Campsites with swimming in South West Coast Path

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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.

97% (698) 1,009 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in South West Coast Path

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
Goren Farm

2. Goren Farm

100%
(94)
Seaton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Sweet Hill Farm

3. Sweet Hill Farm

94%
(308)
Isle Of Portland, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Higher Bochym Campsite

4. Higher Bochym Campsite

Helston, England · 7 units
A small dog-friendly touring site with spacious pitches at the heart of the Lizard Peninsula
Pets
Full hookups
Coverack Camping & Glamping

5. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(201)
Coverack, England · 67 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

6. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 83 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
Bredy Farm

7. Bredy Farm

87%
(65)
Bridport, England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping on a Dorset farm with a party vibe at weekends
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Snelling Farm Campsite

8. 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
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

9. 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
Livit, Glamping by the coast

10. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
Bideford, England · 3 units
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Roskilly Camping

11. Roskilly Camping

97%
(32)
Helston, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small family run campsite located on the famous ice cream farm, Roskilly’s. On the Lizard in South West Cornwall, the farm is remote and tucked away with a Cornish feel, yet there is plenty to do. The farm has a vast array of animals that you can feed, a large woodland and ponds walk where the cows may be grazing. There are also many stunning beaches and Cornish fishing villages a small walk or drive away. We have a restaurant offering lovely food all day from breakfast to dinner. During the summer season there is also live music performed by local bands on selected evenings. Our campsite offers large grass pitches for tents and camper vans as well as a pristine toilet and shower block and communal area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

12. 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
Willow Valley Holiday Park

13. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 25 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
The High Nature Centre

14. The High Nature Centre

92%
(19)
Salcombe, England · 10 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
Pure & Rustic

15. Pure & Rustic

88%
(8)
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
Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

16. Gatcombe Park Farm Glamping

85%
(17)
Littlehempston, England · 16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Adult-only camping and glamping within striking distance of Totnes and the South Devon coast.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Hardyes Countryside Camping

17. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%
(45)
Weymouth, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
Beryl's Campsite

18. 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
Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

19. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%
(66)
Bude, England · 40 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
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

20. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(20)
Barnstaple, England · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers

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South West Coast Path camping 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.
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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