Riverside camping in South West Coast Path

·

Winding its way along the coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s most epic hike. Measuring in at 630 miles, it’s the longest National Trail in the country, and takes a whopping 52 days to complete. Instead, most hikers opt for day- or multi-day hikes, perhaps along the sea cliffs of West Cornwall, through the windswept moorlands of the Exmoor National Park, or on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Spectacular views are a given, but you can also swim and surf at the many beaches, enjoy bird-watching around the estuaries, and camp at ocean view campsites.

94% (309) 221 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South West Coast Path

Frome Meadow Campsite

1. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
The Enchanted Wilderness

2. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%
(43)
Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
Coverack Camping & Glamping

3. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
Coverack, England · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Wolf Meadows Farm

4. Wolf Meadows Farm

100%
(1)
Umberleigh, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a riverside meadow in north Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / 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
Bredy Farm

6. Bredy Farm

87%
(63)
Bridport, England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / 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
Snelling Farm Campsite

9. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%
(140)
Wareham, England · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
The Secret Garden

10. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location This secret garden is surrounded by the fields and tall hedges, a magical place, it’s in a world of its own and will certainly make those memories. * Private spacious tent camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! * A very special gated garden to spend time out with your favourite people. Family friendly You may spot wild pheasants, chickens, indian runner ducks, our super friendly Bengal Cats! full use of gated large garden, fire pit and picnic bench, outdoor chairs and table hammock. tree swings A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location. full use of garden pitch anywhere, hammock, tree swings, fire pit, picnic bench, outside table and chairs. portaloo and privacy tent. OPTIONAL ADD ON - paddle boards for the river at high tide OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- The cabin - king size bed, heating, bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, large fridge, kitchenette - electric hobs, utensils, heater, sofa, tv, is smart if you have data to connect to the tv, netflix, prime, :) OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- the hot tub! 6 minute walk to new esso garage/budgens/greggs for necessities, 24 hour off license. 3 min drive to lidle, morrsions, mcdonalds There is a bus stop right at the bottom of the lane around a 4 min walk to the stop which takes you straight into Newquay town Center and back again. Lovely country walk from lane entrance from pitch down the bottom of the lane to the river gannel or crantock beach if you keep walking! paddle boarding, , kayaks, bikes, take yourself for a wild swim :) From the river gannel if you walk to crantock beach and enter the quant village of crantock , two 2 local pubs the cornishman and the old albian pub - worth a visit if your into local history. closet pub family friendly lovely garden area the tavern inn - 10 min walk Newquay town Center is accessible by foot along the back lane down across the river gannels bridge to the boating lake and then up the hill to town or bus at the bottom of our lane. Any small van will be ok , the storms have made it a very difficult for space now unfortunately
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

11. 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
Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

12. Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

100%
(9)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Centrally located yet quiet, secluded and flat two-acre meadow with 9 large grass pitches each mowed for privacy within natural wildflower borders. Clean and well looked after composting toilets, hot gas showers, fire pits, free scrap wood and a quiet woodland to immerse yourself in, next to the stream. Mushroom Meadow and the adjoining woodland are nestled at the bottom of our picturesque 50 acre family farm - with the stream at it's southerly border. Access is via a long farm track (about 750m) and is clearly signed once you arrive at our farm. The numbered pitches are thoughtfully spaced across the entire meadow. Perfect for those who like lots of space and for children who like to run free. An ideal West Cornwall location (10 min drive to both North and South coasts) - you can walk into our village of Praze and Beeble to visit the local pub, village shop or famous Philps Bakery for all your pasty needs!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Wild About Campers

13. Wild About Campers

100%
(2)
Honiton, England · 5 units
Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night
Pure & Rustic

14. 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
Ruby Country Camping

15. Ruby Country Camping

100%
(30)
Highampton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A natural, spacious meadow campsite perfect for exploring North Devon and Cornwall
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Westland Farm

16. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
Barnstaple, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Aldridge Mill

17. Aldridge Mill

95%
(22)
Tiverton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Summit Camping Panoramic views

18. 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
Rocombe Valley Retreat

19. Rocombe Valley Retreat

97%
(17)
Lower Rocombe, England · 5 units
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night
Wylde Valley Camping

20. Wylde Valley Camping

97%
(16)
Bude, England · 132 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A popular festival space that's now a bona fide campsite, with modern, pop-up facilities and a top North Cornwall location
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

Winding its way along the coast of Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset, the South West Coast Path is England’s most epic hike. Measuring in at 630 miles, it’s the longest National Trail in the country, and takes a whopping 52 days to complete. Instead, most hikers opt for day- or multi-day hikes, perhaps along the sea cliffs of West Cornwall, through the windswept moorlands of the Exmoor National Park, or on Dorset’s World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Spectacular views are a given, but you can also swim and surf at the many beaches, enjoy bird-watching around the estuaries, and camp at ocean view campsites.

