The best great views campsites near Salcombe, Devon

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.

In Salcombe, campers can spend hours on the quayside in town, watching the boats come and go while enjoying an ice cream or trying crabbing.
Salcombe’s high street mixes independent shops with bigger-name boutiques, art galleries, and eateries where you can try the latest catch.
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.

95% (240)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

In Salcombe, campers can spend hours on the quayside in town, watching the boats come and go while enjoying an ice cream or trying crabbing.
Salcombe’s high street mixes independent shops with bigger-name boutiques, art galleries, and eateries where you can try the latest catch.
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.

95% (240)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%

(211)

56km from Salcombe · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

2. Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

100%

(18)

110km from Salcombe · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Martinhoe, England

Lovely wild camping pitches on the North Devon coastline. You will be one of a maximum of 6 pitches in a large field on the beautiful North Devon coast with incredible sea views. We can provide a firepit to borrow and you can purchase logs onsite so you can stargaze and chatter around the fire - back to nature! We are based just outside the pretty hamlet of Martinhoe in North Devon, a stone's throw from the SW Coast Path. There is a historic Roman Beacon closeby and plenty of wildlife around, we'd be surprised if you didn't see deer in the neighbouring fields! There is a compost loo and a water point, but no electricity / wifi - delightfully off-grid. Situated on an organic working farm this is the perfect place to escape!

3. South Dean Camping

98%

(307)

110km from Salcombe · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

4. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(43)

42km from Salcombe · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Yelverton, England

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

5. Sweet Hill Farm

94%

(296)

100km from Salcombe · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Dorset, South West England

Simple, almost-wild, seaside camping on the Isle of Portland

6. Pittaford Farm

99%

(67)

11km from Salcombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Kingsbridge, England

A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away

7. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%

(115)

101km from Salcombe · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Saint Agnes, England

Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes

8. Hardyes Countryside Camping

98%

(43)

102km from Salcombe · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Weymouth, Dorset, South West England

Camping in a Dorset field between Dorchester and the Jurassic coast.

9. Gurt Yurts

100%

(23)

140km from Salcombe · 9 units · Tents, Glamping · Churchill, England

Off the beaten track on top of the Mendips in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A mixture of four acres of wild woodland, orchard and field set on a hillside. Our Yurt is set up in the trees giving you peaceful seclusion and a clear view across the sea to Wales and the mountains of the Brecon Beacons. A huge range of activities are possible or you can lie in the hammock with a good book. We have very friendly dogs and rescue chickens who may come and visit. Wild deer wander past in the early morning mist and the odd buzzard picks an argument with a bunch of crows but nothing much else should disturb you. We moved here after an 18 month search 8 years ago. It was close to everything we wanted and we've spent some time getting a bit closer.

10. Brig's Farm

97%

(157)

84km from Salcombe · 21 units · Tents, Glamping · Bridport, Dorset, South West England

Family camping with campfires near Charmouth, with sea views and a couple of quirky glamping lorries

11. Holyrood Farm Campsite

97%

(33)

140km from Salcombe · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shaftesbury, England

Wild camping half a mile from Shaftesbury Spectacular views over the Blackmore Vale Campfires allowed As is the setting: small and secluded Holyrood Farm Campsite is in Dorset countryside overlooking the Blackmore Vale, within easy walking distance of the pubs and shops of Shaftesbury. It's close to several good footpaths for walking too. 10 minute walk to the famous Gold Hill.

12. Berries Farm Camping

100%

(37)

