Roadford Lake Campsite

What a site for sorts who like paddling their own canoe, kayak, boat, board or anything in between...

At a whopping 730 acres, Roadford Lake Campsite is the biggest lake for watersports in the south west and has all manner of aquatic capers, including windsurfing, sailing, rowing, canoeing, surf skiing and water zorbing. There’s no shortage of action on land either, with a high ropes adventure course, archery and climbing.

The site has kit to hire out to have a go on the water, as well as qualified instructors whose time can be booked if you want a bit of tuition. Those who have their own kit can bring it along and hit the water for a small fee – please ask at reception for details (third party insurance on your own craft is essential, please). For land activities, ask at reception when you arrive as these require minimum numbers and need to be booked in advance.

The amount of space means you’ll always be able to find plenty of picnic spots, and the only people you’re likely to see acting fishy around here are guests enjoying the bank and boat angling (the lake is stocked with brown trout).

Visitors will definitely want to take their time over the spectacular lake views, as well as enjoying the pretty walking trails and cycle paths along the shores of the lake or, for the more adventurous, checking out the bike trails in the forest across the lake. In case of overexertion, head to the licensed café alongside the site’s visitor centre for a restorative cream tea, sandwich, snack and soft drink or something a little stronger.

Reach the café via the new footpath leading from the site, through a canopy of trees and around the sheltered inlets before opening onto the path across Roadford’s dam. The walk takes about 20 minutes and is suitable for bikes and some pushchairs. (Please be aware there's one rather steep, though short, hill and the final leg through the field is not paved, so sensible footwear to suit the weather is advised. If you'd rather drive, the journey is doable by car in a few minutes.) The play area for ages up to five is also on this side of the lake.

Roadford Lake Campsite is set right on the lakefront, and has modern showers, an undercover area for barbies, a play area and the usual washing-up, disposal and recycling facilities. There's also a separate field available for Scout groups. Dogs are welcome as long as they're kept on leads while on site.

To stock up on food and drink, local town Launceston with a 24-hour store and petrol station, is within easy reach. As the site is in a rural location, there are no pubs/restaurants within walking distance; however; several village pubs serving food are easily reachable by car.. They're generally popular places, so the Roadford Lake team recommends booking in advance: reception has details and contact numbers for when you want them.