Best Family Glamping in Fernworthy Forest 2025

Set on the banks of the Fernworthy Reservoir at the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, Fernworthy Forest has some of the NP’s most rewarding short walks. Follow the lakeside trail, enjoy bird-watching or fish for brown trout around the lake, then stop for a picnic by the lakeside. Hikers can choose from a variety of forest trails. Explore Bronze Age stone circles, follow scenic woodland walks, and spot herds of native Dartmoor ponies grazing the moors. There are no campsites at Fernworthy Forest, but wild camping is permitted—pitch your tent beneath the trees for a real back-to-nature experience.

99% (272)

Top-rated campgrounds

Set on the banks of the Fernworthy Reservoir at the heart of the Dartmoor National Park, Fernworthy Forest has some of the NP’s most rewarding short walks. Follow the lakeside trail, enjoy bird-watching or fish for brown trout around the lake, then stop for a picnic by the lakeside. Hikers can choose from a variety of forest trails. Explore Bronze Age stone circles, follow scenic woodland walks, and spot herds of native Dartmoor ponies grazing the moors. There are no campsites at Fernworthy Forest, but wild camping is permitted—pitch your tent beneath the trees for a real back-to-nature experience.

99% (272)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Westland Farm

100%

(140)

21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches

2. 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.

3. Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

4. Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

5. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

6. Camp Couture

100%

(17)

4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

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

7. Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

Camper favorites in and near Fernworthy Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Coppet Hill

100%

(88)

18 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, England

Wildlife-friendly camping and glamping with private loos at each pitch, 15 minutes' drive from the coast

Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

Camp Couture

100%

(17)

4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

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

Homemade Holidays

100%

(18)

2 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A hidden paradise of organic vege, swimming pond, wild areas and views, next to a large ancient woodland, footpaths and the Jurassic coastline near Lyme Regis. Two unique and comfortable off grid yurts (each sleep 5), with extra sleeping spaces available on request. Dog friendly. Kid heaven! No smoking please in the yurts. Beware fire risk in other spaces. Buzzard Yurt on the hillside at the top of the paddock, with its large terrace and stunning views across the Axe valley. Kingfisher Yurt, nestled down by the wild swimming and kayaking pond, amongst the oak trees. Each has exclusive use of their own homemade, separate, fully equipped kitchen, a cosy chill-out area with books and games, and private indoor shower. Each yurt pitch has its own compost loo and campfire area. Extra wood at low cost, freezer space and additional tent space all available. Buzzard also has a rustic indoor loo (close to daytime spaces.) Shared games/pool/music room with a piano and guitars. Homegrown vege and eggs often available from the organic smallholding. Welcome to join in with growing, harvesting, juicing, preserving, cooking, egg collection etc. Detox and unwind from the digital world - though you'll find wi-fi /ethernet cable in daytime spaces😉 Wild swimming in our natural swimming pond, which has a selection of kayaks and boards. Great for building open water confidence and paddle practice. Woodfired hot tub £50 one day, £75 for two. Msg me to book. Fresh spring water (no chemicals). Relax and enjoy the views. Dog friendly, but please let me know. Please pay for any damage to bedding or fittings, thanks 🐾 Next to Holyford Woods Nature Reserve, famous locally for its magical bluebell display. Please msg for details of great local walks, eating out etc. Seaton Wetlands, Tramway and new Jurassic Centre...Fossil hunting..Lyme Regis museum and aquarium...Beer Quarry Caves, Pecorama model train gardens...crazy golf...Sidmouth Folk Festival...Beavers on the River Otter...wolves, bears, lynx and more at Escot Park. By booking either yurt you take full responsibility for your group's safety.

Stories from the community

N

Niome

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

brilliant place to stay, very relaxed there but if you need anything they was there. me and my partner stayed here with our 2 daughters and our dog and it was 100% one of the best places we have been to, great veiws, great facilities. all in all will 100% be staying again and maybe try the other cabins.

S

Selma

August 2025

With kids

5 nights at Homemade Holidays

This is a place to feel connected to the land and to completely let go of all the pressures of modern living. Jan is passionate about bio diversity and I loved walking up to the yurt, brushing past lavender and sage and wild flowers full of bees and butterflies, picking an apple on the way - and having it for breakfast whilst looking over a most glorious sunrise view from Buzzard Yurt. Then a walk in the woods and chilling in the hammock reading and soaking up the birdsong and the sound of the buzzard up above. At night - lying on the deck looking up at a starry sky and sitting round the fire toasting marshmallows. A truly relaxing and healing few days. Thank you Jan.

H

Hannah

August 2025

Group trip

3 nights at Homemade Holidays

Wow, wow, wow. So we had a fantastic time at Kingfisher Yurt, relaxing under the Oak and Ash trees. Swimming pond was perfect. Yurt was really comfortable and the kitchen was fab for dining and playing games, We hired the hot tub, which was also lovely. Jan was a perfect host. We shall be back.

A

Andrew

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

We booked a weekend stay with our daughter and it was lovely, very peaceful and calm. She loved feeding the pigs! The hot tub stays hot for a long time once you’ve got it going so worth firing it up nice abs early. The site owners were always around and really helpful too.

