Luxury Caravan Parks Near Bournemouth, Dorset

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Kayaking on the River Brue from the campsite

Life is all about the beach in Bournemouth, and with seven miles of sandy shores, it’s easy to see why. Hit the beach to swim, stroll along the seafront promenade, or hire one of the traditional beach huts, then stick around after sundown to experience the renowned nightlife. Adrenaline junkies have their pick of water sports—surfing, wakeboarding, and stand-up paddleboarding are popular choices—or if you prefer more leisurely pursuits, there are more than 2,000 acres of parks and gardens to explore. Touring caravan parks and holiday parks dot the Dorset coast, or escape inland to camp around the New Forest.

98% (130)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Little Eden Riverside Campsite

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(59)

87km from Bournemouth · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history! We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette. Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes. *DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles. Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists. Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields. Big Adventures and Little Moments Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden

2. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

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143km from Bournemouth · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Warwickshire, England

Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.

3. Hardyes Countryside Camping

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(43)

48km from Bournemouth · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

4. Small Trees Campsite

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(38)

36km from Bournemouth · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes · West Wellow, England

A small, campfire-friendly and dog-friendly campsite with approachable hosts

5. Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

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(122)

104km from Bournemouth · 36 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · West Sussex, South East England

Friendly camping and glamping on a Sussex farm, with animals to meet, a pond to swim in, and the South Downs nearby.

6. Forest Garden Camp Spot Cardiff

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(5)

121km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales

Pitch your own tent in an idyllic permaculture forest garden 20 minutes from Cardiff city centre or book our rustic caravan lair. Each accommodates 2 people There is also a spot for a VW type campervan -max length 5metres. camp. Anything longer will not fit. Also a caravan sleeps 2 Campers can upgrade at extra cost to a pre-pitched tent on this site, complete with bedding. Range of facilities kitchen kit available in gazebo. In easy reach of lakes, forest, coast and Cardiff Bay. 10 minutes walk to Eastbrook train station and cycle routes. It's an urban oasis between the road and commuter rail line, it's screened from the road which is 40 metres away but expect traffic/train noise. Ideal for cycle tourers and walkers who enjoy the wild camp style but also want access to the city. Indoor shared bathroom with shower and phone charging. Wifi works near to the house. Wood-burning BBQ next to tent or use the wood-burning stove in our garden marquee. Take a look at this drone Vimeo of the property here; https://vimeo.com/user15829652 Your hosts Michele and Chris developed this unique 1-acre forest garden over the last 25 years creating a wildlife habitat and growing fresh food all year round. They have chickens ducks and a very friendly cat! So unfortunately we cannot accommodate dogs. We are new to HipCamp but have hosted over 700 visitors from around the world in our two caravans. We don't take tent bookings from October 20th. until April 20th. We have winter caravan accommodation. See additional services: Treat yourself to our fantastic full Welsh breakfast or, take a guided cycle tour led by a knowledgeable guide around easy car-free trails you would never find on the internet! Bike repair service on-site.

7. Pitchcott Farm

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(31)

144km from Bournemouth · 11 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Aylesbury, England

Nearly wild, back-to-nature camping on a regenerative farm in Buckinghamshire

8. Pittaford Farm

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(67)

137km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kingsbridge, England

A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away

9. Dernwood Farm Wild Camping

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(65)

147km from Bournemouth · 17 units · Tents, Glamping · East Sussex, South East England

Camping and glamping in Sussex meadows and woodlands

10. Watersmeet farm Campsite

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(1)

92km from Bournemouth · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Axbridge, Somerset

We are a small, family run farm surrounded by stunning Somerset countryside views. We are proud to share our large, flat, grassy, campsite with you. 10 minutes from Junction 22 of the M5 with a quiet field of almost 3 acres, it's an ideal base to explore the area for walking, cycling, caving and rock climbing activities. Enjoy the wonderful view of Crook Peak from the Caravan and Tent pitches. Caravan storage also available, please contact us to discuss your requirements

11. Penn Meadow Farm

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128km from Bournemouth · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Beaconsfield, England