82km from Salcombe · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Berries Farm Camping is a small eco-friendly family-run campsite, located in the heart of West Dorset Countryside. We are situated at the top of Lyme Regis, on the A3052. Set amongst 5 acres of picturesque farmland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and within walking distance to Charmouth, which is part of the World Heritage Coast. With your own spacious camping spot, enjoy the panoramic views of the rolling hills of Lyme Regis. We provide generous grass only pitches for tents and camper-vans. These are unpowered sites. Unfortunately we cannot accommodate for caravans. Nearby attractions include the Jurrasic Coast, quaint market towns and local pubs serving farm fresh food and local seafood. Enjoy River Cottage HQ for a cookery course and get a taste of local cuisine. Also near by is Lyme Regis driving range, golf course and foot-golf. If you fancy exploring Lyme Regis, take the park and ride which is within a short walking distance South of the farm. If walking is more your thing, there is an abundance of local footpaths including the south west coastal path, with Lyme Regis just 1 mile away. Our amenities include flushing toilets and hot water shower blocks. A designated space is avaliable for washing dirty dishes. Be advised that only cold water is provided. BBQ's are permitted; however, they must raised off the ground to prevent damage to the grass. Bricks will be provided for this purpose. Please note that campfires are now allowed at this time. Please feel free to bring your pets, but bear in mind there will be sheep on the farm. Our “what3words” for Berries farm is: ///lives.grandest.honeybees https://w3w.co/lives.grandest.honeybees) Postcode: DT7 3UE (this will NOT take you directly to the farm, please follow the ''what3words'' above) Latitude, Longitude: 50.740819, -2.936091 You’ll share 5 acres of land surrounded by a further 15 acres of beautiful hillside farmland for you to enjoy.

13. Girt Down Camping

99%

(79)

109km from Salcombe · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

14. Fairlinch Camping

96%

(74)

102km from Salcombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors

15. Paddington Farm

93%

(29)

127km from Salcombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Glastonbury, Somerset, South West England

A simple campsite at the foot of Glastonbury Tor

16. Wonton Park Camping

100%

(11)

20km from Salcombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Totnes, England

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

17. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%

(244)

104km from Salcombe · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view

18. Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

99%

(74)

79km from Salcombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills, with campfires, big views and homegrown produce for sale

19. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%

(11)

91km from Salcombe · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures

20. Poole Farm

100%

(17)

108km from Salcombe · 2 units · Glamping · Woolacombe, England

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

Camper favorites near Salcombe

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Girt Down Camping

99%

(79)

109km from Salcombe · 23 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

Fairlinch Camping

96%

(74)

102km from Salcombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors

Paddington Farm

93%

(29)

127km from Salcombe · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Glastonbury, Somerset, South West England

A simple campsite at the foot of Glastonbury Tor

Wonton Park Camping

100%

(11)

20km from Salcombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Totnes, England

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%

(244)

104km from Salcombe · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

99%

(74)

79km from Salcombe · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills, with campfires, big views and homegrown produce for sale

Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%

(11)

91km from Salcombe · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures

Poole Farm

100%

(17)

108km from Salcombe · 2 units · Glamping · Woolacombe, England

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

Stories from the community

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

The view from my tent was amazing and if I was there in the summer with the water beside I think the view would be even better. I did worry about being able to drive out because of the way in and out but that's because it rained a lot when I was there but apart from that it's a nice quiet place

S

Samantha

October 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

We had a wonderful time as always! We’ve been here quite a few times now, and it never disappoints. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place to relax and unwind. A lovely surprise this time was watching the cows wander past — such a charming touch to an already perfect stay. We really can’t recommend this place enough; it’s definitely one of our favourite spots to camp!

A

April

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

Lovely short walk to the lighthouses and great flat ground for camping. The team were super friendly and helpful when are car battery died!

Beautiful private lake for swimming, fishing and water sports

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Nobody around us but the stars and two shetland ponies, views over the reservoir on the hill were amazing, but be careful pitching there as the grass is only centremeters deep and pegs hit rocks everywhere, our tent blew away and caused a scene - the land itself though is 10/10

A

Angela

October 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Sweet Hill Farm

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!

s

shirley

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site beside a lake. Lovely views and nice walks from the field. Nice to sit beside the camp fire star glazing at night.

r

roblox

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Amazing place to stop. Beautiful scenery with fantastic walks to the viaduct and reservoir nearby. Lovely to be able to have a fire. We went for a great meal at Dartmoor Inn (10 min drive) Got our camper down ok. It could get a bit tricky if the lane gets wet and slippery.

c

charlotte

September 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful Spot, we stayed for 2 nights. We had great communication with Phil and a bag of wood delivered to camp. Shared the camp with 2 ponies but no one else. Was nice to see the horse trail pass camp. Overall top spot if you are ok with no facilities. We would definitely stay again.

