Campsites in Devon: our pick of the best

Why go camping in Devon?

Renowned for golden sandy beaches, seaside villages, two national parks and cream teas, Devon offers numerous wonders to explore.

You can go wild camping in Devon, but only in certain areas of Dartmoor National Park and there are strict backpack camping guidelines to follow, so why not remove the hassle and choose one of the many campsites in Devon? There are plenty to suit every taste.

You can choose from rural campsites for adults-only holidays in Devon, coastal Devon campsites for a seaside getaway, and campsites in Devon that have lots of family-friendly facilities to make your holidays in Devon hassle free and full of fun. Your canine companions don’t need to miss out, either, as there are hundreds of dog-friendly Devon campsites, many close to sandy beaches that welcome dogs, too.

Devon’s two coastlines are very different. The south coast is more sheltered and is home to pretty seaside towns along the English Riviera, and it also contains part of the heritage Jurassic Coast. North Devon’s coast is a little wilder, and is a favourite for wave-seeking surfers or intrepid hikers looking to take on the South West Coast Path.

Devon’s top attractions include the two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, both offering plenty of walks and wildlife. Exmoor encompasses woodland, hills and cliffs, with Dartmoor being somewhat wilder and having many tors to conquer for a stunning view reward. The two parks are also Designated Dark Sky Reserves, ideal for night-time stargazing.

Away from the countryside and the coast, you could head to the city for a great day out, as a wet-weather option, or to sample the local cuisine in one of the many cafés and restaurants. Both Exeter and Plymouth come highly recommended, the former having a magnificent historic cathedral.

The best campsites in north Devon

North Devon offers gently undulating countryside leading down to craggy coves, while unspoilt sandy beaches border pretty seaside towns.

(Photo courtesy of Mill Park)

Mill Park Caravan and Camping Park has a well-stocked 1.5 acre private fishing lake on site, and is only a mile or so from the north Devon surf spots of Ilfracombe and Croyde. Both sand and pebble beaches are also within a short walk – and there's a bar on site, too, which overlooks the Mill Park stream.

Mill Park is a sheltered site suited to families and couples, set in a wooded valley on the north Devon coast and surrounded by woodland for woody walks (yep, dogs are welcome too). On its doorstep is the Exmoor National Park as well as the beautiful north Devon coast and it is just a five-minute walk to the nearest village.

Find out more: Mill Park Caravan & Camping Site  

This Premier Park is exclusively for guests aged 14 years and over only. Minnows Touring Park is conveniently just half a mile from junction 27 of the M5 and north Devon link road. It features 59 hardstanding pitches, all with 16A electric hook-up.

17 of the pitches are fully serviced with fresh water supply and grey water disposal. There is WiFi access from all pitches and modern facilities. The campsite is set alongside the Grand Western Canal which is great for walking, fishing and canoeing.

You can also enjoy safe cycling on the National Cycle Route along the towpath. Shops, pubs, public transport and golf courses are all within walking distance..

Find out more: Minnows Touring Park  

Tucked away in a wooded valley, close to the picturesque Ilfracombe Harbour and Woolacombe Beach. The campsite is a secluded retreat perfect for rest and relaxation. The valley is flanked on both sides by mature trees, with plenty of walks through the wooded areas. A bus stop can be found at the campsite entrance.

On the campsite you’ll find a shop, bar and restaurant area serving hot food, cream teas and drinks. The elevated position of the bar and restaurant gives great views over the ornamental lake. Hidden Valley has 100 pitches, most of which are hardstanding, all have hook-up and Premium pitches come complete with full services. The amenities are underfloor heated with showers, a laundry room and facilities for the disabled.

Find out more: Hidden Valley Touring & Camping Park  

Perfect for outdoor adventurers and naturalists, Lobb Fields is two miles from Braunton Burrows, one of the largest sand dune systems on the British Isles and home to a number of rare plants and animals. The dunes lead to Saunton Sands, a three-mile stretch of beach. The South West Coast Path runs behind the dunes so you can walk to your heart’s content.

Lobb Fields is on the outskirts of Braunton, where the Tarka Trail cycle path runs for 30 miles using old railway lines. On the campsite are 180 pitches, 115 with electric and 12 on hardstanding. Facilities include toilets, showers, laundry rooms, a play area, dog walk and surf equipment hire. There is also a bus service from the site entrance.

