Which Outdoor Holiday in Devon Is Right for You?

What are the main differences between glamping, camping, and caravanning? What’s your holiday style to make sure you choose your perfect adventure in the great outdoors? If you’re looking for family staycation in Devon or even a safari tent holiday in Devon then there are lots of choices on offer across the county. Many sites offer dog friendly camping and dog friendly glamping so you can bring the dog too!

Outdoor holidays are becoming increasingly popular as more people look for ways to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature. Devon with it’s two national parks and miles of unspoilt beaches and walking trails surrounded by beautiful scenery make it a perfect destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique travel experience, glamping, camping, and caravanning offer three exciting ways to explore the outdoors.

Hardstanding Camping Pitch

Each option provides a different balance of comfort, cost, and adventure. We’ve listed below some key differences between glamping vs camping vs caravanning, their benefits, and how to choose the best outdoor holiday for your next trip.

Several of Devon’s Top Attractions offer camping or glamping options where you can enjoy family glamping in Devon – see details listed below.

What Is Camping?

Camping is the most traditional and affordable way to enjoy the outdoors. It typically involves staying in a tent at a campsite or holiday park. Campers bring their own gear such as tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, and camping stoves.

Benefits of Camping

  • It’s a much more affordable travel option compared to hotels and resorts
  • A closer connection with nature and outdoor activities
  • Perfect for adventure lovers and hikers
  • Wide availability of campsites in parks, countryside or beach locations

Camping is ideal for travellers who are on a budget and enjoy simplicity, outdoor skills, and the authentic experience of living close to nature.

Popular Camping Activities

  • Hiking and walking trails
  • Campfire cooking
  • Stargazing
  • Wildlife watching
  • Fishing and kayaking

What Is Caravanning?

Caravanning involves travelling with a caravan, campervan, or motorhome that serves as both transportation and accommodation. It combines the freedom of road trips with the comfort of having your own mobile living space. It tends to be a much more comfortable experience than camping. Caravan parks and holiday parks often provide facilities such as electricity, water hookups, showers, and recreational areas.

Benefits of Caravanning

  • Greater comfort than traditional camping
  • Flexibility to travel to multiple destinations
  • Ideal for families and long road trips
  • Built-in sleeping areas, kitchen, and storage

Caravanning is a great choice for people who want the freedom of outdoor travel without giving up modern conveniences.

Why Caravanning Is Growing in Popularity?

Many travellers enjoy caravanning because it offers independence. You can plan your own route, stay longer in places you love, and explore remote destinations without worrying about hotel bookings.

Glamping Pod

What Is Glamping?

Glamping, short for glamorous camping, combines the beauty of nature with luxury accommodation. Instead of having to drive a motorhome or campervan yourself or camping using more basic tents, glamping sites offer stylish structures such as:

  • Luxury safari tents
  • Yurts
  • Treehouses
  • Eco pods
  • Geodesic domes

Many glamping sites include comfortable beds, electricity, heating, private bathrooms, and sometimes even hot tubs or gourmet meals.

Benefits of Glamping

  • Combines nature with luxury comfort
  • No need to bring camping equipment
  • Perfect for couples, families, and beginners
  • Unique and Instagram-worthy accommodation

Glamping has become one of the fastest-growing trends in outdoor tourism because it makes nature accessible to travellers who prefer comfort.

Glamping vs Camping vs Caravanning: Key Differences

Feature Camping Caravanning Glamping
Comfort Level Basic Moderate High
Equipment Needed High Moderate None
Cost Low Medium Medium to High
Mobility Fixed campsite High mobility Fixed location
Best For Adventure seekers Families and road trips Luxury outdoor experiences

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Holiday

When deciding between camping, caravanning, and glamping, consider the following factors:

  1. Comfort Level

If you enjoy a simple outdoor experience, camping may be perfect. If you want comfort but still love nature, caravanning or glamping may be better options.

  1. Budget

Camping is usually the cheapest option, while glamping tends to be more expensive due to the luxury facilities.

  1. Travel Style

If you enjoy road trips and exploring multiple destinations, caravanning offers the most flexibility.

  1. Experience Level

First-time outdoor travellers often prefer glamping because it removes the need for lots of equipment and setup.

Why Outdoor Holidays Are More Popular Than Ever

In recent years, outdoor travel has grown rapidly as people look for sustainable tourism, nature experiences, and wellness travel. Camping, caravanning, and glamping all offer ways to unplug from technology and enjoy fresh air, beautiful landscapes, and slower travel. If you are looking for immersive stays in Devon or adventure stays for families in Devon then our county has plenty on offer. They also allow travellers to explore national parks, countryside destinations and coastal regions that are often missed during traditional holidays.

Whether you choose camping, caravanning, or glamping, each option provides a unique way to experience the outdoors in a less traditional way. Camping offers authenticity and adventure, caravanning provides freedom and flexibility, and glamping delivers comfort and luxury in natural surroundings.

The best choice depends on your travel preferences, budget, and the type of experience you want. Whichever you choose, an outdoor holiday can create unforgettable memories and a deeper connection with nature.

Looking for family camping in Devon or family glamping in Devon? See our sites below:

Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Dog Friendly Holidays In Devon at Crealy Theme Park & Resort – Calling all families & their four legged friends! Discover the ultimate dog-friendly holiday at Crealy Theme Park & Resort in Devon. Whether you’re looking for a luxury hot tub lodgethemed Glamping or a perfect pitch for camping, we have the ideal dog friendly option for you.’

Woodlands Theme Park – Get ready to create lasting family memories in South Devon at Woodlands Caravan and Camping Park! There are camping and touring pitches as well as new glamping pods (a small number are dog friendly). Well behaved dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a lead at all times. There is a dog walking area. Reception has details of dog friendly beaches nearby. Unstaffed kennels are available for day use if you wish to visit the theme park.

River Dart Country Park – their award-winning family friendly campsite and holiday park in Devon has excellent camping facilities, generous pitches for your touring caravan, tent, motorhome or motor caravan, and is the ideal holiday base for exploring Devon and Cornwall. Well behaved pets welcome, must be kept on a lead at all times. (Max of 2 dogs). There is a dog walking area available.

The Big Sheep – camp under the stars – Stay Where the Adventure Never Ends! Discover a whole new way to experience the Theme Park with Camping & Touring stays! Whether you’re travelling by tent, camper van, or touring caravan, their park is the perfect destination for thrill-seekers who want the fun to last all day – and all night!

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