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South Dean Camping

98%

· Barnstaple, Devon, England

12 acres hosted by Billy S.

70 RV/tent sites

Best in South West England: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Best all-around: 1st place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Billy is a Star Host

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

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

You’ve seen the photographs so we might as well get straight to the point: that view. It is, undoubtedly, the best thing about South Dean Camping. There are other things to recommend this laid-back summer campsite in Exmoor National Park: the fact that it’s dog-friendly, spacious and allows campfires for a start. But it’s those long-range sea views that’ll wow you on arrival and stop you in your tracks each time you return.

Set in a cliff-top field on a working farm on the western-edge of Exmoor, South Dean offers campers with tents and motorhomes complete freedom across 12 acres. Up to 70 campers are allowed at any one time but pitches are unmarked, as you might expect for a campsite in a farmer’s field. It also means you can expect a relatively simple site. There's no clubhouse or, in fact, any indoor space here but there's more than enough for campers who enjoy getting back to basics on their holidays. Nine flushing loos, eight showers and a couple of washing-up sinks take good care of that. To top it off, there's a view-tastic picnic area and a pet's corner where you can meet some of the farm animals too.

The South West Coast Path and Tarka Trail pass close by the campsite gate making the site great for those who like walking or off-road cycling. It’s possible to walk to the beach at Heddon’s Mouth (about two miles on foot), through the lush, wooded Heddon Valley, and there are plenty of other north coast coves within a short drive. The village of Combe Martin is only about four miles from the campsite with Lynton and Lynmouth less than 10 miles away. The vast sands of Woolacombe are just a little further, reached in about 25 minutes of scenic driving.

If you are looking explore North Devon's beauty and surrounding countryside or simply wanting to sit back and relax with a picnic and drink to hand looking out to sea (be sure to do both) then look no further! Allow yourself to be truly amazed with the breath taking scenery our campsite has to offer. South Dean Camping is situated on a working farm on Exmoor with the best of both worlds, we are amongst ampule amounts of charming countryside which culminate with a stunning panoramic view of the sea over North Devon’s Clifftop coastline. The pitches are unmarked over 10 acres of land, so you can choose your own location to set up camp allowing yourself plenty of space if desired. You'll be ooo-ing and arr-ing as this picture-perfect location offers plenty of wildlife and farm animals, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the wild ponies, red deer and birds of prey. If that doesn’t fix your fluffy needs, we also have a pets corner on site, where you may feed our friendly alpacas upon request or simply watch the sheep, lambs and chickens do their thing. Our campsite is dog friendly, although due to all the neighbouring animals close by, we ask if you can keep your fluffy friends under control with a lead to hand when you are on site. The surrounding countryside has direct access to footpaths and trails, which is great for walks, cycling and hikes where you can enjoy all of its natural beauty alongside the coast, amongst woodlands and open moorlands. There is a great circular walk to Heddons Mouth Beach and back from our campsite, on the way you will pass Hunters Inn where you can refuel for food and drink. Make sure to look out for those cheeky peacocks too, as they have a natural way of wondering around the place. When on site, feel free to set up and get that Barbeque going or even order a takeaway! If you are wanting to venture out to grab food, there are lots of great pubs and restaurants in the neighbouring towns and villages to pick and choose from. Bins, toilets and showers are provided. Please make sure to keep the environment litter-free at all times and be mindful of the other campers while using our facilities. Fire pits are available to rent with logs available to purchase on site - perfect for a romantic evening or a family get together to unwind to after a long day. If you are fancying a day at the beach on super soft sand, head to the beautiful surf central town of Woolacombe which is a 25 minutes drive away. For a pretty and unique approach capturing those picture worthy snaps, the quirky village of Lynton and Lynmouth is a 10 minute drive away. Combe Martin is only 5 minutes drive if you want to take the kids crabbing or grab a bite to eat not far from the campsite, here you will find it is convenient if you need to buy some essentials like food and toiletries.

Activities

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Hiking

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Natural features

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Coastal

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98%

262 ratings · 171 reviews

Francesca K.recommends

October 3, 2024

South Dean Camping

Starry skies!

The weather was terrible and we just couldn't get there, but Billy was so helpful and kind letting us carry over until we could come, we will for sure return, and thank you so much for your kindness! Francesca x

Emily F.recommends

September 29, 2024

South Dean Camping

Dark sky camping

Beautiful site right on the north coast with fabulous views. Clean loos and hot showers, along with a friendly herd of sheep (keep your dog on the lead) along with the alpacas. Self check in is great and the owners are friendly and responsive.

Sophy P.recommends

September 21, 2024

South Dean Camping

Stunning view, good facilities - hot shower! Very clean toilets. Great little camping trip

Leigh P.recommends

September 10, 2024

South Dean Camping

Everything you’d want.

