7 Best Campsites in Devon 2026

Devon has hundreds of campsites, from clifftop fields with sea views to sheltered valleys deep in Dartmoor. With so many options, finding the right one takes time, so we did the research for you.

We picked the best campsite for seven different categories of camping experience. Whether you want a site packed with activities, a quiet adults-only escape, or a pitch next to one of Britain’s rarest natural features, there’s a Devon campsite that does it better than anywhere else.

These are the best of the best, and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them. Each campsite on this list has its own magical appeal, from stargazing on Dartmoor to smugglers’ caves on the North Devon coast. The hardest part isn’t finding a good one, it’s choosing between them

How we chose these campsites

Every selection is backed by real guest reviews from four independent platforms: Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Pitchup, and Campsites.co.uk. We combined scores from all four into a single rating for each site, then matched each campsite to the experience it does best.

Our methodology

We only considered campsites with over 1000 reviews, across all platforms (Trip Advisor, Google, Pitchup and Campsites.co.uk) from which at least 300 reviews came from one or both of the two campsite directories (Pitchup and Campsites.co.uk). This approach ensured there’s enough data to conclusively support the analysis, and that the reviews are represented by a strong base of real campers, rather than any other accommodation type being offered by the venue. Once we had the list of qualifying campsites, we just divided them into the categories below. The venue that’s ‘the best’ in each category, is simply the one with the highest combined rating across all 4 platforms.

We’re delighted to say that Cofton came out on top in the ‘Best for Things to Do’ category. You can verify every rating and review count yourself on Google, TripAdvisor, Pitchup, and Campsites.co.uk. All review data was collected in May 2026.

Best for Things to Do — Cofton Holidays

Combined Rating: 4.55/5 | Google: 4.6 (2,845 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.5 (2,613 reviews) | Pitchup: 8.9/10 (655 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.64/5 (63 reviews) | Total: 6,176 reviews

Location: Dawlish, South Devon. 2 miles from Dawlish Warren beach.

Cofton isn’t your typical campsite. It sits within a family-run, 80-acre, AA 5-star holiday park, which means campers get full access to facilities that most campsites can’t come close to matching. Indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa with sauna and steam room, The Swan pub, a chip shop, a café, five private fishing lakes, private woods, a tree-top adventure course, an arcade with bowling – the list goes on and on.

The camping itself is equally well set up. There are pitch types to suit every setup across the 80-acre site, from basic grass pitches to fully-serviced super pitches with fresh water and grey waste drainage. Heated shower blocks have underfloor heating, and the site is open all year round making Cofton just one of only two on this list that doesn’t close for winter.

Key Facilities
• Indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools
• Heated toilet block with underfloor heating in campsite
• Sauna, steam room, and spa treatments
• Restaurant, pub, chip shop, convenience store, tackle shop
• Five private coarse fishing lakes
• Numerous kids play facilities; soft play, woodland park, splash pad, pump track etc.
• Tree-top adventure course and arcade with bowling
• Packed kids’ events calendar and family evening entertainment
• Bicycle rental, gym, yoga and other fitness classes
• A wide range of pitch types including fully-serviced super pitches

What guests are saying

Guests consistently praise the sheer range of things to do. Families mention that children are entertained all day without leaving the site, while couples appreciate the pools, spa, and fishing lakes. The grounds are described as spotlessly clean, and staff are noted as helpful throughout. Many reviewers mention returning year after year, often as multi-generational family traditions.

Best for: Campers who want resort-level facilities and activities alongside their pitch — especially families with children who’ll make use of the pool, playgrounds, adventure course, and events programme.

If this sounds interesting check availability here

Best for Natural Wonder — Watermouth Valley Camping Park

Combined Rating: 4.81/5 | Google: 4.8 (493 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.8 (340 reviews) | Pitchup: 9.6/10 (728 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.89/5 (264 reviews) | Total: 1,825 reviews

Location: Berrynarbor, near Ilfracombe, North Devon.

Watermouth Valley has almost no facilities in the traditional sense — no pool, no restaurant, no evening entertainment. Yet it holds a whopping 4.81 rating across nearly 2,000 reviews and won Best Campsite at the 2025 Camping & Glamping Awards. The reason is what’s outside the gate.

The site overlooks Watermouth Cove, a sheltered natural harbour where Sexton’s Burrows — a natural breakwater — creates an enclosed body of calm water perfect for swimming. From the clifftop pitches you look down over this extraordinary cove. Walk along the South West Coast Path and you reach Broadsands Beach, which was voted “Britain’s Happiest View.” There are caves, sea arches, rock pools, and a tidal island to explore.

