10 Best Campsites in Devon
Flanked by two stunning coastlines and with a gorgeously green centre, Devon gives campers access to spectacular nature. Stay at hikers’ hubs in the county's two national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, or settle down near the long, sandy surf beaches in the north – either way, there should be plenty of fabulous scenery all around. Or how about parks close to the calmer southern coves on the English Riviera and the red-rock cliffs of the Jurassic Coast?
Whatever kind of holiday you’re craving, there’s a campsite in Devon that fits the bill.
10 of the best campsites in Devon
Barley Meadow Touring Park
Crockernwell
Exeter EX6 6NR
Why here? If you’re planning a peaceful hiking holiday in Dartmoor, this relaxed campsite is calling your name. It's reserved for adults only but it welcomes dogs, and you can let four-legged friends run free in the secure off-lead area. Among the local options are the 117-mile Two Moors Way, 10 minutes on foot from the site, or the Granite Way trail (15 minutes’ drive away in Okehampton). Cyclists are also fans of Barley Meadow as it's near National Cycle Route 27, an 80-mile trail that runs from Ilfracombe on the north coast to Plymouth in the south through Devon’s green centre.
Key facilities: On-site shop (open subject to demand), games room, information centre, secure off-lead dog area, wifi, toilets, showers
One more thing… This site's eco credentials include an EV point for charging electric cars and a bus stop right outside for low-emission trips to the city of Exeter and sandy beaches around Bude.
Book Barley Meadow Touring Park
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat
Manor Farm
Lynton EX35 6LD
Why here? You can take in glorious views over the Bristol Channel from your camping chair at this site in the hills above Lynton and Lynmouth. Once you're fully rested, head down to these twin coastal villages (five minutes’ drive) for strolls on a flat, paved path along the sea and over to the Valley of the Rocks to spot the wild goats. Feel free to bring the dog – the site welcomes pets and has direct access to trails through the surrounding Exmoor National Park for walkies. As Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is just off the main A39 road, it’s also easy to reach other tourist favourites such as the natural harbour pool at Ilfracombe on the Devon coast.
Key facilities: Food shop, wifi, toilet block, showers, disabled facilities, washing-up area, launderette, dogs allowed
One more thing… Nearby Lynton and Lynmouth are lovely villages connected by a Victorian funicular. Set aside time to wander around the pretty-as-a-picture cottages, fishing harbour and 19th-century buildings.
Branscombe Airfield and Camping
Higher Lands Farm
Branscombe
Seaton EX12 3BL
Why here? Holidays don’t come much more unusual than camping in Devon on an airfield among restored planes. Much to the delight of younger guests (and older ones, to be fair), you can occasionally watch aircraft land between the tents, caravans and campervans at this spot in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Lyme Bay. Kids are also taken by the site's enclosed play area and two games rooms. As the park is close to the long beach at Branscombe on the Jurassic Coast, you won’t need to pilot a plane to reach top Devon attractions.
Key facilities: Games rooms, play area, internet access, refurbished toilets, free showers, washing-up area, launderette
One more thing… The site's private airstrip displays vintage aircraft including a Stearman PT-17 and a Zlín 526. Ask whether the resident pilots and restoration team are available to show you the planes.
Book Branscombe Airfield and Camping
Camping @ Croyde Bay
Moor Lane
Croyde EX33 1NN
Why here? If it’s a beach break you’re planning, Camping @ Croyde Bay certainly delivers. This park is just a 400-metre wander from one of Devon’s most popular stretches of sand. Ask the friendly staff for tips on where to explore in the local area and they might point you around the corner to Putsborough beach or a couple of miles away to Saunton for rounds on the golf course. When it comes to eating, either stay on site and make the most of the food vans or head into the village, a short stroll away on foot, to order freshly cooked meals at a cosy local pub.
Key facilities: His 'n' hers bathroom block with hot showers, ladies' dressing room, washing-up area, wifi
One more thing… Stay here to take on north Devon's famous waves – this surfer-friendly site has boards for hire and an outdoor shower to hose down wetsuits.
Treacle Valley Campsite
Orestone Lane
Daccombe
Newton Abbot TQ12 4ST
Why here? Split your time between the countryside and the coast on a break at this relaxed farm campsite in Devon. Backed by Dartmoor National Park, it’s fronted by the English Riviera’s 20 beaches – you can reach the coast at Maidencombe, Whitsand and Watcombe in less than 10 minutes’ drive. Take walks through the surrounding countryside right from your pitch too, returning to cook dinner while the kids take on the play area. Speaking of children, there are plenty of attractions for smaller sightseers in the local area, including Paignton’s zoo and aquarium less than 20 minutes' drive away.
Key facilities: Play area, wifi, showers, toilet block, washing-up area, dogs allowed
One more thing…The surrounding English Riviera is packed with towns full of activities and amenities for tourists, from miniature golf courses and amusement arcades to ice-cream shops and fish ‘n’ chip takeaways. Try Torquay and Paignton at the coast or head to Newton Abbot, a little further inland.
