Quick answer: To choose a campsite in Devon, check location, pitch size, ground conditions, electrical options, washrooms, family facilities, dog rules, food and supplies, arrival arrangements, quiet-time policies, wet-weather alternatives and the full booking terms. The right campsite should suit how your group will actually use it, not simply offer the lowest nightly price.
Choosing the best campsite in Devon can determine whether a holiday feels relaxed or difficult. Photographs may show attractive countryside, but practical details such as pitch dimensions, facilities, distance to water and access to local attractions shape the everyday experience.
This 12-point campsite checklist helps first-time and experienced campers compare options fairly. It also explains why Parkers Farm Holiday Park near Ashburton can provide a useful base for Dartmoor and South Devon.
Contents
- 1. Location and intended itinerary
- 2. Pitch size and tent suitability
- 3. Ground, drainage and shelter
- 4. Electrical and connection options
- 5. Toilets, showers and washing facilities
- 6. Family facilities and activities
- 7. Dog rules and walking options
- 8. Food, shops and essential supplies
- 9. Arrival, access and parking
- 10. Noise, quiet times and atmosphere
- 11. Weather resilience and backup plans
- 12. Prices, policies and booking conditions
- Frequently asked questions
1. Does the location match your Devon itinerary?
Start with the experiences you want, then choose the campsite. A coastal pitch may suit a beach-focused break, while a base near Ashburton is better positioned for combining Dartmoor, countryside and wider South Devon. Avoid choosing solely by the county name: Devon is large, and daily travel can consume more time than expected.
List three priority activities and estimate realistic routes. Consider seasonal traffic, parking and the energy of children or older relatives. Parkers Farm’s position near Ashburton makes it possible to plan Dartmoor outings, town visits and South Devon day trips while returning to one settled camp.
Browse local Devon attractions before booking so the location supports your actual plans.
2. Is the pitch large enough for your tent?
A tent’s advertised berth does not describe its complete footprint. Porches, side extensions, guylines and windbreaks all need space. Measure the tent when fully pitched and provide the total dimensions when enquiring.
Confirm these pitch details:
- Maximum tent dimensions
- Space required for guylines
- Whether a gazebo, shelter or windbreak is allowed
- Where the vehicle should be parked
- How boundaries are identified
- Whether adjacent pitches can be requested for groups
Never assume that “family tent” guarantees suitability. Campsites allocate space differently, and safety gaps must be preserved.
3. What are the ground conditions and drainage like?
Ground type affects pegs, comfort and performance in rain. Firm ground may require stronger pegs, while soft ground may need longer designs. A slight natural gradient can help drainage, but a steep or uneven pitch makes sleeping uncomfortable.
Ask the campsite about current conditions if prolonged rain has occurred. Bring a tent footprint, appropriate pegs and a mallet, but do not dig trenches or alter the pitch. Good setup and equipment are preferable to modifying the site.
4. Do you need an electric camping pitch?
Electricity can support refrigeration, charging or particular equipment, but it is not essential for every camper. Decide based on genuine needs rather than habit. If electricity is required, use camping-specific equipment and understand the available supply.
Before using an electrical hook-up:
- Check that your lead and unit are designed for campsite use
- Inspect equipment for damage
- Uncoil cables fully
- Protect connections and reduce trip hazards
- Do not exceed the available capacity
- Keep unsuitable household equipment out of the camping setup
Review the current camping options at Parkers Farm and ask which pitch type matches your equipment.
5. Are the washrooms and practical facilities suitable?
Clean, accessible toilets and washing facilities are central to a comfortable stay. Look beyond the word “facilities” and check what is available during your dates. Families with young children, disabled guests and travellers staying for a week may have different needs.
Useful questions include:
- How far are facilities from the likely pitch?
- Are showers included or separately charged?
- Are accessible arrangements available?
- Where can drinking water be obtained?
- Are washing-up points provided?
- How are refuse and recycling handled?
- Are laundry services available?
Check the park’s current facilities information and contact the team when a specific feature is essential.
6. What will children do at the campsite?
Family facilities reduce the need to drive out every hour of the holiday. Play areas, open space and simple park activities give children opportunities to enjoy the base itself. This matters on arrival days, slower mornings and evenings after a day trip.
Parkers Farm has indoor and outdoor play opportunities and countryside activities. Availability may depend on season and operating arrangements, so check what will be running during the intended stay.
Facilities do not replace adult supervision. Explain boundaries, vehicle movement and rules around cooking equipment immediately after arrival.
