Best campsites for surfing in Tamar Valley

·

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.

96% (678) 508 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Tamar Valley

Coverack Camping & Glamping

1. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

2. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
12 units · Tents · Devon, South West England
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

3. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Riverside Meadow Landpods Max4Adult

4. Riverside Meadow Landpods Max4Adult

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, England
An exclusive, riverside, glamping meadow on Bodmin Moor, ideal for swimming and hiking.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Pittaford Farm

5. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

6. Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

98%
(85)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Redruth, Cornwall, South West England
Quiet camping meadows and a friendly café located beside some of Cornwall's most popular cycling routes
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Pure & Rustic

7. Pure & Rustic

86%
(7)
6 units · Glamping · Croyde, Devon, South West England
Acres of beautiful woodlands & pastures for those that like to sleep under canvas with or without electric. Hot showers, Pure Greenfields spring water on tap, designated fire pits to bring out your rawness of nature!! Pure & Rustic is close by to some fantastic local pubs, and the beaches of Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough & Woolacombe. A magical woodland retreat to watch the moon & stars float by..!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Hideaway Camping

8. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Okehampton, England
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

9. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bude , England
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Beryl's Campsite

10. Beryl's Campsite

97%
(38)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England
A secret, secluded campsite with wonderful views down to Start Bay
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Tremanor Farm

11. Tremanor Farm

89%
(19)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castledore, England
Cornish camping with sea views, 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Eden Project
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Tamarisk Holiday Cabins

12. Tamarisk Holiday Cabins

90%
(5)
3 units · Glamping · Bude, England
Holiday cabins with hot tubs on the North Cornish Coast
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£68
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

13. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%
(70)
67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England
Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Camp Couture

14. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Tregella Place Camping

15. Tregella Place Camping

94%
(32)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Padstow, England
Laid-back dog-friendly, family camping near Padstow
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

16. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Livit, Glamping by the coast

17. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
9 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

18. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%
(20)
12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Friendly Spacious Campsite

19. Friendly Spacious Campsite

100%
(6)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Redruth, England
A Spacious, peaceful site with great facilities just 5 miles to the beach. Far from the crowd but close to everywhere, being just 1/2 a mile to the village shops, bakery and restaurants and only 1.5 to the town. A small number of pitches over 3 meadows where you choose where you want to pitch when you arrive, being assured of a great space for your stay, bring whatever size tent or your campervan and enjoy the great facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers and a wash up area with hot water, together with a communal fridge, microwave and phone charging sockets. There's drinking water in every meadow. So, relax and listen to the birds and enjoy the surrounding nature and magnificent views across the Cornish countryside whilst you sit by the fire. A great location to explore from being fairly central. We're close to the Tresavean Trail which links to the network of trails throughout Cornwall, so bring your walking shoes or cycle. Horse riding is just a 5 minute drive and if you fancy a spot of windsurfing/ canoeing, then Stithians lake is just 2 miles away. For the surfers amongst you there are several great beaches within a short distance and there's a handy wetsuit wash area when you get back. Dogs are welcome - all we ask is that you clean up and use the waste bin on site. This quiet site is perfect for children 8 years and over with plenty of space for a ball game or two. Fire pits and bbq's are allowed as long as they're raised off the ground - we have blocks for you to use.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£21
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

20. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
30 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night

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.

96% (678) 508 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Tamar Valley

Coverack Camping & Glamping

1. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Secret Spot Camping Saunton

2. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%
(140)
12 units · Tents · Devon, South West England
Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£20
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

3. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night
Riverside Meadow Landpods Max4Adult

4. Riverside Meadow Landpods Max4Adult

100%
(1)
1 unit · Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, England
An exclusive, riverside, glamping meadow on Bodmin Moor, ideal for swimming and hiking.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£99
 / night
Pittaford Farm

5. Pittaford Farm

99%
(67)
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
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

6. Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

98%
(85)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Redruth, Cornwall, South West England
Quiet camping meadows and a friendly café located beside some of Cornwall's most popular cycling routes
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
Pure & Rustic

7. Pure & Rustic

86%
(7)
6 units · Glamping · Croyde, Devon, South West England
Acres of beautiful woodlands & pastures for those that like to sleep under canvas with or without electric. Hot showers, Pure Greenfields spring water on tap, designated fire pits to bring out your rawness of nature!! Pure & Rustic is close by to some fantastic local pubs, and the beaches of Croyde, Saunton, Putsborough & Woolacombe. A magical woodland retreat to watch the moon & stars float by..!
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£15
 / night
Hideaway Camping

8. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Okehampton, England
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

9. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bude , England
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Beryl's Campsite

