Campsites near Salcombe

Salcombe, on Devon’s southern coast, has been a popular beachside resort for over 200 years. The pretty harbour and estuary are a scenic backdrop for days spent on the beach, swimming, kayaking, boating, and surfing. Situated within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and near other beautiful natural spots in Devon, Salcombe offers many good reasons to take a break from the beach and head inland, too. Campers get a taste of everything South Devon is famous for, with a range of options from well-equipped caravan parks to quiet tent spots and farm stays.

Visit in April for the town’s annual Crab Fest or in August for its regatta. Don’t miss your chance to take to the water, whether kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, or taking a cruise of the estuary. If you want a day on the beach, head to North or South Sands, a couple of miles out of town. Overbeck, the former home of scientist and inventor Otto Overbeck, is on the outskirts of Salcombe with a tea room, museum, subtropical gardens, and unbeatable views of the surrounding area. The South West Coast Path offers excellent coastal walking if you need to stretch the legs near Salcombe. Nearby Prawle Point is a great place to head for, as it’s Devon’s southernmost point.

Dartmoor National Park is 30 minutes’ drive from Salcombe with almost endless ways to explore. For a fun-packed family day out, Woodlands Farm Theme Park mixes a chance to meet farmyard animals with rides and activities for young kids. Salcombe’s high street mixes independent shops with bigger-name boutiques, art galleries, and eateries where you can try the latest catch.

As a beachside resort town, Salcombe is best visited in summer. The weather will usually be warm, relatively dry, and the days long—ideal for tent or caravan camping. Outside of summer, opt for cabin or cottage accommodation around Salcombe instead. Because of Salcombe’s southern location, some of the outdoor attractions nearby can be enjoyed beyond the summer, too.

Northwest of Salcombe and over the border in Cornwall, the large granite moorland of Bodmin Moor contains some of Cornwall’s highest peaks. Once densely populated in the Bronze Age, the bleak, heather-covered moorland contains archaeological sites today. It’s also still used as a grazing site for livestock. A highway runs through the moor, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Salcombe. Hiking and cycling trails through the area make camping closer to Bodmin Moor worthwhile. You can also explore different options for camping near Salcombe on Hipcamp.