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The Enchanted Wilderness

91%

· Yelverton, England

22 acres hosted by Jonathan M.

1 lodging site · 5 RV/tent sites

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

At back-to-basics campsite The Enchanted Wilderness, you can swim wild, camp wild and go wild – or, at least nearly wild. Here on the Devon side of the River Tamar, 22 acres are being farmed for nature and you are invited to camp among them with only the barest of facilities. It’s a re-wilding experience both for the land and anyone who stays; the project of nature enthusiast Jonathan. He provides a warm welcome and a handful of pitches where you can stay under the stars, by the campfire and in sight of the river.

There’s a flat-ish field for those who like to camp by their car and wilder pitches too. There are a handful of these, tucked in different spots among long grass and bracken, away from everyone else. Some require quite a walk but are more likely to reward you with a glimpse of the wildlife that visits here: the deer, the hedgehogs, foxes, pheasants and dormice. Facilities for all campers are a simple compost loo, a hot water shower in a horsebox and a drinking water tap which you’ll find on the edge of the main camping field. If it’s all a little too back-to-basics for you, there are other ways to stay here as well – two gypsy wagons and a cabin, which have their own facilities, plus a couple of holiday cottages.

The riverside setting makes this an incredibly peaceful place to stay and provides much of the entertainment. Bring a paddleboard, kayak or canoe – or perhaps just your swimming gear – and you can launch straight into the river. You can walk alongside it on a footpath that passes through the farm or cross it to reach Cornwall. On the opposite bank is the National Trust’s Coethele, a Tudor house and gardens. Further up river is the pretty village of Calstock with an impressive viaduct carrying trains on the scenic Tamar Valley Line. The closest station on the line is only a mile from the campsite making The Enchanted Wilderness one that is surprisingly easy to reach and to explore from, with or without a car.

Activities

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Horseback riding

Natural features

Forest

Lake

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

91%

27 ratings · 24 reviews

Lerryn G.recommends

September 6, 2024

Wilderness camping

You won’t find better scenery

A beautiful small site down a very narrow long track. The scenery is stunning. A few pitches with lots of space. The ground is slightly sloping and very soft. Fire wood sold on site. Very basic facilities. But the shower was hot. If you are looking for seclusion and quite this place is for you.

Helen B.recommends

September 5, 2024

Wilderness camping

Camping almost wild.

Beautiful site. Only 3 other tents while we were there. Really feel like you are getting away from it all. Compost loo. Horse box shower. Not for everyone but we loved it. Canoeing upstream good. OK launch. Downstream really muddy but I was followed by a seal!

S B.recommends

September 3, 2024

Wilderness camping

Camping at Enchanted Wilderness

We had a great stay as a small group. Stunning views and very serene atmosphere.

Joike M.

August 14, 2024

Wilderness camping

You really feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. Very nice and helpful owner. Great that you can build a campfire and sit right by the water. Great views and beautiful surroundings where you can do great hiking. Environmentally aware the campsite is definitely. Very nice that the chickens and ducks run loose on the site. You can also buy eggs and such from the owner. Some suggestions that could be improved: less thistles, nettles etc to walk through and less potholes, so a better lawn so your tent can be put upright. And good lighting in the toilet and shower so you can use them even at sunset. The Christmas lights in the shower are atmospheric but not functional.

Chloe H.

August 12, 2024

Wilderness camping

It's a beautiful campsite, but the pitches weren't as secluded as I'd expected. You can see and hear all the other campers, and unfortunately there was a big group there during our stay. We ended up packing up at 9pm on our second night and heading home as our daughter kept getting woken up by the other campers. The wild, remote feel was the main reason we had picked this campsite, so it was quite disappointing. But the views are amazing, and if you went without expectations of seclusion, you would no doubt have a great experience.

Cristina D.recommends

August 9, 2024

Wilderness camping

A place to disconnect

Lovely place, gorgeous views, privacy, friendly owner and good access. We only stayed for two night but throughly enjoyed it.

Location

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

Hosted by Jonathan M.

