When we head off in our campervan, we usually have a walk or a hike planned. As a result, I thought I would put together this post to highlight the best campsites for hiking that we have visited.
I know there are many more around the country, but these are the best campsites for hiking that we have stayed at, and can recommend.
Video showing our Best Campsites for Hiking
Lydford Caravan and Camping Park and Lydford Gorge
First up we have Lydford Caravan and Camping Park, one of the more recent campgrounds we have stayed at.
The Campsite
Situated on the west edge of Dartmoor National Park, this campground has a mixture of hardstanding and grass pitches.
It is a clean and tidy site, with typical campsite facilities.
The reason we stayed at this site, was because we wanted to hike Lydford Gorge, which is a short walk away. This would probably be number one on our Best Campsites for Hiking list, as the hike itself was amazing.
The Hike
The walk is a National Trust walk, so it is chargeable, and you can start the walk from one of two ends.
The Devil’s Cauldron entrance, which was actually closed when we visited, or the Waterfall entrance, which is great if you want to see the waterfall only.
The walk is on a one-way path, and as we went from the Devils Cauldron entrance, the walk out was easy, and the walk back more challenging.
Wide, and relatively easy slopes and steps to navigate, but the walk back, close to water level, was much more challenging, so care does need to be taken.
The Whitelady waterfall is definitely worth a look, so if you don’t want to walk the whole route, head to the Waterfall entrance as it is a very simple walk to the falls.
Durdle Door
Next up, we have Durdle Door Holiday Park and the Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove walk. I did give this a bit of bad press in a review I did a couple of years ago. But, there is no denying the beauty of its location.
The Campsite
The campground has a mixture of pitches again, some of which are in the park, and there are a few pitched on top of the cliff, that look out to see. They also had an area that seemed to be just for tents.
We stayed here on our last trip back in 2020.
The campground then had only just reopened after COVID, and I think it needed some TLC, so we are keen to go back and revisit it.
The Hike
The hike starts just a short distance from the campsite, and is not massively challenging, with just one big hill to negotiate, mainly on the way back.
Lulworth Cove is a pretty but popular seaside cove, but this walk is definitely worth it for the views you get from the cliff top and the pretty cove.
Cheddar Gorge
Our Best Campsites for Hiking list continues in Somerset. Located in Somerset, Cheddar Gorge is limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, near the village of Cheddar, Somerset, England (source: Wikipedia).
The Campsite
Cheddar Gorge Caravan and Motorhome Club Site is a tidy site, just on the outskirts of Cheddar.
Facilities are good and the pitches are spacious and well kept. Full review over on our YouTube Channel.
The Hike
Famous for its Caves and its Cheese, Cheddar also has an amazing hike which you can do around the top of the gorge.
There are several different walks, but we went for the one that simply goes around the top of the gorge
The start of the walk is a bit of a challenge, but when you get to the top, the views are certainly worth the effort. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the local residents, such as goats for example.
The walk along the top of the gorge is pretty straightforward. Ultimately, you then descend to cross the road and start the walk back.
The climb up the other side was also a challenge. As a result, you should be prepared and wear decent shoes to negotiate the rocky terrain
The way we did it, the walk back was even more stunning than before. As a result, you can enjoy views stretching out to the Cheddar Reservoir.
As you walk back along the top of the other side, you reach the lookout tower. However, it was unfortunately closed when we visited.
All you have to do then is negotiate Jacobs Ladder..over 250 steps, but it is well worth it!!
Black Knowl New Forest
The Campsite
Even the drive into this site gives you a taste of what is to come. Wild horses and ponies roam, and the first impressions of the site are good.
There are a mixture of pitches and the hardstanding ones are very spacious. The facilities are pretty decent too. Here is a full review of this Campsite
The Hike
In terms of Walks, Black Knowl is in the middle of the New Forest, so you are spoilt for choice.
There is a multitude of paths and tracks to explore. You could easily spend hours walking around the beautiful National Park.
Lynmouth Holiday Retreat
Situated near the north coast of Devon, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat is a good base for exploring places like Lynton, and the Valley of the Rocks.
The Campsite
The Campsite is pretty basic, and some of the pitches are on the smaller side, but when we visited we enjoyed the location and the is also a small pub next door, with varying opening times.
The Hike
The walk is alongside the East Lyn River, and you can do this walk from the campsite. However, when we did it we drove into Lynmouth and started the walk from there.
The hike for us started from Lorna Doone House and follows the Lyn River all the way to a National Trust Property at Watersmeet.
The hike is about 2 miles each way and offers stunning views and plenty of opportunities to get close to the water. The turning point for us was Watersmeet house, and after some refuelling, we headed back. Here is a video all about that amazing Hike.
Summary of our Best Campsites for Hiking
So there you are, a short but excellent list (in our opinion) of our Best Campsites for Hiking.
Let me know in the comments any good campgrounds, with stunning walks or hikes you can do straight from your pitch as we would love to explore more.
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