Top 5 Family Campsites in the South West & Wales
‘Tis the season to start dusting off your tents off, air out those sleeping bags and try to remember where you stashed all the camping stuff last year.
Family Camping
We love a camping adventure and have created a series to guides to help you have the best camping holiday. From camping kit lists to rainy day camping activities and campsite cooking, we’ve got you covered… along with a nifty holiday guide.
How do I chose a campsite?
For us, there are a few small but ESSENTIAL criteria for discovering the perfect campsite;
- Campfire… because camping just isn’t camping without roasting marshmallows and drinking wine in the evening around the campfire
- Traditional camping… we’re talking tent, field, and ideally a loo and a shower, but not a lot else.
- Space… with dogs and kids, we need a place with space and freedom for them to safely run around (admittedly dogs may need to be in leads if on a farm)
- Location…. we like a campsite in beautiful surroundings, ideally with a pub nearby.
- Happiness... top hacks for happy family camping
Our Top 5 Family Campsites
1) BERYL’S FIELD – Beesands, South Devon
This is simply a great campsite for camping with kids. Pre-booking is essential and this means that Liz, Beryl’s daughter, can carefully manage the numbers and ensure everyone has a really good size pitch. Generally everyone has about a quarter of a large field – so it’s ideal for dogs and children to run around and there’s plenty of space for lots of games. Bbq’s and fire pits are all good, so long as you raise it off the ground with the firebricks provided. Facilities are good. You’ll need 20p pieces to work the shower.
Camping in Devon
There’s a small lake in the middle of the site, footpaths and woodland lead directly from the fields and it’s an easy walk down to Beesands beach. In fact, when you’re lying in your tent all you can hear are the sounds of the waves breaking down the valley. Find awesome walks and wild swims in South Devon here.
2) TREVEAGUE FARM, Gorron Haven, South Cornwall
Situated on a headland with 3 beaches within walking distance, Treveague farm is a bit more of a ‘mainstream’ campsite which is great for family camping….. the largest on this list. That said, it’s in a really quiet area and the view is hard to beat.
The campsite has electric hook ups, a restaurant, small shop, children’s play ground and well maintained shower block and washing up area. Dogs on leads are permitted, and again, you can have a bbq or fire pit so long as it is off the ground (bring your own bricks).
Camping in Cornwall
Treveague farm is a brilliant base for exploring the area. The Lost Gardens of Heligan are nearby plus amazing snorkelling at Gorron Haven.
Take a look at our other favourite family campsites in Cornwall or how about Camping on Bryher Island?
3) STEEPLE LEAZE FARM, Wareham, Dorset
This is my ideal family campsite – masses and masses of space (take aerobie, football, rounders, welly wanging, there’s space for it all!), relaxed atmosphere, beautiful views and freedom to have a campfire.
Don’t expect luxury – we stayed in the top field where there were a total of 3 compost loos and 2 taps. I believe there are flushing loos, showers and sinks in the bottom field as well as bacon sandwiches for breakfast. You can’t book in advance here: the farmer comes round a few times a day to take payment and offer firewood for sale. He also let the boys have a drive in his buggy which was their highlight.
Camping in Dorset
Walk down to Kimmeridge bay where the snorkelling is out of this world! Then enjoy an ice cream in Kimmeridge village.
4) POINT FARM, Pembrokeshire
This family-friendly campsite in Pembrokeshire is one of those rare places that ticks all the boxes.
It’s small and friendly with only 7 (large) pitches. Generally lots of children to play with and plenty of space for football, frisbee, rounders etc albeit on a slope. In fact, there’s a heap of toys available to play with in the small community ‘shed’ where you’ll also find two fridges and phone charging points. There are a couple of loos and showers which are kept immaculately clean. You can also hire a fire pit/ BBQ and buy logs to cook dinner on the campfire. With the super friendly Nia and Fil in charge, if there’s anything else you need, they’re there to help!
Camping in Pembrokeshire
The location is ideal. Walk to the beach and hire a canoe or hop on one of the many boat tours for some fishing or a wildlife adventure. Or just stay on the pontoon, have a go at crabbing and enjoy a drink at the Griffin Inn.
5) Poolbridge Campsite, Exmoor
What a dreamy campsite. With a stream meandering through it, it’s great for children that like to paddle.
Enormous, well-maintained pitches, campfires, friendly owners and the wilds of Exmoor on your doorstep, where could be better?
This is a campsite where kids can run wild with new friends. Surrounded by woodland, you may lose them for a while but know they’re having the best time whilst you relax by the campfire.
Camping on Exmoor
Take your bikes and cycle through the woods down to Porlock Weir for a pint and an ice cream. It’s a big of a slog back up the hill but returning to this beautiful campsite makes it well worth it.
More information on Poolbridge Campsite here. *Beware of ticks in Spring/Summer
Camping Activities
Whilst you plan your family camping holiday, take a look at our Outdoor Adventure Guide series. Filled with awesome outdoor activities to try and family adventures to be had, the guides will fill your camping days with hours of fun (whatever the weather!)