Tarka Trail Camping Reviews

Very unwelcoming

We have an unusual motorhome. Self conversion but beautifully done. Slightly heavier than a standard motorhome but not anywhere near as heavy as a bin lorry or waste truck, or the lorry parked on the property. In 5 years of ownership and travels we have only been met with interest and good grace. We were however met with a very unwelcoming reception by this campsite owner. Had we not prepaid, we would have left. We had booked a hardstanding, slightly more expensive, but she insisted we went on the grass as she didn't want her "shingle drive damaged just for a one-night stay". No refund was offered. If rain was forecast, she told us she would have refused us entry. We had wanted an estuary view, hence our willingness to pay a bit more, but that was disappointing too! We however had a really nice evening as other campers were very friendly and intrigued by our vehicle. They loved it! The campsite is tucked past a shabby farmyard and stables, the view of the estuary is nice but not spectacular, but the site is very close to the Tarka trail so good for cyclists. The facilities are of a standard for sites half the nightly cost. We were followed out the next morning by a bin lorry traveling over the gravel "we would have destroyed". We also found that the cesspit was behind the toilets, so those lorries also needed to travel on that same gravel. If you are not a standard camper please beware you might not be welcome!

Site's response

Thank you for your review and sorry you felt like you didn't receive the reception that you were expecting. Campers usually forewarn us if they have a non-standard motorhome as they realise that not every campsite can accommodate such a vehicle. I believe your camper was an ex Military vehicle approximately 18 to 20 foot high and heavier than the standard campervan (as you acknowledge). Had we been given prior knowledge, we could have discussed this with you and reserved a more suitable pitch or recommended somewhere more equipped to cater to you. Our grass and hardstanding pitches are the same price and are only a matter of preference. We felt that a grass pitch was better to accommodate your super large vehicle as these offer a wider surface area to park, rather than the pressure and weight focused on a smaller parking space. We are pleased that you had a nice evening and enjoyed the company of our other campers - some of which return to stay with us numerous times throughout the season. Cyclists and walkers appreciate our close proximity to the Tarka Trail and our private access gate. We also receive great feedback on our clean and modern facilities. Thanks for taking the time to feedback, Tarka Trail Camping.

Lovely campsite

Stayed here for 3 nights in September in our motorhome. We had a hardstanding pitch with electric, this included a nice size grass area and a picnic bench. The showers and toilets were spotless with plenty of hot water. The location is perfect for the Tarka Trail. We walked to Instow 3 times which took about 40 minutes. There is a bus stop at the entrance to campsite, where you can catch a bus to Barnstaple or Bideford. We will definitely be returning to this site.

Lovely quiet location

Lovely quiet, medium sized campsite on the Tarka Trail. Modern and clean facilities. It was beautiful walking along the trail with views across the estuary in the evening. Highly recommended.

Lovely site for a few days break

Lovely spot, clean and well organised. Friendly owners and were made to feel very welcome. Could do with a shop, facilities as the nearest wasn't in walking distance.

Excellent site

Lovely, ample-sized pitch in the perfect location to explore the Tarka Trail. Excellent and very clean facilities available to use. Easy to find and get to. Very friendly welcome with all the information given to you that you will need throughout your stay.

Great spot

Great spot, would come again! Really chilled, nice site. Great access to Tarka Trail and cycling. Pitches are excellent, really level with gravel for camper and grass for your awning👌No issues with anything. Shower block very modern and very clean. Good location for a 15 min drive to surf beach, or similarly to the really lovely relaxed Burrows nature reserve. We loved this, rock up and park up wherever you want, go for lovely walks from the estuary to the ocean.

Tarka Trail

Wow what a lovely clean site. The little bar area was a great laugh. Scenery was amazing.

Lovely site

Very Peaceful. Toilets and showers were very clean. Had a lovely stay.

Fabulous site, clean, spacious, great location

Lovely clean, spacious shower and toilet block and washing up area. Good size pitches, with plenty of space for children to play. Immaculately clean everywhere. Great location. Straight onto Tarka Trail. Would stay again.

Fantastic site!

What a great campsite! Facilities are great. Very clean. Nice large pitches with those fabulous views across the river. Total peace and quiet, apart from the wading birds. We stayed on one of the recently laid hardstanding pitches and it was spot on. The "Tarka Trail" cycling and walking route is just at the bottom of the site through a gate which you have the code for. Access to miles of track! Just a great site all round! Will certainly be returning.

Best site ever

Best run campsite ever, super friendly, incredibly clean and so welcoming. Thank you so much, will definitely stay with you again. Thank you.

Highly recommend, a great location to explore north Devon

I can't fault this campsite, fantastic location. For a small site, they cover everything you need, a helpful team. I would recommend this place for anyone, old, young, fit and not so active. You could make this an ideal location to explore North Devon, especially as it backs on to the Tarka Trail. Dog friendly with plenty of places to explore on your doorstep.

Our stay

Fantastic site, very clean and organised. Rose was very accommodating. Loved the brewery.

Great experience all round!

Campsite was well organised with pristine toilet and shower facilities. Lovely walk to Innstow. Lisa was super helpful and very friendly. Would stay again. Micro brewery on site and the reception had the basic amenities on sale, if needed.

Beautiful setting for a lovely site!

We were staying overnight as needed to be in Barnstaple early the next morning and I am only sorry we couldn't stay longer. Beautiful setting, pitches quite spacious and very level and the facilities were immaculate! We will definitely be back.

This is a lovely campsite, I highly recommend

I stayed at this friendly campsite for 2 nights and I can highly recommend it.

Our stay

Lovely quiet site with a beautiful modern shower block. Owners and staff helpful and friendly. Loved our stay, lovely views and right on the Tarka Trail.

Quite location

Amazing location, really quite. Showers and toilets extremely clean.

Great location

A great location adjacent to the Tarka Trail, which is ideal for walking & cycling. The site has beautiful views over the estuary. We took a leisurely walk to Instow & enjoyed the views across the river to Appledore. Unfortunately, we were unlucky with the weather, but the hard standing saved our stay!

Quiet

Booked this site because it’s right on Tarka Trail. Facilities good and clean, views across estuary great. Nothing here to entertain kids.

Beautiful views and very relaxing

Excellent site with lovely views and peaceful.

Lovely Tarka Trail Camping

We had a lovely, quiet time away. Excellent toilet/shower block. Lovely pitch and through their gate to get onto the Tarka Trail.

Very disappointed

No one to welcome us. I had to phone them to find out where our pitch was. Lack of information and no security gate. Hot water wasn't working. Very disappointing and will not recommend.

Site's response

Sorry to hear you were so disappointed with your stay at Tarka Trail Camping. You were welcomed and checked in over the telephone, with all the information that you may need explained to you. I missed you to greet in person afterwards, as you were, no doubt, exploring the Tarka Trail and surroundings. Hot water is continuously provided in our new showers and washing up room so I was very surprised to hear you couldn't access this. Thanks for staying at Tarka Trail Camping.

Lovely location

Great quiet site on the Tarka Trail, great facilities with showers and hot water and wash up area. Nice charging point for phones etc provided. Well worth bringing the bikes for the Tarka trail, all flat and good surface. Rides to either Bideford or to Croyde Bay.

Very good, l will go back

Very nice and clean campsite with friendly people. I would recommend visiting I will stay there again.