Whether your passion is watersports, angling, walking, cycling or simply enjoying nature with loved ones, you’ll find the perfect escape at South West Lakes Trust’s picturesque campsites in Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
Book your spring getaway now at one of South West Lakes Trust’s five lakeside campsites. Choose between the majestic Wimbleball Lake on Exmoor and the idyllic Roadford Lake on the edge of Dartmoor, or experience a different view of Cornwall at Tamar Lakes near Bude, Siblyback Lake near Liskeard or Stithians Lake near Redruth.
All the lakes have footpaths and cycle trails to explore, woodlands to discover and play areas and cafés to enjoy.
Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor
Uncover the beauty of Wimbleball Lake, a designated Dark Sky Discovery Site, nestled in the rolling hills of Exmoor National Park.
The family-friendly campsite has various glamping options as well as a choice of hard standings, electric and non-electric pitches for tents, motorhomes and caravans. Rent a telescope and pay an after-dark visit to the new Dark Sky Discovery Hub to gaze at the stars. Hire watersports equipment, launch your own kit or learn something new with the friendly instructors. This year, the Activity Centre is offering E-foiling for the first time! You’ll also find a packed programme of activities during the school Easter, May half term and summer holidays. Explore Exmoor and walk to Haddon Hill from Wimbleball.
The closest town to Wimbleball is Dulverton but it’s also worth venturing slightly further to explore the popular towns and villages of Tiverton, Dunster, Taunton and Wellington.
Roadford Lake, Devon
The magnificent Roadford Lake is situated among the beautiful countryside of the Wolf Valley, with the dramatic tors of Dartmoor as its backdrop.
The scenic campsite offers a choice of spacious electric and non-electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as a fantastic glamping bell tent called Bertie. Enjoy a treat from Roadford Lake Café while the youngsters let off steam in the new play area. Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn to sail, windsurf, paddleboard, kayak or wing with the activities team. There is a packed programme of activities on during the school Easter and May half term holidays with bespoke tuition sessions available in April and May.
Roadford is also one of the best brown trout fisheries in the UK, with 700 acres of fishing to explore by boat or bank. It is the perfect base to explore Dartmoor National Park. The historic towns of Launceston and Okehampton are within easy reach and some of the best beaches in Devon and Cornwall are less than an hour away.
Siblyback Lake, Cornwall
With the striking backdrop of Bodmin Moor, a designated International Dark Sky Landscape, Siblyback Lake lies within the Cornwall National Landscape.
Right next to the lake, the small campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches for tents and motorhomes. Watersports equipment hire and self-launch is available from May. Siblyback is also renowned for its fly fishing. It is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and home to a large population of resident brown trout.
A must-do on your visit to Bodmin Moor is Dozmary Pool, where, according to legend, King Arthur rowed out to the Lady of the Lake and received the sword Excalibur. Campsite opens 1 May.
Stithians Lake, Cornwall
Surrounded by farmland and moorland, Stithians Lake’s family-friendly campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches. If glamping is more your style, stay in one of the luxury bell tents, furnished with double beds and the option of camp beds for up to two children.
Hire watersports equipment, launch your own or learn to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, sail. E-foiling, wing surfing and wing foiling are also very popular here. Book for a packed programme of activities during the school Easter, May half term and summer holidays. The lake is open for fly fishing from March to November. Cornish landmarks the Minack Theatre, Glendurgan Gardens and Pendennis Castle are all within easy reach. Campsite opens 4 April.
Tamar Lakes, Cornwall
This idyllic location on the Devon and Cornwall border is perfect for exploring on bike (pictured below) or foot.
The campsite has a choice of electric and non-electric pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes as well as a four-berth glamping pod. Hire watersports equipment or launch your own. Upper Tamar Lake is also renowned for its carp and match fishing. The Cornish coastal town of Bude, with its sea pool and popular beaches, is nearby. Under an hour’s drive from the lake are Dartmoor National Park and the ever popular beach resort of Newquay. Campsite opens 1 May.
South West Lakes Trust is an independent charity dedicated to caring for and enhancing the region’s reservoirs and lakes. Your support helps keep these places special for people and wildlife. Find out more via the website swlakestrust.org.uk/activities
