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Koa Tree Camp

100%
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· Bideford, Devon, England
44 acres hosted by Koa Tree C.
9 glamping pitches
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Relaxed, eco-friendly glamping in geodomes and cabins among the wildflowers of the North Devon coast

There are a lot of campsites and even more pitches named after the native trees of Britain. Oak, alder, beech and birch are commonplace in the UK, but there is only one Koa Tree Camp. Found in North Devon, named after a tree that’s indigenous to Hawaii and offering a mix of ultra modern geodomes and rustic, Norwegian-style log cabins; this place is a true one off – but it works. It’s revered namesake tree was used to make early surfboards and is said to be fast growing and able to reach impressive heights within five years. Suddenly the name, borrowed from halfway around the world, seems rather appropriate.

Koa Tree Camp put down roots on a smallholding in the Devon village of Welcombe in 2014. It’s changed hands since then but has kept a steady flow of returning guests thanks to its location close to surf-friendly, west-coast beaches and the laid-back vibe that’s continued through its evolution. It may be glamping only here but it has the communal feel of a campsite with a lovely shared Rainy Day Room where you can cook or simply hang out. If you don’t end up sharing stories of your surfing adventures with fellow guests here, there’s always the communal campfire outside. And there are regular pizza nights too – put on by your Koa Tree Camp hosts, Jack and Ilze, who’ll wow you with their circus skills if you’re lucky.

But what about the digs? Domes sleep up to six people, cabins up to four. They are all comfortably furnished with made-up beds, an electricity supply and a wood-burning stove. Outside, each has a deck with outdoor seating, a barbecue – and views; rolling Devonshire countryside by day and starlit Devonshire skies by night. Each dome and cabin has a bathroom allocated to it a little walk away. The luxurious feel (underfloor heating, hot water showers and flushing loos) belies the eco-friendly credentials which include waste water recycling, wood-fired hot water and a reed bed waste system. And the sustainability stretches further than the facilities as wildflower and woodland planting over the years has encouraged wildlife. You might spot the barn owls and hedgehogs at dusk but make sure to say aloha to the non native species too – a pair of resident alpacas.

It’s a large site and, with just nine glamping units, it never feels crowded. Cars are kept out of the glamping meadow and long grass separates the domes and cabins – except for a mown patch which is perfect for a spontaneous jumpers-for-goalposts kick-about. The land slopes away to a little woodland with a tree swing – and, well, that’s about it. It’s a place of simple pleasures; a relaxed but very comfortable base from which to explore the north coast of both Cornwall and Devon as it sits right on the border. It’s just three miles from the closest beach and nine miles from the surf at Sandymouth.

Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Surfing
Natural features
Beach
Forest
Field
Farm
100%
12 Ratings · 14 reviews
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Trotter A.recommends
August 19, 2022
Log Cabin - 5480
Great accommodation, private bathroom, kitchen facilities and sheets. The weather wasn't great but everything was so well set up it really didn't matter. Real luxury camping
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Paul B.recommends
October 26, 2021
Log Cabin - 5480
We usually camp but due to the time of year we opted for one of the log cabins. We were given a hearty welcome as soon as we arrived. Shown to our cabin where the log burner was already keeping out the chill. The rest of the facilities were also a few steps up from what we’ve experienced at even the best camp sites. Separate shower rooms & toilets for each group. The same with kitchen & cooking facilities. There were a few prearranged activities for the children from seeing all of the animals, to pumpkin carving & a safer version of trick or treating. Our 5 year old loved every minute after long days exploring the stunning surroundings with Clovelly, and it’s coastal walks an absolute must. We rarely revisit anywhere, but Kia Tree Camp will definitely see us again.
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Hannah D.recommends
September 7, 2021
Log Cabin - 5480
Amazing time here. The staff are second to none and made our stay so enjoyable. The cabin was warm and cosy and much to my surprise when staying away - the beds were actually decent! Not a bad word to say about my experience and i will most certainly be returning.
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Sara G.recommends
August 31, 2021
Log Cabin - 5480
Koa Tree Camp was really well organised and set up to make sure you enjoy the glamping experience. Staff were super helpful and professional. Kids loved the animals and the freedom of the camp. The kitchen set up and separate bathrooms worked really well. We definitely hope to return!
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Charlotte S.
August 28, 2021
The dome we stayed in felt so special it was like we adults were children again playing in a play house. Our own actual children who are teenaged and pre teen were uncharacteristically enthused by the beautiful peaceful setting "you can see the sea over that field!" and the dome itself "look at the fairy lights! And the wood burner! So cute, such a mood". The dome was tardis like in it's spacious interior and managed to be clean, cosy and stylish all at the same time. The dogs loved it too! The whole site was well managed and refreshingly low key (we do not enjoy a "lively" club house/entertainment) and felt like a real escape especially when the rest of Devon/Cornwall was so busy with fellow holiday makers. The communal kitchen was again, spacious, clean and had a cool country kitchen vibe, whilst also being generously equipped with everything we could need. Loved having 2 tea towels- something we always forget! And the fridge/cupboard sizes were great we could have easily settled in for a week or longer. The bathroom was wonderfully quirky in its decor but again clean, spacious, private enough and our shower was better than our own at home. There is so much I loved about this place and our stay that I could fill another box like this but I think what families really want is beautiful settings, peace and convenience of facilities and that is to be found here in abundance. All I would change is more hanging places inside the dome, perhaps a few coat hooks on the door? So go ahead book a stay here and you won't be disappointed. Sit outside your dome/cabin, with a glass of something delicious watching a sunset whilst your kids/dogs are inside reading (!!!!) /sleeping and I promise you it'll feel like a little piece of heaven and transport you away from real life for as long as you need.
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Guest ?.recommends
August 20, 2021
Tiree - Geodesic Dome - 6169
We booked two domes for a group of 8 during the last week of June and start of July. To start off, the accommodation was superb , very comfortable beds ,clean bedding and overall the domes were exceptionally spacious , clean , tidy and organised. We were our allocated own bathrooms that contained separate shower , both were very clean (a good hotel standard. The Kitchen and communal area was clean, well kept we were allocated our own fridge/freezer and cupboard space , this worked out really well . The management are very aware of the Covid guidelines and have put in measures. The staff made it all happen and made us feel very welcome , they are very professional and always on hand , I called 9.45pm for some fire wood (not realising it was so late) and the call was picked up and wood was sent over. In short we will be returning and have recommended to our KOA to friends.
Location
Bideford, Devon, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Koa Tree C.

Joined in February 2021
From the host
Luxury, glamping, adventure activities and viewsome vistas: what a fab fusion of features there is at Koa Tree Camp, close to the north Devon coast 25 minutes' drive from Bideford. This is an eco-friendly site that tries to work as closely as possible with its surrounding nature, with wildflowers planted everywhere and long grass all around. The glamping facilities have a similar ethos of treading lightly on the environment (wood-fired hot water and waste water recycling are among the eco-conscious aspects thrown into the private bathrooms, and there's a reed bed waste system). This is a rather fab spot in which to settle for a Devon holiday: it's three miles from Welcombe Mouth beach, and surrounded by splendid coast path walks. Surfing can definitely be on the cards too: for that, you'll want to head to Sandymouth beach (nine miles away) or Bude (11 miles), which has surf lessons and other watersports as well as excellent stretches of beach. Stays here are in cosy units that have proper beds and woodburning stoves, plus a deck with outdoor seating and a barbecue – just the spot for an alfresco evening looking out over the wildflower meadows. Elsewhere there’s a bigger communal kitchen, where each unit has its own cupboard full of all the kit you need to sort meals. As well as that, each unit has its own private bathroom, and a dedicated fridge to fill with whatever goodies you fancy. Take a wander around the rest of the site to find picnic areas and a firepit for campfire evenings; you're also likely to meet the alpacas Al and Chewy and spot wildlife including hedgehogs, hawks, cranes and a resident barn owl.
Nearby attractions

The site is ideally situated to explore both the North Devon and Cornish coastlines. The South West Coast Path takes in some of the areas most stunning stretches including Welcombe Mouth, Clovelly, Hartland Quay and Lighthouse and the picturesque fishing village of Boscastle. Koa Tree can arrange plenty of activities such as horse riding, stand up paddleboarding, coasteering and surf lessons.

Food and drink

There are regular sourdough pizza nights with pizzas cooked in the on-site wood-fired pizza oven (find out on arrival if one is taking place during your stay). Supplies can be bought from the volunteer-run Welcombe Community Shop which is next door to the campsite, sharing its car park as a camper’s drop-off point. It stocks a wide range of fair trade basics and groceries, which can even be pre-ordered and waiting for you on arrival. The closest pub is The Old Smithy Inn (01288 331305), a short drive from the site, which serves up some lovely pub grub and even lovelier ales and ciders – all under a 13th-century thatched roof. For a wider selection of restaurants and pubs, jump in the car and head to Bude (around 11 miles away).

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