Find out more: Lobb Fields Caravan & Camping Park  

The best campsites in south Devon

Home to the English Riviera, south Devon is ideal for a seaside holiday, with Torquay, Paington and Brixham being ideal resorts for a bucket and spade day. Inland you can put your best foot forward and take a walk within Dartmoor National Park.

(Photo courtesy of Cofton Holidays)

A handy distance from J30 of the M5, Cofton has a stunning setting in a picturesque valley.

The campsite has five star facilities in clean, tidy surroundings with indoor and outdoor pools, play areas, Swan Pub, shop, takeaway, games room and WiFi. The five coarse fishing lakes are a haven for wildlife, while a woodland walk to Dawlish Warren’s Blue Flag beach offers panoramic views across the Exe Estuary.

Pitches are large with hardstanding and super pitches are available. There are six high-quality toilet blocks, covered washing up areas, laundrettes and family/disabled bathrooms.

Find out more: Cofton Holidays 

Harford Bridge Park is a 2019 and 2020 Visit Devon tourism award-winning holiday park set within Dartmoor National Park with views of the moor, and the River Tavy forming a boundary, offering riverside pitches in some areas. The campsite is family and dog friendly, and is located on the Dartmoor Way cycle route.

There are grass and hardstanding pitches (30 of these are located by the river) with or without electric, and facilities include a shop, wet rooms, tennis court, play area, covered table tennis and table football, a dog exercise area and dog shower. There’s also a handy bike storage and info area where hired bikes can also be picked up.

This is a truly beautiful campsite in a pleasant, rural area with all the activities of the National Park and Tamar Valley AONB on the doorstep.

Find out more: Harford Bridge Park  

Nestled in the rolling South Devon hills, just outside the idyllic waterside village of Stoke Gabriel, Whitehill Country Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing break in the great outdoors. The family-run campsite boasts a great range of facilities, including a beautiful new indoor swimming pool, fitness suite, heated outdoor pool with splash pad and spa, soft play, playgrounds and private woodland, plus a bar, restaurant, takeaway and shop. During the summer months you can also enjoy a programme of live music, entertainment and activities.

Located just a short drive from the English Riviera, the campsite is close to the bustling seaside towns of Paignton, Brixham and Torquay, picturesque beaches and award-winning attractions.

Find out more: Whitehill Country Park  

This premier adults-only, non-dog campsite occupies an ideal location in south Devon, close to the market town of Kingsbridge and the resort town of Salcombe. Open all year, Parkland offers fully serviced pitches set within three acres of mature, landscaped grounds. Deluxe pitches also offer you your own private washroom. On the campsite, high-quality heated facilities include large showers, baths and accessible washrooms, along with a vanity room, campers' kitchen, laundry room and a well stocked, licensed shop. Glamping options are also available.

Parkland is an excellent base for exploring the stunning area. Ramble the South West Coast Path, relax on fabulous beaches, enjoy an array of activities and indulge with fine dining. A bus stop is just 400 yards from the campsite, giving you easy access to Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Dartmouth and Totnes.

Find out more: Parkland Caravan & Camping  

The best campsites in east Devon

The east of the county boasts part of the Jurassic coastline, a UNESCO World Heritage site and not one but two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. East Devon’s coast is blessed with secluded coves and vast stretches of beach with the South West Coast Path winding its way through.

Andrewshayes Holiday Park is a family-run, countryside campsite overlooking the valleys and hills of east Devon. Friendly and welcoming, it has plenty to offer both on and off the campsite. The South West Coast Path and seaside resorts of Lyme Regis and Charmouth are a short drive away, as well as local attractions such as Seaton Tramway and Burrow Farm Gardens.

This award-winning holiday campsite has well-maintained facilities, including a lovely large, covered, heated swimming pool with retractable roof. There is a seasonal bar and café on the campsite, play areas, games room and small toddler soft playroom. The campsite is pet friendly, has a dog exercise field and a woodland walk. Overall, the perfect place for exploring the West Country.

Find out more: Andrewshayes Holiday Park  

Oakdown offers easy access to the beaches and coast path of east Devon’s Jurassic Coast. With hidden coves and rock pools to explore, the area’s beaches offer something for everyone. The South West Coast Path running along this part of Devon provides the perfect opportunity to take in sea views.

Pitches at Oakdown are set within landscaped grounds – choose from electric or a fully serviced pitch. Facilities include toilets and showers, a launderette, café, dog wash, play areas and a pitch ’n’ putt course. Devon’s Donkey Sanctuary is only one mile from the site with a field trail leading there.

Find out more: Oakdown Holiday Park