Are ground fires really allowed?

Yes, Adventure Pirate permits ground fires within designated fire circles at knee height, a rarity in UK campsites.

Dogs are welcome on site but must be kept under control and are subject to breed restrictions outlined by UK law.

Are modern camping facilities available?

Facilities are minimal, including composting toilets and a basic shower, encouraging a low-impact camping approach.

Is parking available next to pitches?

No, cars must be parked in the lot; trolleys are provided to transport gear to woodland pitches.

Do I need any special permits to camp here?

No permits needed; just book your pitch and follow site rules.

Can campervans or motorhomes access the site?

Campervans cannot access the camping pitches due to terrain and site layout.

Primitive Camping Adventure at Adventure Pirate, Dorset

Set in the heart of Lytchett Minster, Dorset, Adventure Pirate offers a raw, back-to-nature camping experience unlike most others in southern England. This five-night stay dumps you squarely in the middle of 5 acres of woodland with no modern facilities beyond composting toilets and a very basic shower. It’s a stripped-back adventure ideal for campers looking to test their bushcraft and survival skills—think fire-building, den-making, and genuine immersion in the forest environment.

The wooded grounds provide ample space for kids to roam freely and engage with nature, with features like a climbing frame, monkey swings, and even a mountain bike track that encourages active play close to camp. What sets Adventure Pirate apart in Dorset’s outdoor scene is its rare allowance of ground fires, a dying practice in UK campsites. Campers bring their own firewood or buy it at the onsite Shack and stick to strict fire safety rules to protect the woodland setting.

Located just a short drive from the Jurassic Coast and some of Britain’s finest beaches and countryside, the site lies in a uniquely accessible yet quiet corner of England. Visitors can leave vehicles in the car park and haul their gear with provided trolleys, reinforcing the low-impact ethic. Dogs are welcomed, though campervans are not permitted onsite to maintain the site's natural integrity.

Adventure Pirate revives a traditional style of camping that demands preparation and respect for the environment, making it a standout destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts who value hands-on learning and unplugged recreation. With friendly support and a setting that encourages kids to get muddy and adults to disconnect, it’s a genuine forest-floor experience that challenges and rewards in equal measure.

About Adventure Pirate

Adventure Pirate is an outdoor activity provider based in Lytchett Minster, England, offering a wide range of supervised adventure experiences for families, schools, and groups.

The site operates across five acres of woodland with facilities that include 24 camping pitches for multi-night stays. Adventure Pirate runs structured activities such as axe throwing, archery, air rifle and crossbow shooting coached by Archery GB instructors, plus tree climbing on Sweet Chestnut trees reaching 26 metres. Bushcraft learning features in short sessions like the one-hour fire lighting class that teaches tinder selection and campfire building. Children’s provision includes weekly HomeEd clubs for different age groups, a Holiday Club programme with Nerf battles and survival skills, and themed parties including Nerf, witching and wizarding, and survival skills parties. Group events and corporate or private celebrations can book tailored options such as Weapons in the Woods, combining axe throwing, archery and air rifle shooting in competitive formats. Mountain biking parties use forest trails and a dedicated pump track. Accommodation options range from one-night stays up to seven-night bookings across camping pitches. Adventure Pirate uses trained and certified instructors for supervised activities and follows structured session formats to deliver safe, engaging experiences. The business focuses on hands-on outdoor learning, confidence-building activities, and child-friendly adventure programming. Parents, educators and group organisers can select age-appropriate sessions and multi-day stays to suit educational aims or celebratory events. Bookings are available for schools, birthday parties, family groups and adults seeking outdoor skills and group adventure experiences. Seasonal availability applies locally.