Beach and dog-friendly campsites near Woolacombe

Nestled along the North Devon Coast near Mortehoe, Woolacombe is surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty and activities for camping enthusiasts. Woolacombe Beach is a major draw for swimming, surfing, and sandcastle-building—the beach also provides on-duty lifeguards. Nearby tent pitches and caravan sites offer easy beach access. Or take the caravan out to campsites in and around Exmoor and Dartmoor national parks to explore the rolling hills and moors of the English countryside. Private farmland and expansive valleys characterise the region, where campers can explore on cycling paths, dog-friendly hikes, or coastal cliffside walks. Head back for the evening to a family-friendly campsite with modern amenities, or escape off the beaten path with just a backpack at a dispersed tent pitch.

Where to go

Woolacombe Beach

On the shores of Bristol Channel, over three kilometres of gently sloping sandy beach attracts sunbathers, kayakers, and surfers alike at Woolacombe Beach. Breathe in the fresh sea air and bask in expansive sea views while enjoying a variety of water sports. On-site caravan parking spaces are also plentiful, and convenient amenities make for a terrific beach day. Woolacombe Bay offers everything from basic tent pitches to holiday parks with electric hookups, modern showers, and TV aerial points.

Exmoor National Park

Exmoor National Park covers a diverse landscape made up of valley farmland, vast moors, and a rocky coastline. Exmoor invites hikers to traverse its many footpaths in search of nature’s bounty. The national park is also home to both historic hamlets and off-the-grid camping experiences along the banks of Badgworthy Water. Caravan campsites dot the area as well, with both family-friendly and adult-only options. Then navigate the Tarka Trail, named for novelist Henry Williamson’s “Tarka the Otter.” Or stargaze year-round in this International Dark Sky Reserve.

Dartmoor National Park

With nearly 1,000 square kilometres of open moorland, ancient woodlands, and rocky outcrops, Dartmoor National Park is open for wild camping in designated locations. Campers need to bring everything they need in a backpack, leaving no trace and trying not to disturb the local wildlife. This is especially true during the ground-nesting bird season from March to July. While overnight stays in motorhomes are not allowed on open moorland, they are welcome at family-run farm campsites and other private land nearby. After setting up camp, try exciting bouldering opportunities on granite tors, whitewater canoeing down River Dart, or cycling on dismantled railway lines, like the 11-kilometre Wray Valley Trail that passes through Lustleigh and the National Trust Parke Estate.

When to go

Summer months from June to September offer warm daytime temperatures in the low 20s, making surfing and sunbathing at Woolacombe Beach a popular treat. The warmer water is more inviting for swimming and beach sports as well. More adventurous campers may enjoy canoeing down the rapids of River Dart from late fall to early spring, but be prepared for colder temperatures this time of year.