhome or tent, etc, plus the towing vehicle for caravans. Any additional cars are charged at £30.00. Only one additional car permitted for each unit.

Unfortunately there are no electrical hook-up facilities available on the pay on arrival campsites.

IMPORTANT : Before you arrive, it is essential that you read our camping Conditions of Entry for 2022. No refunds will be given so if you are in any doubt, please contact us on 01258 860361.

Please be aware that pay on arrival camping is subject to availability and on a first come, first served basis.