Twelve Oaks Farm Caravan Park
Teigngrace
Newton Abbot TQ12 6QT
Why here? It may be the outdoor pool – heated via a biomass system – that first reels you into this campsite, or perhaps it will be the prospect of the two fishing lakes… For other leisurely activities, head on foot to stroll on the Templer Way heritage trail or go walking, cycling and birdwatching in the well-kept green spaces of nearby Stover Country Park. Twelve Oaks Farm Caravan Park is easy to access from the main roads that flank the nearest town of Newton Abbot, so you can also head into Exeter city without any hassle for shopping and sightseeing.
Key facilities: Outdoor pool, play area, fishing lakes, award-winning heated toilet and shower block with dishwashing and laundry facilities
One more thing… A family-friendly cycling trail runs from the site through woodlands and around lakes towards the rugged moorlands of Dartmoor National Park.
Book Twelve Oaks Farm Caravan Park
Hartland Caravan and Camping Park
Fore Street
Hartland EX39 6DG
Why here? The north Devon coast is a popular choice for a holiday, but to get a little off the main tourist trail, head to Hartland. This caravan and camping park’s a five-minute walk from the village in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has stunning sea views from its pitches.For those eager to go angling, the site has a pond where you can fish to your heart’s content. For food, the shops of Hartland are a five-minute stroll down the road and the village also has pubs serving hot meals. Order breakfast in the local café to sustain yourself ahead of all the surf and canoe lessons available at nearby beaches like Sandymouth (20 minutes' drive).
Key facilities: Fishing pond, toilet block, shower, washing-up area, launderette, parent and baby washroom
One more thing… We recommend visiting Mouthmill beach – this remote part of the coast, just a 10-minute drive from the site, is home to the impressive Blackchurch natural rock arch.
Book Hartland Caravan and Camping Park
Wall Park Touring Caravan and Centry Road Camping Site
Centry Road
Brixham TQ5 9ET
Why here? Slotted on Berry Head peninsula with Brixham’s lively harbour in one direction and quiet St Mary’s Bay in the other, Wall Park offers the best of both worlds. It takes 15 minutes to walk downhill to the thriving coastal town from this tree-lined campsite, with pretty sea views to soak up the whole way. For a longer walk, loop around Berry Head nature reserve while keeping an eye out for dolphins in the water and peregrine falcons in the sky. You can stop for a swim at St Mary’s Bay before returning to the park to relax among the leafy greenery.
Key facilities: Laundry, toilet block, hot showers, wifi, disabled bathrooms, dogs allowed
One more thing… Brixham plays host to one of the UK’s biggest fishing fleets, and you can buy fresh seafood from the market to sear on the barbecue back at Wall Park.
Book Wall Park Touring Caravan and Centry Road Camping Site
Rhea Farm and Fishery
Whitford Road, Killmington
Axminster EX13 7NT
Why here? It’s usually the animals that attract guests to this campsite on a 16-acre farm. Home to rheas, emus, ostriches and a giant tortoise, it offers a taste of the exotic without having to go overseas. The proximity to the coast is also a standout feature – the park is in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a 15-minute drive from the upscale seaside resort of Lyme Regis.
If you’re looking for an eco escape, this campsite also suits: hot water for showers is created by using waste wood harvested from around the forest area, and solar-powered lamps light up the shower and toilet facilities. For a break from the barbecue, book a table at celebrity chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s famous River Cottage HQ in Axminster, a couple of miles away. You can stock up for other meals at a local farm shop within walking distance.
Key facilities: Fishing lake, showers, toilet block, washing-up area, dogs allowed
One more thing… There’s free fishing on the park's 1.5-acre lake filled with rudd, tench, barbel and mirror carp. Gear is also available to hire, so beginners can have a go too.
Broad Park Camping and Glamping
Fairy Cross
Bideford EX39 5BY
Why here? For a peaceful holiday, pitch up at this dog-friendly north Devon campsite. It's on a smallholding where your noisiest neighbours will most likely be the resident alpacas and chickens. Forgotten the camping stove? Not a problem. Site facilities include a kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, toaster, fridge and freezer, plus barbecues are allowed. You can warm up come evening by burning logs from the honesty shop on a rented fire basket, perhaps accompanied by one of the locally made luxury ice creams the park sells.
Key facilities: Food shop, communal fridge, toilets, showers, washing-up area, fire baskets to hire, dogs allowed
One more thing…This campsite is five miles west of the historic harbour town of Bideford's independent shops, local restaurants and riverside quay.
Book Broad Park Camping and Glamping
More campsites in Devon
Still searching for your dream campsite in Devon? We have plenty of options to pick from across this varied county in South West England. Just use the filters on Pitchup to discover exactly what you want, from family-friendly holiday parks to adults-only havens.