Gidleigh Wood

9.6 103 reviews
View to the east
View to the east
Gidleigh wood from higher murchington
Tent and campervan site
Looking north
Looking north
Sun rises over gidleigh wood.
Gidleigh woods tent and campervan pitch
Easter sunday
1/160

This site does not currently take bookings here on Pitchup.com.

If you are the owner of this site, start taking bookings through Pitchup.com.
It's free, quick and easy!

Add your business details

  • Simple pitches in 150 acres of privately owned Devon woodland
  • A 20-minute drive to Okehampton; 40 minutes to Exeter
  • Direct access to Dartmoor and the Two Moors Way, plus walks on site
Get down to Devon and a gorgeous setting in Dartmoor National Park – the simple grass pitches at Gidleigh Wood are part of a 150-acre site that’s mainly filled with conifer and broadleaf trees in the north Teign river valley. It’s an extremely peaceful location – and a scenic one too, with views out over the surrounding hills and woodland. If you’ve come this way for a bit of walking or cycling, you’re in the right place. Such outings can start right there on site, as there are numerous tracks crisscrossing the woodland, including one that takes you up Princeps Tor (with an elevation of 333 metres). There’s a mile or so of river frontage too, so you can get a close look at the water (it’s an unusual colour thanks to the peaty moorland soil…) Beyond the woods, you can get out onto the moors via a footbridge over the river. Once you’ve crossed the water, there’s a generous 365 square miles of moorland to explore, with nearby walks taking you to places like Kestor Rock and some standing stones. Something even longer in mind? This is a popular spot with students on Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, and it’s also a handy stopover point for the Two Moors Way, as the Mariners Way (part of the longer trail) runs through the woods. Life on site is fairly simple, with just the essential facilities provided – guests will have access to showers, compost toilets and a washing-up area but are otherwise left to their own devices.

Site type

Tent sites 15
RV sites 3
Opens

Languages spoken

English

Nearby sites that are bookable on Pitchup.com

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Devon?

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

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

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) No drinkable water point Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Pop-up campground Small (11-25 sites)

Location

Gidleigh Wood

Berrydown Road

Gidleigh

Chagford

Devon

England

TQ13 8HR

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

50.67838°N
3.88191°W

Nearest transport

Coach
10.9 km Thomas Cook
23.7 km Bus Station
25.8 km Bus Station
Rail
10.1 km Okehampton Rail Station
11.2 km Sampford Courtenay Rail Station
15.5 km Yeoford Rail Station
Ferry
29.1 km Topsham Lock Ferry Landing
29.3 km Topsham Ferry Landing
29.4 km Topsham (Turf Lock Ferry) Ferry Landing
Airport
33.4 km Exeter International Airport

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

Fancy a challenge once you’ve warmed up on the trails nearby? How about a hike up High Willhays, the highest point in southern England at 621 metres. Meldon Hill, just outside Chagford, is another that’s worth a climb for some excellent moorland views. Shilley Pool, a few miles north of the site, is a lovely spot to cool off with some wild swimming in the river. For a glimpse into times gone by, stop by at the National Trust’s Finch Foundry (15 minutes’ drive) to see an old water-powered forge, or head to the Museum of Dartmoor Life (20 minutes) to explore the themed exhibits. Castle Drogo (20 minutes) may look like a historic building thanks to its medieval styling but it was actually constructed in the 20th century by renowned architect Edwin Lutyens – that modern take on a traditional style makes it a fascinating place to visit. Other days out nearby might take you over to Exeter (40 minutes) to visit the cathedral and museums and delve into the underground passages, or down to the coast for a day on the beach in Dawlish (45 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Shaldon 30.9 km Estuary N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Teignmouth Town 31.1 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Dawlish Coryton Cove 31.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Ness Cove 31.4 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Dawlish Town 31.4 km Sea N/AGoodGoodExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Castle Drogo 5.3 km

Buckfast Abbey 21.9 km

Exeter Cathedral - Church of Saint Peter 25.3 km

Dartmoor Zoological Park 30.9 km

The National Trust Killerton House & Gardens 32.4 km

National Trust

Castle Drogo 5.3 km

Finch Foundry 6.5 km

The Church House 12.4 km

Lydford Gorge 16.5 km

Buckland Abbey 28.2 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Chagford - Castle Drogo - Fingle Bridge 3.5 km

CASTLE DROGO 5.9 km

Bennet's Cross - Huckney Tor - Vitifer Mine Complex - Bennet's Cross 6.7 km

WOOD HOUSE 7.8 km

Postbridge CP - Broad Down - Longaford Tor - Powder Mills 9.7 km

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.