10. Beryl's Campsite

97%
(38)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England
A secret, secluded campsite with wonderful views down to Start Bay
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£35
 / night
Tremanor Farm

11. Tremanor Farm

89%
(19)
50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castledore, England
Cornish camping with sea views, 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Eden Project
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Tamarisk Holiday Cabins

12. Tamarisk Holiday Cabins

90%
(5)
3 units · Glamping · Bude, England
Holiday cabins with hot tubs on the North Cornish Coast
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£68
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

13. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%
(70)
67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England
Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night
Camp Couture

14. Camp Couture

100%
(17)
4 units · Tents, Glamping · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England
We Have 10 acres, 5 of which is woodland. Each let has its own private area with seating table and fire pit some of our let’s have either a hammock or swinging chair Tent pitches are in the woodland which also have their own private area with table chairs hammock fire pit and a camp kitchen to share. We have friendly residents of Alpaca, sheep, a goat and peacocks and chickens that you are welcome to feed with the supplied food. We have a local pub you can walk to across farmers fields about a 20 minute ramble. South Molton, a 3 minute drive away, has a small artisan market voted the best in the UK
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
Tregella Place Camping

15. Tregella Place Camping

94%
(32)
40 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Padstow, England
Laid-back dog-friendly, family camping near Padstow
Pets
Showers
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night
Fire Beacon Camping

16. Fire Beacon Camping

95%
(11)
16 units · Tents · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Set in a peaceful, rural location in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Fire Beacon Camping is a fabulous location for a countryside escape, 1.5 miles along a traditional Devon country lane, when you arrive the views of Devon countryside, will not disappoint! Perfectly situated for stunning sunsets and the best starry night skies, how many shooting stars will you see? (weather permitting) This is a tranquil, off grid nearly wild campsite, with a strong eco ethos with views across to Exmoor, composting toilet facilities, and recycling facilities. the wildlife is abundant, all the pitches are extremely generously sized and a Fire Pit provided for each one. It's a 10 minute drive to Sidmouth with its beautiful beaches and wide range of Independent shops, Cafes and pubs, and 10 minutes drive in the opposite direction to Ottery St Mary, which also boasts a wide range of Independent shops, there are also plenty of Farm Shops in the area. There is no end of wonderful beaches to explore along the Jurassic coastline. From Fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the East, the quaint fishing village of Beer to massive golden sandy beaches in Exmouth to the west. With lots of woodland walks on the 'doorstep' the East Devon Way is a 5 minute walk away, 15 minutes walk to the Fire Beacon Nature Reserve and for keen hikers, we're close to the South West Coast Path. For mountain bikers, there are some great routes in the local woodlands and bike routes are also close by with the challenging River Exe Loop and family bike routes along the Otter river less than 15 minutes’ drive away.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£18
 / night
Livit, Glamping by the coast

17. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%
(48)
9 units · Glamping · Devon, South West England
Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from 
£55
 / night
Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

18. Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

98%
(20)
12 units · Tents, Glamping · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England
Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Friendly Spacious Campsite

19. Friendly Spacious Campsite

100%
(6)
10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Redruth, England
A Spacious, peaceful site with great facilities just 5 miles to the beach. Far from the crowd but close to everywhere, being just 1/2 a mile to the village shops, bakery and restaurants and only 1.5 to the town. A small number of pitches over 3 meadows where you choose where you want to pitch when you arrive, being assured of a great space for your stay, bring whatever size tent or your campervan and enjoy the great facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers and a wash up area with hot water, together with a communal fridge, microwave and phone charging sockets. There's drinking water in every meadow. So, relax and listen to the birds and enjoy the surrounding nature and magnificent views across the Cornish countryside whilst you sit by the fire. A great location to explore from being fairly central. We're close to the Tresavean Trail which links to the network of trails throughout Cornwall, so bring your walking shoes or cycle. Horse riding is just a 5 minute drive and if you fancy a spot of windsurfing/ canoeing, then Stithians lake is just 2 miles away. For the surfers amongst you there are several great beaches within a short distance and there's a handy wetsuit wash area when you get back. Dogs are welcome - all we ask is that you clean up and use the waste bin on site. This quiet site is perfect for children 8 years and over with plenty of space for a ball game or two. Fire pits and bbq's are allowed as long as they're raised off the ground - we have blocks for you to use.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£21
 / night
Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

20. Milkmaid Meadow Campsite

100%
(18)
30 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England
An open, green, back-to-basics space with homely local produce for sale
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£9
 / night

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Best campsites for surfing in Tamar Valley 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. 

Top towns in and near Tamar Valley