Tarka Trail Camping

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.