When you’re dreaming of idyllic campsites in Devon, you picture your first morning cuppa: sipping it in the peace of the great outdoors, taking in wonderful views. Well, imagine enjoying that cuppa on the beach, with waves lapping at your toes. Sound good? Thought so.

We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite Devon campsites (most offer statics or lodges too) that are so near the beach that it’ll practically be your front room.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park, Budleigh Salterton
This large, award-winning holiday park is in a stunning location (pictured above) near Budleigh Salterton on Devon’s Jurassic Coast, and actually has its own private beach. There are loads of facilities – indoor heated pool, nightspot and bar, amusement arcade and restaurant – making it perfect for families and anyone who wants to be within touching distance of both the sea and all mod cons.
Read more about Ladram Bay Holiday Park

Leonards Cove, Dartmouth
A small, family-run park on the sea-side of the coast road between Dartmouth and Kingsbridge, Leonards Cove has wonderful views and is just a stroll away from beautiful Blackpool Sands. Leonard’s Cove is one for the trad campers: it’s very clean (no smoking) and quiet (no clubhouse) but it’s within walking distance of a country pub and the village shop.

Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde
Another large park with extensive family facilities, Ruda Holiday Park (pictured above) in North Devon describes itself as being ‘just a frisbee’s throw away from Croyde beach’- and it wouldn’t have to be a particularly good throw at that. Croyde beach is known for its good surf, and camping on its edge means you could be there first thing to catch the waves before anyone else.
Official Devon tip: Camp in June when Croyde’s large GoldCoast Oceanfest is on: days of outdoor music and beachsports on and around the sand.

Salcombe Regis Camping and Caravan Park, Sidmouth
Set in 16 acres, this family-run campsite (above) also has wonderful views of Devon’s Jurassic Coast. It’s a little further from the beach than some of the others – 25 minutes along a path that’s only for the reasonably fit – but the walk is lovely, and the spot you reach at Salcombe Mouth well worth the effort. The campsite itself offers all the expected essentials, as well as a children’s play area and dog exercise field, plus static caravans and holiday cottages. But it isn’t overdeveloped, so there’s plenty of peace and tranquility too.

North Morte Farm Caravan and Camping Park, Mortehoe
Camping at North Morte Farm (pictured above) can feel a bit like you’ve just pitched up and camped on a clifftop. At quieter times there can be no one else in sight when you unzip the tent, and the secluded Rockham beach, with its sand and rockpools, is just 500 yards down the hill. There’s still all the essentials you need though – toilets, showers, washing up – and a couple of nice pubs within walking distance.
Read more about North Morte Farm Caravan.