Penn Meadow Farm is a beautiful 145 acre, family farm, nestled perfectly into the Chiltern Hills area of outstanding natural beauty. We’re just a 5 minute walk across our grassy fields to the oldest free-house pub in England (The Royal Standard of England) Say hello to our resident alpacas, sheep, pigs, pigmy goats, flock of 250 sheep and of course our lovely boarder collies. We aim to be a very relaxed spot to be able to rest for a few nights and maybe enjoying a nice camp fire in the evening. The site includes; Showers and Toilet block with toilet paper stocked. Open family pitches for you to choose where you want to set up Running drinking water Shared open kitchen Fires allowed BBQ's allowed To ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety, please follow these rules: Supervise children: Always supervise your children and ensure they do not wander off alone. Clean up after yourself: Dispose of all waste properly in the designated bins and leave no trace behind. Wash any items you use and return them to where you found them. Respect other campers: Be courteous to fellow campers and respect their privacy and space. Pets: If you bring pets, ensure they are well-behaved, kept on a leash or have impeccable recall, and cleaned up after. Do not allow your pet to enter another camper's space. Quiet time: Maintain quiet hours between 11pm and 7am. All music must stop by 10pm, and noise should be minimal after 11pm. Campfires: Penn Meadow Farm allows fires; please use existing scorched areas if possible rather than creating new ones. Never leave any fires unattended and ensure they are completely extinguished when finished. Wipe your feet prior to entering the Bell tents to remove any coal that may have become attached. Cars/vehicles: Cars and vehicles can be on the field but should move minimally and always under 5mph. Car stereos should not be used for music entertainment. Drugs and Alcohol: Drug use is prohibited, and violators will be asked to leave. Consume alcohol responsibly, and do not drive or move your vehicle after consuming alcohol. We do not typically book Large non-family groups unless they are seeking a calm and peaceful stay. These groups must have authorization prior to the visit.

12. Glamping Retreat & Campsite

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49km from Bournemouth · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ryde, England

Retro Staycations near Ryde on the Isle of Wight

13. Oakhill Camping and Caravanning

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71km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Based on the Beautiful Mendip Hills in Somerset we can offer spacious pitches, 2 self contained cabins (2 adults only without pets). The campsite is child and dog friendly, on bus route to Bath and Wells. We have a village shop and Village Cafe open 2 days a week. Adjoining the field we have a recreational field including park and the fabulous Oakhill Inn serves fantastic food including takeaway pizza and Burgers. We accept tents, Motorhomes and campers and we have the option of grass or hardstanding pitches on or off of electric.

14. Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

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69km from Bournemouth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Emsworth, West Sussex

We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.

15. Hobby Farm

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68km from Bournemouth · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

16. Berrends Farm

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(38)

143km from Bournemouth · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ledbury, Herefordshire, West Midlands

We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex. We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.

17. Wonton Park Camping

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140km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Totnes, England

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

18. Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

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(17)

131km from Bournemouth · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Littlehempston, England

Adult-only camping and glamping within striking distance of Totnes and the South Devon coast.

19. Camping5Acres

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82km from Bournemouth · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England

As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.

20. Harry's Field New Forest

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(60)

21km from Bournemouth · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

Camper favorites near Bournemouth

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Oakhill Camping and Caravanning

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(2)

71km from Bournemouth · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Based on the Beautiful Mendip Hills in Somerset we can offer spacious pitches, 2 self contained cabins (2 adults only without pets). The campsite is child and dog friendly, on bus route to Bath and Wells. We have a village shop and Village Cafe open 2 days a week. Adjoining the field we have a recreational field including park and the fabulous Oakhill Inn serves fantastic food including takeaway pizza and Burgers. We accept tents, Motorhomes and campers and we have the option of grass or hardstanding pitches on or off of electric.

Sindles Farm Glamping and Camping

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(14)

69km from Bournemouth · 9 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Emsworth, West Sussex

We are a small, friendly site on a working farm in the beautiful South Downs National Park. We have shepherds huts, bell tents and a land pod in an old sheep paddock, all with private fire pits. We’re surrounded by footpaths and bridleways that can be explored all day, and 10 minutes drive from the sea. We also have a small grass-pitch campsite that opens in the summer for tents and camper vans.

Hobby Farm

96%

(45)

68km from Bournemouth · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Whitchurch Canonicorum, England

A peaceful, adult-only campsite 10 minutes' from the Jurassic Coast

Berrends Farm

96%

(38)

143km from Bournemouth · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Ledbury, Herefordshire, West Midlands

We are in the 3 counties area, a short distance from the Malvern Hills. We have pitches for tents and caravans, and also a Shepherds Hut and an Annex. We are a small working farm. We welcome our guests to enjoy our home. There are lots of local pubs and towns to visit and local attractions located nearby.