This is camping where the landscape does all the work. Classic grass pitches, sea views, and a family-run warmth that’s been consistent for years.

Key Facilities
• Watermouth Cove natural harbour — sheltered swimming
• Broadsands Beach via coast path — caves, sea arches, rock pools
• South West Coast Path runs through the site
• Ocean-view pitches
• Table tennis and children’s play equipment
• Dogs allowed
• Small on-site shop

What guests are saying

Guests rave about the location — the walk to Watermouth Harbour and the access to hidden coves come up again and again. The site itself is praised for spotless facilities cleaned regularly, spacious pitches, and the family-run atmosphere. Some pitches are on sloped ground, and lighting is limited at night. The beach path has been closed at times due to a landslip, so it’s worth checking access before booking. Despite these minor points, Watermouth Valley has a 98% recommendation rate on Campsites.co.uk.

Best for: Campers who want some of Devon’s most stunning natural scenery over facility-packed adventure. Hidden coves, wild swimming, coastal walks, and proper sea views right from their pitch.

Best Adults-Only — Barley Meadow Touring Park

Combined Rating: 4.90/5 | Google: 4.9 (463 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.9 (122 reviews) | Pitchup: 9.8/10 (485 reviews) | Total: 1,070 reviews

Location: Crockernwell, inside Dartmoor National Park.

Barley Meadow is the highest-rated campsite in Devon across all platforms, and it achieves that with just 52 pitches on 4 acres of immaculate grounds. It’s adults-only (18+), which creates the kind of quiet that reviewers describe as being able to “hear wildlife and leaves dropping from the trees.”

The site isn’t just near Dartmoor — it’s inside the National Park. Castle Drogo, the last castle built in England (National Trust), and Fingle Bridge in the dramatic Teign Gorge are both on the doorstep. A 25-minute walk takes you to the village of Drewsteignton and the historic Drewe Arms pub. The Two Moors Way coast-to-coast path passes nearby. Dartmoor is excellent for star gazing from your pitch, and on a cloudless night, the stars look amazing.

For couples or adult groups, who want to be right in the heart of the wild South-West, Barley Meadow is a fantastic choice.

Key Facilities
• Adults only (18+) — just 52 pitches
• Inside Dartmoor National Park
• Castle Drogo and Fingle Bridge walks on the doorstep
• Stargazing from your pitch
• The Bothy communal lounge
• Secure dog run
• Fully-serviced pitches (fresh water + grey waste)
• Heated toilet block with hot showers
• Farm shop and cafe 2 minutes’ walk
• Free high-speed WiFi

What guests are saying

The word that comes up most is “immaculate.” Guests describe the facilities as “cleaner than any we have visited,” and the wardens (Leigh and David) are consistently praised for being exceptionally friendly and helpful. The Bothy communal building, free pool table, and enclosed dog area are all appreciated touches. One reviewer noted that pitches felt tightly packed with limited views due to hedging, but this is a minority view — most describe the spacing and privacy as excellent. Almost every review is overwhelmingly positive.

Best for: Adults who want a peaceful, no kids Dartmoor escape with iconic walks, a proper village pub within walking distance, and wonderful stargazing.

Best Budget Campsite — Stowford Farm Meadows

Combined Rating: 4.27/5 | Google: 4.4 (1,345 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.1 (997 reviews) | Pitchup: 8.2/10 (444 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.5/5 (78 reviews) | Total: 2,864 reviews

Location: Combe Martin, North Devon — where Exmoor meets the coast.

At £10.80 per night for an electric grass pitch, Stowford Farm Meadows is the cheapest campsite on this list by a wide margin — the next closest is £18. But this isn’t a bare-bones budget site. It’s a 500-acre working farm estate with an indoor swimming pool, an on-site riding centre, a golf course, a bar, and a nightly entertainment programme.

The site is reached via a mile-long private drive, giving it an isolated, estate-like feel. Five separate touring fields spread across the 500 acres, and waymarked nature trails through Bittadon Valley start and finish on site. The location straddles Exmoor and the North Devon coast — Woolacombe, Ilfracombe, and Lynmouth are all 20-30 minutes away.

