Is there anything more reminiscent of childhood than going camping? With warmer weather on the way, why not book yourself a traditional British camping holiday for 2022? Devon is one of the best places in the UK for camping – you have coast and countryside, friendly faces, places you can bring your dogs and a whole host of exciting attractions to keep you entertained come rain or shine.
Here are some of our picks of great campsites across the county to inspire you for your Devon camping adventure.
Camping is a great way to experience the simpler things in life and to really get away from the stresses of the modern world. With sites offering electric and non-electric pitches, you can really have a digital detox and get the kids away from screens for a little while. It isn’t all about roughing it either, there are sites with warm, running water, amazing onsite facilities and even free wifi! So, whatever you’re looking for, you can find something that suits everyone.
If you are planning to introduce the kids to camping, why not check out one of the campsites that borders some of the best family attractions in the county? Crealy Meadows Caravan and Camping Park is attached to the Crealy Theme Park and Resort and is just a short walk away from a whole host of award winning rides and attractions, including rollercoasters and water rides. Crealy also hosts a fantastic calendar of live shows and additional activities throughout the year, so no matter when you choose to visit, there will be something fun to do on top of everything else on offer, plus, all short breaks book at Crealy Meadows come with a discounted entry to the theme park and access to all the resort facilities! Who doesn’t want to stay in a theme park after all?! Soon the kids won’t even realise that they have had to leave their electronics at home!
There is a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets at Crealy Meadows, but their all-weather Camping and Touring pitches are perfect, whether you’re a seasoned camper or a complete novice. Here you’ll find everything from luxury toilet and shower facilities with underfloor heating to fully serviced camping pitches, so all you need is to bring your tent with you!
Another option is Woodlands Grove Caravan and Camping Park located in Dartmouth. This too is just a short stroll from Woodlands Family Theme Park, one of the largest tourist attractions in the south west and guests of Woodland Grove get free entry throughout their stay, so you can enjoy a whole host of rides and play areas – whatever the weather.
Woodlands Grove is a 5AA Gold Pennant Awarded site with spacious pitches surrounded by glorious countryside. As well as the theme park being right on your doorstep, there is also Blackpool Sands beach and the towns of Dartmouth, Dartington and Totnes all only a short journey away. The site is BBQ friendly and there is an onsite pizzeria for guests to use, as well as an onsite store, just in case you find you’ve forgotten something.
As we’ve mentioned Dartington, we can’t not tell you about the camping opportunities at Camp Dartington – which can be found on the historic Dartington estate. Camping is a charming activity in usual circumstances but when it is on a medieval estate with uninterrupted views and a host of onsite entertainment, it takes on a whole new level. Camp Dartington offers a chill site just a short journey from the coast and with the quirky town of Totnes nearby, alongside a programme of exciting events all year around. Guests can access the Grade II listed gardens and the Barn Cinema which can be located in the 14th Century converted barn, plus there are toilets and shower facilities with hot water and a dedicated dishwashing area. Not only that, but this site even has accessible pitches with electric hook ups for those guests who need additional support. You can even bring your dogs with you!
Also near the River Dart is the River Dart Country Park site. Located in Ashburton, River Dart Country Park has been a hub for fun filled holidays for decades. It can be found within the Dartmoor National Park, where you can enjoy nature’s playground with walking and hiking routes and mountain climbing, among other activities. Guests staying here have free access to the River Dart Country Park, which is full of assault courses, high ropes, kayaking and just about everything else you can think of for the perfect adventure break.
The site has generous sized pitches with fantastic facilities and is a great place to embrace the great outdoors. You’re welcome to bring your dogs with you here too and you can choose between a variety of pitches depending on your needs. The site is also famed for its eco credentials and there is WiFi available, if you find you really can’t live without it!
