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Dog Friendly Campsite South Devon

  • tristanfreeth
  • May 27
  • 4 min read

Coastal Walks, Dartmoor Adventures & Relaxed Camping at Wonton Park

Large Pitches
Large Pitches

If you are searching for a dog friendly campsite in South Devon, chances are you are looking for more than just a pitch. You want somewhere peaceful, scenic and spacious, with great walks nearby, easy access to beaches, and enough space for everyone to properly switch off.


At Wonton Park Camping we are lucky to sit in one of the best locations in Devon for exactly that. Tucked into the countryside near Totnes, our campsite is perfectly placed between Dartmoor National Park, the South Hams coastline, Plymouth and Torbay — giving campers and their dogs endless opportunities for days out, coastal walks and woodland adventures.


Views a short walk from the campsite looking towards Dartmoor
Views a short walk from the campsite looking towards Dartmoor

For many guests, one of the best things about staying here is that the exploring starts the moment you step outside your tent or campervan. Devon lanes lead directly from the campsite through rolling farmland and traditional hedgebank countryside, making early morning dog walks part of the holiday itself. Although there will be some traffic at the entrance to the campsite, and with it being in the heart of Devon there are no pavements.... but within a 5 - 10 minute walk you can find yourself on very quiet lanes which go in for miles with amazing views. One of the most popular walks from the site is down to the Avon Inn pub along the back lane!


We also have a dog walking paddock on site, although for the comfort of all guests we do ask that dogs do remain on leads while on site. With the pitches being large we suggest you bring a long lead with you so that they can move freely around your pitch.



South Devon is famous for being one of the UK’s best destinations for walking holidays with dogs, and there is no shortage of incredible places to discover nearby. One of the most popular local walks is the route from Totnes to Sharpham. Starting from Steamer Quay or Longmarsh car park in Totnes, the walk follows the River Dart through peaceful woodland, open fields and riverside paths towards Sharpham Estate. It is one of those walks that feels quintessentially Devon — wooded valleys, glimpses of the river through the trees, and plenty of quiet spots where dogs can paddle along the banks. The paths are fairly gentle, although sturdy shoes help after wet weather, and you can easily turn it into a longer circular route back through the countryside.


Just a few minutes further away is Dartington Hall Estate, another favourite for visitors staying at our dog friendly campsite in South Devon. Dartington is ideal if you want a slower paced day with cafés, gardens and easy walking routes all in one place. You can park at the main estate car park and wander through ancient trees, riverside paths and open parkland while dogs enjoy the scents and shaded woodland trails. The walk connecting Totnes and Dartington along the River Dart is especially beautiful in spring and autumn.


Ladys Wood
Ladys Wood

For guests wanting quieter woodland walks away from the busier tourist spots, Andrew’s Wood and Lady’s Wood are both hidden gems nearby. Andrew’s Wood Nature Reserve feels wonderfully untouched, with winding paths through meadows and mature woodland, while Lady’s Wood near South Brent is particularly lovely on warm summer days thanks to its cool shaded trails and small streams. Both are ideal for peaceful dog walks and wildlife spotting, especially during bluebell season.


Dartmoor
Dartmoor

Of course, no stay in South Devon would be complete without exploring Dartmoor. One of the biggest reasons guests choose Wonton Park Camping is our easy access to the southern edge of the moor. Within a short drive you can be hiking around Haytor, Hound Tor, Venford Reservoir or Shipley Bridge near South Brent. The South Brent area is particularly good for dog walking because it offers a mix of woodland, riverside and open moorland walks. Park at Shipley Bridge and you can follow trails along the River Avon or venture higher onto the moor for spectacular views across South Devon. Blackdown Rings nearby is another brilliant local spot, with open hillside walking and panoramic scenery that is especially stunning at sunset.


After a day on Dartmoor, many visitors head for the coast — and one of the questions we hear most often is which beaches are genuinely dog friendly all year round. Thankfully, the South Hams has several fantastic options. Slapton Sands is always popular because dogs are welcome throughout the year and the beach stretches for miles, giving plenty of space even during summer. Beesands is another excellent year-round dog friendly beach, quieter than many of the better-known tourist spots and perfect for relaxed seaside walks. Mothecombe Beach also allows dogs all year and feels wonderfully unspoilt, surrounded by cliffs and coastal countryside.

Bantham and Bigbury-on-Sea are beautiful beaches too, although seasonal restrictions apply in certain areas during the summer months, so it is always worth checking local signage before visiting.


If you fancy a town or city day out, both Plymouth and Torbay are within easy reach of the campsite. Plymouth is great for waterside walks around the Hoe, Royal William Yard and the Barbican, while Torbay offers classic seaside scenery around Brixham, Paignton and Torquay. Berry Head near Brixham is particularly good for coastal walking with dogs, combining dramatic sea views with accessible walking trails and wildlife spotting.

Back at the campsite, evenings tend to be wonderfully quiet. Guests often return from a day exploring Dartmoor or the South Devon coast, settle beside their tent or campervan and enjoy the slower pace that camping in Devon does best.

For those days when dogs need looking after while you explore somewhere less suitable, Blackdown Kennels nearby offers local boarding and daycare options.


Whether you are planning a walking holiday, a beach escape, or simply looking for a peaceful dog friendly campsite in South Devon, Wonton Park Camping makes the perfect base for discovering the very best of Devon with your dog by your side.

 
 
 

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