Key Facilities
• From £10.80/night — cheapest on this list
• Indoor heated pool and kids’ pool
• On-site horse riding centre
• Golf course and mini golf
• Restaurant, bar, and convenience store
• Nightly entertainment programme
• Waymarked woodland walks through Bittadon Valley
• Five separate touring fields
• Dogs allowed (max 3)
• Open all year

What guests are saying

Guests love the sheer scale of the place — 500 acres of rolling countryside and woodland, with the riding centre and nature walks as highlights. The setting itself is rarely criticised. Where Stowford loses points is on the commercial side: food is described as “expensive microwave food” at the Stable Bar, the restaurant doesn’t open until noon, and the on-site shop is poorly stocked. There are extra charges for the pool and WiFi. The 4.27 rating reflects these operational issues rather than the location or camping experience, which consistently scores well.

Best for: Budget-conscious campers who want the most facilities for the least money — especially families who’ll use the pool, riding centre, and entertainment.

Best Beach Campsite — Leadstone Camping

Combined Rating: 4.66/5 | Google: 4.6 (527 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.6 (355 reviews) | Pitchup: 9.5/10 (446 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.82/5 (27 reviews) | Total: 1,355 reviews

Location: Dawlish Warren, South Devon.

Leadstone doesn’t just sit near a beach — it sits beside one of the rarest geographical features in Britain. Dawlish Warren is a double sand spit formed by 7,000 years of post-glacial drift, with the open sea on one side and the calm Exe Estuary on the other. A 10-minute flat walk from your pitch takes you to a Blue Flag beach. Turn the other way and you’re looking across the estuary at one of the most important wading bird roosts in England.

The Warren itself is a 500-acre National Nature Reserve with six conservation designations (SSSI, NNR, LNR, SAC, SPA, and Ramsar), home to nearly 600 species of flowering plants — including the sand crocus, found at only two sites in all of Britain. This is a place where the natural environment IS the entertainment, and Leadstone’s owners have kept it that way deliberately. No pool, no entertainment club, no disco. Just seven acres of secluded grassland, immaculate facilities, and one of the most extraordinary beach settings in Devon. The family have run it since 1974.

Note: The wonderful Dawlish Warren beach and nature reserve are accessible to the public, and are popular among visitors to the Dawlish area, including those staying nearby at Cofton.

Key Facilities
• 10-minute flat walk to Blue Flag beach
• Sea on one side, Exe Estuary birdwatching on the other
• 500-acre National Nature Reserve on the doorstep
• 137 pitches across 7 acres of secluded grassland
• 16A electric hook-up
• Visiting food trucks and small shop
• Dogs allowed (max 2)
• Dawlish Warren railway station nearby (scenic Riviera line)
• Exe Trail cycling route nearby
• Children’s play equipment
• WiFi (paid)

What guests are saying

Guests praise the immaculate facilities — kitchen, laundry, showers, and toilets are all consistently described as spotless. Staff are friendly and helpful, and the location gets top marks: a 10-minute walk to the beach with a bus stop right outside the gate. The cafe van on site is noted as good value. On the downside, showers cost 20p, and the site can run short on shower capacity during busy mornings. Leadstone is only open June to September, so it fills up quickly — book early.

Best for: Campers who want to pitch up next to one of Britain’s most unique natural features — a sand spit with a Blue Flag beach on one side and estuary wildlife on the other. If quick and easy beach access is primary, then Leadstone is perfect.

Best Hidden Gem — Hele Valley Holiday Park

Combined Rating: 4.78/5 | Google: 4.8 (257 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.7 (613 reviews) | Pitchup: 9.6/10 (208 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.86/5 (123 reviews) | Total: 1,201 reviews

Location: Hele Valley, Ilfracombe, North Devon.

The “hidden gem” label is literal here. Hele Valley is a sheltered, wooded valley bordered by hills that creates a natural cocoon of calm — quiet enough that the site holds a David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award and a Bee Friendly Conservation Award. Then you walk seven minutes over the road and arrive at Hele Bay.

Hele Bay is a genuine smugglers’ cove. During the 18th and 19th centuries, its secluded position made it ideal for smuggling brandy, silk, and tobacco. Local legend says tunnels once ran from the bay to Hele Corn Mill inland. Today it’s a small, secret-feeling beach with caves to explore and rockpools full of crabs, starfish, and small fish. The bay sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, adjacent to Hillsborough Nature Reserve, with the South West Coast Path passing right by. Ilfracombe harbour is walkable from the park.

