Best Camping Spots In Cornwall: 18 Epic Campsites
Finding the best camping in Cornwall can be tough, as there are so many amazing destinations and campsites in this part of England.
Cornwall is famous for its amazing beaches, rugged coastal walks, and rolling green hills. Needless to say, these elements all come together to create an ideal destination for camping.
At Skyhook, we offer an amazing Cornwall yoga surf retreat that combines some of the area's best activities. While this may just be the best camping experience in Cornwall, there are still many other campsites worthy of a visit.
To help plan your camping trip, here’s a breakdown of Cornwall’s best camping.
Camping in Cornwall: An Overview
Camping in Cornwall offers a diverse range of experiences amidst its stunning landscape and rich cultural heritage.
The region, located in the southwestern part of England, boasts a varied terrain, from rugged coastlines to serene countryside, making it an ideal destination for various camping adventures.
Types of Camping
If you want to experience the best camping in Cornwall, you have a range of different options to choose from. This includes:
Wild Camping: While not officially permitted in many areas, there are some locations where wild camping in Cornwall is tolerated. It's crucial to research and obtain permission before setting up camp, ensuring you follow Leave No Trace principles.
Beach Camping: It’s possible to find a beachside campsite in Cornwall. Sleeping under the stars beside the soothing sounds of the ocean can be a magical experience.
Countryside Camping: Cornwall's inland areas offer picturesque settings for traditional camping experiences. Campsites nestled amidst rolling hills, woodlands, and riversides provide a tranquil atmosphere for campers.
Glamping: For those seeking a more luxurious camping experience, Cornwall offers various glamping options, including yurts, safari tents, and eco-pods. These often come with amenities such as comfortable beds, electricity, and sometimes even hot tubs.
Landscape
Cornwall's landscape is characterized by dramatic cliffs, golden sandy beaches, lush valleys, and charming coastal towns.
The South West Coast Path offers breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, while inland areas boast rolling hills, ancient woodlands, and picturesque villages.
The region's diverse geography allows for a wide range of outdoor activities, from surfing and kayaking along the coast to hiking and cycling inland.
Seasons
Spring brings colourful wildflowers dotting the countryside, making it a lovely time for camping as nature awakens from winter. Summer is peak season, offering warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, ideal for beach camping and outdoor adventures.
Autumn paints the landscape with hues of red, orange, and gold, providing a scenic backdrop for camping trips. Winter in Cornwall tends to be milder compared to other parts of the UK, but it can still be wet and chilly, requiring appropriate gear for camping during this time.
Local Attractions
Aside from its natural beauty, Cornwall is renowned for its historic landmarks such as Tintagel Castle, associated with the legend of King Arthur, and the open-air Minack Theatre perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea.
The region also boasts a rich culinary scene, including freshly caught seafood and traditional Cornish pasties.
Camping in Cornwall offers a diverse range of experiences catering to different preferences, whether one seeks a rugged adventure along the coastline or a tranquil retreat amidst the countryside's serenity. The landscape, seasons, and local attractions make it an appealing destination for camping enthusiasts seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Best Camping in Cornwall: 18 Best Campsites
Cornwall, with its captivating landscapes and diverse terrain, hosts an array of exceptional campsites, each offering a unique camping experience.
Here's a list of some of the best camping in Cornwall, with each siren renowned for its location, amenities, and visitor satisfaction.
1. Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth
Distinct from traditional holiday parks, Perran Sands offers a separate touring and glamping area, away from the main holiday park's static caravans and chalets.
Glampers can choose from safari tents, geodomes, and yurts, enjoying a five-minute stroll to restaurants, supermarkets, and entertainment facilities. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it offers access to a three-mile golden beach.
2. Highertown Farm Campsite, Lansallos
Highertown Farm Campsite in Lansallos is a countryside haven where formalities take a back seat.
This relaxed camping spot, owned by the National Trust, allows campers to choose their pitch in a cosy camping meadow surrounded by mature hedgerows for shade and shelter.
Welcoming small motorhomes, caravans (up to 6m), camper vans, and tents, it offers a laid-back experience amidst Lansallos' coastal charm.
3. Sun Haven Valley Country Holiday Park, Mawgan Porth
Peace-seekers will relish the serene ambience at Sun Haven Valley. Nestled amidst a coastal valley, the site offers glamping and camping lodges near a tranquil stream.
A ten-minute woodland walk leads to the cove-like beach at Mawgan Porth, dotted with restaurants and shops.
4. Pentewan Sands, Pentewan
Pentewan Sands is an award-winning site near Mevagissey providing exclusive access to a private sandy beach, a rarity among Cornish campsites.
Beyond its holiday park ambience, it features a restaurant, supermarket, tennis courts, and a water sports centre offering paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Children can delight in the adventure playground right on the beach.
5. Dennis Cove Campsite, Padstow
Conveniently located a few minutes from Padstow's town centre, Dennis Cove Campsite offers well-equipped pitches spread across five fields. Its proximity to town ensures easy access to amenities, allowing campers to indulge in Padstow's renowned fish suppers without hassle.
