I stopped at Halletts at Portland Bill Camping for a night in late summer as part of a week-long ramble along the Dorset coast in my camper. I wasn’t on a rigid schedule, just meandering, and this spot had been recommended a couple of times by fellow travellers for its views and proximity to Portland Bill lighthouse. I was curious to see whether it was as simple and scenic as people had suggested.
This isn’t a glossy campsite with manicured lawns and endless facilities. It’s very much a basic stopover field with the essentials. But sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a place appealing. If you’re living or travelling in a van, you don’t always want the bells and whistles. You want somewhere you can pull up, stretch your legs, have a peaceful sleep and wake up somewhere beautiful. Halletts ticked some of those boxes for me, though not without a few quirks.
Location & Access
Portland Bill is right at the southern tip of the Isle of Portland, which itself is connected to the mainland by Chesil Beach and the causeway from Weymouth. The drive down is straightforward but narrow in places, especially once you’re on Portland itself. If you’ve got a larger motorhome or a long wheelbase van, take it steady and watch for oncoming traffic.
The site itself is essentially a field on the edge of the clifftops, about a 10–15 minute stroll from the lighthouse and the famous red-and-white Portland Bill landmark. You can’t really get more coastal than this — you’re right out on the end of the island with sea views in both directions. For van travellers who love waking up to open horizons, this spot delivers.
Parking up was fairly easy. The ground does slope, but not dramatically. I wouldn’t say it’s dead flat anywhere, so bring your levelling blocks if you like a perfectly straight bed. Access is fine for most vans; I wouldn’t expect problems unless you’ve got something really oversized or you’re towing.
First Impressions
Rolling into Halletts, my first thought was: “Yep, this is definitely no-frills.” Don’t expect signage, a reception hut, or a manicured entrance. It feels more like you’re pulling into someone’s field that happens to be set up for campers. Personally, I like that kind of low-key vibe — it makes things feel less commercial.
The views are the immediate standout. You can see the sea practically from every corner of the field. It’s the sort of place where you pause before even switching off the ignition, just to take it all in.
There were only a handful of vans and tents dotted around when I arrived, which made it feel quite open and airy. That said, it was surprisingly lively later in the evening despite the low numbers, with a bit of rowdiness from one group. Nothing out of hand though, and everyone seemed respectful enough to quieten down by about 10 pm. After that, it was still and calm.
Facilities
If you’re used to full-service campsites, Halletts might feel a bit bare bones. Here’s what I found:
- Toilets: There are portacabins provided. I didn’t use them as my van is self-contained, but they looked like the standard temporary block you get at small sites and events.
- Showers: None. You’ll need to rely on your van’s facilities or a cold splash in the sea if you’re feeling hardy.
- Water: Fresh water is available, though it’s not the easiest to access with a big van tank. Bring a container to fill up.
- Electric Hook-Up (EHU): None. This is strictly off-grid, so make sure your leisure battery or solar setup is sorted.
- Bins: There were waste bins at the top of the field with separate recycling.
- Grey/Black Waste Disposal: Not that I noticed. This isn’t really the place to expect a chemical disposal point.
- Wi-Fi: No. Signal on my phone was patchy but usable (I’m on O2). Don’t come here expecting to stream films.
- Laundry: None. Again, very much a “field with views” type of setup.
So, you’re essentially getting a patch of grass, a toilet block, and a bin. That’s about it. But that’s also what keeps the cost down and the vibe more stripped back.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere was a mixed bag during my stay. On one hand, it had the peacefulness you’d expect from being out on the end of Portland, with wide horizons and the sound of the sea in the background. On the other, there was a bit more evening noise than I’d expected given the low number of campers.
That said, everyone respected the “quiet by 10 pm” unwritten rule, so I had a perfectly good night’s sleep.
The crowd seemed mixed — a couple of families in tents, a few vanlifers like myself, and some groups of mates having a social evening. I’d say it felt friendly enough, though not overly chatty between strangers. If you’re after a sociable atmosphere where everyone’s mingling, this might not be the place. It’s more of a “do your own thing” stop.
Dogs are welcome, and with all the walks around, it’s a good spot for them. Just keep an eye on the cliff edges and local livestock.
Cost & Value
Prices at Halletts are modest compared to bigger sites in Dorset. You’re not paying for luxury, and that’s reflected in the rates. For me, it felt fair — you’re essentially paying for a safe, legitimate spot to park with an incredible view.
There weren’t any hidden extras that I noticed. Just a straightforward nightly fee. For vanlifers who are used to wild camping but occasionally want a legitimate stop with a bin and a toilet, this is good value.
Nearby Things to Do
This is where Halletts really shines. Being at Portland Bill, you’ve got plenty within walking distance:
- The Lighthouse: Just a short stroll away. Great photo opportunities and classic coastal views.
- Coastal Walks: The South West Coast Path runs right past, so you can do as much or as little walking as you like. The scenery here is dramatic, with cliffs, sea stacks, and open sea views.
- Birdwatching & Wildlife: Portland Bill is a hotspot for migrating birds, and you’ll often see seabirds wheeling about.
- The Pulpit Rock: A striking bit of geology and another popular photo stop.
- Food & Drink: There’s a café near the lighthouse, serving the usual teas, cakes, and simple meals. Handy if you don’t fancy cooking in the van.
For a van traveller, it’s a brilliant base to stretch your legs after a drive and soak up some proper coastal atmosphere.
Vanlife Suitability
From a vanlife perspective, here are the key points:
- Size Restrictions: None obvious. I saw a mix of small campers and larger motorhomes.
- Ground: Grass, slightly sloping. Not boggy during my visit, but in wet weather I’d imagine it could get soft.
- Flat Spots: Limited. Bring levelling ramps.
- Shade: None. It’s an open field with no trees, so be prepared for full sun or full wind exposure.
- Privacy: Fairly open, no hedges or marked pitches. You just pick your spot.
In short, it works well if you’re self-sufficient. If you rely heavily on site facilities, you might find it lacking.
Best & Worst Bits
The Best:
- Those views — absolutely stunning coastal panoramas.
- Location — being able to walk to the lighthouse and coastal path is a real treat.
- Value — fair price for a legit overnight stay in a scenic area.
The Worst:
- Lack of proper facilities — no showers, no grey/black waste disposal.
- Slight slope on the pitches.
- Can be a bit noisy until around 10 pm.
Personal Tips
- Bring levelling blocks — you’ll almost certainly want them.
- Arrive early evening to bag the best spots with views.
- Be self-contained if you can — toilets are there, but no showers or waste points.
- Pack for wind — being right on the coast, it can get blustery.
- Do the lighthouse walk — it’s short but memorable, especially around sunset.
Halletts at Portland Bill Camping is not a luxury campsite. It’s not even a mid-range one. But if you’re a van traveller who values views and location over facilities, it’s worth a night or two. Think of it as a simple, scenic park-up with a toilet block, rather than a fully serviced campsite.
I’d happily return, especially as part of a coastal trip when I want a legal stop with cracking scenery. I probably wouldn’t spend a week here — it’s more of a short-stay kind of place. Best suited for self-sufficient campervans, motorhomes, and vanlifers who don’t mind skipping the showers for a day or two.
If you’ve been, I’d love to hear how your experience compared — did you find it quiet or lively? Did you make use of the toilets? Share your thoughts, because places like this can feel very different depending on who’s there and what time of year you visit.
Getting there
Portland Bill Rd, Portland DT5 2JT
Telephone: 07879 894688