Camping in Dartmouth
Discover the campsites in Dartmouth, Devon
Situated in Devon on the banks of the River Dart, Dartmouth is a vibrant town with a lot to offer. Discover incredible campsites in Dartmouth and all the things you can do during your visit.
Dartmouth camping FAQs
Where are the best places to camp in Dartmouth?
There are plenty of incredible campsites in Dartmouth to choose from. A popular campsite is our Dartmouth Club Site, which is less than 5 minutes away. Here, you’ll find a wonderful mix of coast, moorland and rolling hills, perfect for walkers, cyclers and campers who enjoy water sport activities such as sailing and surfing.
Other popular campsites near Dartmouth include:
- Slapton Sands Club Site (20-minute drive away)
- California Cross Club Site (29-minute drive away)
Members of the Camping and Caravanning Club can also book our member-only campsites near Dartmouth. Not a member? Join today and start saving on campsites, attractions and camping equipment.
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2024
What do I need to pack for a camping trip to Dartmouth?
Depending on who you’re travelling with, how long for and what you plan to do on your holiday, you’ll need to compile a list of things to pack before your holiday.
To make life easier, we’ve created the ultimate camping checklist where you can pick and choose what you’ll need for your camping trip to Dartmouth.
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2024
Are there any family-friendly campsites near Dartmouth?
There are several family-friendly campsites near Dartmouth. Popular ones include:
Our campsites have family-friendly facilities and features such as family shower rooms, children's play areas, and parent and baby rooms. Other helpful features at these campsites include washing machines, Club Site Wi-Fi, and an on-site shop to pick up any essentials.
To discover what each campsite has, click on the campsite page and scroll down to the facilities and features section.
For more family-friendly campsites in Dartmouth, filter through the results and select ‘Family Friendly’.
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2024
Can you camp anywhere in Dartmouth?
The rules for wild camping in Dartmouth are quite complex. For more information, check out our wild camping guide.
Last Modified: 30 Oct 2024
More about camping in Dartmouth
There’s plenty to do on your camping trip to Dartmouth. Whether you love an outdoor adventure, want to lounge around on a beach or fancy exploring the town's history, you’ll find something that suits you.
The River Dart
Flowing through Dartmouth, the River Dart is a breathtaking waterway framed by rolling hills, picturesque woodlands, and historic sites. There’s plenty to do both on and off the river.
For water sports enthusiasts, the river offers boating, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and much more. It’s also an excellent spot for fishing, with catches like sea trout, brown trout, salmon, and other fish.
If you prefer to stay dry, set up a picnic, bring binoculars, and enjoy some wildlife watching. You’ll be able to spot porpoises, seals and, if you’re really focused, dolphins.
Walking enthusiasts will also enjoy a gentle stroll around the river, where you can marvel at the incredible view and breathe in the fresh air.
Dartmouth beaches
Within the pretty town, you’ll find Castle Cove and Sugary Cove, both offering incredible views of the estuary and Dartmouth Castle. These two secluded beaches provide a quiet, relaxing escape from the crowds.
If you’re up for a short drive, just 10 minutes from town and 4 minutes from our Dartmouth Club Site is Blackpool Sands. This popular Blue Flag beach is renowned for its clear waters, golden sand, and pristine atmosphere. Lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy a good book, build sandcastles, or cool off in the water with fun water sports activities.
A little farther afield is Slapton Sands. This shingle beach is about 20 minutes from Dartmouth and just a 2-minute drive from our Slapton Sands Club Site. Here, you’ll find a three-mile stretch of beach that forms part of the Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve. It’s perfect for a day out, with scenic walks, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and a touch of history. At the beach, you’ll also find memorials commemorating the tragic Exercise Tiger disaster during World War II.
Shopping in Dartmouth
Dartmouth has a mix of well-known high-street brands and independent boutiques that sell unique products you won't find anywhere else. Whether you love to shop or you're after a souvenir to remember your trip, pop into Dartmouth for some excellent finds.
Fross Street, Dartmouth's oldest street, is a great place to start. You can explore the galleries, browse through the stores and marvel at the architecture.
The Old Market Square and Duke Street are also home to various independent and high street brands.
Dartmouth Old Market is open every Friday throughout the year, and it’s open on Tuesdays from Easter to Christmas. It’s only open on Thursdays during high season. Here, you’ll find unique crafts and gifts as well as local fresh produce.
Dartmouth Castle
For over 600 years, Dartmouth Castle has guarded the entrance to the Dart Estuary. During your visit, you can see the Gun Tower and winding passages, and you can climb to the top of the battlements. Walking enthusiasts and wildlife watchers will adore walking around the castle and spotting breathtaking birds and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you can also catch a riverboat from the town quay to the castle's entrance.
The Dartmouth Newcomen Engine
Dartmouth is the home of Thomas Newcomen, the inventor of the steam engine, which can be found in the centre of Dartmouth. The Dartmouth Newcomen Engine is the world's oldest preserved working steam engine, built in 1720. Visitors can see the steam engine in operation during certain times.
Although you won't be able to ride this steam engine, you can book a ride in Dartmouth. You’ll travel on the coast of Torbay through the incredible Devon countryside, overlooking the River Dart.
Click here for more information on steam train rides in Dartmouth.