- South West Coast Path
Wildlife-watching campsites in South West Coast Path
97% (824)
Top-rated campgrounds
97% (824)
Top-rated campgrounds
Camper favorites in and near South West Coast Path
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Stories from the community
A
April
October 2025
Tent
Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!
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Angela
October 2025
4 m Class B
With pets
I have always loved Sweet Hill Farm. It’s a lovely relaxed campsite with sea views and amazing walks nearby. Also, being able to have a camp fire is fantastic. The showers are brilliant too.
The only disappointment for me this year is that the compost loos have been replaced with horrible portaloos! Please bring back compost loos, they are so much nicer!
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N
Niome
October 2025
With kids
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.
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F
Finty
September 2025
Tent
We loved our stay at Aldridge Mill! It was so peaceful and lots of lovely walking spots near by :)
It was so refreshing having space for ourselves and our dogs - We arrived at the end of September so was very quiet and spacious.
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Mark
September 2025
Tent
This was my first time camping here and I will definitely return again.
Whilst SatNav got me most of the way, the directions on Hipcamp made the last little bit of the journey much easier.
I was welcomed warmly at the well-stocked little cafe, and given a map to show my how to get to the field I pitched in. The tracks on-site are full of large potholes - so definitely something to be mindful of, especially if you have extremely low-suspension on your car! However, take it slow and easy and all is well here.
I had the most amazing view, from where I pitched up, over to Portland Bill lighthouse. Both sunset and sunrise were stunning.
Facilities here are extremely basic - but it’s enough for those that simply need to get away from life for a while and sleep under the stars without all the creature comforts of home. Of course, there is a place for being able to have all the mod-cons available, but this is camping the way it should be done!
I wasn’t here long enough to speak to any of the other campers, but everyone seemed relaxed and there was no loud music or anything played into the night, meaning I could drift to sleep easily enough at the end of the day.
Thank you all.
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Dominic
September 2025
Tent
What a great experience! The staff were very friendly and accommodating with an amazing ray of amenities.
The showers are basic but really clean and hot, lovely!
Such good value for money I would highly recommend this campsite!
Thanks guys!
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David
September 2025
Tent
This was my first time ever camping and I had a great time at this site, it's the perfect mix of rural, real camping with local amenities near enough especially for someone doing camping for the first time. Located right near the coast, it's a beautiful view, excellent facilities including showers and cafe. The only downside is that when I did arrive in the evening there was no one to greet us, even though the cafe should've been open at that time but other than that no complaints, wonderful hosts and would definitely go again.
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L
Lucy
August 2025
5 m Class B
The site was exactly as described! Really quiet and calming.
Our only note would be to make sure if your van is bigger than a short wheel base is make sure you are a relatively confident driver as the roads to get to the site are narrow single track and quite tight.
But overall we would be happy to stay again.
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C
Charlotte
August 2025
Tent
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!
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A
Alejandra
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I loved the campsite. We were 10 people: 7 adults and 3 5-year-old children. We chose one of the private sites and brought 4 tents. The site was large and private. We enjoyed 3 nights there and plan to return sometime soon. We cooked over a lovely campfire, which the kids loved.
They also went canoeing one morning, completing a fascinating trip.
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N
Nick
August 2025
Tent
With kids
An interesting and wonderful spot that is a superb location for cornwall adventures and an incredible campsite with the lake and restaurant! They need to sort out the hot water and when they do it will be 5/5!
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M
Mark
August 2025
Tent
I stayed in Gosels as a private pitch and absolutely loved it. The campsite was perfect blend of eco/modern (compostable/flushable toilets and hot showers) within a tranquil setting. I liked how the campsite was used in a traditional sense for escape keeping noise and disturbance down to a minimum. The quarry lake was a great area for a splash around and cool down. Though used heavily by young families, had enough space for all. I already miss my chicken and rabbit friends seen daily on my pitch. The location of the site was perfect for me to make some visits out to North Cornwalls surrounding beaches and beauty spots. Well worth the trip.
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H
HM
August 2025
Tent
With kids
Look no further – just book it! The site was spotless and really well-kept, with a lovely play area that kept the kids happy. It’s perfectly located, close to amazing spots like the rocky valleys and Tarr Steps, with stunning surroundings all around. Alex was absolutely amazing – so friendly, welcoming, and always happy to help. If you’re looking for a place around North Devon, this is definitely it. We can’t wait to come back!
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P
Paul
August 2025
With pets
Would highly recommend , we stopped in the safari lodge and had the whole site to our selves kids and dog loved it . lodge was very clean and so was the shower and toilet facilities also has a kitchen what has everything you need if you do forget anything with an honesty box to leave the money in . We was lucky to have a clear night so seeing all the stars at night was amazing also spotted deers in the morning. Very pleased with our stay
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Shaun
August 2025
Tent
As stated this is a basis eco wild camp site. Very well run by a lovely hard working lady. Close to town, canal, river and sea. Would definitely recommend
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a
anna
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This is wonderful. The private pitches for wild camping are perfect for a family holiday. What a beautiful place teeming with wildlife and beautiful swimming.
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Rachel
August 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
Great campsite wonderful location met such lovely people there just a magical place especially for families. It's a chilled out place well run and friendly suits people who love camping.
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Katie
August 2025
Tent
Group trip
Was a lovely space to camp in a lovely part of the country! There’s a wide range of walks and activities around the area. All the staff were very lovely and created a welcoming, warm atmosphere. We had a lovely time and would generally recommend it!
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J
Joshua
August 2025
4 m Class B
With kids
Great site and local knowledge from the host Chris.
Amenities very clean and organised and a nice addition with optional baked goods for breakfast.
Add in the walk to the local pub
Highly recommend
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L
Louiza
August 2025
5 m Class B
With pets
Richard is such a nice guy and goes out of his way to help, including helping us with our electric hook up. The site has really lovely views and was very peaceful. We had a really great, relaxed visit. Close to dog beaches and bouldering at Helman’s Tor. We also really enjoyed the eggs! Definitely recommend if you want peace and quiet with a view
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Wildlife-watching campsites 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.