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Great sites for camping this autumn

9th September 2020

Categories: Visitor News

Just because we’re no longer in the height of summer it doesn’t mean you have to hide away indoors. If, like us, you’ve spent the first half of the year stuck inside and want to get your fill of outside adventures, why not book yourself a camping holiday this autumn?

Devon is full of incredible camp sites, so whether you are in the mood for some wild camping out in the wilderness or something a bit more civilised with running water and electricity, you’ll find something the suit you here.

For something family friendly with plenty of chances to be active, take a look at the campsite at Roadford Lake based in Lifton, nestled within the Wolf Valley on the edge of Dartmoor, Roadford Lake is an incredible adventure site that really takes advantage of its beautiful surroundings. The main site has breathtaking views of the lake, plus miles of off road footpaths and cycle trails with woodland and forests, perfect for getting lost, building dens and escaping from every day life! As well as being a good site for an adventure, you can also camp with their selection of grass, hard standing, electric and non-electric pitches. There are even a few glamping tents if you fancy a bit of luxury.

Image: Roadford Lake camping

Similarly, there is the camping at The River Dart Country Park in Ashburton. This site really gives you the chance to enjoy a multi-award winning touring site with plenty of exciting activities to keep the whole family entertained. From the adrenaline fuelled to the gentler, there are loads of things to do including high ropes, zorbing and the park’s play areas.

The site has electric, hard standing and standard pitches with free hot showers, wifi available on site and it’s dog friendly! The site also has bed and breakfast options for anyone not keen to stay in a tent during the autumn months!

Another option is Camp Dartington. Based at the famous Dartington Estate, Camp Dartington allows you to camp on a Medieval Estate with uninterrupted views across Haytor and is just a short drive from the coast. While the site itself dates back to medieval times, the facilities are all modern with showers, toilets and dishwashing areas all for guests to use, you’re also welcome to bring your dogs with you and you can enjoy all the activities on offer at the estate, including visiting the onsite eateries and catching a film at the 14^th century barn conversion which now houses a cinema!

Image: Camp Dartington

Alternatively, there are the various sites across Devon managed by the Camping and Caravanning Club. You’ll find these sites all over the county, giving you endless choice when finding the right region for you. If you want to spend your time in south Devon there are sites in Dartmouth and Slapton Sands near Kingsbridge. For those of you who want to enjoy Mid Devon, there is one in Tiverton , giving you a great base for exploring the whole of Devon. In the North of Devon, you’ll find another two sites one at Lynton and one at Umberleigh. You’ll also find club sites in Ivybridge, with the California Cross Camping and Caravanning Club site which is located between Plymouth and Torquay and is just half an hour from Bigbury on Sea where you’ll find the region’s famous sea tractors. The Camping and Caravanning Club have over 100 years of experience in providing incredible camping holidays and there are a number of member benefits across all their UK campsites.

In the popular Torbay area, you’ll find Galmpton Touring Park on the outskirts of Brixham. Giving you easy access to all the top attractions of the region, Galmpton Touring Park also benefits from a stunning location, a number of on site facilities and is ideal for both families and couples.

Image: Stowford Farm Meadows

Another family friendly option is Stowford Farm Meadows near Ilfracombe. It’s ideal for those of you who want to be near to all the local amenities while also being quiet and rural. It’s perfect for those with young families, the site has its own mini indoor zoo and a soft play area among other play and adventure areas all within easy access of your tent. The site is split into five separate fields with each pitch having electric hook ups and large blocks with all the facilities you could need including family bathrooms. It’s also dog friendly, so the whole family can join you on your camping break!

Also towards the north of the county is Riverside Caravan and Camping Park, a five star, family and pet friendly site on the edge of Exmoor which is open all year around. The River Mole flows through the centre of the park making it a great choice for those who love paddling, swimming and fishing and with the abundance of countryside, it’s ideal for getting rid of all that excess energy!

If you’re not in the market for a family holiday and instead want somewhere you can indulge in adult company only, take a look at Parkland Caravan and Camping . Located near the beautiful town of Kingsbridge, Parkland is an AA five pennant premier adults only site right in the heart of the South Devon area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The site has two fully heated amenity buildings, one of which has underfloor heating and all guests have free, constant hot wate, plus you’ll find laundry facilities, indoor washing up areas and even a mini kitchen! It’s camping without having to go completely feral!

Don’t fancy having to wrestle with a tent to enjoy a stay in the wilderness? Why not hire a camper van for your trip? South West Camper Hire are based in Exeter and offer a range of spacious motorhomes, camper vans and more touring vehicles, ideal for adventures and sleeping out in the open, whatever vehicle you choose, you are guaranteed comfort and they also have a number of dog friendly vehicles. You don’t even have to be a pro at this sort of thing, the vans come with everything you might need and they even offer you free, secure parking for your personal car, so you can enjoy your time away without worrying about it.

You can find a full range of camp sites across Devon here. Of course, traditional camping isn’t for everyone, why not take all the good bits of camping and mix them up with the comfort and luxury of a hotel stay by enjoying one of the region’s glamping holidays? Or you could go for a static caravan or chalet and book to stay at one of the many holiday parks that can be found in Devon, these are a great choice for families or for those travelling on a budget and many of them have their own entertainment and leisure activities right on site. Or for a real adventure, why not give wild camping a go? With organisations across Exmoor allowing you to just pitch up and sleep out under the stars, it is the ultimate camping experience for the adventurous!