Wonton Park Camping

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(11)

140km from Bournemouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Totnes, England

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%

(17)

131km from Bournemouth · 13 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Littlehempston, England

Adult-only camping and glamping within striking distance of Totnes and the South Devon coast.

Camping5Acres

93%

(15)

82km from Bournemouth · 24 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Taunton, Somerset, South West England

As you'd expect from a site with such a name, there's a whole lot of space in which to relax and explore at 5 Acres, a large grassy site in the Somerset Levels. Kids and dogs are both welcome on site here, and there's plenty of scope for them to run about and play games safely away from barbecues and campfires (which are also permitted to keep you warm and fed in the evenings). Facilities on site include firepits, a toilet and shower block and outdoor sinks with mains water. Dogs must be kept on leads at all time. We class ourselves as a quite site so no amplified music. The premier pitch is fully enclosed so dogs can be let off the lead. There is a maximum of six people allowed on this pitch at any one time. Visitors are allowed as long as the total number of people doesn't exceed six and they are chargeable at the overnight rate and must leave by 18:00 - Sorry, had the envelope pushed a bit! Mains hook ups are 6Amp max rated. Pitches are approximately 16m x 20m. The flag, firepit and pitch number line up in the centre of your pitch. The surrounding Somerset Levels aren’t just out in the sticks – they also produce them. Willow cane has been cultivated the traditional way in this part of the county for hundreds of years and can be seen growing within a mile of 5 Acres. The Levels are also a wildlife haven, making them an all-round top choice for country walks along the many trails nearby. And while this may be a rural retreat, it's also one that's easy to get to as it's just off the A378 (no winding country lanes to negotiate for this one…) Taunton town centre, with its wide range of shops and supermarkets, is a 15-minute drive away. The closest pub and coffee shop are five minutes away by road.

Harry's Field New Forest

92%

(60)

21km from Bournemouth · 63 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Fordingbridge, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly, traditional New Forest camping with a pub next door and footpaths leading directly from the gateway

Stories from the community

A

Andrea

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe

Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time

S

Siubhan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Amazing views over the hills with red kites, gorgeous horses in the next door field and really friendly sheep dogs. Gorgeous shower block which make you feel like you’re in a boutique hotel! 200m walk to fantastic pub with great food and fires. Can’t wait to go back

Laura

November 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Camping5Acres

A fab wee site with wonderfully innovative toilet and shower set up! Great location, views and value for money. Solid comms from the owners to help welcome you too. Will be back!

G

Geert

October 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Hobby Farm

Beautiful spot. Clean sanitair. On walking distance there is a really nice pub with excellent food.

M

Madison

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Oakhill Camping and Caravanning

This stay was such a nice place, amazing facilities and hosts are really accommodating. would definitely be back!

Grass Campsite with wooden jetty access to River Brue

J

James

October 2025

4 m pop-up camper

1 night at Little Eden Riverside Campsite

We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.

L

Lee

September 2025

6 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Camping5Acres

Great small, tidy no fuss site, lots of sinks (almost one per pitch!) and friendly owner. Great value for solo travellers, as charged per person. A little noise from roads close by, but generally v.peaceful.

G

Gin

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Pitchcott Farm

At Pitchot farm, we felt very good, a quiet place with various views, where you can have a barbecue or sit in the evening by the warmth of the fire. I highly recommend!

J

Judith

September 2025

5 m car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camping5Acres

The ground is flat! Each pitch is numbered (very spacious) with it's own firepit in front of you. Very well set out. I like the one way system, easy to follow. Toilets clean. Site was easy to find as well. There is no 'view' to speak of but you are in the countryside so trees, hedges, birdsong and the stars at night. The host is a lovely person to have a chat to as well.

A

Aron

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Pitchcott Farm

The site was absolutely beatiful in a lovely area. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Tony and Sarah were also a great help and made it very clear that I could contact them if I needed any assistance

Marie

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

Great campsite pub walking distance. We had a great time. Farm for kids.

D

Daniel

September 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Cattlestone Farm Adult Only

What a lovely campsite! Very peaceful and great facilities.

Y

Yuva

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Penn Meadow Farm

Lovely views, clean bathrooms, stocked kitchen big plot of land and very cute farm animals.

N

Nuala

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Friendly and free tea in the morning! Very laid back atmosphere. Great for families.

