The best great views campsites in Fernworthy Forest

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.

97% (666) • 89 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Fernworthy Forest

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.

97% (666) • 89 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Fernworthy Forest

1. Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

100%

(18)

40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Martinhoe, England

Lovely wild camping pitches on the North Devon coastline. You will be one of a maximum of 6 pitches in a large field on the beautiful North Devon coast with incredible sea views. We can provide a firepit to borrow and you can purchase logs onsite so you can stargaze and chatter around the fire - back to nature! We are based just outside the pretty hamlet of Martinhoe in North Devon, a stone's throw from the SW Coast Path. There is a historic Roman Beacon closeby and plenty of wildlife around, we'd be surprised if you didn't see deer in the neighbouring fields! There is a compost loo and a water point, but no electricity / wifi - delightfully off-grid. Situated on an organic working farm this is the perfect place to escape!

2. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%

(211)

5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

3. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(43)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Yelverton, England

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

4. Berries Farm Camping

100%

(37)

31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Berries Farm Camping is a small eco-friendly family-run campsite, located in the heart of West Dorset Countryside. We are situated at the top of Lyme Regis, on the A3052. Set amongst 5 acres of picturesque farmland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within walking distance to Charmouth, which is part of the World Heritage Coast. With your own spacious camping spot, enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills of Lyme Regis. We provide generous grass only pitches for tents and camper-vans. These are unpowered sites. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate for caravans. Nearby attractions include the Jurrasic Coast, quaint market towns and local pubs serving farm fresh food and local seafood. Enjoy River Cottage HQ for a cookery course and get a taste of local cuisine. Also near by is Lyme Regis driving range, golf course and foot-golf. If you fancy exploring Lyme Regis, take the park and ride which is within a short walking distance South of the farm. If walking is more your thing, there is an abundance of local footpaths including the south west coastal path, with Lyme Regis just 1 mile away. Our amenities include flushing toilets and hot water shower blocks. A designated space is avaliable for washing dirty dishes. Be advised that only cold water is provided. BBQ's are permitted; however, they must raised off the ground to prevent damage to the grass. Bricks will be provided for this purpose. Please note that campfires are now allowed at this time. Please feel free to bring your pets, but bear in mind there will be sheep on the farm. Our “what3words” for Berries farm is: ///lives.grandest.honeybees https://w3w.co/lives.grandest.honeybees) Postcode: DT7 3UE (this will NOT take you directly to the farm, please follow the ''what3words'' above) Latitude, Longitude: 50.740819, -2.936091 You’ll share 5 acres of land surrounded by a further 15 acres of beautiful hillside farmland for you to enjoy.

5. Girt Down Camping

99%

(79)

23 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

6. 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

7. Pittaford Farm

99%

(67)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kingsbridge, England

A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away

8. South Dean Camping

98%

(307)

70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

9. Wonton Park Camping

100%

(11)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Totnes, England

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

10. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%

(11)

6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures

11. Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

99%

(74)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills, with campfires, big views and homegrown produce for sale

12. Fairlinch Camping

96%

(74)

20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors

13. Poole Farm

100%

(17)

2 units · Glamping · Woolacombe, England

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

The view from my tent was amazing and if I was there in the summer with the water beside I think the view would be even better. I did worry about being able to drive out because of the way in and out but that's because it rained a lot when I was there but apart from that it's a nice quiet place

S

Samantha

October 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

We had a wonderful time as always! We’ve been here quite a few times now, and it never disappoints. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place to relax and unwind. A lovely surprise this time was watching the cows wander past — such a charming touch to an already perfect stay. We really can’t recommend this place enough; it’s definitely one of our favourite spots to camp!

Beautiful private lake for swimming, fishing and water sports

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Nobody around us but the stars and two shetland ponies, views over the reservoir on the hill were amazing, but be careful pitching there as the grass is only centremeters deep and pegs hit rocks everywhere, our tent blew away and caused a scene - the land itself though is 10/10

s

shirley

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site beside a lake. Lovely views and nice walks from the field. Nice to sit beside the camp fire star glazing at night.

r

roblox

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Amazing place to stop. Beautiful scenery with fantastic walks to the viaduct and reservoir nearby. Lovely to be able to have a fire. We went for a great meal at Dartmoor Inn (10 min drive) Got our camper down ok. It could get a bit tricky if the lane gets wet and slippery.

c

charlotte

September 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful Spot, we stayed for 2 nights. We had great communication with Phil and a bag of wood delivered to camp. Shared the camp with 2 ponies but no one else. Was nice to see the horse trail pass camp. Overall top spot if you are ok with no facilities. We would definitely stay again.