94% (309) 221 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South West Coast Path

Frome Meadow Campsite

1. Frome Meadow Campsite

93%
(167)
Dorchester, England · 114 units
A magical riverside retreat near Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
The Enchanted Wilderness

2. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%
(43)
Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
Coverack Camping & Glamping

3. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
Coverack, England · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Wolf Meadows Farm

4. Wolf Meadows Farm

100%
(1)
Umberleigh, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Relaxed camping in a riverside meadow in north Devon
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£38
 / 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
Bredy Farm

6. Bredy Farm

87%
(63)
Bridport, England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / 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
Snelling Farm Campsite

9. Snelling Farm Campsite

99%
(140)
Wareham, England · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
The Secret Garden

10. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location This secret garden is surrounded by the fields and tall hedges, a magical place, it’s in a world of its own and will certainly make those memories. * Private spacious tent camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! * A very special gated garden to spend time out with your favourite people. Family friendly You may spot wild pheasants, chickens, indian runner ducks, our super friendly Bengal Cats! full use of gated large garden, fire pit and picnic bench, outdoor chairs and table hammock. tree swings A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location. full use of garden pitch anywhere, hammock, tree swings, fire pit, picnic bench, outside table and chairs. portaloo and privacy tent. OPTIONAL ADD ON - paddle boards for the river at high tide OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- The cabin - king size bed, heating, bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, large fridge, kitchenette - electric hobs, utensils, heater, sofa, tv, is smart if you have data to connect to the tv, netflix, prime, :) OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- the hot tub! 6 minute walk to new esso garage/budgens/greggs for necessities, 24 hour off license. 3 min drive to lidle, morrsions, mcdonalds There is a bus stop right at the bottom of the lane around a 4 min walk to the stop which takes you straight into Newquay town Center and back again. Lovely country walk from lane entrance from pitch down the bottom of the lane to the river gannel or crantock beach if you keep walking! paddle boarding, , kayaks, bikes, take yourself for a wild swim :) From the river gannel if you walk to crantock beach and enter the quant village of crantock , two 2 local pubs the cornishman and the old albian pub - worth a visit if your into local history. closet pub family friendly lovely garden area the tavern inn - 10 min walk Newquay town Center is accessible by foot along the back lane down across the river gannels bridge to the boating lake and then up the hill to town or bus at the bottom of our lane. Any small van will be ok , the storms have made it a very difficult for space now unfortunately
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Buckland Farm Camping

11. 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
Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

12. Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

100%
(9)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Centrally located yet quiet, secluded and flat two-acre meadow with 9 large grass pitches each mowed for privacy within natural wildflower borders. Clean and well looked after composting toilets, hot gas showers, fire pits, free scrap wood and a quiet woodland to immerse yourself in, next to the stream. Mushroom Meadow and the adjoining woodland are nestled at the bottom of our picturesque 50 acre family farm - with the stream at it's southerly border. Access is via a long farm track (about 750m) and is clearly signed once you arrive at our farm. The numbered pitches are thoughtfully spaced across the entire meadow. Perfect for those who like lots of space and for children who like to run free. An ideal West Cornwall location (10 min drive to both North and South coasts) - you can walk into our village of Praze and Beeble to visit the local pub, village shop or famous Philps Bakery for all your pasty needs!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£14
 / night
Wild About Campers

13. Wild About Campers

100%
(2)
Honiton, England · 5 units
Wild About Campers is a peaceful retreat amid spectacular hiking country in the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and 25 minutes’ drive from cliff-top treks along the South West Coast Path. The Jurassic Coast at Lyme Regis is within 25 minutes’ drive, and if you feel a major shopping expedition coming on, the historic cathedral city of Exeter (35 minutes) will see you right. Both Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks are less than an hour’s drive away, while the pretty neighbouring town of Honiton (10 minutes) offers pubs and tearooms as well as antique shops to browse. But if it’s a rural retreat you’re after, well, this is the place. The camping paddock is surrounded by peaceful farmland and borders the River Otter (look out for the resident beavers, otters and kingfishers, which occasionally appear), so you can fall asleep lulled by the burble of the river along with the distant hoot of barn owls – and wake up fresh in the morning to the sound of birdsong. A popular family-run pub is five minutes’ stroll from the campsite, and you can pick up emergency supplies from a well-stocked village shop run by volunteers (five minutes’ drive).
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£90
 / night
Pure & Rustic

14. 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
Ruby Country Camping

15. Ruby Country Camping

100%
(30)
Highampton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A natural, spacious meadow campsite perfect for exploring North Devon and Cornwall
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Westland Farm

16. Westland Farm

100%
(140)
Barnstaple, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night
Aldridge Mill

17. Aldridge Mill

95%
(22)
Tiverton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Summit Camping Panoramic views

18. 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
Rocombe Valley Retreat

19. Rocombe Valley Retreat

97%
(17)
Lower Rocombe, England · 5 units
Glamping near the English Riviera, with wood-fired hot tubs and coarse fishing lakes
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£80
 / night
Wylde Valley Camping

20. Wylde Valley Camping

97%
(16)
Bude, England · 132 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A popular festival space that's now a bona fide campsite, with modern, pop-up facilities and a top North Cornwall location
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Riverside camping in South West Coast Path guide

When to go

The most popular time to hike the South West Coast Path is from April through September, but the trail is accessible year-round. Come in spring to spot lambs and colourful wildflowers or in summer to swim at the beaches and admire the headlands blanketed in purple heather. Warm clothes and wet weather gear are essential for autumn and winter hikes, but this is also one of the best times for bird-watching. Book at least three months in advance if visiting in July-Aug.

Know before you go

  • The South West Coast Path runs for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset. Most towns along the trail are easily reached by public transport, and baggage transfer services are available for hikers on multi-day walks. 
  • Although the trail has some remote sections, longer hikes typically pass through towns where you will be able to buy groceries and stock up on water supplies.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Cornwall.

Top counties in and near South West Coast Path