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The joy of going on a camping trip with friends and family is unmatchable in many ways!
Nothing beats the excitement of sitting by the bonfire in the evening, sipping on a glass of beer and chilling with your buddies and loved ones. And if the camping site happens to be near a beach, you’ll feel the ocean breeze on your face while listening to the sounds of the waves, which makes it even better.
But the question is – where do you find such a site in the UK? Well, the south-west county of Cornwall has got you covered, for it boasts a rich coastline that is dotted with pristine campsites in the lap of nature.
So, if you want to experience the bliss of a beachside camping trip, then read on!
10 Best Beach Campsites In Cornwall
1. Mount Pleasant Eco Park, Porthtowan
When talking about seaside camping spots in Cornwall, Mount Pleasant is one of the best there is. Based in the quaint seaside town of Porthtowan, the sprawling eco-friendly camping site promises a fully sustainable experience for as long as you stay here. It has enough space for almost 40 camping pitches, and most of them have sea views.
The campsite is located very close to the Porthtowan beach. On foot, you will be able to get to the beach within 15 minutes, provided you follow the signs along the road. Although, if you’re like us, you will want to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the surrounding landscape and town, which will end up taking more than 15 minutes.
Mount Pleasant Eco Park has all the necessary amenities available on-site, such as food and electricity. There’s a cafe here as well that serves delicious vegan meals made using organic ingredients. Likewise, the charging points and other electrical facilities are solar-powered and are available for use throughout the day.
You can get some surfing lessons from the nearby surf school if you feel like it. Apart from that, there are a ton of activities to keep you engaged in the camp.
2. Treen Farm Campsite, Treen
Situated close to the westernmost point of Cornwall, the Treen Farm campsite has several beaches nearby. The closest is Pedn Vounder beach, which is a relatively isolated patch of golden sand, perfect for those seeking peace and tranquillity. However, you do need to brave the cliffs to get down to the beach, which can be a bit risky if you’re not in good shape.
In that case, you can walk a little distance to reach the much larger and more accessible Porthcurno beach. If you are feeling a tad adventurous, then you can explore the different coves along the coastline. But if you want to do some surfing, then you should head up to Sennen beach on the north coast, which is a few minutes’ drive away from the campsite.
Another interesting spot near the campsite is the PK Porthcurno Telegraph museum, which is a great place to visit with the whole family. There are several pubs and fine dining restaurants near the camping site as well, primarily in Treen and Porthcurno. As for the campsite itself, it is quite spacious and has all the required facilities on-site, such as showers and washing facilities, fire pits, electric hook-ups, and kitchens.
3. YHA Land’s End, St. Just
Set in the small town of St. Just, this campsite is close to Land’s End, which is the westernmost point in England, hence the name. The campsite has around 12 camping pitches and includes all the necessary amenities, such as showers, self-catering kitchens, and a bar. On top of that, there are two cosy bell tents for glampers, along with a beautiful front lawn.
The camp has stunning panoramic sea views, meaning that you can enjoy the spectacular sunsets right from the campsite. But if you want more, you can walk along the south-west coast path for 15 to 20 minutes to reach the Sennen and Gwynver beaches. Here you can chill on the golden sands or ride the waves on your surfboard if you wish.
On walking a bit further, you will eventually reach the Land’s End viewpoint, which offers majestic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Alternatively, you can head east into the moorlands of Penwith. The area is part of the Corning Mining World Heritage site, where you’ll find several mines that showcase the mining history of Cornwall.
4. East Crinnis Holiday Park, Par
Locally known as East Crinnis farm, this campsite is situated in the town of Par in south Cornwall. It is within easy walking distance from Carlyon Bay, which is the nearest beach to this campsite. Two other beaches can be accessed from here – Par Sands Beach and St. Austell Bay.
Traditional campers can make use of the large, flat and grassy spaces of the campsite to set up tents. If you are looking for more comfort, then you can opt for the log cabins, holiday homes or the geodesic glamping domes located on-site. And to keep yourself and the kids engaged, you can partake in the different events organised within the camping grounds.
You could also go out exploring the nearby towns of St. Austell and Par in the evenings. Likewise, if you wish to grab a bite, you can check out the different fine-dining restaurants and pubs that are near the camping site.
The campsite has its own seasonal eatery, known as The Shack, which offers all kinds of delicacies made from the finest quality organic ingredients. It is licensed to sell beverages too, which means that you get the chance to taste the finest Cornish Ciders and Ale.
