Wildlife-watching campsites in Bellever Forest

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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.

97% (831)

Top-rated campgrounds

Higher Roddon Farm

4. Higher Roddon Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Wiveliscombe, England
Duncan and Alexis live here with their young family and we want to continue to improve the biodiversity of the farm alongside building a sustainable farm business incorporating luxury rural accommodation and grass-fed beef and lamb. We are lucky enough to have a wide variety of wildlife on our farm including tawny and barn owls, deer, buzzards, pheasants, swallows, bullfinches, fieldfares and numerous bats, butterflies and beetles! Take a look at our Wildlife page. We follow a grass-fed, low input, regenerative agriculture philosophy. This means that (apart from our bulls, rams and boars which have to be bought in to prevent in-breeding) all of our animals are born on the farm. They stay with their mothers’ as long as possible growing well on their mothers’ milk and our beautiful grass. Apart from our pigs, all of our animals are only fed grass from the farm or hay (from our species rich hay meadows) in winter. We believe this is more sustainable, gives us a minimal carbon footprint and provides our animals with the best possible lives.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

10. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
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
Little Harford Lower Woodland

18. Little Harford Lower Woodland

100%
(3)
5 units · Tents · Exeter, England
Little Harford Lower Woodland is set in a property of just over 6 acres. The woodland here at Little Harford is a tranquil place for people wanting to find peace and quiet in a back to nature experience. A small river meanders through the bottom of the lower woodland which can occasionally come up to the top of the bank with lots of rain. A winding path leads down through the woodland to where the land levels out at the water meadow area of the woodland. A family of buzzards live in the valley and you can often hear owls, pheasants and wild birds. A certain degree of fitness is needed as there is no vehicle access and wheelbarrows are available to help move your gear. There is parking at the entrance to the lower woodland on hard standing. A compost toilet is available for all No.2’s and mindful wild peeing is encouraged. Tap water is available from an outside tap at the property for drinking water. There is a washing up area (eco products provided) and a solar-powered gas fired shower. Campfires are allowed and seasoned wood can be purchased at a small extra cost. Nearest village of Tedburn St Mary with a local pub and the village shop is 1 ½ miles away. The nearest town of Crediton is 3 miles away with plenty of supermarkets, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Dartmoor is close by with Fingle Bridge just a 20 minute drive. We only offer a very limited number of camping spots at any time to preserve the tranquility for everyone. BBQs and firepits allowed, dog friendly
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / 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.

97% (831)

Top-rated campgrounds

Higher Roddon Farm

4. Higher Roddon Farm

1 unit · Glamping · Wiveliscombe, England
Duncan and Alexis live here with their young family and we want to continue to improve the biodiversity of the farm alongside building a sustainable farm business incorporating luxury rural accommodation and grass-fed beef and lamb. We are lucky enough to have a wide variety of wildlife on our farm including tawny and barn owls, deer, buzzards, pheasants, swallows, bullfinches, fieldfares and numerous bats, butterflies and beetles! Take a look at our Wildlife page. We follow a grass-fed, low input, regenerative agriculture philosophy. This means that (apart from our bulls, rams and boars which have to be bought in to prevent in-breeding) all of our animals are born on the farm. They stay with their mothers’ as long as possible growing well on their mothers’ milk and our beautiful grass. Apart from our pigs, all of our animals are only fed grass from the farm or hay (from our species rich hay meadows) in winter. We believe this is more sustainable, gives us a minimal carbon footprint and provides our animals with the best possible lives.
Pets
Showers
Wifi
from 
£120
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

10. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
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
Little Harford Lower Woodland

18. Little Harford Lower Woodland

100%
(3)
5 units · Tents · Exeter, England
Little Harford Lower Woodland is set in a property of just over 6 acres. The woodland here at Little Harford is a tranquil place for people wanting to find peace and quiet in a back to nature experience. A small river meanders through the bottom of the lower woodland which can occasionally come up to the top of the bank with lots of rain. A winding path leads down through the woodland to where the land levels out at the water meadow area of the woodland. A family of buzzards live in the valley and you can often hear owls, pheasants and wild birds. A certain degree of fitness is needed as there is no vehicle access and wheelbarrows are available to help move your gear. There is parking at the entrance to the lower woodland on hard standing. A compost toilet is available for all No.2’s and mindful wild peeing is encouraged. Tap water is available from an outside tap at the property for drinking water. There is a washing up area (eco products provided) and a solar-powered gas fired shower. Campfires are allowed and seasoned wood can be purchased at a small extra cost. Nearest village of Tedburn St Mary with a local pub and the village shop is 1 ½ miles away. The nearest town of Crediton is 3 miles away with plenty of supermarkets, cafes, pubs and restaurants. Dartmoor is close by with Fingle Bridge just a 20 minute drive. We only offer a very limited number of camping spots at any time to preserve the tranquility for everyone. BBQs and firepits allowed, dog friendly
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night

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Wildlife-watching campsites 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.