20 of the best campsites in Devon to visit
Yet such popularity brings a wealth of camping sites on offer, which can make it difficult for you to decide where to stay.
So from campsites in South Devon, those around Exmoor National Park or to the coast of the Bristol channel here is a list of 20 of the best campsites Devon offers from the Caravan and Motorhome Club and Camping and Caravanning Club.
A selection of some of the best campsites in Devon from the Caravan and Motorhome Club
Damage Barton Caravan Club Site
Mortehoe Station Road, Mortehoe, Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7EJ
Set on the 600 acres of a working cattle and sheep farm with panoramic sea views that’ll take your breath away, Damage Barton Caravan Club site allows you to see seabirds, wildflowers and numerous farm animals.
This site is ideal for thrillseekers who want to take on the waves of Woolacombe’s Blue Flag beach or cyclists looking to enjoy the Tarka Trail cycleway from Braunton to Barnstaple and beyond.
Notable facilities: Dog walk, play area, disabled shower room.
Two Mile Oak, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6DD
Situated in rolling countryside in the grounds of a historic farmhouse signifying the lay of the land in previous eras, Dornafield Touring Park offers a quaint, quiet and relaxed atmosphere ideal for families.
Those staying at Dornafield can enjoy the town of Torbay just a short drive away, or take a trip up to Dartmoor to explore the rugged scenery of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Those looking for culture and nightlife might enjoy the cities of Plymouth and Exter, which are also within easy reach.
Notable facilities: play area, tennis, golf
Lydford Caravan and Camping Park
Lydford, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 4BE
Known for being an exceptionally calm and tranquil caravan site, Lydford Caravan and Camping Park consists of three fields separated by hedgerows and trees with great views of Dartmoor Tor.
Holiday goers enjoy Lydford Caravan and Camping Park for easy access to Lydford village, which has many attractions, including a Norman castle, ancient church and gorge, the steepest in South England containing the dramatically named Devil’s Cauldron whirlpool.
Notable facilities: Disabled facilities, dog walk, baby changing.
Putts Corner Caravan Club Site
Sidbury, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0QQ
Known for being an idyllic site in the spring, its many displays of bluebells and foxgloves scattered throughout the site come into view alongside numerous birdlife and even deer sightings.
Those staying on the site might enjoy the several scenic walks that run from the property into Gittisham, onto Beer and along the lovely coastline path to Branscombe. However, if you prefer a peaceful riverbank stroll, Ottery St Mary will not disappoint. The site also puts you close to Honiton, a charming Georgian town with many antique stores selling anything and everything.
Notable facilities: Dog walk, baby changing, disabled facilities.
Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 6QG
Stover Club Site is located close to a beautiful country park on the outskirts of Dartmoor in a quiet, uncomplicated, and expansive setting.
This is the ideal caravan site for your trip if you want to relax and enjoy a variety of beautiful scenic hikes. The Stover Park itself is a great base to begin a wide range of walks from. You can choose safe explorations guided by Park professionals, or if you want something more challenging, the wilder terrains of Dartmoor are close and waiting to be found.
Notable facilities: Dog walk, drive over waste disposable for motorhomes.
Woolacombe, Devon, EX34 7HN
Offering glimpses of Lundy island on a clear, sunny day, Willingcott Caravan Site is set on the rugged Devon coastline. The site is split into sections by Devon Banks, offering something for everyone, with one side being more tranquil and the other more for family entertaining.
The site is ideal for those into fitness, with easy access to the National Cycle Network route 27 and the North Devon Cycle Network. Surfing may be enjoyed at nearby Woolacombe, which is recognised for having one of the best blue flag beaches in the country. Meanwhile, Woolacombe & Mortehoe, two miles from the caravan site, is a popular golfing destination.
Notable facilities: Play area, disabled facilities
Steamer Quay Road, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5AL
A quiet campsite with expansive views of the lush, green working farms nearby. This campsite is ideal for those wishing to explore the local towns. Closest is the historic port town of Totnes which offers many restaurants, and a stroll along its busy river, which culminates in an area called The Narrows, the oldest portion of town and a must-see for tourists to the area.