Reviews

9.6

Overall rating from 103 Pitchup.com customers

  • 83%
    10
  • 3%
    9
  • 10%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 0%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 1%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 7
ForestPeaceful

98% would recommend this site to a friend

97% would stay here again

What customers say

This tranquil, semi-wild campsite boasts a remote woodland setting with direct access to Dartmoor hikes and river swimming. Reviewers rave about the welcoming owners, spotless facilities (hot showers, compost toilets), and communal fire pit. While the natural, undeveloped charm is a hit, a few note the gentle slope of pitches and tight access roads.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 11
Arrival date (latest first)

Karen and Mark are lovely. The site…

Overall

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

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked Karen and Mark are lovely.
The site is beautiful with lots of amazing walks and views straight off the site.
Very quiet and peaceful.
Toilets, Shower and washing up facilities. We will definitely stay again.
A perfect way to spend a very cold NYE

Recommend to friends Visit again

The location is perfect. We walked…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Alison K.

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked The location is perfect. We walked directly on to the moor from the site. Forest location perfect for dogs. Karen and Mark are very welcoming, the site is very clean, the fire pit an unexpected bonus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The hosts were a lovely couple,…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
Samuel T.

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked The hosts were a lovely couple, who went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable as possible despite the weather. They set up the fire pit on our last night, and ensured there was enough wood to see us through.

Lovely local walks and plenty of tors not too far away. The river is a short distance away from the site which promotes scenic walks.

There was plenty for children to do with a box full of ball games, and a woodland to run through.

The facilities were clean and well maintained. No foul smells from the compostable toilets. The owners ensured that the shower was always hot after wet walls on the moors.

We will return to this site in the future, and have recommended to friends.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A wonderful, peaceful stay . Site…

Overall

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

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked A wonderful, peaceful stay . Site was set in woodland with beautiful views along the forest tracks perfect for dog walks. Very friendly owners. Will definitely be back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks Helen for giving us a 10/10!
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Gidleigh wood campsite, and look forward to seeing you again next year.

Mark and Karen

Tranquility at its best.

Overall

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

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked The simplicity and ease of everything. Mark has yet again done it v.well indeed. This time I bought my kids so they really got stuck into the off grid camping. Lovely wild swimming nearby too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks Luke for your lovely review and rating us a 10/10! So glad you and your kids had a great time. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Cheers

Mark

Wonderful, peaceful spot nestled in the…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Wonderful, peaceful spot nestled in the trees. Feels remote with access to beautiful walks on Dartmoor but also only around 2 miles to Chagford for a pint and a small shop.

Shout out to Mark, the friendly owner, for his helpfulness and resourcefulness - we forgot the pump for our airbed and he made one out of a milk bottle top and a canister of compressed air! Above and beyond what we expected.

Compost loos and shower also v clean and well-maintained.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Rebecca, we love your lovely review about how we managed to inflate your airbed, it's the best review of the year! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Gidleigh wood campsite and thank you so much for rating us a 10/10, well worth finding a milk bottle top and some compressed air. I love a challenge in the wilderness of Dartmoor. We hope to see you both again next year.

Cheers

Mark

Fantastic campsite! Beautiful locations and very…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Fantastic campsite! Beautiful locations and very relaxed. The owners were fantastic and very attentive. Thoroughly enjoyed my stay and hope to return in the future. Loved being able to swim in the river too!

Disliked I wake up early so it wasn’t and issue for me, but I could see how having 1 shower could be an issue when it’s busy.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Megan, many thanks for rating us a 10/10!
So glad you enjoyed your stay at Gidleigh wood campsite, and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Cheers

Mark

This camp site is very special in and Mark made us feel very welcome

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
Emma W.

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked Wonderful peaceful location with the sounds of bird to wake up to. So good not being able to hear any roads!
Great location for getting up on your the high moor with excellent walks from the site. Would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to explore this area.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Hi Emma, just read your review and thank you so much for your kind words. I really enjoyed chatting with you and would love to see you again, and thank you so much for rating Gidleigh wood campsite a 10/10!

Mark

The big dark sky at night…

Overall

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

Primitive grass tent campsite

Liked The big dark sky at night was amazing up there on the edge of Dartmoor nestled among a small forest. The owners were very kind and laid back, they furnished us with as much kindling for our bbq and fire pit, and some logs to get us started each day for free! It was peaceful and really well managed. Lots of walks in all directions to villages, pubs and the moor just a few minutes away. We reckon we’ll be back next year. Thankyou Mark and Wife!

Disliked Nothing to dislike!

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks Gordon for lovely review and rating us a 10/10! So glad you enjoyed your stay at Gidleigh wood campsite and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Mark

Very relaxed atmosphere. Lovely peaceful location.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 5
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Tina P.

Primitive grass RV campsite

Liked Very relaxed atmosphere. Lovely peaceful location.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks Tina for rating Gidleigh wood campsite a 10! We really appreciate it and that's why we do it.
So glad you enjoyed your stay and we look forward to seeing you again next year.

Mark

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Gidleigh Wood have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Gidleigh Wood dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Gidleigh Wood? Fancy a challenge once you’ve warmed up on the trails nearby? How about a hike up High Willhays, the highest point in southern England at 621 metres. Meldon Hill, just outside Chagford, … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Gidleigh Wood?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  noon –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more