Watermouth Valley Camping Park in North Devon has been named the overall winner in Campsites.co.uk‘s list of 150 Outstanding Sites for 2026, while a total of 11 Devon campsites were recognized in the annual rankings, highlighting the county’s continued appeal as a destination for camping and outdoor holidays across the United Kingdom.
The 2026 rankings placed Watermouth Valley Camping Park at the top of the South West England category before naming it the overall winner nationwide. Located along the South West Coast Path between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, the park offers sea-view pitches, family amenities, and convenient access to beaches and nearby attractions.
According to Campsites.co.uk, the site combines scenic surroundings with a broad range of guest services designed to support longer and more comfortable stays.
“The onsite shop is stocked with everything from breakfast essentials and BBQ favourites to locally sourced produce, helping guests make the most of a relaxed camping holiday.
“Catering is also available on most evenings, with a varied menu ranging from freshly made pizzas and curries to homemade cakes and sweet treats. For added convenience, there are family washrooms, communal freezers, laundry areas, and a traditional pub is just five minutes away.
“Campers are clearly huge fans too, with the site earning a 4.88 star rating and 98% of guests saying they would recommend it.”
According to DevonLive, the campsite also features a children’s play area, games room, enclosed dog exercise field, and other facilities intended to accommodate families and pet owners.
Guest reviews cited by the rankings include comments such as: “I’ve been going for 18 years, and it just gets better and better,” and “everything about this place is perfect”.
Other campsites from Devon also appeared in the 2026 list, demonstrating the county’s strength as a camping destination.
The recognized sites include Hallsdown Farm Touring Park, Harford Bridge Park, Hele Valley Holiday Park, Langstone Manor Holiday Park, Lee Meadow Farm, Ocean Pitch Campsite, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Woodovis Park, Hen’s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm, and Oakmoor Touring Park. Lee Meadow Farm finished third in the South West England category, while East Crinnis Holiday Park in neighboring Cornwall placed second.
For campground, glamping, caravan park, and RV resort operators, the rankings highlight several operational trends that continue to influence guest satisfaction.
Beyond location and natural scenery, many of the highest-rated parks offer practical amenities such as well-maintained washroom facilities, on-site food service, retail shops, laundry facilities, family-focused recreation, and pet-friendly features. These services can encourage longer stays while creating additional revenue opportunities beyond campsite bookings.
The recognition also reflects growing consumer interest in destinations that combine outdoor recreation with convenience. Operators considering future investments may view amenities such as local food offerings, flexible accommodation options, and enhanced guest services as ways to remain competitive in an increasingly experience-driven market.
In addition to traditional camping accommodations, the source also highlighted several self-catering properties in Devon for travelers seeking alternative outdoor lodging experiences.
Among them is The Gun House in Shaldon, a restored former military guard tower that ranked fifth in a separate list of notable lodge accommodations for 2025. The property is located within walking distance of Shaldon and Teignmouth beaches and has previously appeared on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces.
Also featured was Slade House near Higher Clovelly, an eight-person vacation property with a five-star rating on Holidaycottages.co.uk, along with Barley Cottage and The Dovecote in Hartland, both of which offer pet-friendly accommodations and rural settings.
The publication of the 2026 campsite rankings comes as destinations across the UK continue preparing for the upcoming tourism season, with recognition programs serving as one indicator of changing guest expectations and highlighting the importance of service quality, amenities, and overall visitor experience within the outdoor hospitality sector.