The historic Guildhall and museum are easily accessible while staying at Steamer Quay Club Site. With its lovely grounds, outdoor theatre, and cinema, Dartington Hall is only a short stroll away and is well worth a visit. The Tuesday Pannier market is a convenient place to go shopping – a popular event for both locals and tourists because the stallholders dress in authentic Elizabethan attire.
Notable facilities: Disabled facilities, dog walk.
Stoke Road, Stoke Gabriel, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 6QB
Ramslade Club Site is charmingly set between the River Dart and the seafront. This caravan park has wonderful hillside views from most of its spaces and is about a mile from Stoke Gabriel, one of Devon’s most picturesque settlements. The site is also ideal for touring destinations along the English Riviera, such as Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.
The caravan site’s ideal location will also allow you to visit several National Trust properties. The numerous seaside walkways are sure to provide hours of picturesque pleasure for walkers. Don’t miss the Splashdown water park in Goodrington for a fun day out with the kids.
Notable facilities: Play area, games room
Stokenham, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 2SE
Start Bay Club Site is set on a long, gently sloping meadow bordered by visually well-kept shrubs and trees for further privacy. This idyllic countryside setting is only three-quarters of a mile from the shore, making it an ideal choice for people looking for a traditional summer vacation.
Bird watchers will enjoy their visit to the caravan park because it is close to the local bird sanctuary at Slapton Ley. If sailing is your passion, you can easily moor at East Portlemouth and explore this beautiful coastal area’s beautiful harbours and streams.
Notable facilities: Disabled facilities, dog walk
Exebridge Lakeside Caravan Club Site
Higher Grants, Exebridge, Dulverton, Devon, TA22 9BE
Exebridge Lakeside Club Site has many excellent amenities, and all pitches are flat, with stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Exe Valley. A convenient route leads from the camper park around the fishing lake and on to The Anchor bar, a traditional local pub about 400 yards away.
Ideal for those looking to explore inner Devon, the tranquil town of Dulverton, with lovely rural vistas towards Exmoor and proximity to the stunning National Park and Lorna Doone region, is also easily accessible from the Exebridge Lakeside Club Site. And for those looking for adventure, Wimbleball Lake is only a few miles distant for fishing and watersports.
Notable facilities: Play area, dog walk
Some of the best campsites in Devon from the Camping and Caravanning Club
California Cross Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Located in the South Hams Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the campsite is off the main path and surrounded by farmland, situated between the sandy beaches of South Devon’s Heritage coast and the spectacular landscape of Dartmoor National Park.
Modbury and Ivybridge, both nearby, provide a variety of stores and restaurants. The latter will be appealing to walkers because the Two Moors Way begins here and winds its way through the National Park to Lynmouth on the north Devon coast.
Notable facilities: Play area, Wi-Fi
Slapton Sands Camping and Caravanning Club Site
A family-friendly site with sea views and walking distance to sandy and shingle beaches, ideal for kicking back and enjoying the views, which are lined by trees and backed by a rolling landscape. Slapton Sands is geared up for children, with a campground that provides everything you need for the ideal family beach holiday.
Those staying on the site might enjoy the opportunities to get closer to nature, as the site is located within a National Nature Reserve. There are numerous trails and walks around the area, teeming with birds and wildlife, while the Blue Flag Award-winning Blackpool Sands is located to the north of Slapton Sands.
Notable facilities: Dog walk, play area, Wi-Fi
Tavistock Camping and Caravanning Club Site
A campsite situated on the west side of the stunning Dartmoor National Park, Tavistock Club Site offers breathtaking views and endless walking or cycling opportunities.
Those staying on the site should take advantage of its proximity to Tavistock town, two and a half miles away, which is a world heritage site. It is a charming and historic market town with the lovely River Tavy running through it. It is well worth visiting whether you appreciate nice cafes and shops or great architecture and old abbey ruins.
Notable facilities: Shop, play area, wifi
Umberleigh Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Set in the Taw Valley, the Umberleigh Club Site is situated in a rural setting with excellent views of the surrounding countryside. Surrounded by hills and meadows, it is close to North Devon’s moors and beaches, offering a peaceful stay with more than enough to keep you occupied nearby.
