Campsites with campfires in Dartmoor National Park

With windswept tors, river gorges, and vast open moorlands blazing with purple heather—Dartmoor’s wild landscapes were made for exploring. Miles of hiking, biking, climbing, and horseback riding trails lead to hilltop lookouts, crumbling ruins, and hidden waterfalls. Look out for herds of native Dartmoor ponies grazing the moors, enjoy fishing or kayaking along the lakes, or join in the local tradition of letterboxing to search Dartmoor for hidden treasures. For a change of pace, hop aboard for a ride on the South Devon steam railway or stop by one of the park’s villages for a traditional Devonshire cream tea. Camping is the natural way to holiday in this Devonshire landscape, and we’ve been up in the high moorland and down in river valleys to find the best places to stay. In Devon and Dartmoor, campsites vary with the landscape, from woodland sites to places with riverside pitches. Campsites tend to be around the edges of the national park, as the great swathes of land within its boundaries have little by way of infrastructure or population. This is especially true in the north of Dartmoor, one of only a few areas where wild camping is allowed. Hideaway Camping on the northern borders of Dartmoor is just one spot with camping to suit all tastes—check into a caravan, shepherd’s hut, or igloo, or pitch your tent under the trees.

1. Popular Dartmoor National Park holiday parks and caravan sites can book up quickly, especially in July and August, and during school holidays. Early bookings (at least three months in advance) are recommended for visits during these times.
2. Check access to campsites if you’re travelling with a caravan or large motorhome—Dartmoor lanes are sometimes narrow and tricky to navigate. 
3. Be sure to check seasonal opening and closing dates, which vary by campsite. Many campsites open from March or April through September or October, while others stay open year-round.

Summer is the high season in Dartmoor National Park, when crowds peak in July and August. Arrive early at popular attractions to avoid queues, and book activities in advance to avoid disappointment. Outdoor activities are possible year-round, but pack for all seasons—rain, fog, and high winds are common in the moorlands, and the weather can turn quickly, even in summer.

• Dartmoor National Park is one of the few places in the UK where wild camping is permitted for tents only. Tents must be pitched away from roads and attractions, and large group camping is not allowed.
• Dartmoor National Park is in Devon along the M5 motorway. It’s about a 30-minute drive or train ride from Exeter or Plymouth.
• Several car parks dot the park, many of which are pay-and-display. The Haytor Hoppa hop-on, hop-off bus also operates around eastern Dartmoor from May through September.
• Many small towns and villages can be found throughout the park, so you’re never far from a shop, pub, or information point. The main Dartmoor visitor centres are in Princetown, Haytor, and Postbridge.
• Dartmoor has many wheelchair-accessible trails and attractions. 
• Dartmoor has free-roaming ponies, sheep, and cattle, which have the right of way on moorland roads. A strict speed limit of 40 mph applies throughout. It is a fineable offence to feed any animals in the park, and visitors are advised to keep a distance for their own safety—these are feral animals that may kick or bite.