If you’re heading to this beautiful region to explore its fossil-packed shores and find out more about its literary connections, one thing is for sure – you’re certain to want to stay at the best caravan park in Dorset.
The Jurassic Coast offers many spectacular sights, including Durdle Door, Chesil Beach and Lulworth Cove. The 630-mile South West Coast Path begins (or ends) at Poole Harbour, while Weymouth and Bournemouth are just two of the many popular seaside destinations to be enjoyed. Dorset is also known for its strong literary links, courtesy of Thomas Hardy, presenting the chance to visit many locations that appear in his novels.
So, if you’re visiting this region and are wondering where to stay, our guide to the best Dorset caravan parks is here to help! In our Top 100 Sites Guide, our readers scour the UK to vote for the sites that have impressed them the most. From there, we publish the results, revealing the best caravan parks UK and breaking it down by region for ease.
This year, there were four Dorset caravan sites in our guide, with two new faces and two making it in again. Here, we’re taking a look at them.
What is the best caravan park in Dorset?
Well done to Back of Beyond Touring Park, our Regional Winner and the best caravan park in Dorset in our Top 100 Sites Guide 2024! It’s all the more impressive as this marks the fifth consecutive year that the campsite has taken the top spot. Providing a peaceful setting, the 30-acre adults-only site is well placed for exploring destinations such as the New Forest National Park and Bournemouth, while guests can also enjoy a spot of fishing in the Moors River.
The best caravan parks in Dorset are:
Back of Beyond Touring Park
Bagwell Farm Touring Park
South Lytchett Manor
Wareham Forest Tourist Park
The best caravan parks in Dorset:
Back of Beyond Touring Park
234a Ringwood Road, East Moors Lane, St Leonards BH24 2SB, backofbeyondtouringpark.co.uk
- Tel: 01202 876 968
- Open: 1 March – 1 January
- Touring pitches: 100
- Pitch+2+hook-up: From £34
Best caravan park in Dorset
Those familiar with our Top 100 Sites Guides will recognise Back of Beyond Touring Park, a caravan park that has now been our Regional Winner for Dorset for an impressive five years on the bounce.
The adults-only 30-acre site provides a relaxed setting for guests who are looking to get away from the bustle of everyday life. Instead, take in the peaceful sound of birdsong, or look up at the clear night sky and indulge in a spot of stargazing. Site amenities include four heated facility blocks, a pitch and putt course, a shop and Monty’s Bar, which is dog-friendly and open throughout the season.
One of the most enjoyable parts of touring is how it can let us indulge our hobbies, and keen anglers will be able to do just that, including in the Moors River along the park’s boundary (so long as they have a valid licence).
There will be plenty to see onsite too, with 18 acres of woodland to take in, including the wildlife lakes, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Heading offsite, guests can explore Bournemouth, Christchurch, Dorchester, and Salisbury or visit the majestic New Forest National Park.
Bagwell Farm Touring Park
Chickerell, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 4EA, bagwellfarm.co.uk
- Tel: 01305 782 575
- Open: All year
- Pitches: 270
- Pitch+2+hook-up: From £25
Bagwell Farm is perfectly placed for exploring the Jurassic Coast and the stunning beauty of the South West Coast Path. Facilities include a shop, an off-licence, bathroom amenities and a children’s play area. The site is open all year, but during the main season, the Red Barn Bar & Grill opens daily.
The peaceful Dorset caravan site is less than five miles from Weymouth and its beautiful beaches, with famous landmarks like Chesil Beach, the Fleet Lagoon and Lyme Bay all in the vicinity. While you’re there, don’t forget to say hello to the site’s resident donkeys and goats!
You said…
- It’s an amazing site and Red Barn is a great place to eat.
- A beautiful site with superb facilities – nothing is ever too much trouble for the team there, either.
South Lytchett Manor
Dorchester Road, Lytchett Minster, Poole BH16 6JB, southlytchettmanor.co.uk
- Tel: 01202 622 577
- Open: 1 March – 2 January
- Pitches: 150
- Pitch+2+hook-up: From £31.25
A picturesque campsite that sits in 20 acres of parkland, South Lytchett Manor provides good facilities, including three heated amenity blocks and a shop. Canine companions are given a warm welcome, thanks to a dog-walk and a dog-wash, while an onsite bakery will be open and food vans will visit during the high season.
The Dorset caravan park is well situated for visiting some of the region’s most popular spots, including Poole, Weymouth, Bournemouth and the beautiful Jurassic Coast. Then, in the evening, visitors can head to one of the two nearby pubs for some refreshments.
You said…
- From the booking to the day you leave, these lovely people make you feel you are important to them.
- Excellent customer service, with brilliant facilities and awesome site layout.
Wareham Forest Tourist Park
North Trigon, Wareham, Dorset BH20 7NZ, warehamforest.co.uk
- Tel: 01929 551 393
- Open: All year
- Pitches: 200
- Pitch+2+hook-up: From £30.50
Nestled in Wareham Forest, this picturesque park offers a choice of hardstanding, grass and superior pitches. Facilities include two toilet blocks, a children’s adventure playground, a shop, free Wi-Fi and a dog-exercise field.
During the high season, the outdoor heated swimming pool can be used, while independent food businesses visit most nights. Enjoy a variety of local walking and cycling routes, including in beautiful Wareham Forest itself. Make the most of the site’s location to visit Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Corfe, Swanage and Studland.
You said…
- The location is brilliant for walking and cycling as it’s on the edge of the forest.
- Beautiful site, with stunning location and friendly staff.
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