Joined in April 2023

From the host

On the south-western edge of Dartmoor, Devon, in England A utopian setting on the River Tamar near Tavistock, set in an AONB and SSSI not far from Dartmoor National Park. With an owner passionate about the natural countryside and environment, there are 22 acres of woodland and pastures that cradle the campsite. With views to Cornwall on the other side of the river. Untouched for the last 40-50 years by anything other than the local sheep and fauna. Bees and wild flowers are bountiful. With hillsides of wild garlic, primroses and bird-song. A host of wild birds and bees. Otters, deer, muntjac, and hedgehogs are regular visitors. And the owls play an orchestra most evenings. Amazing views can be seen in either direction and a plethora of outdoor activities are available on your doorstep: fishing, sailing, hiking, surfing, swimming. Amidst Devon's embrace By Jose Lavelle Amidst Devon's embrace, where riverside whispers flow, Lies the Enchanted Wilderness, where nature's secrets grow. A tapestry of wildflowers dance upon the land, As if painted by brushstrokes of an artist's gentle hand. The riverside meanders, its melody serene, Caressing the hearts of all who venture to this scene. Where farmland stretches wide, with gentle rolling hills, They whisper tales of history, and dreams that time fulfils. Beneath the ancient oaks, where tranquility resides, The Enchanted Wilderness enchants, with all its hidden tides. Birdsongs fill the air, a symphony so sweet, As sunlight dances softly, shining at nature's feet. Devon's haven of peace, where wildlife freely roam, Where dreams are born midst wildflowers that gracefully comb. The Enchanted Wilderness, a place where spirits thee, Find solace in its embrace, as nature sets them free. So come, wanderers and dreamers, to this enchanted shore, Where wildflowers sway and riverside stories lore. Let Devon's wilderness, with its magic untold, Embrace your weary heart, and enchant your very soul.

Nearby attractions

The Enchanted Wilderness sits on the banks of the River Tamar so wild swimming is an option for those who like to take a dip. There’s a slipway/jetty on site too so you can launch kayaks, canoes or paddleboards. And if you don’t have your own, kayaks can be hired and delivered by a company in Plymouth (ask Jonathan for details). A footpath that forms part of the Tamara Coast-to-Coast Way passes along the riverbank, right through the farm. Head out on it to walk as far as you wish. To the north, you reach the crossing to Calstock (by foot ferry) and to the south you can walk to Bere Ferrers from where you could take a train back to Bere Alston station, which is just a mile from the campsite. Seasoned walkers could even go as far as Plymouth (14 miles by car) and join Plymouth Boat Trips or Calstock Cruises to return and see the countryside from the water. The Tamar Valley Line is the mainline train route here - but is very scenic with a famous viaduct over the river at Calstock. You can use it to head north and cross the viaduct to Calstock (seven minutes) or further to Gunnislake in Cornwall or to travel south into Plymouth. On the opposite side of the river is the National Trust’s Coethele, a Tudor house with its own jetty on the river. It’s 11 miles by road but you can paddle across in a kayak or canoe – or combine a walk with the Calstock foot ferry. The market town of Tavistock is seven miles away, the edge of Dartmoor National Park, and all its outdoor adventures, just beyond.

Food and drink

You can buy fresh free range eggs from Jonathan on site. For other basics head up the road into Bere Alston. The village has a Co-op, a small convenience store and a butcher among its shops. There’s also a pub, The Edgecumbe Hotel, but it only serves drinks. The closest recommended place for a meal out is The Old Plough in Bere Ferrers (four miles). Calstock (10 miles by road; far less if you use the passenger ferry or train to cross the river) is a pretty village with a couple of options for eating out: The Tamar Inn and The Boot Inn among them. There are also some good options in Tavistock (seven miles), around the market square including The Cornish Arms which comes recommended by your host. You’ll find plenty of shops in Tavistock too including the nearest supermarkets to site. There’s also an indoor Pannier Market from Tuesdays to Saturdays and a farmer’s market on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.

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