Waterside camping near Paignton, Devon

Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of South Devon is the English seaside town of Paignton. Explore Tor Bay and the coast full of local fish near Broadsands Beach, which unveils the magic of the English Riviera. Its sandy shores and sparkling waters set the stage for seaside adventures. Or discover the rugged moorland of Dartmoor, where granite tors stand sentry over sweeping landscapes. Exmoor National Park also presents a symphony of moorlands and coastlines, where diverse habitats host an array of wildlife and beckon visitors to hike, bike, and embrace the great outdoors. Campers staying near Paignton can choose from a range of accommodation options, including family-friendly holiday parks with caravan sites and lodge rentals or tent pitches with waterfront views.

95% (772)

Top-rated campgrounds

Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of South Devon is the English seaside town of Paignton. Explore Tor Bay and the coast full of local fish near Broadsands Beach, which unveils the magic of the English Riviera. Its sandy shores and sparkling waters set the stage for seaside adventures. Or discover the rugged moorland of Dartmoor, where granite tors stand sentry over sweeping landscapes. Exmoor National Park also presents a symphony of moorlands and coastlines, where diverse habitats host an array of wildlife and beckon visitors to hike, bike, and embrace the great outdoors. Campers staying near Paignton can choose from a range of accommodation options, including family-friendly holiday parks with caravan sites and lodge rentals or tent pitches with waterfront views.

95% (772)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Secret Garden

100%

(5)

107km from Paignton · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Newquay, Cornwall

2 sites to stay ruby rose for chalet or jasmine pitch for van This secret garden's 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 camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! either with chalet on its own, van, tents or both :) chalet with double bed, single bed, bathroom, shower, tv mini kitchen, plates, kettle, cutlery, pots & pans, outside washing up area Chill in your massive jacuzzi with a your favourite drink and best tunes 🎶 (add on for Jasmine) * Picnic bench, garden, hot shower, flushing toilet, firepit (add on for Jasmine) * 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! if you like them!😻 Your own furry friends are welcome as it is a gated secure garden. Enjoy the fire pit (wood and firelighters can be brought in advance) or bring your own :) Your car/van can park right outside the gate to your secret garden. (jasmine is another pitch) Lovely walk down the bottom of our lane to river gannel, bring your own paddle boards, kayaks, yourself for a swim :) From the river gannel if you walk from your garden it will take you to crantock beach and quant village, including the 2 local pubs worth a visit if your into our local history. Trenance 15 minute walk 0r 3 minute drive (walk the country back lane here to Trenance via river gannel for a beautiful nature walk) *Horse riding along the river gannel at Trenance riding stables *Trenance Boating lake, Tea rooms, rose gardens and Boat hire *Trenance Play park for the kids 5 mins walk to esso/budgens for essentials 24 hour 5 Mins car ride to the quant Crantock Village beach, or long walk to the beach. Tearooms, the outstanding C-bay day spa for an extra special day out. 1.2 miles into town, 10 min car ride to Newquay town centre to visit our beautiful Cornish beaches, harbour (fishing trips) golf course, chip shops, deliveroo do deliver here :) Lifts i can do for £10 back from town before 12am if your stuck :) Bus direct into Newquay town Center or any other part of Cornwall 4 minute walk down the lane :)

2. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

92km from Paignton · 67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England

Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall

3. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

88km from Paignton · 168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

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.

4. Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

100%

(7)

41km from Paignton · 1 unit · Glamping · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

5. Elmar's Place

60%

(5)

71km from Paignton · 2 units · Tents · Bude, England

Nearly wild camping on the border of Devon and Cornwall

Stories from the community

Wild Camping - Communal Meadow Tent Pitch

N

Nick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

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!

M

Mark

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

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.

Wild Camping - Private Pitch - Bluebell Bank

a

anna

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

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.

C

Callum

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

The lake was amazing - even better than the pictures. Beautiful private wooded sites running down the hill and a lovely set of open pitches at the top. The site staff were really friendly and helpful, with an excellent on site cafe for brunch and dinner. My daughter says her caramel cookie was the best she had ever eaten - high praise!

L

Luke

April 2025

1 m pop-up camper

2 nights at The Secret Garden

A perfect little hideaway – ideal to stay whilst cycling, surfing & recharging! I stayed here as part of a bikepacking trip and couldn’t have asked for a better spot. The location is peaceful and secluded, surrounded by greenery with a lovely fire pit, hot outdoor shower, and plenty of space to relax. It’s just a 15-minute cycle to Newquay and Fistral Beach, which made it ideal for surfing and exploring the coast. The host, Sheryl, was incredibly welcoming and helpful. She provided super clear directions with photos, was quick to respond to questions, and even left out firewood and matches. On top of that, there were friendly chickens roaming about, a couple of chilled cats, and paddleboards available too. She also gave great local recommendations and was very flexible on request. The price is very reasonable for what you get – this place is a hidden gem. I was also really grateful to be able to book on the same day — something quite rare / almost impossible with the campsites in the area. Would absolutely stay again – thanks Sheryl!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Waterside campsites near Paignton guide

Where to go

Dartmoor National Park

Venture eastward to the sprawling expanse of Dartmoor National Park. Campers can discover dramatic tors like Haytor Quarry, admire springtime bluebells at Holwell Lawn, and cross the ancient Postbridge Clapper Bridge to take in views of meandering rivers that define this captivating landscape. Set up camp at nearby family-run holiday parks offering a variety of accommodations, from static caravans to luxury lodge rentals. Then, explore Totnes to enjoy campsites with facilities like an indoor swimming pool and free wifi.

Exmoor National Park

To the north lies Exmoor National Park, a captivating blend of moorland, coastline, and charming villages. Traverse the network of walking trails, from leisurely strolls along the coast to challenging hikes through trails like Valley of Rocks and Lynton. For some adventure, embark on a thrilling mountain biking excursion on Dunkery Beacon Circular, a 6.2-mile loop that winds through ancient woodlands and across rolling hills. Park the touring caravan at hardstanding pitches with on-site amenities like an outdoor pool and full electric hookup, or find a selection of camping parks that offer tent pitches and fully-furnished glamping sites near toilets, showers, and potable water.

Broadsands Beach

Broadsands Beach is a true coastal haven that beckons with its sandy shores against the backdrop of the English Riviera. Campers can indulge in water sports along Torbay such as kayaking or paddleboarding and explore Saltern Cove—a UNESCO Global Geopark Key Site. Stay at a nearby dog-friendly caravan park with sea views for a family holiday with a range of accommodations, from static caravans to touring pitches for motorhomes as well as classic tent pitches.

When to go

Paignton's camping allure spans the seasons. Summer sees temperatures averaging between 20–30°C. Hiking, beach fun, and watersports are popular during this season. Spring and fall offer milder conditions for exploring Dartmoor and Exmoor. Winter has temperatures between -5 to -10°C and brings opportunities for cosy campfires and winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.