Such a lovely weekend. Sea views, right on the coastal path, dog friendly, evenings around the fire pit, clean toilets and hot showers. You couldn’t ask for more. The only thing that isn’t perfect is that if you are in a campervan and leave for the day, your spot may get taken because you haven’t got a tent saving your space and they are not allocated slots. It’s first come first serve so that’s the only thing to bear in mind. Luckily are lots of spots at the front so finding another one shouldn’t be a problem unless it’s the height of summer! Highly, highly recommend!!

Jo B.recommends

September 4, 2024

South Dean Camping

Plenty of space and a view from wherever you pitch. Safe for children to play. Great stay

Daniel R.recommends

September 2, 2024

South Dean Camping

Stunning views and great facilities

We absolutely loved our weekend at South Dean camping. The views over the sea are simply stunning, with a gorgeous sunset to seal the deal. It has easy access to the wonderful south west coast path, which runs through the campsite - we walked west to Combe Martin and back, via the rope down to the beautiful secluded Wild Pear beach - a proper hilly hike not for the faint hearted but rewarded with fish n chips, beer and relaxing by the fire pit. The facilities at the campsite were great - super clean with hot water and never too busy. It was a joy to lose phone reception by the sea, but then get it back by the toilets, the perfect balance. We can’t recommend this place (and the on-site llamas) more highly.

Location

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

Hosted by Billy S.

Joined in March 2022

From the host

If you are looking to explore North Devon's beauty and surrounding countryside or simply wanting to sit back and relax with a picnic and drink to hand looking out to sea (be sure to do both) then look no further! Pick a plot among the unmarked pitches stretching over 12 acres of land giving yourself plenty of space if desired and allow yourself to be truly amazed with the breath taking scenery our campsite has to offer from every angle. South Dean Camping is situated on a working farm on Exmoor with the best of both worlds, we are amongst ampule amounts of charming countryside which culminate with a stunning panoramic view of the sea over North Devon’s Clifftop coastline. 9 flushing toilets, 8 hot showers and drinking water facilities are on site and we have a small picnic area where you can break up the day with your pack lunch admiring the view around you. We have a designated recycling area to keep the countryside litter-free. You can also come prepped with grill recipes because barbecues are allowed on site or simply order a takeaway. If you are wanting to venture out to grab food, there are lots of great pubs and restaurants in the neighbouring towns and villages to pick and choose from. Fire pits are available to hire and logs to purchase - perfect for a romantic evening or a family get together to unwind after a long day. You'll be ooo-ing and arr-ing as this picture-perfect location offers plenty of wildlife and farm animals, including a pets corner on site where you can get your fluffy fix feeding the alpacas upon request. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for the wild ponies, red deer and birds of prey. Our campsite is dog friendly, although due to the neighbouring animals close by it is important we ask if you can keep your fluffy friends under control with a lead to hand when you are on site. The surrounding countryside has direct access to footpaths and trails, which is great for walks, cycling and hikes where you can enjoy all of its natural beauty alongside the coast, amongst woodlands and open moorlands. There is a great circular walk to Heddons Mouth Beach and back from our campsite, on the way you will pass Hunters Inn where you can refuel for food and drink. Make sure to look out for those cheeky peacocks too, as they have a natural way of wondering around the place. If you are fancying a day at the beach on super soft sand, head to the beautiful surf central town of Woolacombe which is a 25 minutes drive away. For a pretty and unique approach capturing those picture worthy snaps, the quirky village of Lynton and Lynmouth is a 10 minute drive away. Combe Martin is only 5 minutes drive if you want to take the kids crabbing or grab a bite to eat not far from the campsite, here you will find it is convenient if you need to buy some essentials like food and toiletries.

Nearby attractions

Did we mention that South Dean Campsite is within Exmoor National Park? It’s a short walk to join the cliff path (it’s the route of both the South West Coast Path and the Tarka Trail here) which is great for walkers and confident mountain bikers. Head east to reach the lush, wooded Heddon Valley which leads to Heddon’s Mouth Beach. Two miles further east from Heddon Valley is Woody Bay where a longer hike can be rewarded with a dip in the Victorian tidal pool (if the tide is right). You can also hop aboard a vintage steam train at the Woody Bay station of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway for a 25-minute journey through Exmoor. The trains visit neither Lynton or Barnstaple but the twin seaside villages of Lynton and Lynmouth are only eight miles from site (about a 20-minute drive). If you’re looking to spend a day on golden sands, head 14 miles in the other direction to the Atlantic-facing Woolacombe Bay, which is popular with families and surfers alike. Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park and the Exmoor Zoological and Conservation Centre are both within 10 miles.

Food and drink

The closest pub is The Hunter’s Inn (01598 763230), just over a mile away. You can visit it on a long (sometimes steep) walk to the Heddon Valley or drive there in just a few minutes. Combe Martin offers a few options of places to grab a bite to eat – and the closest shops if you need to stock up for campsite cooking.

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