Planning a trip to Devon in your campervan and only have seven days? Don’t worry – you can still experience some of the very best that Devon has to offer.
This 7-day Devon campervan itinerary will take you through two stunning National Parks, picturesque coastal towns, beautiful walking routes, and some of the county’s most popular cycle trails. Along the way, you’ll find a mixture of campsites and motorhome-friendly park-ups, making it easy to explore Devon at your own pace.
One of the best things about this route is that it can be enjoyed at any time of year. We completed it in March, but the itinerary works just as well in spring, summer, autumn, or winter. Every location included is accessible in a campervan, helping you avoid some of the narrow lanes that Devon is famous for.
Remember, this is just a guide. You don’t have to follow it exactly. Feel free to take inspiration from our route and create your own adventure, or simply follow the itinerary day by day. The choice is completely yours!
You can also follow along using our Google Maps route, which includes every location mentioned below.
7-Day Devon Campervan Road Trip Overview
- Day 1: Explore the Valley of the Rocks and Lynmouth, Exmoor National Park
- Day 2: Cycle the Tarka Trail, North Devon
- Day 3: Hike High Willhays, Black Tor and Yes Tor, Dartmoor National Park
- Day 4: Cycle the Granite Way, Dartmoor National Park
- Day 5: Relax in Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
- Day 6: Cycle the English Riviera, South Devon
- Day 7: Walk from Brixham to Berry Head Nature Reserve, South Devon
Planning a trip to Devon in your campervan, and only have 7 days? That’s ok! Here, I have the perfect road trip guide. A guide that will lead you through two incredible National Parks and beautiful coastal towns. It will lead you to some lovely walking routes and some famous cycle rides. A guide that offers a mixture of campsites and park-ups. A guide you can follow at any time of the year. We did it in March. A guide that has places suitable for campervans to get to, as we all know how narrow some of the lanes can get! And remember, this is just a guide. You don’t have to follow it to a tee. You can take bits from mine and create your own, or you can follow it step by step, it’s completely up to you!
Here’s a link to my Google Maps, with all the places mentioned below, pinned: Devon Road Trip Map
Day 1: Explore the Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor National Park
If you’re arriving the night before, Bottom Meadow Car Park in Lynton is a convenient place to stay. Self-contained campervans are permitted to stay overnight for a small charge, making it the perfect base for your first day exploring Exmoor National Park. If you’re arriving in the morning, simply use the car park for the day.
SatNav: Bottom Meadow Car Park, Castle Hill, Lynton, Devon EX35 6JD
Start your day with one of North Devon’s most iconic walks, the Valley of the Rocks. This spectacular route offers dramatic coastal scenery, fascinating rock formations and the chance to spot the area’s famous wild goats. It’s one of our favourite walks in Devon and one not to be missed.
I’ve put together a full hiking guide, which you can follow here: The Valley of the Rocks
In the afternoon, spend some time exploring the twin towns of Lynton and Lynmouth. Be sure to ride the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway, the highest and steepest fully water-powered railway in the world, before grabbing a Cornish pasty and soaking up the atmosphere of this charming seaside town.
Once you’ve finished exploring, make your way to Instow and settle in for the night at Sandhills Car Park, located next to North Devon Cricket Club. Overnight parking is available for a small fee, and its location right beside the Tarka Trail makes it the ideal stop for the next day’s adventure.
SatNav: Sandhills Car Park, Marine Parade, Instow, Bideford EX39 4LF
Driving Advice: Countisbury Hill
If you’re approaching Lynton and Lynmouth along the A39 from the east (Porlock and Minehead direction), you’ll descend Countisbury Hill, one of the steepest A-roads in the UK, with gradients reaching 25%.
Although it is perfectly manageable in a campervan, take your time and use a low gear to let the engine do most of the braking. Avoid relying solely on your brakes, especially on the steepest sections.
If you’d prefer to avoid Countisbury Hill altogether, approach Lynton and Lynmouth from the west via Barnstaple and Blackmoor Gate. The gradients are much gentler and generally better suited to larger motorhomes and campervans.