H

Hew

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

A gorgeous and spacious campsite with an absolutely magical feel. Such an idyllic spot to wake up in. I can't wait to come back and visit again!

P

Phillip

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was a beautiful secluded spot close to the lake and the moor.

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Girt Down Camping

Very helpful and friendly, lovely views and clean facilities, would recommend 👍

Lewy

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Our second time staying at Phil’s beautiful lakeside gem. Seclusion, scenery, wildlife, stars and zero stress….. those are the words that sum up this hidden wonder. Literally yards from the moors with the ponies and rugged landscape, it’s the perfect place from which to explore. Bring EVERYTHING you need, there are no facilities at all and remember to leave no trace! Thanks Phil for another amazing stay. We’ll definitely be back again

J

Jack

September 2025

5 m car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Girt Down Camping

Absolutely beautiful spot, even better than the photos make out. Lesley showed us a more sheltered pitch and it was perfect. The walking straight from the site was amazing and the views from littlehangman down into the town were stunning. Paul provided us with a big bucket of logs and we kept the fire going for ages. Would 100% recommend :)

M

Max

September 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Magical space, really enjoyed camping here and will look forward to returning. Obviously no toilet, a composting loo would have been great but still a very lovely, peaceful place to camp.

Jenna

September 2025

4 m Class B

4 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site! Perfect, peaceful get away. Will definitely be coming back again

M

Michael

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautifuly secluded and peaceful spot with great views of the reservoir/lake

H

Harriet

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Girt Down Camping

Wonderful stay. The view is stunning from the whole campsite. Lots of space, children loved running around and having space to play. Lesley and Paul were really welcoming. Facilities were great. Absolutely stay again!!

C

Chezmite

August 2025

Tent

With kids

15 nights at Girt Down Camping

My family and I stayed at this picturesque site for 2 weeks and we had an amazing time. Lesley and her husband Paul were wonderful hosts, always happy to chat and a fountain of knowledge about the area. They kept the facilities clean even over a busy bank holiday weekend. There were two flushing toilets and one portaloo (to save those at the top of the site from walking too far), two warm showers, washing up facilities and a lovely converted railway carriage that had electrical points and a fridge freezer. On the few days we had rain this carriage was a great space to eat or play board games. The site has outstanding views overlooking the valley with combe martin bay. Alongside it is a public footpath taking you to great hangman and further Exmoor trails. You can walk to combe martin from here but it is a steep hill back up so bear that in mind if you take a lot of stuff to the beach. Also being up so high you get the spectacular views but it can be windy on occasions so bear the weather in mind when choosing your spot (you are not assigned a specific position so you can move if the weather changes). What i really liked was that the site was not overcrowded even when fully booked as the hosts keep numbers low. This meant it was not noisy and you did not feel like you were on top of anyone. We would definitely come back here.

J

Julie

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

What a gem! Very clear directions from the host, we found it easily and our campervan got down the narrow track no problem. Sometimes narrow tracks lead to hidden gems and that is definitely the case here! Beautiful location, typical Dartmoor... gentle-natured ponies wandering about, gorgeous views, stunning lake (maybe not everyone's ideal to swim in, but wonderful to sit by and enjoy the peace and quiet). Large pitches right next to the lake and a stone's throw from a river that you can walk alongside and explore - plenty of private spots along the river if you like a cold plunge! It is on a bridle path so the odd dog walker wandered past but that didn't bother us at all. One of the loveliest places I've stayed, highly recommend.

S

Sean

August 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Brig's Farm

Quiet, lovely place. Very off grid. Nice toilets and showers. Good recycling and bins. Great location.

B

Bex

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Berries Farm Camping

A lovely spot, close to Lyme Regis and Charmouth. The facilities were great, always clean and really nice showers! The view was gorgeous. It’s easy to find and the pitches are spacious- totally recommend

C

Charlotte

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enchanted Wilderness

Lovely site, great amenities that were also eco friendly, river is right there for a swim or kayak and the morning views were beautiful. We were the only campers so it was super quiet but Jonathan was close by if we had any issues. Would have loved to have stayed longer!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views campsites 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.