Shepherds Rest Camping
Caravans - Motor Homes - Tents
A small, peaceful campsite in the heart of the Devon countryside
A quiet place to get away from it all, with just six caravan pitches and a choice of tent pitches. Plenty of space, fresh air and easy access to the coast, Dartmoor, Bodmin Moor and the towns and villages of Devon and Cornwall.
Call us now on 07485 026146
About Us
Just opened in 2026, Shepherds Rest Camping is a new campsite in Mid Devon situated on the A3079 between Okehampton, the gateway to Dartmoor, and the Market Town of Holsworthy, the gateway to north Devon and it's famous surfing beaches.
Open all year round and with easy access from the road, our site offers caravan and motorhome owners four hard standing and two grass pitches, all with electric hook-ups. We can also take up to five tents. The whole site is level with no steps or slopes and is particularly suitable for families with young children and guests with disabilities.
Our brand-new toilet and shower block has been finished to a high standard and includes dish washing facilities. The usual waste disposal and water supply are also available behind the block.
Located in Devon's Ruby Country area, there are many forest walks and cycle trails for the more active campers. We are ideally located for touring Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor and, on the coast there are many spectacular beaches and rocky coves to explore with ready access to the Coastal Footpath within a short drive.
Shepherds Rest is on the edge of Halwill Junction, where groceries, hot food and other everyday essentials are readily available. Evergreen Farm, our son's business, supplies their fresh meat, sausages and bacon.
A post office, hairdressers and fish and chip shop are all within one mile along with the Junction Inn pub/restaurant, a Baptist and a C of E Church. Further afield there is a great choice of places for dining out.
Fancy exploring via public transport? There is a bus stop right outside the site, with four buses a day running between Bude and Okehampton. During the summer, a Park & Ride operates just outside Bude, which we recommend using during the busy season. The bus takes you directly into the town centre, close to the shopping centre and lifeguarded beaches. Or, why not take the bus to Okehampton and then the train to Exeter where there is an even wider selection of things to do, for example, to visit the Cathedral.
For further ideas of things to do and places to visit, keep on reading.
- Beautiful countryside – rolling hills, farmland, woodland, rivers and quiet lanes yet within easy reach of the areas main atttractions.
- Central Devon location – just north of Dartmoor - an easy drive to the north and west coasts making it a useful base for exploring different parts of the county.
- Good accessibility – the M5 and A30 provide relatively straightforward access from Exeter, Bristol and further afield, while Exeter is close enough for visitors who want city facilities.
- Outdoor activities – walking, cycling, surfing, fishing and exploring the countryside naturally complement your camping or touring holiday.
- Attractive local towns and villages – places such as Bude, Bideford, Launceston and Holsworthy provide local shops, pubs, cafés and services.
- Get closer to nature – enjoy countryside, forests, lakes, beaches and wildlife.
- Relax and switch off – take a break from work, screens and everyday routines.
- Small and peaceful – with only six caravan pitches, Shepherds Rest offers space and tranquillity without the crowds of a large holiday park.
- Lots to explore – historic houses, gardens, castles, villages and other Devon attractions offer plenty to discover.
- A different experience – camping offers a sense of adventure and a chance to experience the outdoors in a more direct way.
- Within reach of the coast – enjoy the Coastal Footpath, the many wonderful beaches and rugged, secluded bays of the north and west coasts.
- Ideal for disabled vsitors – we offer a level site with no steps or slopes and our site is easy to access for even the largest caravans or motorhomes.
- Less crowded facilities – our toilet and shower block is brand new and meticulously maintained for your comfort. We also have a dish washing space.
- Pets always welcome.
- Ideal for relaxing – particularly appealing to people wanting to escape busy towns, large holiday parks and everyday pressures.
- Public Transport - Buses stop outside providing easy access to Okehampton, Holsworthy and Bude. The railway station at Okehampton provides an hourly service to Exeter. Parking at the station is only £2 per day!
Things to do - places to go!
Gallery
By no means exhaustive, please feel free to browse through our gallery below for a few ideas on places to go and things to do:
Roadford Lake
Roadford Lake is a large reservoir in west Devon, surrounded by woodland, fields and rolling countryside. It’s a good place to visit if you want somewhere peaceful and outdoorsy, rather than a traditional tourist attraction. Water activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and other watersports, make the lake a popular outdoor destination. Beautiful walks – There are paths around the reservoir through woodland and countryside, with plenty of quiet viewpoints. Wildlife and nature – The lake and surrounding habitats attract birds and other wildlife, making it a nice spot for nature lovers. Peaceful scenery – The combination of open water, wooded hills and Devon countryside makes it particularly relaxing. Good for a day outdoors – It's suitable for families, walkers and people wanting a more active day in nature.
Meldon Reservoir
Meldon Reservoir sits just outside Okehampton and has a particularly nice combination of reservoir, open moorland, dramatic valley scenery and industrial heritage. Beautiful Dartmoor views — particularly good on a clear day. Easy short walk: the 1-mile Meldon Dam Circuit gives good views of the reservoir, valley and viaduct, though there are some steep sections and uneven/muddy ground. Meldon Viaduct is a spectacular Victorian structure and now forms part of the Granite Way walking/cycling route. You can make it a proper hike — longer routes head towards the high moor, Yes Tor and High Willhays. Good for a relaxed couple of hours too: walk around, take photos, have a picnic and enjoy the scenery.
