For a few weeks in the summer, the gates to Quarry Lake Camping in the rolling countryside of South Devon, are flung open to campers. For the rest of the year, it’s just a field on a farm with outstanding views that are enjoyed only by cows and sheep. They and you, if you take the opportunity to pitch up here, can see across green hills towards Dartmouth and Blackpool Sands. Both are just a couple of miles away. It’s a lovely rural location, high on a hillside, that’s within easy reach of the beach.
As you might expect from a site that pops up in a farmer’s field, the facilities are pretty basic. Portable toilets are brought in for the season and a water tap is laid on. There’s a washing-up sink in a little open-fronted shelter and there are bins for your rubbish. That’s about your lot – but it's enough for the self-sufficient campers who will treasure a place like this which offers the chance to stay in unspoilt countryside, far away from the crowds. This place attracts a majority of experienced campers, mostly families, who are happy to look after themselves. You let yourself into the field and can choose where you pitch or park; tents, campervans and motorhomes are all allowed. Your host, farmer Ben, pops around a couple of times a day to make sure everything is running smoothly and generally it is thanks to a few sensible rules: quiet time after 11pm, campfires in off-ground fire pits (and only when weather conditions allow).
There’s a relaxed vibe to this campsite that’s a great complement to lazy days on the beach at Blackpool or Slapton Sands which, despite the name, are both more shingle than sand. Other options for days out include mooching around the lovely town of Dartmouth, taking a boat ride up the river, exploring Dartmouth Castle and the thrills and spills of Woodlands Family Theme Park. And that’s just what you can find within five miles of this site in Devon’s South Hams. Strike out further and you can discover Dartmoor National Park, the English Riviera and more of Devon’s many treasures.
Quarry Lake Camping has simple but well-maintained pitches on a working Devon sheep farm in the stunning South Hams, with far-reaching views towards the local fishing town of Dartmouth and Slapton Sands. This peaceful rural site is a top spot for those aiming to get out for walks or bike rides – the South West Coast Path is two miles away (as is Blackpool Sands beach for those who’d rather spend time paddling, swimming or kayaking) and it’s about a half-hour drive to the trails of Dartmoor National Park. As well as those big names, there are plenty of places to stroll closer to home around the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Such outings should give you a bit of a taste of rural life – and there’s more of that around the farm, where you’ll look out over fields of sheep and cows and may well spot a good amount of wildlife (along with resident dog Angus bounding around the place). A country pub is a mile away for dinners and drinks (and a play park for smaller guests), and there are more places to eat 10 minutes’ drive away in Dartmouth – along with shops to pick up bits for your barbecue. Back on site, guests are provided with portaloos and mains water for washing up, but it’s worth noting that there’s no drinking water so you’ll want to bring your own along.Quarry Lake Camping is in the South Devon countryside, two miles inland from the coast and three miles from Dartmouth. You can head straight out on countryside walks and cycles from site and there’s a lovely gardens, Fast Rabbit Farm Garden, half a mile away. The closest beach is Blackpool Sands. It’s a sheltered bay with sand and shingle. There’s a beach cafe, kayak and paddleboard hire, showers and even a sauna on the sands. Further south along the coast is Slapton Sands, a three-mile stretch of beach, which offers yet more sea swimming and watersports. The South West Coast Path offers coastal walking close to all of this coast, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the headland at Little Dartmouth (four miles) is a particularly picturesque place for a seaside stroll. Dartmouth proper is the closest town with shops, eateries, boat rides and the chance to go crabbing. Dartmouth Castle is a little south of town and open to the public thanks to English Heritage. For family fun, Woodlands Theme Park is just over two miles from site. The southern edge of Dartmoor National Park is 15 miles from site.
The closest pub to Quarry Lake Camping is The Sportsman’s Arms, just under two miles away. It has a beer garden and does food all day – from breakfast time to dinner and is popular so it’s advisable to book ahead. If you’re spending the day on the beach, there’s a good cafe overlooking Blackpool Sands (two miles). Dartmouth (three miles) offers plenty of options for eating out and there are lots of shops too if you want to stock up so you can self cater back on site.
