Tarka Trail Camping

View prices & book 9.4 130 reviews
Nice and flat pitches
Reception
Sunsets at tarka trail camping
Cycling

  • Peaceful family-run site on the outskirts of Yelland
  • Five miles from Barnstaple and Bideford, and six from Westward Ho!
  • Walkers' paradise: direct access to Tarka Trail/South West Coast Path
North Devon has many special spots, but the golden triangle around the rivers Taw and Torridge and the sea is particularly pretty. Guests at Tarka Trail Camping are right in the middle of this sweet spot, making this a great base to explore the area's various watery vistas. This site on the outskirts of Yelland is well suited to quiet rural breaks, but its location close to a main road makes getting around a breeze: popular spots such as Barnstaple, Bideford and Westward Ho! can all be reached within 15 minutes' drive. Guests who want to leave the car behind can hop about on the local bus, which handily stops in the village (10 minutes' walk away). There's direct access to the popular Tarka Trail from the site – it is, of course, named after an otter so it's no surprise that the creatures make an appearance now and then around these parts (although this smashing stretch of river is reward enough even without them). If all that walking (or cycling) builds up an appetite, fear not – weary wanderers are free to enjoy a barbecue back at base (provisions can be picked up a mile away in Fremington). Looking for a drink with that? Yelland Manor Micro Brewery is located right next door, and a café is 10 minutes' walk away. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but please keep them on a lead while on site.

Site type

Tent pitches 20
Motorhome pitches 20
Touring caravan pitches 5
Open now
Opens 28 March
Please note
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

Languages spoken

English

Open from Sat 28 Mar to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 72%
    10
  • 6%
    9
  • 16%
    8
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    7
  • 2%
    6
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    5
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
8
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
8

96% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

This well-maintained, peaceful site boasts immaculate, modern toilet and shower facilities. Its superb location offers direct access to the Tarka Trail, ideal for walkers and cyclists, with lovely estuary views. Pitches are generally spacious and level. The on-site microbrewery is a popular bonus. A few guests noted wind exposure and the absence of laundry facilities.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 13
Arrival date (latest first)

Very good, clean, very organised campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Large pitches, plenty of space, exceptionally clean showers, toilets.
Perfect to cycle the tarka trail.

Recommend to friends Visit again

This site has everything you need…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked This site has everything you need for a great break, staff very friendly, clean tidy, perfect cycling base for the Tarka Trail. The only thing I can't give full marks for was the weather. Unfortunately this was beyond the owners control.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great site for walking and cycling but nothing else nearby b

Overall

6 out of 10
Location
5
Value for money
6
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
5
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
5
Wifi
6
Anonymous

Electric grass and gravel touring caravan pitch

Liked Location to Tarka Trail.
Toilet and shower block good.

Disliked Nothing nearby apart from Tarka Trail/coastal path.
Microbrewery is a basic, cold shed/building with a very rude and obnoxious owner. Should not be used as a selling point for the site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you, we appreciate you taking the time to write a review and always take comments on board.
It was nice to speak with you on your stay and glad you liked the location and facilities on the campsite.

The adjacent Micro Brewery ( separate to Tarka Trail Camping ) is indeed Querky and eclectic which adds to its charm.

Lawrence the Micro Brewery Owner is also a Basil Fawlty type character who is like Marmite ( love him or hate him ! ).

There are also lots of Bars, Pubs and restaurants within a mile of the campsite including Instow with Stunning views, delicious food and glorious Sunsets.

Location is fabulous with a gate…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
9
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Location is fabulous with a gate on site leading directly on to the tarka Trail.
Excellent toilet/
shower facilities kept immaculately clean.
Bench tables provided on all pitches
Micro brewery around 100 yards from the reception with a highly entertaining host /barman.

