Devon, with countless idyllic bays and sandy beaches is the perfect staycation destination in the UK. But which are the best campsites in Devon? I’m talking perfect coastal views from your sleeping bag to national park proximity.
We’ve already shared our 7 best beaches in North Devon and now we take a look at 7 of the best campsites in Devon, plus a couple of extra luxury unique stay options.
North Devon’s rugged remote coastline boasts some of the finest surf in the country with glorious coastal walks, whilst visitors to South Devon can explore pretty harbours bursting with sailboats, gastro eateries and stunning Dartmoor national park.
We talk you through what we and some of the best family traveller bloggers in the UK think are the best campsites in Devon for families.
We include something for everyone looking to camp in Devon. Whether that’s basic field camping with fire pits, epic sea views straight from your favourite camping chair or family adventure park mayhem, this guide to the best campsites in Devon will give you some excellent camping choices.
7 BEST CAMPSITES IN DEVON
Best campsites in North Devon
North Devon is quieter than the hustle and bustle of South Devon. If you’re looking for long sandy beaches with rugged coastal scenery head here.
Exmoor National Park tucked away in the north east corner of North Devon spanning the Somerset border has glorious walks and cosy pubs, whilst the award winning 3 miles beaches of Saunton and Putsborough Sands will keep families looking for beach action happy from dawn till dusk. Lets take a look at the best campsites in North Devon.
1. Ocean Pitch – Croyde
Where: Croyde, North Devon
Best for: surfers Time to coast: 1 min walk
Overlooking Croyde beach, Ocean Pitch is a rare gem for families who surf or just want to be beach side and in our opinion ranks highly as one of the best campsites in Devon.
With immaculate facilities, surfboards to hire and delicious surf inspired street food van, Biffen’s Kitchen on-site, it’s no surprise that Ocean Pitch ranks number one for Croyde camping.
With grass pitches for tents and hard pitches for camper vans, an on-site shop and a no-party site mentality, Ocean Pitch campsite is perfect for families looking for a surf holiday with proximity to the beach.
Run by a surf family, this campsite focuses on the little things that make all the difference to campers. Phone charging, free freezer block service, surf hire, table tennis, free wi-fi and friendly staff on-site 24hrs a day happy to give advice on surf conditions and spots make Ocean Pitch the perfect campsite in Croyde.
Set on the coastal path to Baggy Point, Ocean Pitch has an enviable position overlooking the beach and is just a short 10 minutes walk to the Croyde village.
Note: Croyde beach is an intermediate/advanced surf beach and does have rips, so you need to be aware of these with your kids. The beach is patrolled by the RNLI during peak summer months. Read the notes on our Croyde section of 7 best beaches in Devon for more information
2. North Morte Farm – Mortehoe
Where: 5 mins from Woolacombe, North Devon
Best for: incredible sea views Time to coast: 1 min walk
North Morte Farm is our favourite ever campsite in Devon. A mere 500 yards from Rockham Beach (currently closed from a landslide) this is definitely one of the best campsites in Devon with it’s rural beach access and insane coastal views.
With direct access onto the South West footpath, this campsite is perfect for adventuring families looking to walk the coastal path, discover hidden coves or surf nearby Woolacombe & Putsborough Sands.
North Morte Farm has incredible breathtaking sea views from every direction. Set out over several fields, campers can choose their spot on arrival. Look carefully on a clear day and you can even spot Lundy Island, North Devon’s National Trust island on the horizon!
North Morte Farm also have 20 gravel pitches for caravans and motorhomes separate from the camping area. Highly recommended.
3. Cloud Farm – Exmoor
Where: Exmoor Time to coast: 24 min drive to Lynton
Best for: families wanting river fun & wanting to disconnect & get away from it all
For those wanting to get away from it all – Cloud Farm boasts the best camping on Exmoor National Park.
Slap bang in the heart of Exmoor, with no phone signal or wi-fi, getting back to basics is easy on Cloud Farm.
Deep in Lorna Doone country, pitches at Cloud Farm are on grassy plots next to Badgeworthy Water river so it’s perfect for lazy days river dwelling and messing around in the water.
Surrounded by idyllic Exmoor scenery, on the border of Somerset and Devon, this tranquil base in the Doone Valley is brilliant for walkers and adventuring families.
The National Trust bought the site in March 2020 and now there are improved toilets, showers and reception (which also includes and basic shop and tea-room).
Dogs welcome.
Swap canvas for a truly unique stay in North Devon
Longlands – Combe Martin
If you’re looking for more of an unusual stay in North Devon, swap a night under canvas for luxury glamping lodges at Longlands.