7. Is the campsite genuinely suitable for dogs?
“Dog-friendly” can mean different things. Confirm the number of dogs permitted, any charges, lead requirements, exercise options and restrictions on facilities. Consider whether the intended itinerary also works with a dog, particularly in hot weather or at attractions that do not admit pets.
Pack a dedicated dog kit:
- Food and familiar bowls
- Bedding and a secure travel arrangement
- Leads, harness and identification
- Waste bags
- Towels for wet conditions
- Medication and basic first-aid items
- Water for journeys and walks
On Dartmoor and farmland, keep dogs under close and effective control and follow current signs and countryside guidance.
8. Can you obtain food and essential supplies?
A shop, takeaway or food option on site can rescue an arrival evening, replace a forgotten item and reduce unnecessary driving. Check opening arrangements rather than assuming every facility operates all day or throughout the year.
Parkers Farm has a shop and food options, including a bar and restaurant and takeaway provision. Guests should confirm current opening times for their dates. Ashburton also provides access to local shops and places to eat.
9. Are arrival, access and parking straightforward?
Read the campsite’s arrival directions, especially for the final section. A postcode may not select the preferred route. Confirm check-in times and contact the park if delays are likely.
Ask about:
- Recommended approach routes
- Latest arrival time
- Reception or check-in procedure
- Vehicle access to pitches
- Parking during the stay
- Barriers, gates or access codes
- Early arrival or late departure policies
Arriving in daylight gives first-time campers time to assess the pitch and erect the tent carefully.
10. Does the campsite atmosphere suit your group?
Some visitors want entertainment and social activity; others prioritise quiet countryside. Read the park description and rules rather than relying on one review. Quiet times, group-booking policies and expectations around music help protect everyone’s stay.
A family-run holiday park may suit travellers who value personal service and an established countryside environment. Respect neighbouring pitches by keeping voices, lighting and devices at considerate levels, particularly early and late in the day.
11. Can the holiday still work in poor weather?
No campsite controls the weather, but location and facilities influence how easily guests can adapt. Check drainage, sheltered options, food availability and nearby indoor attractions. Bring waterproof clothing and protect sleeping equipment in sealed bags.
Create three weather plans:
- Dry day: Dartmoor walk or major outdoor attraction
- Mixed day: Ashburton visit and a shorter local activity
- Wet day: verified indoor attraction or relaxed park day
Do not continue with exposed moorland plans when visibility, wind or rain makes them unsuitable.
12. What is included in the real holiday price?
Compare the complete cost rather than the headline pitch rate. Electricity, extra adults, dogs, additional vehicles or certain facilities may be included or charged separately. Read deposit, balance, amendment and cancellation terms before paying.
Check the booking details for:
- Pitch and party inclusions
- Optional or mandatory extras
- Deposit and balance dates
- Cancellation and amendment conditions
- Minimum stays during popular periods
- Arrival and departure times
- Rules affecting tents, vehicles, dogs and groups
Keep the booking confirmation accessible and contact the park before travelling if the party or equipment changes.
A simple campsite comparison scorecard
Give each shortlisted campsite a score from one to five for location, pitch suitability, washrooms, family needs, dog suitability, food, wet-weather flexibility and total price. Weight the features that matter most. A campsite scoring highly on your real priorities is a better choice than one with a longer list of facilities you will not use.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important factor when choosing a Devon campsite?
Pitch suitability and location are usually the starting points. The campsite must safely accommodate your tent and support the places you want to visit without excessive daily travel.
How do I know whether my tent will fit?
Measure the fully pitched tent, including extensions and guylines, then give those dimensions to the campsite. Do not rely solely on the number of advertised berths.
Is an electric pitch necessary?
No. It depends on refrigeration, charging, medical requirements and personal equipment. Campers using electricity must have suitable campsite equipment and stay within the available capacity.
When should I book a Devon campsite?
Book early for school holidays, bank holidays and popular summer dates, particularly when you need a large pitch, electricity, adjacent pitches or specific accessibility arrangements.
Why choose a campsite near Ashburton?
Ashburton offers useful access to Dartmoor and South Devon, allowing visitors to combine countryside, towns and attractions from one settled camping base.
Choose your Devon camping base
The right campsite makes ordinary parts of the holiday easier: sleeping, washing, eating, entertaining children and changing plans when the weather shifts. Compare the practical details and ask direct questions before booking.
Review camping in Devon at Parkers Farm and contact the park with your tent dimensions, party details and preferred dates to confirm the most suitable option.
