|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Looking for the perfect nature escape in the UK? Ever dreamed of pitching your tent under star-filled skies, waking up to sea views or wandering along ancient woodland trails? South West England offers some of the most scenic and nature-rich campsites in the country.
From the wild landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor to the stunning Jurassic Coast, this region is a paradise for campers, hikers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
But with so many beautiful places to choose from, where should you go? In this guide, we’ve handpicked the top 10 campsites in South West England that promise peace, adventure, and a deep connection with nature. Whether you’re after family fun or a remote hideaway, your perfect campsite awaits.
What Makes South West England Ideal for Nature Camping?
South West England offers a unique natural landscape rolling hills, ancient woodlands, dramatic coastlines, and protected national parks. Its diversity means you can enjoy forest trails, clifftop hikes, riverside views, and sandy beaches all in one region.
The area is also rich in wildlife, from deer and badgers to seabirds and butterflies. Campers benefit from direct access to the South West Coast Path, multiple nature reserves, and local heritage sites.
With well-maintained campsites and a strong focus on eco-tourism, South West England strikes the perfect balance between adventure and tranquillity. It’s ideal for families, solo travellers, and couples seeking a deeper connection with the outdoors.
How Do You Choose the Right Campsite for Your Style?
Choosing the right campsite in South West England depends on your travel style. Want to be near the coast? Sites like Golden Cap or Newberry Valley are perfect for sea views and beach walks. Prefer woodland trails or riverside relaxation?
Try Cloud Farm or Burrowhayes Farm. For luxury and full facilities, Highlands End or Old Oaks offers five-star service. If you’re travelling with pets or kids, look for dog-friendly spaces or child-focused amenities like play areas and soft play zones.
Consider proximity to hiking trails, local attractions, and whether you need electric hook-ups or prefer off-grid spots. Matching your preferences ensures a more comfortable and meaningful nature retreat.
Best 10 Campsites in South West England
1. Highlands End Holiday Park
Highlands End Holiday Park is a multi-award-winning, five-star holiday destination set above Eype Beach in Bridport, Dorset. It offers panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast, stretching from Portland Bill to Start Point.
This site provides a range of accommodations including lodges, glamping pods, apartments, and pitches for tents, caravans, and campervans. Nature lovers will enjoy the direct access to the South West Coast Path, ideal for coastal walks to West Bay or Eype.
The site boasts a wide range of facilities such as an indoor pool, sauna, steam room, restaurant, bar, indoor soft play, and outdoor adventure playgrounds. Families and couples alike can enjoy activities like the 18-hole foot golf course, nature trails, and wildlife lake.
It’s also a dog-friendly park with dedicated exercise areas and stunning rural surroundings. Highlands End delivers a well-rounded nature-focused holiday experience with high-end comforts and excellent service in a scenic location.
- Website: highlandsend
- Contact: 01308 426947
- Location: Eype, Bridport DT6 6AR
2. Stowford Farm Meadows
Stowford Farm Meadows offers an expansive and peaceful countryside camping experience in the heart of North Devon, near Ilfracombe. Covering 500 acres of lush meadows and woodland, it caters to families, couples, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Accommodation includes spacious touring pitches, luxury cottages, and modern holiday homes in the newly developed Stowford Gardens.
Ideal for nature lovers, the park has walking trails, a woodland walk, and open areas perfect for picnics or dog walking. Facilities on site include an indoor swimming pool, farm shop, family entertainment, takeaway options, and a restaurant.
It’s a dog-friendly site and has a reputation for being exceptionally clean and safe for children. Guests can also explore the nearby North Devon coast and Exmoor National Park.
Whether it’s for a weekend or a longer getaway, Stowford combines countryside tranquillity with family-friendly amenities for a memorable, nature-based camping holiday in one of the UK’s most scenic regions.
- Website: stowford.co.uk
- Contact: 01271 882476
- Location: Berry Down, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0PW
3. Golden Cap Holiday Park
Golden Cap Holiday Park is located just 150 yards from Seatown Beach on Dorset’s World Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast. Surrounded by over 2,000 acres of National Trust land, it is an exceptional location for walkers, nature lovers, and families.
The site offers various accommodation types including lodges, caravans, glamping pods, and camping or touring pitches. A standout feature is direct access to the South West Coast Path, with popular walks to Charmouth and the summit of Golden Cap the highest cliff on England’s south coast.
The park’s facilities include a SPAR shop, children’s play area, fishing lake, picnic spots, and dedicated dog walking meadows. It’s ideal for peaceful coastal retreats with nature trails, local wildlife, and scenic views.
