Campsites with swimming in Fernworthy Forest

·

Set up your tent in Fernworthy Forest and dive right in—literally. With over 700 tent camping spots offering direct access to wild swimming, you’ll have your pick of rivers, lakes, and secret pools shaded by tall pines. Prices start at just £9 a night, with an average of £72, so there’s something for every budget. Favourite sites like South Dean Camping (169 reviews), Goren Farm (46 reviews), and Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping (39 reviews) put you right on the doorstep of cool, clean water. Most spots come with toilets, showers, and allow pets. When you’re not swimming, you can wander hiking trails, cast a fishing line, or even try surfing if you’re up for a drive. Rubbish bins are easy to find, and facilities are straightforward—no fuss, just what you need. After years camping here, I always pack a warm towel and extra socks; Fernworthy water is brisk, but nothing wakes you up faster.

96% (712) 352 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Fernworthy 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
Willow Valley Holiday Park

2. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 31 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
Beryl's Campsite

3. 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
Swell Camping at The Orchard

4. Swell Camping at The Orchard

100%
(2)
Croyde, England · 4 units
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 · 168 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
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

6. 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
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

7. 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
Strawfields Cabins and Camping

8. Strawfields Cabins and Camping

100%
(26)
Titching Park Lane, England · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and rustic glamping with campfires on an idyllic smallholding close to North Devon’s best-loved beaches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

9. Buckland Farm Camping

95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Tremanor Farm

10. Tremanor Farm

89%
(19)
Castledore, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Cornish camping with sea views, 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Eden Project
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Goren Farm

11. Goren Farm

100%
(85)
Seaton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£21
 / night
Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

12. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%
(66)
Bude, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Pure & Rustic

13. 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
Livit, Glamping by the coast

14. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
Bideford, England · 9 units
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Cerenety Eco Campsite

15. 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
Summit Camping Panoramic views

16. Summit Camping Panoramic views

83%
(3)
Callington, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Cornish camping at the foot of Kit Hill in an area of outstanding natural beauty
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

17. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 16 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
Camp Couture

18. 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
The High Nature Centre

19. The High Nature Centre

92%
(19)
Salcombe, England · 14 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
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

20. 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

Set up your tent in Fernworthy Forest and dive right in—literally. With over 700 tent camping spots offering direct access to wild swimming, you’ll have your pick of rivers, lakes, and secret pools shaded by tall pines. Prices start at just £9 a night, with an average of £72, so there’s something for every budget. Favourite sites like South Dean Camping (169 reviews), Goren Farm (46 reviews), and Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping (39 reviews) put you right on the doorstep of cool, clean water. Most spots come with toilets, showers, and allow pets. When you’re not swimming, you can wander hiking trails, cast a fishing line, or even try surfing if you’re up for a drive. Rubbish bins are easy to find, and facilities are straightforward—no fuss, just what you need. After years camping here, I always pack a warm towel and extra socks; Fernworthy water is brisk, but nothing wakes you up faster.

96% (712) 352 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Fernworthy 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
Willow Valley Holiday Park

2. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 31 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
Beryl's Campsite

3. 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
Swell Camping at The Orchard

4. Swell Camping at The Orchard

100%
(2)
Croyde, England · 4 units
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 · 168 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
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

6. 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
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

7. 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
Strawfields Cabins and Camping

8. Strawfields Cabins and Camping

100%
(26)
Titching Park Lane, England · 14 units · Tents, Glamping
Camping and rustic glamping with campfires on an idyllic smallholding close to North Devon’s best-loved beaches
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£30
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

9. Buckland Farm Camping

95%
(21)
Wellington, England · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Tremanor Farm

10. Tremanor Farm

89%
(19)
Castledore, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Cornish camping with sea views, 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Eden Project
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Goren Farm

11. Goren Farm

100%
(85)
Seaton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£21
 / night
Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

12. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%
(66)
Bude, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Pure & Rustic

13. 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
Livit, Glamping by the coast

14. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
Bideford, England · 9 units
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Cerenety Eco Campsite

15. 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
Summit Camping Panoramic views

16. Summit Camping Panoramic views

83%
(3)
Callington, England · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Cornish camping at the foot of Kit Hill in an area of outstanding natural beauty
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

17. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
Sidmouth, England · 16 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
Camp Couture

18. 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
The High Nature Centre

19. The High Nature Centre

92%
(19)
Salcombe, England · 14 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
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

20. 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

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