It’s worth the splurge at Longlands to have a micro adventure in a safari tent with a side of luxury. Think egyptian cotton, private hot tub and a lake onsite for wild swimming or fishing.
For another unusual stay in North Devon take a 2hr ferry from Ilfracombe or Bideford to the national trust owned Lundy Island. Here, take your pick of 23 unique properties lovingly restored by the national trust – you can stay in the lighthouse, a castle keep, a fisherman’s cottage or the local mansion!
Read our post Staying on Lundy Island – 10 things to do to discover the island
Best campsites in South Devon
Dartmoor National Park on the northern edge of South Devon is a huge draw for hikers and families looking for adventure away from the beach. Dartmoor is an adventurer’s delight with legal wild camping and incredible llama walking tours – a guaranteed hit with kids. From bustling coastal ports to a must visit donkey sanctuary, South Devon is a delight.
Lets take a look at the best campsites in South Devon.
4. River Dart Country Park
Where: southern edge of Dartmoor Best for: families with young children
Time to coast: 35mins drive
River Dart Country Park is an adventure playground park with a large camping/caravan site set in Dartmoor National Park. It’s definitely a contender for the best campsite in South Devon.
“I spent at least five of my childhood summers at River Dart Country Park in Devon. I absolutely loved it. It’s hands down one of the best campsites in Devon. I have so many fond memories from holidays there. It’s set in 90 acres of parkland within Dartmoor National Park, and the location on the river just can’t be beat.
They’ve spent a lot of money on renovating it since I used to think that the snake slide and swing over the water was the height of entertainment. Now you can play on the big pirate ship, go canoeing, zorbing, kayaking and play on the zip wire and high ropes course. It’s a camping and glamping site, but you can also just visit for a day out in Devon and join the activities too.
At the campsite there are toilets and showers, and play areas just for campers. It’s a great place for all the family to be out in the wild with lots of natural and manmade things to do. In fact, I want to go back again this summer!”
Vicky – Flip Flop Travels / Day Out In England
5. Treacle Valley Campsite
Where: on the edge of Torquay, South Devon
Best for: families wanting to discover the beaches of South Devon beaches
Time to coast: 10 minutes drive
Treacle Valley Campsite in the village of Daccombe is an excellent location for couples or families. The campsite (tents only) is on several fields of a 200 acre working farm and is huge with free hot showers and clean toilet facilities separated into male and female blocks.
There is also a small coin operated laundry area which is great after a sandy beach day or a muddy walk in the surrounding hills. There are multiple fresh water supplies around the campsite and a communal dish washing area with hot water and soap.
Fires and barbeques are allowed if they are off the ground and there is a small shop on site for supplies you may have forgotten or just a fresh morning coffee.
It also has free wifi and plug sockets which is great for looking up things to do for the day or if you need to charge your phone. There is also a newly built play area for children.
Treacle Valley is a short drive to multiple beaches the closest being Watcombe Beach and the Watcombe Cave 1.5 miles or a 5-minute drive. For sightseeing and tourist attractions it is only a 10-minute drive to Babbacombe village and Torquay.
Treacle Valley is also only a 30-minute drive to Dartmoor National Park making it perfect for outdoor adventures, beach days and sightseeing.
Steph & Lewis from Book It Lets Go
6. Crealy Meadows, Exeter
Where: 10 mins from Exeter
Best for: families wanting theme park attractions Time to coast: 18 minutes drive
If you’re looking for a South Devon campsite that’s near a fun family attraction you can’t get much closer than Crealy Meadows in Exeter. It’s right next door to Crealy Adventure Park and has its own secret access gate so you can avoid queuing with day visitors.
7. South Devon Camping @ Lower Terawhiti Farm
Where: 10 mins from South Milton Sands
Best for: families looking for off grid adventures Time to coast: 10 minute walk
An affordable, off grid campsite on a traditional family farm, only 10 minutes from South Milton Sands, one of the main beaches in South Devon.
Lower Terawhiti Farm is located within a designated Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty and in easy reach of Salcombe, Kingsbridge, Hope Cove, Bantham and Bigbury.
Younger kids can pet the farm’s cattle, sheep and hens, whilst older kids will love nearby activities of kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, stand up paddling boarding, golf, tennis and glorious cliff walks, all within a short distance of the farm.
The off grid seclusion, hot showers and camp fires give Lower Terawhiti Farm a special atmosphere.
Swap canvas for a truly unique stay in South Devon
Meadow Barn Farm