M

Margareth

August 2025

3 nights at Camp Couture

Really nice place. Quite place with nice and sweet animals. Very comfortabel tent and communial Kitchen. Near barnstaple ( 20 min)

R

Rosalind

August 2025

With pets

4 nights at Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

The bell tents are beautiful and come with everything you need - pots, pans, a kettle, a stove and cool box. Tent looks out over playground and children loved it. Campsite is high up with gorgeous views but can be windy so bring warm clothes! Will return!

k

kai ling

July 2025

With kids

5 nights at Homemade Holidays

We loved our stay at Buzzard Yurt! Jan was super friendly and helpful, and the kids loved the trampoline, the pond, the hot tub, feeding the chickens, picking the eggs and just everything the lovely campsite had to offer. It was such a good break from the bustle of city life and we cannot wait to return. The night skies were delightful with a sky full of stars and hardly any light pollution anywhere near us, and our days were filled with adventure and nature at the camp. Jan's campsite is conveniently located to lots of lovely sights - Beer, Seaton, Lyme Regis. A perfect break!

R

Rhys

July 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

Good host, beautiful views, well thought out campsite in a good location. Any issues were solved very quickly and we had an amazing time! Loved the hot tub

L

Lauren

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

Gorgeous cabin with rolling countryside views. Private area with large garden. Hot tub and sauna are a big plus. Farm is quiet and very close to all North Devon has to offer. Accommodation is actually very spacious. 4 fit easily in each room. Highly recommended. We had a fabulous weekend, I could’ve stayed longer.

A

Alice

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

We had a lovely time at the farm, 2 adults and 2 kids staying at the Drover's hut. Nicky was super lovely and even showed our boys around the chicken coops. The beds were comfy and the hot tub was great too.

F

Frances

June 2025

With pets

3 nights at Homemade Holidays

We had an amazing time! Jan was so kind showing our little boy the broody hens babysitting pheasant eggs, and we actually saw the freshly-hatched chicks! Such a peaceful place.

R

Rob

May 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Camp Couture

Beautiful little spot a short drive from South Moulton. The Camping dome or bubble house as our 2 year old called it was, clean and spacious with a log burner for warmth and electric hob for that morning coffee. Only a few glamping spots so not overcrowded. Loved the ecleptic oldy worldy decor around the site. Plenty of character. Decent shower, toilet and communal kitchen facilities. Our daughter loved the Alpacas. Thankyou Nick and Tracey for the stay.

N

Niamh

April 2025

With kids

3 nights at Camp Couture

We loved our stay here! Perfect combo of seclusion and creature comforts - loved the fact the kids (9 and 6) could ramble solo and safely through the woods, they loved the animals, the set up was perfect, everything we needed, would totally come again. Gets cold at night so would recommend lighting the wood burner in the dome at night, we came before Easter when the weather was lovely and it was still chilly overnight, bring cash for bits like wood!

d

daniel

March 2025

Weekend Trip to Camp Couture

Firstly I would like to say thank you to Nick and Tracy for being so accommodating. The place is wonderful and very well thought out. When we arrived Nick and Noodle were there to greet us. The toilet and shower room was spotless. We stayed in the Dome, it had everything we needed and more, waking up to the views of the Alpaca in the pen and the Dear in the woods was so great. The site is very charming and relaxing, I don’t have a negative thing to say about it. It is in the top 3 places we have ever stayed. I would 100% recommend this place.

J

Jasmine

December 2024

With pets

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

Nicky and her son were very friendly and helpful. Showed us around and left us to it but when I did need them they were a phone call away and very helpful. Cabin was beautiful and so peaceful. We stayed for two nights. Walked to the reservoir which was worth it.

Clarice

November 2024

With kids

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

Beautiful cabin with the cosiest log burner! Loved the sauna and hot tub, we had a great time. Lovely hosts, they even had cute little piglets our toddler loved.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family glamping in Fernworthy Forest guide

When to go

July and August are the peak season in Dartmoor National Park, and popular spots such as Fernworthy Forest can get crowded—parking is limited, so get there early. Forest walks can be enjoyed year-round, but it’s most magical in autumn, with its canopy of fall foliage. Dartmoor weather is notoriously changeable, so pack a sweater and raincoat even in summer.

Know before you go

Fernworthy Forest is located north of Dartmoor National Park, about a 15-minute drive southwest of Chagford. There is a pay and display car park by the entrance to the forest.
Restrooms are located at the forest car park, but there are no other facilities, so bring everything you need with you. The closest village is Chagford, which has a few pubs and small shops.
Trout fishing is possible on the lake between March and October, and fishing permits can be purchased on-site.
Parts of the lakeside trail are accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Dartmoor National Park is one of the few places in the UK where wild camping is permitted. Tents must be pitched away from roads and attractions, and large group camping is not allowed.
Dartmoor has free-roaming ponies, sheep, and cattle, and these animals have the right of way on moorland roads. There is a strict speed limit of 40 mph throughout. It is a fineable offense 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.