Umberleigh is a quarter-mile away from the campsite and offers an art gallery, antique shop, and small bar nearby for those wanting to explore a town. For those wanting the sea, Westward Ho, Saunton, Woolacombe, and Ilfracombe have clean, sandy beaches and surfing within easy reach.
Notable facilities: Tennis, TV room, fishing
Budge Brightwater Farm Campsite (Certified site)
Located in a gorgeous combe just outside the small North Devon village of Sutcombe, Brightwater Farm is set across six acres with its own river and stream. It’s ideal for play, picnics, and riverside walks, particularly in the spring when a wide array of vibrant wildflowers make their presence felt.
Bude is nearby and has peaceful and vibrant coastal places with fantastic sandy beaches and a sea pool for child-safe swimming. Tamar Lakes (sailing/walks/café), RHS Rosemoor Gardens, Hartland & Clovelly, and Devon’s famed Gnome Reserve for walks and cream teas are also nearby attractions – all great for entire families to explore.
Notable facilities: Pets welcome, coastal views, wifi
Set in the Axe Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and offering panoramic views across the land, Abbey Gate Farm site provides plenty of room for kids to play and dogs to be walked.
Ideally situated for those wanting to do some shopping, just one mile from the site is Axminster which offers many shops, restaurants, cafés, takeaways, and the famous River Cottage Canteen. Elsewhere, a slightly further drive away, is Lyme Regis and the Jurassic Coast, excellent for a day at the beach, watersports, and fossil searching.
Notable facilities: Dog walk, coastal views
Our sites are set in an idyllic green and leafy setting, overlooking two well-established ponds and a forest; Lane End Farm is certified. It offers up to five caravans or motorhomes a place to escape into a rural setting while still having electric hookups and well-maintained pitches.
Lane End’s North Devon location is a great place to explore the South West. Picturesque coastline, woods, moorland, and historic cities, charming villages, amusement parks are all within a short drive.
Notable facilities: Washing machines
This adult-only campsite offers a lovely woodland retreat situated on the land of a working beef farm. Accessible down winding Devon countryside lanes, Harland Cheristow site gives holiday goers the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Made for those who want a ‘back to nature’ camping experience, Hartland welcomes those who want to unwind around a firepit with a guitar and a singsong. Hiking trails are nearby, and the local pub is a two-mile walk away that serves food.
Notable facilities: Showers, pets welcome
Gara Bridge Campsite is a peaceful hideaway in the Avon Valley. It is located in a Region of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in a remote, sheltered area on the banks of the Avon River. A 4-acre paddock adjacent to the land follows the river upstream and provides direct access to fantastic hikes and cycling in the gorgeous Devon countryside.
Situated within easy reach of several local towns in the heart of the South Hams, Gara Bridge is the ideal rural hideaway and a base to explore South Devon. The site’s location gives us easy access to the coast in any direction, as well as the charming towns of Totnes, Dartmouth, and Kingsbridge.
Notable facilities: Fishing, recreation hall
A quiet site with countryside views, Meadow View has so much to offer people looking for a calm, peaceful, and tranquil area while also being ideally positioned to enable quick access to other regions of Devon and Cornwall, as well as the North and South coasts.
Those staying on the site will enjoy easy access to explore Bridestowe village, which has a shop/post office, public house & restaurant, and the church a short 20-minute walk away. Those looking for a slightly faster pace will enjoy The Granite Way cycle path, which is nearby and takes you on a journey through much of the surrounding countryside.
Notable facilities: Showers, pets welcome
See more of the best campsites in Devon
Both the Camping and Caravanning Club and Caravan and Motorhome Club have useful campsite finder features on their websites that make it easy for you to filter by the type of campsite you want (e.g. family-run, dog-friendly, family-friendly etc.) and the kinds of features you want it to have (e.g. swimming pools, camping pods, hard standing camping pitches, dog walk, play area etc.).
Families choose caravan and motorhome holidays because they offer a chance to have a relaxing getaway with their four-legged companions. With campsites providing not only a base for further exploration of an area but also loads of entertainment and learning opportunities onsite, camping holidays allow families to find exactly what they’re after.
If you’re interested in purchasing a caravan, then check out Bailey of Bristol’s current range here.
Or if you think a motorhome is a better option for your family, then you can go here to see our current range.
