We have been enthusiastic Campers/Campervanners for years. One of our first holidays together was 2 weeks in a tent at Watergate Bay in April 2010. And I was lucky enough to enjoy many camping trips when I was little. Now I have my own family, and we’re doing the same with them. Arthur doesn’t think we’ve been on holiday until we’ve been camping and Rupert took his first camping trip at just 5 months old. We’ve been to a fair few campsites over the years – I wanted to get this Best Family Friendly Campsites in the South West post live ready for next Spring.
I will keep adding to this post but we already have some favourites that I can’t wait to share with you. I will do a full review post with additional photos of each Campsite mentioned here. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments or you can DM me on Instagram.
All of these Campsites are ones we’ve tried and would recommend personally.
MacDonalds Farm Padstow
Our favourite by far far far, and already have our 2025 trip booked. This is a small family run campsite in between Padstow and Newquay. There are animals to interact with (alpacas, chickens, an owl, pigs, horses), a play area with trampolines, sand and a climbing frame, a restaurant/cafe with a pizza oven and a large dog walking area.
This is one we return to year on year without fail. The pitches are laid out in fields, instead of being along the roads. Perfect for children to play and know they’re away from the cars. Pitches feel private. The smallest pitches are big enough for a large tent or small Campervan. There are also larger pitches for Motorhomes and Caravans. Definitely one of the best family friendly campsites in the South West.
Cofton Holidays Dawlish
Another that we return to, although we have found it gets more expensive each year and we may be priced out of this one soon unfortunately. There was almost a 100% increase for the same weekend last year. It’s one of the more expensive Campsites but there is so much there, and if you have a larger budget I would really recommend it.
There is an indoor and outdoor pool, soft play, three outdoor play areas, a tree top adventure course, restaurants, a fish and chip takeaway and animals such as horses to visit. There is also a pump track that is responsible for Arthur’s new found confidence on his scooter. Cofton Holidays is a 20 minute walk through woodlands to Dawlish beach. One of our favourite places as a family.
Ruda Holiday Park Croyde
Ruda is one of our favourite places to visit but we do tend to visit in a Caravan off season. There are touring pitches available but only during Summer months and they’re quite expensive for a touring pitch. I did want to include it though as budget isn’t always an issue for everyone.
Ruda is a Parkdean Resort and has a cafe, free soft play, swimming pool with slides, fish and chip shop, a shop and entertainment throughout the year. There is a play area and it’s a 5 minute walk to the beach or 10-15 minute walk into the local town.
I will keep adding to these throughout 2025 and will hopefully have a good list of best family friendly campsites in the South West. If you have any personal favourites you’d recommend or any you’d like us to try please let us know!