S

Scott

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Gurt Yurts

Tim was a superb host. Recommending lots of things to do and places to eat. The site was picturesque with great views of the sea! The trip was made even better with the fire to cook on. We will be going back. Thanks Tim for a great time.

K

Kevin

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Sunny Corner Campsite

Really clean tidy pitch toilets were immaculate. The owner was driving a truck and offered my 3 year son a ride . So friendly. Great location lovely walk down to the beach plenty to see and do .

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Sweet Hill Farm

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.

M

Molly

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Gurt Yurts

We really loved the area and Tim was amazing, so helpful and kind. Full of knowledge about the area and places to visit. Owners make the camping sometimes, but the views are breath taking. We both will be coming back. Great location 20 mins from cheddar.

H

Hew

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

A gorgeous and spacious campsite with an absolutely magical feel. Such an idyllic spot to wake up in. I can't wait to come back and visit again!

E

Ellie

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Perfect campsite, great view, hot showers. Hosts were lovely, checked in with us during a rough weather patch, offered us food in the mornings. Can’t fault it at all - would definitely stay here again!

P

Phillip

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was a beautiful secluded spot close to the lake and the moor.

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Girt Down Camping

Very helpful and friendly, lovely views and clean facilities, would recommend 👍

R

Robert

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great site, wild camping but with hot shower, toilet and washing up facilities. The site is super quiet and the skies are really dark at night. You can have a firepit and there's a food van on site if you can't be bothered making breakfast.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great site, hot showers and toilets (composting (flush with a scoop of sawdust)). Wild camping with a little bit of comfort. Takes tents, motorhomes, camper vans, trailer tents etc. Dishwashing facilities a bonus with hot water on tap. Calves in field are a real treat for inquisitive children just keep dogs on a lead as they'll come right up to your tent if you let them.. moo moo. Beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic and super dark at night so you can see way back in time. Will definitely be going back as soon as we can. Get weather now app as it's really accurate for the Cornish weather which can be changeable in September and gives a good radar picture of clouds and rain etc. The hosts are really friendly and accommodating, fire pits available to toast your marshmallows and dry your socks Only a short walk from a little fishing village with working shingle harbour "beach". 10 mins by car from Kennack Sands (sandy) beach. Seems good for surfing on windier days and family fun when it's a bit calmer. Plenty of rock pools, a cafe and a kiosk. Parking isnt too expensive either. There are also a few other coves and beaches around the lizard peninsula worth exploring. Fishing is good from the safer rocks and there's a tackle and bait shop in lizard. Almost forgot, there's a hot food van on site if you can't be bothered cooking breakfast.

Lewy

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Our second time staying at Phil’s beautiful lakeside gem. Seclusion, scenery, wildlife, stars and zero stress….. those are the words that sum up this hidden wonder. Literally yards from the moors with the ponies and rugged landscape, it’s the perfect place from which to explore. Bring EVERYTHING you need, there are no facilities at all and remember to leave no trace! Thanks Phil for another amazing stay. We’ll definitely be back again

J

Jack

September 2025

5 m car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Girt Down Camping

Absolutely beautiful spot, even better than the photos make out. Lesley showed us a more sheltered pitch and it was perfect. The walking straight from the site was amazing and the views from littlehangman down into the town were stunning. Paul provided us with a big bucket of logs and we kept the fire going for ages. Would 100% recommend :)

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views campsites near Salcombe guide

Where to go

South Devon AONB

Salcombe is within the South Devon AONB, which stretches along the coast between Plymouth and the River Dart. The attractive, protected area is renowned for its sandy beaches, rugged coastline, estuaries, patchwork farmland, and historic villages. Coastal walking trails and ferries link some towns, essential for walkers wanting to cross some of the estuaries. Salcombe is an ideal base for campers wanting to explore the AONB.

Dartmoor National Park

This large area of wild, open moorland, rare wildlife, and deep river valleys is a must-visit place for outdoor enthusiasts wanting a rugged adventure. Backpack camping is allowed in some areas of open moorland for one or two nights as part of long-distance walking expeditions, but this must be done out of sight or settlements or roads, and campers must follow Leave No Trace principles. Parking your campervan or caravan overnight isn’t allowed within Dartmoor National Park. There are designated sites for motorhomes.

Bodmin Moor AONB

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.

When to go

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.