05 July 2010 : Written by Geoff Vaughan
Camping in Devon gives you incredible access to so many different landscapes and activities. From the beauty of Dartmoor and Exmoor to the beaches and coastline of North and South Devon. From cream teas and pasties to fresh sea food and vineyards, Devon is the complete camping destination.
Find and book a campsite in Devon here....
Most popular places to visit in Devon
- Dartmoor National Park - Spectacular wide open moorland to stunning wooded valleys. An inspiration to artists, poets and musicians for centuries
- Exmoor National Park - Wild uplands, ancient farms, sheltered villages and stunning coastline
- North Devon - Home to great surfing spots and long sandy beaches
- South Devon - Historic market towns, steam trains and cycling
- Exeter Roman City - The most south westerly fortified Roman settlement in Britain
- Tamar Valley - steep gorges, ancient woodlands and meandering rivers making it an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, AONB
- English Riviera - Relaxed friendly atmosphere covering the stunning coastline and 3 towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham
Great outdoor activities in Devon
Walking
2 classic walks spring to mind. The Southwest Coastal path of which 205 miles runs along Devon's north and south coasts. And the Two Moors way running through the incredible varied landscapes of Devon's 2 National Parks Dartmoor and Exmoor.
Find and book a campsite in Devon with walks nearby...
Surfing
North Devon is the go to location for surfers in Devon. The uninterupted Atlantic swells make this an all year round surfing destination. Places like Croyde, Woolacombe bay and Saunton are the places to head to with a good selection of surf schools and hire shops.
Find and book a campsite in Devon near a great surfing spot...
Cycling
Devon is a great place to cycle with extensive road and off road routes. The National Cycle Route includes excellent routes such as the Tarka Trail and the incredible Coast to Coast. Both of these are easily accessible for families and novices (obviously sections of the coast to coast and not all of it!) What about hiring a bike in Exeter and cycling down the estuary to the coast past Powderham castle stopping along the way at pubs accessible only by walkers, cyclists and boats. A favourite of the Campingninja team!
Find and book a great campsite in Devon with good cycling areas nearby...
Getting there - main road routes and public transport
The M5 is the main road route into the Southwest and Devon. Running past Bristol and finishing in Exeter. To access North Devon and Exmoor, Junction 27 at Tiverton is your best bet. Use Junction 31 and then the A30 to access Dartmoor, west Devon and beyond to the neighbours in Cornwall. Exeter and East Devon is also accessible using the A303 then A30 coming in from the East of England.
Devon is well serviced by trains. Whether coming from the North through Bristol or London and the east via Paddington train travel is quick and easy.
Things you might not know about Devon......
- A Devon cream tea is made in this order. Scone - then Clotted Cream - then homemade jam. No other order is allowed!
- Co-founder of Campingninja Geoff Vaughan is from Devon hence the 'rules' on cream teas.
- Devon is the only county with 2 coastlines
- Plymouth has the oldest working commercial bakery in the world. They have been baking since the time of the Armada in 1588.
- Devon is the home to the legendary author Agatha Christie.
- There are 11 vineyards in Devon. Bet you didn't know that.
When camping in Devon why not......
- Get down to a local farmers market and get some great grub for that campsite BBQ. Find and book a campsite in Devon where local produce is on sale...
- Have a Devonshire pasty (Devonshire pasties are crimped over the top not round the side like a Cornish pasty) Both are great though.
- Go horse riding on Dartmoor or Exmoor. Find and book a campsite in Devon with access to horse-riding nearby...
- Leave the car in a seaside town, jump on a local bus heading along the coast, get off and walk back along the stunning South west coastal path. Pasty and ice cream at the end. Perfect!
- Fish and chips on the harbour.
- Come and watch the Flaming Tar barrel carrying festival in Ottery St Mary in November.
- Cycle the Tarka trail, largely unchanged since being made famous by the writings of Henry Williamson in Tarka the Otter in 1927.
- Search for fossils and discover caves from Branscombe to Beer. (Yes Beer is a town in Devon!).
- Talk like a local e.g "Was on" = What's going on?; "Booty" = That's beautiful; "Anyroad" = Anyway; "Girt" = very large; "Grockle" = Tourist visiting Devon; "Wherebe gwain" = Where are you going?; "Wherebe at" = Where are you?; "Wheres ee to?" = Where is he?.
- Let us know your favourites.................
North Devon and places like Exmouth in the south are great for power kiting. (Colin - Sussex)