Launceston
Launceston Castle — right in the centre and the climb up the tower gives you excellent views over the town. The old town — this is arguably as enjoyable as the formal attractions. Walk around Castle Street, Church Street, Southgate Street and the old medieval lanes, looking at the historic buildings. The old town walls, 14th-century Southgate and the Georgian houses around Castle Street all add to the interest. St Mary Magdalene Church — worth a look inside if it's open. The exterior stone carving is particularly impressive and it's right in the historic centre. National Trust - Lawrence House — a small, free museum in an attractive Georgian building on Castle Street.
Okehampton
Okehampton Castle — Atmospheric Norman/medieval ruins in a wooded valley above the River Okement. You can walk around the ruins and grounds, and it's much more scenic than just a collection of old walls. Museum of Dartmoor Life — good small museum if you want to understand the area's history and traditional Dartmoor life. Simmons Park — a pleasant riverside park right in town, with gardens, woodland and the river. Okehampton Town Nature Reserve / Old Town Park — immediately beside the castle, so you can combine the two.
Bude
Summerleaze Beach is right by the town centre, with the famous sea pool tucked beneath the cliffs. Even if you don't swim, the beach and cliffs are worth seeing. Bude Canal is surprisingly pleasant and peaceful compared with the beach. Follow it inland from the sea lock for a bit; you don't need to do the whole canal. Walk the coast between Summerleaze and Crooklets — You get cliffs, sea views and two very different beaches without needing a serious hike. Crooklets Beach is particularly nice at low tide when the sand and rock pools appear. The Castle Bude — despite the name, don't expect a castle like Launceston's. It's actually a small heritage centre in the former castle building. It's free and worth 30–45 minutes if you're interested in local history, The Bude Tunnel is essentially a pedestrian tunnel beneath the cliffs that connects the town with the Summerleaze beach area. It's free and takes about five minutes.
Boscastle
The setting is gorgeous — a dramatic little harbour tucked into a steep valley. Boscastle Harbour — Walk right down through the village to the Elizabethan harbour, along the quayside and out towards the harbour entrance. The harbour blowhole — walk out towards the harbour mouth and look for it. It's best around low tide, when waves can shoot through the blowhole. Walk up the coast path / Willapark — You get excellent views back over Boscastle and along the North Cornwall coast. Valency Valley — if you fancy a proper walk, head inland along the river through the wooded valley. There's a 4-mile Boscastle & Valency Valley walk, or a shorter 1-mile harbour walk if you just want a gentle stroll. Pentargon Waterfall — a nice option if you want a bit more walking. There's a roughly 2.7 km circular walk from the harbour to the waterfall and back.
Crackington Haven
Crackington Haven beach — the main attraction. It's a beautiful sandy/shingle cove surrounded by big cliffs, and at low tide you get rock pools. Walk up the South West Coast Path towards Cambeak — The views over the coves and cliffs are excellent, and the geology is particularly striking. Do the Crackington Cracker walk if you have ~2 hours. It's a 3-mile circular taking in the cliffs, Cambeak, Strangles area and then returning through the wooded Ludon Valley. It's moderate, with some steep sections and unfenced cliff edges.
Bodmin Moor
What’s special about Bodmin Moor? Dramatic granite tors – Huge granite outcrops rise from the open moorland. Rough Tor is one of the most spectacular and recognisable. Wild, remote atmosphere – The wide open landscape, mist, windswept hills and lack of development can make it feel surprisingly remote. Thousands of years of history – There are prehistoric stone circles, standing stones, burial monuments and ancient settlements scattered across the moor. Wild ponies and livestock – You may see ponies roaming freely across the open landscape. Excellent walking – There are routes ranging from relatively easy walks to more challenging hikes across rough, exposed terrain. Dark skies – Away from towns, the moor can be excellent for stargazing on a clear night. Legends and folklore – Bodmin Moor is associated with numerous Cornish legends, including stories surrounding Dozmary Pool and the legendary Beast of Bodmin Moor.
Dartmoor
Haytor Rocks — probably the best introduction to Dartmoor. Huge granite rocks, classic open moorland and panoramic views. There's a visitor centre nearby and several short walks. Wistman's Wood — atmospheric, ancient-looking woodland with twisted, moss-covered trees. Very different from the open moor. Allow around 1–2 hours for the walk. Bellever Tor — excellent if you want a proper Dartmoor walk without committing to a huge hike. You get the tor, open moor and Bellever Forest all together. Widecombe-in-the-Moor — probably the prettiest village on the moor. Good for a wander and a pub/coffee stop. Postbridge — worth a stop for the famous medieval clapper bridge, especially if you're driving across the central moor. The nearby visitor centre is useful for maps and information. Princetown — interesting if you like Dartmoor's darker history; you can visit the Dartmoor Prison Museum.
