While international travel is off the cards it’s time to look into the local wilderness and there is no better venture than a camping trip around Devon. Home to cream teas, the Jurassic Coast, coastal paths, stunning beaches, lovely streams, and both Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks, there is something for everyone in this beautiful county.
With over 1000 campsites dotted around, finding the best campsites for your trip into the wild isn’t so easy. Not to worry, we have done the hard work for you and put together the best campsites in Devon for you to stay at.
Address: Treacle Valley Campsite, Daccombe, Devon, TQ12 4ST
Phone: 01803 328294
Open: Easter – 3oth September
Price: £15-25 per night per pitch
Treacle Valley Campsite is another south Devon campsite but isn’t quite as in the sticks as Lower Terawhiti and sits just outside of Torquay in the village of Daccombe. The campsite is for tents only, dogs are welcome, and it spans a few acres of a 200-acre working farm. The scene is quite spectacular with lovely views into the valley and it’s a short walk or drive to everything you might want or need on your camping trip.
From the campsite, you can go on numerous country walks into the valley and woodlands surrounding it and a few local pubs and shops are within a 20-minute walk as well. To get to the beach or to do any other local activities it’s best to hop into the car and drive.
The beaches of Watcombe Beach and Watcombe Cave are just 5 minutes away and are a great place to spend some time relaxing or playing with the kids on warm days. The beaches also give you access to the coastal path for long, dramatic walks along the cliff tops.
Dartmoor National park is just a 30-minute drive from camp too, and it’s a great place to go for a day trip. You can take lovely hikes around the park, fly fish on numerous rivers like the Dart, and it’s full of delightful country pubs to have lunch at.
The campsite is well kitted out with free hot showers, clean bathrooms, a coin-operated laundry, a shared washing up area, and numerous freshwater outlets. You’re welcome to make fires and have BBQs as long as they are raised from the ground.
There’s also a shop on site with any supplies you might need along with free wifi and plug sockets for charging any electronics that are running low. They’ve also added a new children’s play area, so they can have fun at camp while you’re making breakfast or doing any other camping admin.
Address: Ocean Pitch Campsite, Moor Lane, Croyde, Devon EX33 1NZ
Phone: 07581024348
Open: Easter – 30th September
Price: £15 per person per night, cars £3
Ocean Pitch Campsite sits on the north coast of Devon right next to Croyde beach, one of the most famous surfing spots in the UK. It’s an ideal campsite for surfers as you can wake up and check the waves from your tent while you’re making your morning coffee.
Being so close to the beach isn’t just great for surfers, anyone camping at Ocean Pitch Campsite gets to enjoy delightful sea views from their tent and has amazingly quick access to the beach, making summer beach days particularly convenient.
The campsite also sits on north Devon’s coastal path making long hikes and short morning walks as easy as can be. You can walk along the headlands to get amazing views into the Atlantic and reach the neighboring beaches of Putsborough and Saunton Sands with ease.
The village of Croyde is a 5-minute walk from the campsite where you’ll find shops, cafes, pubs and a whole host of activities on offer. You can hire surf gear and book lessons at Surf South West, take on the beach on horseback with Roylands Riding Holidays, and hire bikes from Tarka Trail Cycle Hire to explore the neighboring countryside with.
The campsite also offers all the facilities you need to enjoy your stay. You’ll find hot showers, clean toilets, washing up areas, outside showers for rinsing wetsuits, and there are free wifi and phone charging at the reception.
There’s also onsite catering from Biffens Kitchen if you want to have a day off from cooking camping style.
Everyone is welcome at Ocean Pitch Campsite, but there is a strict no dogs and no caravans rule. Tents and campervans only.
Address: River Dart Country Park, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, TQ13 7NP
Phone: 01364 652511
Open: Easter – 31st September
Price: £40 per night per pitch (low season), £76 high season – includes free entry to all the parks activities
Address: Lower Terawhiti Farm, South Milton, Kingsbridge TQ7 3JT
Phone: +447545650868
Open: July – September
Price: £18 per night for large family tent (max 5 people then £2 per additional up to 8 people) with a car, Campervan £15 a night
Lower Terawhiti Farm Campsite sits on the south coast of Devon near Hope Cove and is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. For anyone who wants’s to get back to tranquility and nature and away from the crowds, this Devon campsite might be just what you’re looking for.
The campsite is on a working country farm and when pitching your tent on the flat, dry field, you’ll have views of the beautiful valley surrounding it. South Milton Sands beach is just a 15-minute walk away, one of the prettiest sandy beaches on Devon’s south coast. It’s the perfect place to go for a long walk, collect sea glass, and have a fun beach day with the family.
On the farm, you can keep any young children entertained by letting them pat the farm’s cattle including sheep and chickens, and there are numerous activities available for everyone within 15 minutes of the campsite. You have your choice of golf, tennis, kayaking, surfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and a lot more.
One of the best things about this secluded campsite is that it sits on the coastal path giving you easy access to stunning walks around the area. Venturing around the cliff tops is a must and the view across the sea are incredible. It’s worth taking a little picnic for sunset.
The local village shop and country pub are just a 15-minute walk away too so you can resupply without hopping in your car or go for a delicious dinner and sample a few country ales with ease.
The campsite has all the facilities you need to have an enjoyable holiday. You’ll find eco-loos, hot showers, and a kitchen area with a fridge freezer for your ice packs. You can also hire a fire pit or bring your own BBQ for use on the site, and you can buy wood and kindling from the farm.
Everyone is welcome at Lower Terwahiti Farm including campervans and dogs, but remember to bring your own loo roll and be aware that there are no electrical hookups.
Address: North Morte Farm, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7EG
Phone: 01271 870381
Open: July – October
Price: £6.50-10.50 per night adult, child (2-15) £2.50 – £3.50, dogs £1.50
North Morte Farm Campsite has all the facilities you’ll need to enjoy your stay. There are hot showers, toilets, a dishwashing area, laundry, ironing, Wifi, recycling, gas exchange, and an onsite shop for any supplies you need.
If you’re looking for a campsite with amazing views that’s still not too far from local pubs and activities, North Morte Farm Campsite is an excellent choice.
Address: Cloud Farm Campsite, Lynton, EX35 6NU
Phone: 01598 741190
Open: 1 July – 1 November
Price: £24 per night for 1 pitch for a family of 4
Devon is a magical county and one of the best places to go camping in the UK. Between the national parks, magical coastline, and stunning coastal villages, there is something for everyone, and camping is one of the best ways to experience it.
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!