On the Devon and Cornwall border, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draws hikers and wildlife enthusiasts to its unique drowned valley landscapes. Hike steep gorges, cycle through forested valleys, or camp at peaceful country campsites. With three rivers to choose from, getting on the water is a must—set sail on a barge cruise along the Lynher River, enjoy water sports on the lakes, or fish for salmon along the Tamar River. Summer is peak season for campers, while spring and fall are the best times for bird-watching around the estuaries.

98% (44) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Tamar Valley

The Enchanted Wilderness

1. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(44)

Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

The Secret Garden

2. The Secret Garden

100%

(5)

Newquay · 1 unit

A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location This secret garden 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 tent camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! * 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! full use of gated large garden, fire pit and picnic bench, outdoor chairs and table hammock. tree swings A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location. full use of garden pitch anywhere, hammock, tree swings, fire pit, picnic bench, outside table and chairs. portaloo and privacy tent. OPTIONAL ADD ON - paddle boards for the river at high tide OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- The cabin - king size bed, heating, bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, large fridge, kitchenette - electric hobs, utensils, heater, sofa, tv, is smart if you have data to connect to the tv, netflix, prime, :) OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- the hot tub! 6 minute walk to new esso garage/budgens/greggs for necessities, 24 hour off license. 3 min drive to lidle, morrsions, mcdonalds There is a bus stop right at the bottom of the lane around a 4 min walk to the stop which takes you straight into Newquay town Center and back again. Lovely country walk from lane entrance from pitch down the bottom of the lane to the river gannel or crantock beach if you keep walking! paddle boarding, , kayaks, bikes, take yourself for a wild swim :) From the river gannel if you walk to crantock beach and enter the quant village of crantock , two 2 local pubs the cornishman and the old albian pub - worth a visit if your into local history. closet pub family friendly lovely garden area the tavern inn - 10 min walk Newquay town Center is accessible by foot along the back lane down across the river gannels bridge to the boating lake and then up the hill to town or bus at the bottom of our lane. Any small van will be ok , the storms have made it a very difficult for space now unfortunately

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Little Menherion

3. Little Menherion

Redruth, England · 3 units

A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

On the Devon and Cornwall border, the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty draws hikers and wildlife enthusiasts to its unique drowned valley landscapes. Hike steep gorges, cycle through forested valleys, or camp at peaceful country campsites. With three rivers to choose from, getting on the water is a must—set sail on a barge cruise along the Lynher River, enjoy water sports on the lakes, or fish for salmon along the Tamar River. Summer is peak season for campers, while spring and fall are the best times for bird-watching around the estuaries.

98% (44) • 6 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Tamar Valley

The Enchanted Wilderness

1. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(44)

Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

The Secret Garden

2. The Secret Garden

100%

(5)

Newquay · 1 unit

A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location This secret garden 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 tent camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! * 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! full use of gated large garden, fire pit and picnic bench, outdoor chairs and table hammock. tree swings A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location. full use of garden pitch anywhere, hammock, tree swings, fire pit, picnic bench, outside table and chairs. portaloo and privacy tent. OPTIONAL ADD ON - paddle boards for the river at high tide OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- The cabin - king size bed, heating, bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, large fridge, kitchenette - electric hobs, utensils, heater, sofa, tv, is smart if you have data to connect to the tv, netflix, prime, :) OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- the hot tub! 6 minute walk to new esso garage/budgens/greggs for necessities, 24 hour off license. 3 min drive to lidle, morrsions, mcdonalds There is a bus stop right at the bottom of the lane around a 4 min walk to the stop which takes you straight into Newquay town Center and back again. Lovely country walk from lane entrance from pitch down the bottom of the lane to the river gannel or crantock beach if you keep walking! paddle boarding, , kayaks, bikes, take yourself for a wild swim :) From the river gannel if you walk to crantock beach and enter the quant village of crantock , two 2 local pubs the cornishman and the old albian pub - worth a visit if your into local history. closet pub family friendly lovely garden area the tavern inn - 10 min walk Newquay town Center is accessible by foot along the back lane down across the river gannels bridge to the boating lake and then up the hill to town or bus at the bottom of our lane. Any small van will be ok , the storms have made it a very difficult for space now unfortunately

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Little Menherion

3. Little Menherion

Redruth, England · 3 units

A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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!

Tamar Valley camping guide

Where to go

Along the River Tamar

The River Tamar runs through the heart of the AONB, marking the border of Cornwall and Devon. Take a ride on the scenic Tamar Valley Line railway from Plymouth to Gunnislake, and hop off to visit Calstock village, enjoy riverside walks, or have lunch at a country pub. May through October is fishing season, and the river is known for its salmon and trout fishing.

Dartmoor

The River Tavy winds its way north through the Tamar Valley, where you can enjoy woodland walks and pitch your tent at rural camping grounds. Go kayaking or windsurfing at Lopwell Dam, visit the market town of Tavistock, and tuck into a traditional Devonshire cream tea at a local café. Beyond Tavistock, the wild moorlands of the Dartmoor National Park are a natural playground for hikers and campers.

South Devon

Coastal Plymouth lies between two AONBs, with the Tamar Valley to the north and South Devon to the east. Set sail on a boat cruise around the Plymouth Sound, then head along the South Devon coast to enjoy beachside camping and seaside hikes. The blue flag beaches at Bantham and Bigbury on Sea are favorites for summer sunseekers, or visit in winter, when migrating seabirds flock to the coast.

Cornish coast

Saltash and Torpoint lie on the southwest borders of the Tamar Valley, where the Lynher River meets the Plymouth Sound. Dive into Cornwall’s mining heritage as you explore 18th-century mines, hike along the South West Coast Path, or try wakeboarding and windsurfing along the Hamoaze estuary. To escape the crowds, head to the Rame Peninsula, where you’ll find secluded coves, sea-cliffs walks, and ocean-view campsites.