Choosing between camping, touring and static caravan holidays in Devon starts with a simple question: how do you want your holiday to feel? Some families enjoy putting up a tent and eating breakfast outdoors. Others prefer travelling with their own caravan or arriving at accommodation that is already set up.
At Parkers Farm Holiday Park near Ashburton, you can explore all three options. The right choice depends on the equipment you own, the people travelling with you and how much preparation you want to do. This guide helps you compare the practical differences before looking at dates and availability.
The quick comparison
| Stay | Most useful when | Main preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Camping | You enjoy outdoor living and have suitable tent equipment | Tent, sleeping equipment and a weather-ready setup |
| Touring caravan | You own or hire a caravan and want a familiar base | Towing plan, pitch requirements and caravan preparation |
| Motorhome or campervan | Your vehicle provides both transport and accommodation | Vehicle dimensions, pitch needs and plans for days out |
| Static caravan | You want accommodation ready for your arrival | Select a layout and pack personal holiday essentials |
Camping: make outdoor living part of the holiday
Camping can make the everyday parts of a break feel different. Breakfast, reading and an early evening meal happen around your tent rather than inside a conventional holiday home.
It works well when everyone is comfortable with shared facilities and you have sleeping equipment suited to the conditions. Before booking, check your tent’s complete footprint, including guy ropes, and decide whether you need an electric pitch.
The preparation matters more than owning an impressive collection of equipment. A tent you can pitch confidently, comfortable bedding and a manageable cooking routine will make a bigger difference than bringing everything you might possibly use.
Explore camping in Devon at Parkers Farm to review the camping option before choosing your dates.
Touring: bring a familiar holiday base
With a touring caravan, you bring your own living space and can organise it around the way your household travels. A longer stay gives you time to settle in without repeatedly packing up and moving on.
A motorhome introduces a different question: will you drive it on days out, or spend more time around your chosen base? Decide this before building an itinerary. Check parking arrangements at individual attractions rather than assuming they can accommodate your vehicle.
For either type of vehicle, provide accurate dimensions and discuss your pitch requirements when booking. A grass pitch, hardstanding and a serviced pitch are different options, and the most suitable choice depends on your setup.
Start with the touring caravan and motorhome page.
Static caravans: arrive with less equipment
A static caravan suits households who want a self-catering break without transporting a tent or towing a caravan. It can also be a useful introduction to holiday-park stays for relatives who have never camped.
Parkers Farm lists two-bedroom and three-bedroom static caravans, with selected dog-friendly accommodation. Choose by sleeping arrangements and individual specifications rather than photographs alone.
Think about where each person will sleep, whether a sofa bed will be needed and how your group uses the living area. A property’s maximum capacity is only one part of deciding whether it suits your household.
Compare the options on the static caravans page.
Compare the whole cost of the holiday
A headline accommodation price does not tell you the complete cost. Include travel, equipment you need to purchase, food, attraction tickets and any applicable extras in your comparison.
Camping may involve buying equipment for a first trip. Touring brings vehicle-related preparation and travel considerations. A static caravan removes the need for camping equipment, but prices still vary by dates and accommodation.
Use current booking information for your actual party. Avoid choosing solely on an old special offer or a nightly price that does not reflect the stay you need.
Choose around everyday comfort
Consider bedtime, bathroom routines, meals and wet-weather plans. Families with young children may value a familiar sleeping arrangement; keen campers may prefer the outdoor experience even when more preparation is involved.
If anyone has mobility requirements, discuss the specific accommodation and routes around the park before booking. A feature such as a ramp does not establish that the entire accommodation meets someone’s needs.
Frequently asked questions
Which type of Devon holiday is best for a first visit?
Choose the option you can prepare for comfortably. A static caravan needs less specialist equipment, while camping or touring can suit people who already have a reliable setup.
Is camping always cheaper than a static caravan?
Compare current prices and total costs. Equipment purchases, party size, dates and extras can change the comparison.
Can a motorhome use a touring pitch?
Parkers Farm provides options for motorhomes. Confirm the pitch suits your vehicle dimensions and requirements when booking.
Can we bring a dog in a static caravan?
Selected caravans are dog-friendly. Declare your dog and confirm suitable accommodation before reserving.
Can different households choose different accommodation?
Ask the park about availability across accommodation types for the same dates. Do not assume that nearby positions can be guaranteed.
Find your Devon holiday at Parkers Farm
Compare camping, touring and motorhome stays and static caravans, then choose the option that suits your household. For individual requirements, contact Parkers Farm before booking.