Disliked Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

Such a beautifully kept site! …

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Such a beautifully kept site! We had a warm welcome on arrival and were allocated a really lovely pitch, right on the edge, overlooking a field with far reaching views of the estuary and beautiful sunsets. The site is on the Tarka trail with easy access from a gate with a key code for re-entry. It was really quiet when we were there, pitches are well spaced and the grounds are so well kept and maintained. You can really see that the owners are keen to make sure you have a pleasant visit. The bathrooms were pristine as was the wash up area and also the waste zone.
We had a lovely walk to Fremington Quay and had lunch at the pub there sitting on the deck in the sunshine. We also walked into Instow one day and then cycled on another occasion using the trail, which is so good for cyclists. A few could do well to use their "bells" to warn you that they are coming, but in the main people were really friendly. You can access the South West Coast Path from the site, a small section towards Fremington is unavailable to people with dogs so do be aware however, if you walk a little way down the trail towards Instow, you can access the SWCP from there with your dog. They do ask that you keep them on lead to protect the wildlife which is perfectly acceptable. We were lucky enough to see a really large buzzard and a kestrel giving chase on our walk. We had a day trip to Saunton Sands, which is the most magnificent, dog-friendly beach. Had a wonderful lunch at The Beachside Grill with fantastic service and a superb meal. Well worth a visit! Also a visit to Northam Burrows. You pay on entry for the day and the parking is easy with a motorhome. Lovely beach and there is also a cafe if needed. North Devon is absolutely stunning and Tarka Trail Camping is very likely to see us again!

Disliked Absolutely nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Tarka Trail site well worth a visit

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Site was spotless, pitches were good size, free Wi-if and staff were welcoming. The site is in a good position for the Tarka Trail cycling or walking or even catching the bus. The micro bar was also an excellent touch.
We really enjoyed a holiday on the site and would definitely recommend.

Disliked Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

Super site

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked A very well presented site, excellent facilities and peaceful. Very good location.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with friendly staff.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
9
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Spacious pitches and good facilities.

Disliked Although it was quiet when we were there, I would imagine that there would be queues for the 2 showers in the men’s block during peak times.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site and recommended

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
9
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
7
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan pitch

Liked Large pitchs. Fantastic views. By the side of the Tarka Trail Cycle route. Lovely clean toilets. Recommended

Disliked Just couldn't leave the campervan anywhere on site the last day to cycle the route before we headed home.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site in a great location with spotless facilities

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating

Electric grass motorhome pitch

Liked Great location with direct access to the Tarka Trail. Spacious pitches and spotless facilities.

Disliked Nothing - it was great!

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Baby-changing facilities Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 pitches) Pub campsite

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Motorhome service point

Location

Tarka Trail Camping

Lower Yelland Farm

Yelland

Devon

England

EX31 3EN

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

51.07206°N
4.15486°W

Nearest transport

Coach
0.3 mi Post Office
1.3 mi New Inn
1.4 mi New Inn
Rail
4 mi Barnstaple Rail Station
6.8 mi Chapelton (Devon) Rail Station
9.1 mi Umberleigh Rail Station
Ferry
1.9 mi Instow Ferry Landing
2 mi Appledore Ferry Landing
4.3 mi Bideford Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

The traffic-free Tarka Trail is a top pick for walks and bike rides around here. The 30-mile section that runs adjacent to the site follows the route of an old railway, so it's fairly flat (excellent news for occasional walkers/cyclists). Bike hire is available at the old station by Fremington Quay (three miles away by road/a mile and a half's walk along the trail), where there's also a café and heritage centre. Wildlife spotters should check out RSPB Isley Marsh (under a mile by foot), where waders galore are drawn to a peaceful saltmarsh. Serious birdwatchers can head out for the day to to Lundy Island: the ferry leaves Bideford (10 minutes' drive) several times a week and takes around two hours. For a day at the beach, head to Instow (a five-minute drive), a sandy riverside spot with sweeping views over the estuary that's popular with sailors and windsurfers. If you fancy taking to the waves, catch the Instow to Appledore Ferry across the Taw. Westward Ho! (15 minutes) is home to another fine beach and is a hub for surfers, kayakers and paddleboarders (with kit for hire) as well as go-karting.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Westward Ho! 4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Saunton Sands 4.2 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Croyde Bay 5.5 mi Sea N/AGoodExcellentGood
Putsborough 5.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Woolacombe Village 7.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

RHS Garden Rosemoor 8.9 mi

Castle Drogo 30 mi

National Trust

Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum 9 mi

Heddon Valley 14 mi

Watersmeet 18.6 mi

Lundy 22.9 mi

Finch Foundry 25.7 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

ISLEY MARSH (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 05/04/1990) 0.2 mi

TAPELEY PARK 2.4 mi

Northam Burrows - Coast Path - Appledore - Diddywell - Northam Burrows 3.5 mi

SAUNTON COURT 3.9 mi

Saunton - Croyde - Putsborough - Fruit and Nut Trail 4.2 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Devon?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Tarka Trail Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Tarka Trail Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Tarka Trail Camping? The traffic-free Tarka Trail is a top pick for walks and bike rides around here. The 30-mile section that runs adjacent to the site follows the route of an old railway, so … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Tarka Trail Camping?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  6 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Tarka Trail Camping? From £30 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.