Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Dartmouth

This pretty harbor town lies at the heart of the South Devon AONB.

96% (1000 reviews)
96% (1000 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Dartmouth

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12 top campsites near Dartmouth

97%
(133)

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

127 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · 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.
Potable water
Campfires
Showers
Trash
Cooking equipment
from 
£25
 / night

Under £50

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Dartmouth guide

Overview

With its colorful harbor, cobblestone lanes, and medieval castle, Dartmouth paints a pretty picture. Perched on the banks of the River Dart and surrounded by forested hills, campers have easy access to nature, whether hiking through the hills or getting on the water. Admire the views from Dartmouth Castle, ride the ferry to Kingswear, or explore the riverside on foot or by bike. Birds, seals, and other wildlife can be spotted along the River Dart—take a paddle steamer cruise, paddle around the estuary on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, then grab some fish and chips from one of the harborside restaurants. 

Where to go

English Riviera

North of Dartmouth, the English Riviera is home to some of the UK’s most idyllic beaches. Head to Torquay, Babbacombe, or Paignton to stroll along palm-lined promenades, lounge on sandy beaches, and tuck into delicious seafood at ocean-view restaurants. Camping here is equally upmarket, whether you choose a 5-star holiday park with a swimming pool or a tranquil tent pitch with a view out to sea.  

South Devon

Rocky coves, sandy beaches, and verdant estuaries stretch for more than 60 miles along the coast of the South Devon AONB. For the most impressive views, hike along the South West Coast Path, camp out by the beachside, or go bird-watching at Prawle Point. Just 10 minutes south of Dartmouth, Blackpool Sands is Devon’s flagship beach, or head west to Bantham beach or Bigbury on Sea to try kitesurfing and windsurfing. 

Dartmoor

The River Dart runs north into the Dartmoor National Park, where you can hike across misty moorlands and rugged river gorges. Outdoor adventurers have more than 400 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails to choose from, and intrepid campers can even pitch their tent in the wilderness. Look out for free-roaming herds of Dartmoor ponies along the way.

When to go

Peak season in Dartmouth is summer, so book campsites well in advance if visiting in July and August. Sunny weather is the time for wild swimming along the river or trips to Blackpool Sands beach, but wildlife watching is better in spring and autumn when the water levels are higher. Hikers heading to Dartmoor should prepare for all seasons even in summer, but most trails remain accessible year-round. 

Know before you go

  • Dartmouth has several camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip. 
  • Dartmouth has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns and attractions, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment upfront. Be sure to check opening dates, as some campsites close in the winter months.
  • Wild camping is illegal throughout Devon. 

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