Exeter
Exeter Cathedral features Gothic architecture which is genuinely impressive, and Cathedral Green around it is lovely. The Quay — walk along the historic quayside beside the River Exe. It's particularly nice for cafés, pubs and a relaxed wander. Gandy Street + West Quarter — great for just wandering around: cobbled streets, independent shops, cafés and bars. Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery — an excellent museum and, importantly, free. Underground Passages — quite unusual: medieval passages running underneath the city. Rougemont Gardens — Norman history in the middle of the city – The gardens occupy the former defensive ditch of Rougemont Castle, built for William the Conqueror after Exeter surrendered in 1068. Parts of the Norman castle walls, towers and gatehouse survive nearby. Right in the city centre, it’s a pleasant place for a short wander, sitting on the former castle defences rather than feeling like a conventional formal park. There’s no admission charge,
Bideford
Bideford Quay — Walk along the River Torridge, look at the boats and the old harbour buildings. Bideford's maritime history is a big part of its character. Pannier Market & Butcher's Row — worth wandering through, especially if it's a market day. There are independent crafts, little shops and local products. Note: the main Market Hall is currently undergoing renovation, scheduled through 2027, so don't expect the full traditional market experience right now. Old town / High Street — wander the streets around the market and down towards the quay. There are independent shops, antiques, cafés and some attractive old buildings. Long Bridge — the historic bridge across the Torridge is worth seeing as part of a walk around town.
Tintagel Castle
The setting is spectacular — the castle sits on rugged cliffs overlooking the Atlantic. The modern footbridge gives you an impressive approach to the island and great views. Arthurian legends — Tintagel has long been associated with King Arthur, although the historical evidence is much less certain. Good coastal walking — you can combine the castle with sections of the South West Coast Path. One of Cornwall's best photo spots — arguably the scenery is as much of an attraction as the castle itself. Allow 2–3 hours for the castle and surrounding area. Add another hour or two if you want a proper coastal walk.
Lydford Gorge
The main attraction is the gorge itself, rather than Lydford village. The River Lyd cuts through steep woodland and temperate rainforest, with waterfalls, moss-covered cliffs and some pretty spectacular rock formations. Devil's Cauldron — It's a short 0.8-mile / 1.3 km circular trail, taking about 45 minutes, down into the narrowest part of the gorge. There's a viewing platform over the swirling river and pothole. Whitelady Waterfall — a 30-metre waterfall reached via a roughly 1.75-mile / 2.8 km circular trail through the woodland. This takes about an hour. You can do both if you have 2–3 hours. There is also a railway path and bird hide if you want something gentler. It's properly rugged rather than a gentle National Trust stroll: steep sections, narrow paths, uneven/slippery ground and lots of steps. Good footwear is recommended.
RHS Rosemoor
RHS Garden Rosemoor is definitely worth doing if you like gardens, plants or peaceful walks. The garden covers 65 acres and mixes formal gardens, woodland, an arboretum, lake and seasonal displays. The Rose Gardens — Rosemoor has over 2,000 roses across 200+ varieties, so this is a major highlight. Hot Garden & Cool Garden — contrasting planting styles; the Hot Garden is particularly colourful and dramatic. The Woodland and Arboretum — lovely if you want a more natural walk rather than just flower beds. Fruit & Vegetable Garden — surprisingly interesting, particularly if you're into gardening or growing food. Lake and stream areas — good for a slower wander and photography. Garden Centre — worth browsing if you're into plants.
Croyde Beach
The main attraction is Croyde Beach: a beautiful sandy, sheltered bay with a strong surfing scene. The National Trust describes it as one of North Devon's best surfing beaches. National Trust - Baggy Point —Walk out onto the headland for huge views over Croyde Bay and towards Lundy. The short circular walk is about 2 miles / 3.2 km and is rated easy. Croyde village — have a wander around the small lanes, pubs and cafés. It's compact but has a nice traditional holiday-village feel. Croyde sand dunes — worth crossing if you're already at the beach, particularly if you like natural scenery. Surfing — Croyde has surf schools. The waves can be faster and punchier than neighbouring beaches, so it's particularly popular with surfers.
Woolacombe Beach
A huge sandy beach, dramatic North Devon scenery and excellent surfing in one place. The beach is around 3 miles long, giving it a much bigger, more open feel than many UK seaside beaches. Excellent surfing – Its Atlantic-facing position produces reliable waves, making it one of Devon's best-known surfing beaches. Award-winning reputation – Woolacombe has repeatedly been recognised among Britain's best beaches for its scenery, cleanliness and facilities. Dunes and countryside behind the beach – Instead of being surrounded entirely by buildings, much of the beach is backed by natural dunes and open landscape . Amazing coastal walks – It sits on the South West Coast Path, with spectacular walks towards Morte Point and Baggy Point. Something for almost everyone – You can surf, swim, walk, build sandcastles, explore rock pools or simply spend the day on the sand.
Contact Form
If you wish to contact us, please use the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
We are flexible, so please feel free to use the form at left or give us a call, especially if you need to make a quick decision - 07485 026146.
We look forward to giving you a warm welcome to Ruby Country!
Links
To join Wild Trails Camping Club, please click the link below. This will take you to the membership form on our website:
Join Wild Trails Camping Club