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Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Hosted by Phil · Okehampton, England
5 units · RV, Tent · 8 acres
99%
·
170 reviews
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Best campervan spots in the UK
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2026.
Best Hipcamps in South West England
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Go wild and get back to nature by booking yourself in at Meldon Lake and Woods on Dartmoor. The closest you’ll get to a wash is a swim in the on-site lake, the only undercover space is the one you’ll bring with you and when it comes to drinking water – come prepared. If that sounds like the kind of adventure you’re after, you’re in for a real treat. Meldon Lake and Woods is a private place to camp in Dartmoor National Park. It has all the hallmarks of wild camping with just five spaces for tents or small campervans. You certainly won’t be crowded by other campers but Dartmoor ponies may pay you a visit and owls will almost certainly hoot at night.

Farmer Phil is in charge at Meldon Lake and Woods, which is all part of his cattle farm on the northern edge of Dartmoor. He’s a busy man so you may or may not see him during your stay but he’s providing something rather special here: permission for a handful of campers to stay between his private lake and woods. Here, campfires are allowed and logs are provided. All he asks is that you come and go leaving no trace of your stay. There are no bins, no taps and, you might have guessed by now, no toilets. Hipcampers: please bring your own portable camping loo.

This back-to-nature adventure awaits less than a mile from Meldon Reservoir, which offers fantastic views of the Okemont Valley. To get there, simply pull on your walking boots and hike along the footpath which passes through the camp. If you’ve come with a bike, you’ll be pleased to know that the most scenic part of the Granite Way passes over site on the Meldon Viaduct. Use it to cycle to Okehampton in 15 minutes or, in the other direction, to Lydford. And, of course, there’s the rest of Dartmoor with its rocky outcrops, walking, wild swimming and woodlands. Put simply: more of what you’ve got right here.

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Motorhome/tent pitches (undesignated)

5 units
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Meldon Lake and Woods

99%
(269)
Motorhome/tent pitch · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 6 m
Beautiful, peaceful, level main area backed by a steep woodland. Additional spots around the lake and in the woods. Logs supplied for a camp fire. Nearby cycle route. Direct access to Dartmoor National Park. Remote, unspoiled and secluded for a relaxing stay. Excellent walking area. Nearby large reservoir. Directions: Meldon Farm: EX20 4LU N.B. The post code will only get you to Meldon village, not Meldon Farm. From the M5 come off at J31 near Exeter take the westbound A30 signposted Okehampton; after approximately 25 miles at Sourton junction (first junction after Okehampton), exit; turn right under the A30, pass in front the filling station, B.K. Greggs etc; rejoin the A30 in opposite direction; after ½ mile exit signposted Okehampton, turn right at the end of slip road toward Meldon. At Meldon turn left just before the white cottages, in past the village hall. Meldon Farm is 300m on left. Proceed past the farm house, through the wood gate; continue down the track, under the viaduct (it gets a bit narrow here!) through another wood gate, this is the start of the camping area.
Campfires allowed
No toilet
No potable water
Pets allowed
No electrical hookup
No water hookup

Reviews

99%· 269 reviews

Themes

  • Review summary

    Generated from real Hipcamper reviews

    Campers looking for a tranquil and secluded experience will find this campsite a perfect fit. The site offers serene surroundings with access to Dartmoor, providing opportunities for peaceful walks and encounters with wildlife like ponies and cows. While the lack of facilities means you'll need to come prepared, the natural beauty and the option to have a campfire add to the charm. Keep an eye out for ticks, as they have been spotted in the area.

  • Ali P.

    Camped in a 4 m campervan at Meldon Lake and Woods with kids, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Due to the 'no sleeping in vehicles' rule on Dartmoor - we opted for this wild camp stay and it was perfect. We had the space to ourselves on a cold October weekend and the provided firewood was much appreciated! We brought just enough drinking water to get by, and I could collect water from the lake for washing up etc. We'll definitely be back at some point. Do check yourself regularly for ticks - as I saw a couple of them before they had a chance to bite me.

  • Alex C.

    Tent camped at Meldon Lake and Woods, Oct 2026.

    Recommends

    Amazing destination and so secluded and quiet, would definitely go again , one of my favourite places I have camped!!! 10/10

  • Wendy S.

    Camped in a 5 m campervan at Meldon Lake and Woods with pets, Sept 2026.

    Recommends

    Dartmoor at its best! No frills, no fuss. Definitely not manicured pitches. We absolutely loved it. Met the host but he wouldn't have come over to us if we hadn't gone to thank him first. A wave would have been enough for him we felt very welcome.

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Amenities

  • Firewood provided
  • No toilets
  • No potable water
  • No showers
  • No picnic tables
  • No electricity hookup
  • No water hookup
  • No wifi
  • No laundry
  • No trash disposal
  • No cooking equipment
  • No hot tub
  • No playground

Things to know

  • 2WD accessiblePark at your site.
  • Pet-friendlyOff lead.
  • Campfires allowedAlways review local fire regulations before enjoying a campfire.
  • Check-in processYou'll meet and greet with your host Phil upon arrival.
  • Cancellation policyFull refund 24 hours before check in time starts.
  • Check-in and check-outCheck-in at 2pm. Check-out at 12pm.
  • Booking windowSame-day bookings welcome, up to 12 months ahead.

Location

Okehampton, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Your Host

Phil H.Joined June 2022

Frequently asked questions

From the host
Beautiful small lakeside wild camping site, back to nature camping. No facilities, just a beautiful spot. Easy walking access to Dartmoor. 500m from national cycling route. Camp fires permitted, logs supplied. Well behaved dogs accepted. Camper vans, trailer tents Not suitable for motorhomes.
Nearby attractions

There’s a lake on site and a public footpath running right through the area you’ll be camping in so walking and wild swimming (at your own risk) are about as easy as can be – though, please note: there is a bit of a scramble up and down to get into the water. There is also a bit of a scramble to get up onto the unmissable Meldon Viaduct. This impressive structure which towers over the site once carried steam trains over the gorge; now it’s part of the Granite Way, an 11-mile cycling and walking route linking Lydford and Okehampton. The market town of Okehampton is just under three miles away and whether you walk or cycle there, it’s a good spot for shopping, supplies and sightseeing. Other worthy places to explore, spread south from here – right across Dartmoor National Park.

Food and drink

The Bearslake Inn is a traditional thatched-roof, Dartmoor pub, three miles from site with a recommended restaurant. A little further in Lydford (seven miles) The Castle Inn and The Dartmoor Inn at Lydford are good options for food too. There’s a farm shop, Lydford Farm Shop, just near The Dartmoor Inn if you want to stock up on local produce and there are also plenty of shops and eateries in Okehampton which is a five-minute drive or 15-minute cycle from the campsite.

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