Day 2: Cycle the Tarka Trail, North Devon
The Tarka Trail is one of the best cycle routes in Devon and a fantastic way to spend a day exploring North Devon. Starting from your overnight stop at Instow, you can cycle in either direction. We chose to ride from Instow to Braunton and back, enjoying the beautiful scenery and traffic-free route along the way.
For more information, head over to my guide to the best cycle routes in Devon: Best Cycle Routes in Devon
If cycling isn’t your thing, Instow Beach is right on your doorstep. On a calm day, it’s the perfect place to paddleboard or simply relax by the sea. Alternatively, you can walk part of the Tarka Trail from Instow to Fremington, stopping at the Old Station House Inn for something to eat.
After your day in North Devon, head south to Dartmoor National Park and settle in at Sourton Down Caravan and Camping Park, which will be your base for the next three nights.
SatNav: Sourton Down Caravan and Camping Park, Sourton Down, Okehampton EX20 4HT
Day 3: Hike High Willhays, Black Tor and Yes Tor, Dartmoor National Park
Today, tackle Dartmoor’s highest peak and enjoy one of the best walks in Devon. You can either start directly from the campsite or drive down to Meldon Reservoir and begin the hike from there, depending on how far you’d like to walk.
I’ve put together a full hiking guide, complete with downloadable GPX files and route options for both starting points: High Willhays Hiking Guide
After your hike, reward yourself with a well-earned pizza from The Pump & Pedal, conveniently located right next to the campsite.
Day 4: Cycle the Granite Way, Dartmoor National Park
The Granite Way is another fantastic traffic-free cycle route and follows the old railway line through Dartmoor National Park. Best of all, it can be accessed directly from the campsite.
Head left and you’ll reach Okehampton, while turning right will take you towards Lydford Gorge. Unfortunately, the gorge was closed when we visited, but it’s well worth a stop if it’s open during your trip.
For more information, check out my guide to Devon’s best cycle routes: The Granite Trail
Day 5: Discover Bigbury-on-Sea, South Devon
Leave Dartmoor behind and head to the beautiful South Devon coast. Today’s destination is Bigbury-on-Sea, one of Devon’s most picturesque seaside villages.
For your overnight stop, check in to Mount Folly Farm Campsite. From here, it’s an easy walk down to the beach and the village.
SatNav: Mount Folly Farm, Kingsbridge TQ7 4AR
Spend the day exploring Bigbury-on-Sea, walking across to Burgh Island at low tide or taking the famous sea tractor when the tide is in. If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite to eat at Venus Café. And if you enjoy surfing, paddleboarding or bodyboarding, there’s no better place to get out on the water.
Day 6: Hike from Brixham to Berry Head, South Devon
Today, make your way to the English Riviera and check in to Beverley Holidays in Paignton for the next two nights.
SatNav: Beverley Holidays, Goodrington Road, Paignton TQ4 7JE
In the afternoon, head over to the colourful fishing town of Brixham and enjoy one of the best coastal walks in Devon. Starting in the harbour, follow the South West Coast Path up to Berry Head Nature Reserve, home to one of the UK’s shortest lighthouses and spectacular views across Tor Bay.
I’ve put together a full walking guide, which you can follow here: Brixham to Berry Head
Afterwards, head back to the campsite and make the most of the indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi. There’s also a fish and chip shop on site, which we made good use of, as well as a restaurant.
Day 7: Cycle the English Riviera, South Devon
Spend your final day exploring the English Riviera by bike. Starting from Beverley Holidays, follow the coast through Paignton and Torquay, taking in Paignton Pier, Torquay Harbour and some of the stunning coastal views along the way.
If you fancy a longer ride, continue as far as London Bridge Arch near Torquay. The mostly flat route makes for a relaxed and enjoyable day, and it’s a great way to finish your week in Devon.
For more information on cycling the Riviere, check out my guide: Cycling the Riviera
Alternatively, if cycling isn’t your thing, spend the day relaxing at the campsite or exploring more of the English Riviera’s beautiful beaches and seaside towns.
Other Guides You Might Like
If you would like to be notified when any new travel guides goes live, straight to your inbox, please subscribe here:
(don’t forget to check your junkbox for the confirmation e-mail!)
