Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

99%

77 reviews

· Okehampton, England · 8 acres

Hosted by Phil H.

5 motorhome/tent pitches

Best all-around: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best all-round: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Nomadic camping

Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.

Phil is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

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.

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.

Vehicle details

Pop-up campers and Class B RVs allowed

Backpackers

Vehicles under 19 feet allowed

Pull-in site

Surface type: Grass or field

Some level sites, some uneven tent spots

Surface levelness: Flat

Some level sites, some uneven tent spots

No Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Class A RVs, and Cars

Backpackers

Doesn't accommodate slideouts

No electrical hookup

No water hookup

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

Motorhome/tent pitch

Camping area selected or assigned upon arrival.

4 guests max per site

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided. Firewood is availale to purchase.

Pets allowed

Off leash. Well behaved dogs accepted.

No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets

No potable water

Bring your own water, purify from river or stream, purify from lake or pond. Water is available at the farm as you pass.

No showers

Bathe in lake, bathe in river or stream

Pack it out

Please take all litter away with you.

Cooking equipment absent

Picnic table absent

No wifi

Laundry absent

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Flexible

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

2WD accessible

During your trip

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

99% Recommend129 Ratings · 77 reviews

This campsite is a haven for those seeking a true off-grid experience, surrounded by picturesque landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. Many campers rave about its serenity, with opportunities for wild swimming and stargazing being standout features. However, some visitors noted the occasional intrusion from nearby walkers, which may detract from the remote feel. Overall, it's a favored spot for nature lovers looking for a tranquil escape.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Melvin J.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

13 ft Class B

I loved the place, narrow going down the lane, but there's two large pitches near the top,we were very lucky to be there on our own & had fantastic weather, would go again & again.

Nina D.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Shhhhhh

13 ft Class B

Shhhhhh, dont tell everyone, but this wild campsite is absolutely amazing. This is one of the best spots for feeling like you are wild camping. You can relax without worrying about being moved on. Worth every penny of £20 a night. It's one we would definitely come back too again. Walk from the small private campsite, past the lake, step over a little bridge to the left and you are in the most beautiful valley, an old quarry, babbling fairypools, Wild ponies, lambs everywhere. Stunning yellow gorse, fantastic views, a Dam, a viaduct. Firepit every evening whilst watching the stars over looking lake, and woods. Just go prepared. We Loved it.

Jessie R.

1 review

Recommends

· April 2025

Wild camping

Tent

Would highly recommend, beautiful scenery, easy to find and book online, great host Had an amazing time, was nice having the vehicle next to our tent so could take more things with us rather than carrying on your back. will definitely be booking again very soon

Wendy E.

0 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Lovely quiet site for relaxation

What a lovely peaceful site! Beautiful scenery, secluded, firepit on your pitch, and sounds of nature all around. Would definitely stay again.

Robert T.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Best private wild camping site in Devon, Perfect to access Dartmoor

Lisa H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· March 2025

Another Fab Stay

Tent · With pets

Another fab, quiet couple of nights getting back to nature, it was pleasant to see the Ten Tors training happening. We had gorgeous weather, took a walk up the Dam and very much spent the rest of our time relaxing and cooking on the fire.

Location

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

Hosted by Phil H.

Joined in May 2022

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.

Things to do nearby