Campsites and Holiday Parks in Devon

Campsites in Devon: top spots for an outdoor break in the south west

Ah, Devon – doesn’t the mere mention of it make your mouth start to water? (That could just be the prospect of a proper cream tea, of course…) Indeed, it’s so enticing that lots of folk return to this gorgeous southwestern corner of England year after year, choosing Devon campsites to help them make the most of the sea air, the rural views and the peaceful surrounds. 

First timer, or in the market for fresh inspiration on your Devon camping holiday? Read on for the lowdown on outdoor breaks in this lovely part of the world.

How to pick your Devon campsite

Struggling to know where to start when picking a campsite in Devon? There’s a good reason for that: Devon’s a big old place. It’s the third biggest county in England, in fact, with a lengthy list of attractions to its name, including national parks, fossil-filled beaches, classic seaside resorts, medieval castles, excellent walking and bike trails, canoe outings, family theme parks…

Which of these piques your interest is a matter of taste, of course, and it’s worth doing your research to pick somewhere to stay within easy reach of your chosen list of activities. And it’s worth noting that along with this variety of attractions comes an equally wide range of campsites and holiday parks to suit all tastes and budgets.

Want to get back to basics – just you, your tent, a campfire and a whole heap of open space (and maybe a toilet)? Check out budget options or look for Devon wild camping spots to embrace that frill-free camping style. Need rather more facilities to keep the kids happy (or yourselves, of course)? Check out our family-friendly options for Devon holiday parks and campsites. 

Travellers angling for a break from the nippers (their own and/or everyone else’s) may like to look out options for adults-only camping; meanwhile those who couldn’t possibly leave home without their fur baby in tow will be chuffed to see plenty of choice for dog-friendly camping in Devon.

Facilities to consider when booking your campsite in Devon

Got your eye on a family holiday in Devon? A classic beach break is usually a winner, as is a holiday park packed with facilities to keep the tiddlers amused (happy kids = a chance for parents to relax, right?) A play area is a good start on that front, but you may like to ramp things up further with kids’ club activities, a swimming pool, possibly even watersports on site to ensure plenty of antics with minimal faff.

Devon’s got a bit of a reputation for being one of the UK’s warmest corners, but like all parts of the country fine weather can’t be completely guaranteed. If you’re concerned about keeping one eye on the sky, it could be that a Devon camping pod would be a good choice – pick one of these and you’ll be sure of a cosy place to spend the night even if the clouds do gather. Or of course you could opt to warm your hands over the embers by picking a place that allows campfires.

Alternatively, you might choose to weatherproof your stay by picking one of our glamping options – perhaps settling into a spacious bell tent or snuggling into a shepherd’s hut with your beloved. Such options make top picks for those travelling light too: you’ll often find most of the kit provided here so there’s less packing to do (and less to forget to pack…)

Best areas for camping in Devon

The coast is always a good place to base yourself on a Devon camping break. Or, more correctly, either of the coasts. Yep, Devon is the only English county to have two distinct coastlines: the sheltered southern side being home to a cluster of fab seaside towns along the English Riviera and the western end of the Jurassic Coast, and the craggier north coast a draw for walkers and surfers.

Somewhere within reach of the South West Coast Path is a fine option for folk who like to hike on hols – you could even compare the north and south by planning a two-centre break? Striding away from the sea, there are heaps of trails in both of Devon’s national parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor. A stay in the vicinity of the traffic-free Tarka Trail is another excellent option, especially for fairweather cyclists.

Strategic spots with easy access to all sorts of outings should be straightforward to find around Devon: Barnstaple’s a good choice on that front, sandwiched as it is between Exmoor and some of the north coast’s finest beaches – and with some fab family attractions thrown into the mix as well.

Don’t feel like you have to shy away from big cities, either – both Exeter and Plymouth make for some great days out (especially if the weather’s a tad unhelpful) and somewhere nearby would make a handy base for beach days, country walks and all sorts of other outings.

Must-visit attractions when staying at Devon campsites

A beach day or few is a must, surely? Head to the south coast for Paignton, Salcombe and Dawlish, or try out the various watersports on offer in and around Exmouth. Up on the north coast, Ilfracombe and Woolacombe are excellent destinations for a Devon family camping holiday, and the beaches of Bude and Croyde the places of choice for surfers and those who aspire to become surfers. While you’re up on the north coast, maybe take a day trip to the wildlife-packed waters around Lundy island too?

If you’re the sort that likes to spend their hols peeking into how the other half live, plan outings to Arlington Court, Knightshayes and Saltram House (look familiar? Yep, that’s the house from Sense and Sensibility). Dunster Castle, Powderham Castle and Okehampton Castle are popular visits for history heads, while greenfingered sorts may like to wander in the gorgeous RHS Rosemoor Gardens and the grounds of Pentillie Castle.

If you’ve got kids demanding something more suited to their tastes, steer them towards days at The Milky Way Adventure Park, farmyard madness at The Big Sheep or animal encounters at The Donkey Sanctuary, Paignton Zoo, Exmoor Zoo or the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth. Or of course you could treat them to a stay right there at Diggerland…

Planning to continue your travels in Cornwall, Somerset, Wiltshire or Dorset? Check out our other options for camping in south-west England.