Adventures abound at Roadford Lake Camping site too. Roadford Lake is an AA graded three star campsite with a choice of electric and non electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a luxury bell tent and convenience camping. As part of the South West Lakes, there are a host of onsite activities including kayaking, canoeing, archery, cycling, sailing and much more, as well as miles of off road trails to explore. The site is nestled within the Wolf Valley on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park and is ideal for really getting back to nature. The site features large, open grounds, giving you plenty of space to really feel at home and immerse yourself in the site, as well as the chance to use the communal undercover bbq area – something that has to be done in the summer!
For those of you who are in North Devon, check out Hidden Valley, an award winning site in the rolling hills of North Devon. With several sites laid out across the estate, you can pick the perfect venue for your camping holiday. The Otter’s Creek and Kingfisher Meadow areas have first class amenity blocks, with thermostatically controlled showers and even family shower rooms. The block at Otter’s Creek is also accessible with a disabled shower room. We all know one of the downsides of camping is that it is likely you’ll get a bit muddy and trying to get clean can be a nightmare, here though there is a laundrette onsite as well as a fully stocked, licenced shop, packed with local produce – ideal for a cheeky evening bbq. Guests can also make use of the site’s Lakeside Restaurant – so you don’t even have to cook during your stay!
Also in the North Devon area is Riverside Caravan and Camping Park, a pet friendly site on the outskirts of Exmoor where you can find 10 acres of mature woodland, ideal for walks and adventures. The River Mole flows through the centre of the park, offering paddling or swimming and with three well stocked lakes, even the most novice of anglers can enjoy a spot of fishing.
Riverside Caravan and Camping Park features luxurious modern statics to hire or a series of premium fully serviced pitches for motorhomes, caravans and campervans, as well as jumbo grass with electric for tents or caravans or jumbo grass in the open meadow for those that prefer to be a bit closer to nature. One of the main draws to this part of Devon is the incredible award winning coastline, which is just a short drive away from this site, but you’ll also find a host of top attractions in the vicinity too, keeping everyone, no matter what their age, entertained.
Like the idea of staying somewhere with a lot of history but want to be close to the North Devon coast? Well, Clovelly Fields Campsite is the one for you. Located in the countryside and just a short trip from the historic village of Clovelly and the incredible coastline, this is a great option for families and couples alike.
Choose from a variety of spacious pitches for your own tent or if you don’t have a tent at your disposal, hire a cosy pre-erected Bell Tent which will be up and ready for you on arrival – you just need to bring your own bedding! This site is a great option for those of you who need to compromise between peace and quiet and fun filled adventures. The site itself is peaceful and relaxing and there is a hidden gem of a beach just a couple of miles away but the popular tourist resorts of Westward Ho! and Bideford Bay are right on the doorstep, plus there is a theme park next door!
Throughout Devon there are Camping and Caravanning Club sites, perfect for a family holiday or a quick camping trip for a romantic get away. With sites in Umberleigh and Lynton in North Devon, Tavistock in Mid Devon and California Cross, Dartmouth and Slapton Sands in South Devon, you have plenty of locations to choose from. These tranquil sites have a good range of facilities and a choice of pitches and many of them are set in beautiful areas with rural and coastal views to enjoy. Each site has their own individual facilities and amenities, but all of them are perfect for families and groups and many of them are happy to accept pets, plus members can save on site fees. Make sure to visit their website to find out more information about joining.
It isn’t just the kids that experience the fun of camping either. In Kingsbridge you’ll find Parkland Caravan and Camping site, an AA five pennant premier adults only site in the heart of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with various pitch types to choose from. Surrounded by rural views, abundant with wildlife and some lovely views across Salcombe and Dartmoor, this is a great choice for anyone who wants to relive childhood holidays without having to bring the children along! There is something very special about waking up under canvas and having the first cup of tea of the day under bright skies as the sun rises after all!
Need a bit more inspiration? You can find a host of campsite options here. For those of you who want to enjoy camping with a range of luxury facilities and entertainment, check out the region’s holiday parks, many of which also offer camping pitches on top of their onsite accommodation and for those of you who like the idea of camping but don’t want to give up your home comforts, check out the glamping sites on offer in the county here.