Run by the Dovey family for over 45 years, Hele Valley offers touring pitches in the sheltered valley and glamping pods with private hot tubs.

Key Facilities
• 7-minute walk to Hele Bay — smugglers’ caves and rockpools
• Within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Adjacent to Hillsborough Nature Reserve
• South West Coast Path 10 minutes’ walk
• Walkable to Ilfracombe harbour
• Glamping pods with private hot tubs
• Sheltered valley touring pitches
• Free WiFi
• Dogs allowed
• Children’s play equipment

What guests are saying

Guests describe a well-maintained, clean site with modern, spacious shower cubicles and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. The walk to Hele Bay and the dog-friendly beach are frequently mentioned as highlights. Staff are praised as friendly, and the complimentary WiFi is appreciated. The main drawback is a tight access road that’s tricky for larger vehicles. The site has picked up multiple awards — Devon Tourism Silver, AA/Visit England 5-star, and Britain in Bloom Gold — which reflects the care that goes into maintaining both the site and its natural surroundings.

Best for: Campers who want a quiet, award-winning site tucked away in a valley with a smugglers’ cove and rockpools minutes from their pitch.

Best for Exmoor — Lynmouth Holiday Retreat

Combined Rating: 4.76/5 | Google: 4.7 (439 reviews) | TripAdvisor: 4.7 (486 reviews) | Pitchup: 9.6/10 (460 reviews) | Campsites.co.uk: 4.84/5 (149 reviews) | Total: 1,534 reviews

Location: Barbrook, perched above Lynton & Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park.

Some pitches at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat come with panoramic views across the Bristol Channel. That alone would justify a mention. But the concentration of world-class natural attractions within walking distance makes this the clear choice for anyone who wants to experience Exmoor properly.

The Valley of Rocks — with its dramatic rock formations and free-roaming feral goats — is walkable from the site. So is Watersmeet, a National Trust gorge where two rivers meet beneath ancient oak woodland, with waterfalls and a Victorian tea room. Lynton and Lynmouth themselves are connected by a water-powered cliff railway built in 1890 — one of only three in the world. The surrounding moorland is home to red deer, wild Exmoor ponies, and birds of prey.

Exmoor also holds International Dark Sky Reserve status — Europe’s first. On a clear night from your pitch, you can see the Milky Way. The site won Camping & Caravanning Park of the Year at the Visit Devon Awards 2023.

Key Facilities
• Panoramic sea views from selected pitches
• Exmoor International Dark Sky Reserve — Milky Way visible
• Valley of Rocks and Watersmeet walks from site
• Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway nearby
• EV charging
• Coffee shop, convenience store, and gift shop
• BBQ facilities
• Free high-speed WiFi
• Dogs allowed
• Hardstanding + grass pitches, full hook-up
• Horseback riding nearby
• Windsurfing

What guests are saying

The sea views dominate the reviews — “absolutely beautiful” and “outstanding” are typical descriptions. Facilities are described as “second to none,” with well-serviced pitches and clean amenity blocks. Staff are praised for friendliness, with complimentary tea, coffee, and hot chocolate mentioned as a welcome touch. Some guests who booked static caravans found them dated with poor finishes, and hot tubs were noted as lacking privacy screening. WiFi quality varies. But for camping and touring pitches specifically, the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.

Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts who want panoramic sea views, dark-sky stargazing, and some of England’s most iconic walks — all from their pitch on the edge of Exmoor.

How the ratings break down

Here’s how each campsite scores across the four review platforms we used. The “Combined Rating” column combines all four into a single score.

Unusual findings:
What we noticed during this study is that minimalist campsites with relatively few on-site amenities, but in a super scenic location, tend to attract the highest ratings. This is likely because the niche audience who book them, want mainly want raw natural beauty, and that’s exactly what these sites offer.

Where-as, campsites that are more facility-rich, while often more popular (higher review counts), attract a slightly lower average rating vs the very basic campsites. We think this is because facility-rich sites attract a more varied range of preferences, with much higher expectations.

Finding the right campsite for you

Devon’s best campsites succeed for very different reasons.

From Barley Meadow’s pitches in the heart of Dartmoor national park, to Cofton with full resort-level facilities in Dawlish, to Leadstone camping by a blue flag beach. Or Stowford farms affordable camping with some of the magic of holiday park. All campsites in this list have earned the place as excellent options.They’re just excellent at different things.

Each campsite has its own magical appeal, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. What matters is finding the right campsite for the kind of Devon experience you’re looking for.