Looking at campsites in south Devon for September - a few reviews state tight access and narrow lanes. We have a 6.4m Motorhome - are there any that are more accessible or any that we should definitely avoid ? we live in s rural area and are used to fairly narrow lanes, but appreciate that Devon’s stone banks are to be respected!
------------- Seeking luxury in unexpected places
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
If I find a site I would like to use I always look on Google earth and view the roads and if very narrow look to see if there are passing points in case there are others leaving site as I would be arriving. Been doing this for new sites for years with never a problem.
Just a thought.
All these campsites must have reasonable access else they would be out of business.
They must also be supplied with things like gas, shop supplies.
Sure it will be ok
Check when you phone the site to book. If the local road is a problem, the site’s websites or entry in a Club handbook will give instructions - eg approach from one direction, not the other if the angle is too acute to get round. They don’t want aggro from customers who’ve scraped their vehicle on a gate. But if the site takes caravans, I’m pretty sure you’ll be ok.
Likewise birdman101, I always check local road access on Google streetview/earth.
I tow a decent sized caravan, which means complete outfit doesn't fit into most passing places anyway even it they do exist, and I'm usually without passengers and have no reversing camera on caravan, so any reversing has to be done blind/with mirrors and without assistance, therefore I'll avoid as much as possible access that is likely to require me to reverse any distance. I've encountered far too many people coming the other way who's driving skills are so woefully inadequate they simply cannot reverse a solo car and the expectation is always that I reverse my car-caravan outfit!
Beyond any access notes provided by the campsite, I've not found a better method of evaluating access to a site. Any sites beyond a mile down a single track road and I dismiss them and look for somewhere else, it's a gamble that I don't meet anyone coming other way on that mile of single track road, but Google streetview/earth and where the road goes to/comes from gives some idea of chances. So far, it's a method that has worked OK.
Devon, with it's very high hedge on top of embankment lanes has to be one of the most challenging drives, as you rarely get to see in advance what is coming other way, and you really cannot edge off the tarmac to squeeze past!
As well as Google earth, the Bing maps website has an 'aerial view' option which is worth a look. I usually use those if I'm heading off anywhere I haven't been before. Once, it saved me heading for a campsite that turned out to be uncomfortably close to what looked like an industrial estate.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
I'm another that checks google maps when heading to Devon. I have a Skoda Citigo!!! That tells you everything.
Seriously though I stayed at a site near Ashburton, some of the roads around it scared me in my tiny car however plenty of motorhomes made it to the site I was at and the one further down the road.
Checking the reviews on here might tell you if the access is more difficult, another good reason to do reviews yourself so that others can benefit from your knowledge.
And of course always check if the site you are looking at does list as suitable for caravans. One site we know well doesn't take them, not because there's no room, but the access through their farmyard has a bend in it.
The South Hams area of Devon has some very difficult roads if you venture south of the A38 dual carriageway..
If you want an alternative area there are sites with easy access down the western side of Dartmoor - Okehampton, Lydford, Tavistock, Plymouth - and buses available from sites up and down that route for motorhomers without other transport.
River Dart Country Park near Ashburton, but Devon is a challenge to most holiday makers wether towing, motor home or Skoda Citigo........It all adds to the fun. 😀👍
Meeting holidayers in the lanes does need patience for us living here. 🤣🤣😂
A few days late to this one, but in case it helps.
Ive lived in South Devonball my life and having owned trailer tents and now a motorhome for a few years I have learnt that if you can drive around here, you can drive anywhere. Europe and Scotland and been a breeze!
Dartmoor National Park have a handy leaflet on their website showing suggested routes for larger vehicles. There is a one way 'system' for coaches and public buses you don't want to go against in a motorhome!
Otherwise look to follow A roads to as close your destination as possible. Our favourite weekend area is the South Hams and it's perfectly do able in our 6.7m motorhome with some planning, although the last mile or 2 can be fun. Our favourite spot is a certified location in East Portlemouth, that is an adventure to get to and the farmer will meet you before the last bit for you to follow them... both wing mirrors in the hedges! There's usually a large caravan or two there, but rather then than us.
Happy to suggest routes on any you shortlist.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Devon campsites- access for motorhomes
we live in s rural area and are used to fairly narrow lanes, but appreciate that Devon’s stone banks are to be respected!
via mobile 27/8/2020 at 8:00am