6. Trevella Park, Crispin, Newquay
Nestled near the stunning Crantock Beach, Trevella Park is a haven for campers. If you want to go surfing in Newquay, then this is a great base to do it from.
Offering various camping options, including spacious pitches for tents, caravans, and upscale glamping accommodations, it caters to diverse preferences. Its extensive facilities such as a fishing lake, heated outdoor pool, and children's play areas ensure an enjoyable stay for families and adventurers alike.
7. Treen Farm Campsite, Penzance
Tucked near the mesmerizing Pedn Vounder Beach and the South West Coast Path, Treen Farm Campsite is a nature lover's paradise. Its simplicity and proximity to the coastline make it an ideal spot for those seeking a serene and rustic camping experience.
If you’re going to be hiking the coastal Path, then this is an excellent campsite to stop off at along the way.
8. Polmanter Touring Park, Halsetown, St. Ives
Positioned near the charming town of St. Ives, Polmanter Touring Park offers spacious pitches for tents and caravans. Boasting modern amenities like heated swimming pools, a convenience store, and play areas for kids, it's a family-friendly site catering to comfort and relaxation.
9. Chy Carne Camping & Touring Park, Ruan Minor, Helston
Perched above the picturesque Kennack Sands Beach, Chy Carne Camping & Touring Park boasts breathtaking sea views from many pitches. With its close proximity to the coast, it's an excellent choice for a seaside camping adventure.
The relaxing environment makes it an ideal place for activities like kayaking, hiking, or doing yoga in Cornwall. If you want a perfect Cornish coastal escape, then this site is ideal.
10. Globe Vale Holiday Park, Radnor, Redruth
Surrounded by Cornwall's idyllic countryside, Globe Vale Holiday Park offers spacious pitches and modern facilities. Its strategic location enables easy exploration of both the north and south coasts of Cornwall.
While this may not be the best camping in Cornwall if you’re after the area's famous beaches, it is a great campsite for those wanting to explore some of the biggest attractions in Cornwall. You’ll have relatively easy access to both coastlines, as well as various farms and inland points of interest.
11. Trevedra Farm Camping Site, Penzance
Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean near Land's End, Trevedra Farm promises awe-inspiring views and direct access to nearby beaches and coastal paths, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
This is the perfect base if you want to explore nearby attractions like St. Michael’s Mount and Mousehole, or even take a trip out to Lands End.
12. Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay
Trevornick Holiday Park boasts incredible views of North Cornwall's coastline and Holywell Bay. With terraced pitches, various pitch types, and an 18-hole golf course on-site, families can revel in a fortnight of entertainment. Holywell Bay is merely a ten-minute walk away.
13. Tregurrian Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Newquay
Situated in close proximity to the famed Watergate Bay, Tregurrian is a camping haven for surfers and beach lovers. It provides convenient access to the beach and scenic coastal walks.
From surfing to coasteering in Newquay, there are plenty of coastal activities to keep you busy if you camp here. The site gives you easy access to the many different beaches around Newquay. Definitely a great place for a summer camping trip.
14. Beacon Cottage Farm, St Agnes
During the summer, Beacon Cottage Farm blooms with flawless flowers, accentuating the views of St Agnes Heritage Coast and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wheal Coates.
Late summer unveils vibrant coastal colours, tempting campers to explore the headland footpaths for panoramic vistas. This is a quiet area of Cornwall, ideal for a relaxing camping experience.
15. Padstow Touring Park, Padstow
With well-maintained facilities, Padstow Touring Park is conveniently located near Padstow's charming town. Anyone visiting Cornwall should definitely schedule a trip to Padstow, as the old fishing village is an iconic destination on this stretch of coast.
The campsite is an excellent base for exploring the town's renowned restaurants, beautiful beaches, and cultural attractions. Whether you want to explore the town or escape to the beach, this site certainly offers some of the best camping in Cornwall.
16. Southwinds, Polzeath
Polzeath's Southwinds offers an enviable beachside location, perfect for camper vans and touring caravans. Meanwhile, tent campers can opt for sister site Southwinds, within easy reach of the beach and boasting excellent sea views.
This is a surfer's paradise, and it’s the perfect place to stay for beginner surfing in Cornwall.
17. Polzeath Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Wadebridge
Polzeath Camping and Caravanning Club is another popular campsite in Polzeath, and another ideal destination for surfers.
Positioned close to the popular surfing haven of Polzeath, this campsite is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts and families seeking seaside adventures. It’s got comfortable amenities and easy access to all of the points of interest around Polzeath.
18. Budemeadows Touring Park, Bude
Nestled amidst the serene countryside, Budemeadows Touring Park offers a tranquil escape. Its well-groomed grounds, modern amenities, and easy access to both Bude town and nearby beaches make it an inviting destination.
Conclusion
These remarkable campsites encapsulate Cornwall's diverse beauty and cater to varied preferences, ensuring memorable camping experiences amidst the region's natural wonders and cultural richness.
Whether you want to experience the beach, the farmlands, the woods, or fishing villages, there are campsites in Cornwall that are perfect for it. So, if you’re visiting Cornwall and want to experience the best of this area, then camping is definitely one of the best ways to do it.