The nearby village pubs and beach access make it easy to enjoy relaxing days by the sea. Golden Cap offers a true coastal escape immersed in natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
- Website: goldencap
- Contact: 01308 426947
- Location: Mill Ln, Seatown, Bridport DT6 6JX
4. Cloud Farm Campsite
Cloud Farm Campsite offers a peaceful retreat within the heart of Exmoor National Park, nestled beside the banks of Badgworthy Water in the scenic Lorna Doone Valley. This National Trust campsite is ideal for those seeking an off-grid experience surrounded by untouched nature.
With 58 pitches available for tents, campervans, and motorhomes, it welcomes up to two dogs per pitch and embraces a relaxed, back-to-nature style.
Walkers can explore numerous trails directly from the site, including the Coleridge Way and nearby hikes to Dunkery Beacon or the South West Coast Path. Guests enjoy river swims, wildlife watching, and evening campfires under starry skies.
The tranquil setting offers a real connection to nature, while the nearby hamlet of Malmsmead with its charming tea room adds a touch of local culture. Cloud Farm is perfect for nature lovers seeking peace, scenery, and simplicity in the heart of North Devon’s countryside.
- Website: cloudfarmcampsite
- Contact: 01598 741190
- Location: Cloud Farm, Oare, Lynton EX35 6NU
5. Lynmouth Holiday Retreat
Located within Exmoor National Park near the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is a peaceful, pet-friendly campsite offering a restful escape on North Devon’s dramatic coastline.
The site offers glamping pods, hot tub caravans, and a range of touring pitches, many with panoramic sea or countryside views. Set near the East Lyn River, the retreat is perfectly positioned for nature walks to Watersmeet, Valley of the Rocks, and the scenic coastline.
This award-winning park is ideal for those looking to relax, recharge, and enjoy nature at their doorstep. Quiet and well-maintained, the park caters to couples, solo travellers, and families who appreciate a slower pace surrounded by natural beauty.
With easy access to coastal trails and Exmoor’s moorland scenery, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat provides a nature-centric getaway without sacrificing comfort, making it an ideal base for exploring one of the UK’s most dramatic and peaceful landscapes.
- Website: lynmouthholidayretreat
- Contact: 01598 753349
- Location: Manor Farm, Barbrook, Lynton EX35 6LD
6. Old Oaks Touring Park
Old Oaks Touring Park is a five-star, adults-only holiday park located near Glastonbury in Somerset. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and exceptional facilities, the site caters exclusively to adults looking for a relaxing nature retreat.
Guests can stay in luxury glamping pods, shepherd huts, or enjoy well-maintained pitches for caravans, tents, and motorhomes. The park is a multi-award winner, including the AA Platinum Award and Practical Caravan’s Top 100.
A key highlight is its picturesque fishing lake, surrounded by countryside ideal for cycling and walking. Wildlife lovers will appreciate the park’s sustainability focus, peaceful setting, and abundant birdlife.
Guests can explore Glastonbury’s mystical landmarks, attend local festivals, or simply enjoy the quiet rural atmosphere. With modern amenities, a self-serve bar, and scenic trails, Old Oaks offers an elegant, eco-conscious camping experience ideal for couples and solo travellers wanting tranquillity, nature, and quality accommodation in the heart of Somerset.
- Website: theoldoaks.co.uk
- Contact: 01458 831437
- Location: Wick Farm, Wick Ln, Glastonbury BA6 8JS
7. Prattshayes Campsite
Prattshayes Campsite sits on the edge of Exmouth in East Devon and offers a unique blend of countryside calm with close beach access. This independent, family-run campsite provides spacious pitches suitable for tents, caravans, and campervans, all within walking distance of Exmouth Beach.
Set on a working farm, the site is perfect for families, hikers, and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the Jurassic Coast. Guests can access local cycling trails, footpaths, and nature reserves nearby.
The quiet setting and proximity to Exmouth make it an excellent base for exploring the South West Coast Path, local wildlife areas, and the vibrant seaside town itself.
There are basic but well-maintained facilities, and the site prides itself on offering a friendly, laid-back environment. It’s especially suited for those looking for a simple, affordable escape to nature with the added benefit of beach days and countryside rambles.
- Website: prattshayescampsite.co.uk
- Contact: 01395 276626
- Location: Maer Ln, Exmouth EX8 5DB
8. Burrowhayes Farm
Burrowhayes Farm is a charming, family-run campsite located in West Luccombe, just a short distance from the picturesque village of Porlock in Somerset. Set on the edge of Exmoor National Park, it offers a peaceful, rural setting with access to woodland walks, streams, and pony trekking opportunities.
