We might have already dried and packed away the tents for 2014, but the ever-prepared camper is plotting his or her next adventure for spring 2015. If you’re considering where to head to next year, Devon has to be close to the top of your list. It’s a beautiful region with a diverse environment – ranging from the wild and rocky moors, to the soft and rolling countryside, and not forgetting – of course – the stunning coastline to be found in both the North and South of the county. You will be spoilt for choice about where to stay because of the wonderful array of campsites in Devon for you to choose from.
Use our interactive map to help you explore the three different Devon camping locations (A-C). We’ve selected a holiday park, glamping site and the only place in the UK where wild camping is legal – Dartmoor National Park.
So whether you’re family camper or a seasoned pro there is something for everyone.
For families…
Ladram Bay, on the East Devon coast, is one of the largest privately owned holiday parks in the UK and has its very own private sand-washed pebble beach where you can enjoy a wide range of sea sports and activities. Ladram Bay offers you the opportunity pitch your tent right up to hiring luxury lodges with hot tubs – all guests can enjoy the full range of facilities on offer.
As the holiday park is situated on the Jurassic Coast, there are plenty of great walks around Ladram Bay. Simply head west towards Budleigh Salterton or east towards Sidmouth, because either offer stunning views and undulating countryside. Alternatively walk inland along the River Otter and see if you can spot otters, beavers, heron and kingfishers.
For more information visit: ladrambay.co.uk / call 01395 568398
Location: Ladram Rd, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton EX9 7HT
Coordinates: 50.6585° N, 3.2803° W
For rugged luxury…
If you’re looking for something even more luxurious than a holiday home on a well-equipped park, you may be interested in some glamping. There are a variety of glamping options throughout Devon, but we recommend Longlands Farm, beautifully situated on the North Devon coast.
Each of the five luxurious Safari Lodges sleeps 6 people, with 2 dogs, and comes complete with bed linen and a choice of duvets. The lodges are en-suite of course, with a wood burning stove and a fully fitted kitchen. Worth a special mention is that the lodges look out onto one of only two Dark Sky Reserves in the world, and during the day you have fabulous views over the lake and valley, down to the sea.
There are plenty of great walks in the area. Exmoor is easily accessible as is the award winning Woolacombe Beach with three and a half miles of gorgeous golden sands. Even closer to home, the Tarka Trail has stunning views of the local coastline and is just minutes away.
For more information visit: Longlandsdevon.co.uk / call 01271 882004
Location: Longlands Farm, Coulsworthy, Combe Martin, North Devon EX34 0PD, call
Coordinates: 51°11’01.0″N 3°58’53.0″W
Going native…
If glamping is anathema to you and you’re more a roughing it kind of camper, then wild camping on Dartmoor is the perfect option. Dartmoor is the only place in UK where wild camping is legal and appeals to those who like to travel light, enjoy sleeping out under the stars and know how to make a cup of tea just using a simple cookset and stove. The great British explorer Ranulph Fiennes is the moors most famous resident, which would probably indicate it suitability for the outdoor inclined.
Be warned wild camping on Dartmoor is not for the faint hearted as weather conditions can change very quickly and you need to choose your spot carefully. Bear in mind that the military still use the northern moor around Merrivale and Okehampton for training so you need to ensure you don’t pitch your tent in their firing range or you might get a noisy awakening. However there are some really great sites to camp that are perfectly safe – try Spitchwick Common or Haytor Down for example.
More than likely you’ll be combining walking with your wild camping. Bring your OS map and jump in, or if you’re less confident try one of the Dartmoor National Park guided walks.
For more information on where to camp see: dartmoor.co.uk
Location: South Devon, 954 square kilometres / 592 miles
Coordinates: 50.5667° N, 4.0000° W
