Best campsites for surfing in Bellever Forest

·

Tree-lined trails lie along the banks of the East Dart River in Bellever Forest at the centre of Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy short walks through the woodlands, stop for a picnic by the riverside, then climb up to Bellever Tor for magnificent views across the moors. Seasoned hikers can set out along the 11-mile Lich Way from Bellever, and wildlife lovers will be in their element—the forest is a popular grazing spot for the park’s free-roaming herds of Dartmoor ponies. Camping is not permitted within the forest, but campers will find plenty of options throughout the national park.

96% (813) 557 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Bellever Forest

South Dean Camping

1. South Dean Camping

98%
(307)
Barnstaple, England · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Pittaford Farm

2. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
Kingsbridge, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

3. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%
(70)
St Austell, England · 67 units · Tents, Glamping
Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Swell Camping at The Orchard

4. Swell Camping at The Orchard

100%
(2)
Croyde, England · 1 unit
Bell tent glamping with views of Saunton Sands in Devon
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

5. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 98 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Pure & Rustic

6. Pure & Rustic

86%
(7)
Croyde, England · 6 units
Acres of beautiful woodlands & pastures for those that like to sleep under canvas with or without electric. Hot showers, Pure Greenfields spring water on tap, designated fire pits to bring out your rawness of nature!! Pure & Rustic is close by to some fantastic local pubs, and the beaches of Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough & Woolacombe. A magical woodland retreat to watch the moon & stars float by..!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

7. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
Braunton, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

8. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
Barnstaple, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night
Beryl's Campsite

9. Beryl's Campsite

97%
(38)
Kingsbridge, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A secret, secluded campsite with wonderful views down to Start Bay
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Looe Country Park

10. Looe Country Park

95%
(11)
Looe, England · 2 units
Glamping pods on a quiet camping and caravan park in the Cornish countryside
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£45
 / night
The High Nature Centre

11. The High Nature Centre

92%
(19)
Salcombe, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£10
 / night
Camp Couture

12. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
Barnstaple, England · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Camp Bedrock

13. Camp Bedrock

100%
(5)
Plymouth, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Almost wild waterside camping on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

14. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Westland Farm

15. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
Barnstaple, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

16. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 15 units
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Hideaway Camping

17. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
Okehampton, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Cerenety Eco Campsite

18. Cerenety Eco Campsite

93%
(21)
Bude, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on the edge of Bude
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Diddylake Shepherd Huts

19. Diddylake Shepherd Huts

100%
(7)
Bodmin Moor, England · 1 unit
An off-grid shepherd’s hut site out on Bodmin Moor
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
The Greenhouse Spa Retreat

20. The Greenhouse Spa Retreat

100%
(12)
St Mellion, England · 4 units
Garden glamping with an eco-friendly spa and sauna, all a 20-minute drive from Plymouth
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£98
 / night

Tree-lined trails lie along the banks of the East Dart River in Bellever Forest at the centre of Dartmoor National Park. Enjoy short walks through the woodlands, stop for a picnic by the riverside, then climb up to Bellever Tor for magnificent views across the moors. Seasoned hikers can set out along the 11-mile Lich Way from Bellever, and wildlife lovers will be in their element—the forest is a popular grazing spot for the park’s free-roaming herds of Dartmoor ponies. Camping is not permitted within the forest, but campers will find plenty of options throughout the national park.

96% (813) 557 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Bellever Forest

South Dean Camping

1. South Dean Camping

98%
(307)
Barnstaple, England · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Pittaford Farm

2. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
Kingsbridge, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

3. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%
(70)
St Austell, England · 67 units · Tents, Glamping
Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Swell Camping at The Orchard

4. Swell Camping at The Orchard

100%
(2)
Croyde, England · 1 unit
Bell tent glamping with views of Saunton Sands in Devon
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£100
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

5. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 98 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Pure & Rustic

6. Pure & Rustic

86%
(7)
Croyde, England · 6 units
Acres of beautiful woodlands & pastures for those that like to sleep under canvas with or without electric. Hot showers, Pure Greenfields spring water on tap, designated fire pits to bring out your rawness of nature!! Pure & Rustic is close by to some fantastic local pubs, and the beaches of Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough & Woolacombe. A magical woodland retreat to watch the moon & stars float by..!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

7. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
Braunton, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

8. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
Barnstaple, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night
Beryl's Campsite

9. Beryl's Campsite

97%
(38)
Kingsbridge, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A secret, secluded campsite with wonderful views down to Start Bay
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Looe Country Park

10. Looe Country Park

95%
(11)
Looe, England · 2 units
Glamping pods on a quiet camping and caravan park in the Cornish countryside
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£45
 / night
The High Nature Centre

11. The High Nature Centre

92%
(19)
Salcombe, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£10
 / night
Camp Couture

12. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
Barnstaple, England · 4 units · Tents, Glamping
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Camp Bedrock

13. Camp Bedrock

100%
(5)
Plymouth, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Almost wild waterside camping on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

14. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Westland Farm

15. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
Barnstaple, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

16. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 15 units
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Hideaway Camping

17. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
Okehampton, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Cerenety Eco Campsite

18. Cerenety Eco Campsite

93%
(21)
Bude, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on the edge of Bude
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Diddylake Shepherd Huts

19. Diddylake Shepherd Huts

100%
(7)
Bodmin Moor, England · 1 unit
An off-grid shepherd’s hut site out on Bodmin Moor
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£81
 / night
The Greenhouse Spa Retreat

20. The Greenhouse Spa Retreat

100%
(12)
St Mellion, England · 4 units
Garden glamping with an eco-friendly spa and sauna, all a 20-minute drive from Plymouth
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£98
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Best campsites for surfing in Bellever Forest guide

When to go

Summer, especially July and August, is peak season in Dartmoor National Park and popular spots such as Bellever Forest can get crowded—get there early to snag a picnic bench. Forest walks are enjoyable at any time of year, but autumn is particularly beautiful, with its rainbow of fall foliage. Dartmoor weather is notoriously changeable, so bring your raincoat and something warm, even in summer.

Know before you go

  • Bellever Forest is located in Dartmoor National Park, a 5-minute drive south of Postbridge. There are pay and display car parks (payment by card only) at Bellever village, by the entrance to the forest, and at Postbridge village, a 1-mile walk. 
  • Both car parks have restrooms, but there are no other facilities, so bring everything you need with you. The closest village is Postbridge, home to a pub and a few small shops. 
  • Some walking trails at Bellever Forest are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
  • Dartmoor has free-roaming ponies, sheep, and cattle, and these animals have right of way on moorland roads. There is a strict speed limit of 40 mph throughout. It is a fineable offence to feed any of the animals in the park, and visitors are also advised to keep a distance for their own safety—these are feral animals and may kick or bite.