The site is suitable for tents, caravans, and campervans, with a focus on simplicity, nature, and traditional camping values. Horse lovers will appreciate the on-site stables and guided rides through scenic trails. Wildlife is abundant in the surrounding countryside, and the area is ideal for birdwatching and stargazing.
Burrowhayes is a fantastic base for exploring Exmoor’s dramatic landscape, from open moorlands to hidden valleys. It’s particularly suited to families and couples wanting to reconnect with nature and experience an authentic, slow-paced camping holiday in one of the South West’s most unspoiled locations.
- Website: burrowhayes.co.uk
- Contact: 01643 862463
- Location: West Luccombe, Minehead TA24 8HT
9. Kings Down Tail Caravan and Camping Site
Kings Down Tail Caravan and Camping Site offers a calm, countryside retreat just outside the coastal town of Sidmouth in East Devon.
Surrounded by rolling farmland, this peaceful campsite is perfect for walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts looking to explore the Jurassic Coast and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The site provides well-kept pitches for caravans, tents, and campervans, with excellent on-site facilities including showers, a shop, and a games room. Guests can enjoy easy access to local footpaths, including sections of the South West Coast Path.
Its location near the seaside town of Sidmouth also makes it easy to combine rural relaxation with beach days and traditional Devon attractions.
With a friendly atmosphere and spacious layout, Kings Down Tail is an ideal choice for families, couples, and solo campers seeking peace, privacy, and proximity to natural and coastal highlights.
- Website: kingsdowntail.co.uk
- Contact: 01297 680313
- Location: Kingsdown, Salcombe Regis, Sidmouth EX10 0PD
10. Slapton Sands Camping and Caravanning Club Site
Slapton Sands Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a beautiful nature-focused campsite nestled between Slapton Ley Nature Reserve and the scenic South Devon coast. Located near Kingsbridge, this site provides a peaceful atmosphere with sea views and a long pebble beach just minutes away.
It’s an ideal spot for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and walkers, with nearby trails leading through the reserve or along the coast. The campsite welcomes tents, caravans, and motorhomes, and offers well-maintained facilities, including showers and laundry services.
Guests can enjoy waterside strolls, wildlife observation, and the tranquillity of this protected area. It’s a great base for exploring the South Hams region, from Totnes to Dartmouth.
With its quiet setting and proximity to both nature and the sea, Slapton Sands is perfect for those seeking a slower, more environmentally connected camping experience on Devon’s south coast.
- Website: slaptonsandscampingandcaravanningclubsite
- Contact: 01548 580538
- Location: Middle Grounds, Slapton, Kingsbridge TQ7 2QW
Map:
When Is the Best Time to Camp in South West England?
Spring through early autumn is the best time to camp in South West England, with May to September offering the warmest and driest weather. Late spring brings blooming wildflowers, while summer delivers long daylight hours and accessible coastal paths.
Autumn brings rich colours and fewer crowds, making it ideal for quiet breaks and nature walks. Popular sites may book out early in high season, so plan ahead.
For quieter stays, consider mid-week or shoulder-season visits. Weather can change quickly in the region, so always come prepared with waterproofs and layered clothing, especially for moorland and coastal areas.
Conclusion
South West England is one of the UK’s finest regions for camping holidays, offering a rare blend of coast, countryside, and natural beauty. The campsites listed here represent the best of what this part of England has to offer each with its charm, character, and unique access to the outdoors.
Whether you prefer beachside relaxation, moorland hiking, or woodland trails, there’s a spot to match your camping style.
With high-quality facilities, dog-friendly policies, and incredible scenery, these top 10 sites provide unforgettable stays for nature lovers. So pack your gear, plan your route, and embrace the great outdoors your next adventure in South West England starts now.
FAQs
Are these campsites suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of these campsites offer family-friendly amenities like play areas, pools, and nature trails that are perfect for children of all ages.
Do the campsites allow dogs?
Most featured campsites are dog-friendly, offering dedicated walking meadows and access to local dog-welcoming beaches and trails.
Can I access hiking trails directly from these campsites?
Yes, several campsites like Golden Cap and Cloud Farm offer direct access to the South West Coast Path and local nature trails.
Are there campsites with sea views?
Absolutely. Highlands End, Golden Cap, and Newberry Valley all provide stunning sea views right from the pitch or park area.
Do I need to book in advance during summer?
It’s highly recommended, especially from June to August, as popular campsites tend to fill quickly during peak holiday seasons.
Are there quiet, adult-only campsites in the region?
Yes, Old Oaks Touring Park is a five-star, adults-only site offering luxury and tranquillity for peaceful getaways.
Are there eco-friendly camping options available?
Several campsites, including Newberry Valley and Golden Cap, follow eco-conscious practices like recycling, wildlife conservation, and sustainable amenities.