H

Hannah

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Camping5Acres

Perfect spot. Clean showers and toilets. Loads of water stations around site for easy access. Would come back!

Dan

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

This is a lovely campsite. Excellent shower and toilet facilities. Lovely touch with Tea &Coffee in the morning too. Owners really nice and approachable. Would highly recommend 👍

C

Courteney

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Penn Meadow Farm

My partner and I went camping here for 2 nights (Fri-sun) with our 3 dogs (2 off leash). The staff are soo amazing and attentive! There’s so much space and all of the other campers we met were soo kind and respectful. The kitchen is well maintained. The shower/toilet was clean and I had hot water for my shower. It was so amazing to just have a peaceful weekend away from the world. Before we even left we started planning our next trip back! 10/10 experience

M

Meeru

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Small Trees Campsite

Nice and good location and good space love to see again

B

Bob

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Penn Meadow Farm

The facilities are excellent, the on site gas stove is something more campsites should have! Excellent showers and loos. The only slightly negative is the presence of farm dogs who seemingly have free rein over the site. Those who dislike being “investigated” by dogs may want to bear this in mind. Also be aware of the odd dog poo on the ground.

C

Charlie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Small Trees Campsite

Wonderful campsite with great hosts. Driving distance to Salisbury, and plenty of pitching space.

Star Hosts in Bournemouth

Hincknowle Cider Apple Farm Camping

100%

(7)

61km from Bournemouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Welcome to our peaceful 190 acres of glorious Dorset countryside. Here we operate a working farm where we grow apples for award-winning cider makers, along with keeping a range of animals. We are also well located for the Jurassic Coast, with Bridport ten minutes away and West Bay Beach within a 15 minute drive. Our location is perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in the outdoors, whilst enjoying a relaxing break. We have a limited amount of pitches, along with a communal barn for unwinding (and sheltering from the unpredictable English weather). Both families and dogs are welcome too Facilities onsite include toilets and showers. There is also a communal barn with an equipped kitchen, seating, table tennis, darts and more. We also offer wood-fired pizza during peak season, with licensed premises too! For grabbing something to eat, we have The Half Moon just a ten minute walk away. A Lidl is also a five minute drive away for picking up any essentials. 9 x Non Electric Grass Pitches Spacious 10m x 10m grass pitches without electric. Suitable for tents or campervans up to 6m in length.

ShelleyOaks Farm Camping New Forest

100%

(42)

33km from Bournemouth · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Romsey, Hampshire, South East England

Family-friendly camping on a Hampshire farm, edging the New Forest National Park.

Baldwins Brook Glamping

100%

(7)

122km from Bournemouth · 6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · England

Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill. This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock. From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal. When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Luxury caravan parks near Bournemouth guide

Where to go

Isle of Purbeck

The rocky peninsula known as the Isle of Purbeck juts out south of Poole Harbour and is part of Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. A hike along part of the South West Coast Path is the best way to discover the coast, passing landmarks such as the Durdle Door, Old Harry’s Rocks, and Kimmeridge Bay. Afterwards, ride the Swanage steam railway to Corfe Castle, stop at a country pub to sample Dorset’s local ale, or spot wildlife on a cruise to Brownsea Island.

East Dorset

Dorset’s rural landscapes are dotted with ancient woodlands, magnificent castles, and Victorian gardens. Picnic on the grounds of Highcliffe Castle, explore miles of hiking and cycling trails in the Cranborne Chase AONB, and camp on rural farms far from the crowds. Further north, the verdant Salisbury Plains are home to one of the UK’s most famous landmarks—the ancient stone circle of Stonehenge.

Hampshire

East of Bournemouth, the pretty coastal towns of Barton on Sea and Milford on Sea are popular destinations for summer campers, and lie on the southern edge of the New Forest National Park. Head into the park to enjoy woodland walks and scenic bike rides, stopping to explore traditional villages and dine at country pubs along the way. For a change of pace, ferries set sail to the Isle of Wight, where you can enjoy sea-cliff walks, blue flag beaches, and ocean-view camping.

When to go

Bournemouth’s coastal micro-climate has long been its unique selling point—the city has one of the warmest and driest climates in the UK. Beachgoers arrive en masse in peak season (July-August), but waters are often warm enough to swim in spring and autumn, which is the best time to avoid the crowds. Temperatures rarely drop below freezing even in winter and the city’s holiday festivities are worth a winter caravan trip.

Know before you go

Bournemouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Bournemouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Dorset.