5. Trelispen Camping Park, Gorran Haven
Tucked in the scenic seaside town of Gorran Haven on the south coast, the Trelispen camping park offers a great ambience. It is adjacent to a working farm and has ample space for setting up tents. As long as you respect your fellow campers’ boundaries, you can pitch the bell tent anywhere, which is one of the highlights of this campsite.
You will be glad to know that there are two beaches near the site. The nearest one is Gorran Haven beach, which is a bit small but boasts an excellent atmosphere.
There is a small seaside cafe where you can savour some local delicacies. Plus, there are boating and kayaking facilities available on this beach, which is great if you are looking to spend some time on the water.
Following the coastal path nearby, you will arrive at the larger Vault beach. Compared to the previous beach, this one is a bit secluded but is quite peaceful because of that. So, you can stroll on the sand and enjoy the splashes of the waves as they hit the shore.
If you prefer, you can spend time at the campsite too. You get a good view of the ocean from here as well, which makes it perfect for chilling with friends and family.
6. Highertown Farm Campsite, Looe
The Highertown Farm campsite is run by the National Trust Rangers and is a little distance away from the coastal town of Looe. Compared to some of our previous options, it is a bit low-key, which makes it perfect for those who want a simplistic camping experience.
Surrounded by idyllic villages, the campsite has a clear view of the ocean, which makes for a stunning vibe. And if you want to get your feet wet, then you can head down to Lansallos beach, which is just a stone’s throw away. You can also check out Parson’s cove or Broughton Bay hiking spot if you are in the mood to do some exploring.
The campsite has all the essential facilities that you’ll need, such as showers, toilets, washing points, electricity, and electric hook-ups in the winter. It accommodates around 30 pitching areas and allows both tents and campervans.
There is a friendly local grocer who drops by the camp with supplies every week. But if you want to head out to eat, you can check out the restaurants in Looe or any one of the surrounding villages of Polperro, Polruan, Pelynt or Lanreath. And if you fancy a drink, you’ll find pubs there too.
7. Mousehole Camping Site, Paul
Aside from the fact that there is a cricket and football stadium adjacent to it, the Mousehole camping site offers a unique camping experience. It is due to this reason that it attracts a large number of campers each year.
The camping ground has all the amenities available on-site, ranging from showers, toilets to washing facilities. Additionally, there is a clubhouse bar that serves cheap drinks and food. Overall, there is a great community atmosphere on the campsite, which makes it an excellent choice for a camping holiday.
If you want a more fine-dining experience, you could head into the town of Paul, which has a few restaurants and pubs. Or you could go a little further down the road to the small fishing village of Mousehole, which offers a lot more choices in this regard.
While you’re here, be sure to check out its picturesque harbour filled with colourful boats and dinghies. And when the tide is low, you can chill out on the small sandy beach near the harbour.
If you head a bit north, you will arrive at the coastal town of Penzance, which has several spots to hang out with friends and family. For instance, you can jump into the waters of the Jubilee swimming pool or admire the artworks over at the Exchange Gallery.
You could also drive out to the Geevor Tin Mine Museum and the PK Porthcurno Telegraph Museum to experience a slice of Cornish history.
8. Henry’s Campsite, Lizard
This is a small, family-run campsite that lies in the small village of Lizard on the Lizard Peninsula. It is very close to Lizard Point (a popular tourist spot), which is the southernmost tip of Cornwall. The camp offers a great view of the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to its sea-facing pitches and its position on top of the Caerthillian Valley.
All the pitches are surrounded by wild and cultivated plants, which provides a decent amount of privacy. Furthermore, it has all the necessary facilities on-site to make your stay a pleasant one.
There is a shop that offers all sorts of supplies for your camping trip, ranging from ice to even tents!
If you want some hearty pub grub, you can check out the pubs in the village. Apart from that, there are several other food shops to keep your tummies filled. And if you want some souvenirs to take back home, you can visit the several gift shops here.
For those who want to explore the nearby regions, you will find several small beaches and coves to scratch that itch for adventure.
9. Tehidy Holiday Park, Redruth
Nestled conveniently between St. Ives and St. Agnes, the Tehidy Holiday park in Redruth is the ideal location for a beach camping trip. Surrounded by lush meadows, it is a few minutes walk away from some of the finest sandy beaches on the north coast.
The nearest is the Portreath beach, where you can feel the thriving beach culture of Cornwall for yourself. If you want to hit the surf, then you can head to the beach, which is known for its excellent surfing conditions. There is also the Lushington beach, which is a bit secluded and hence perfect for those seeking a calmer ambience. Although, this one can only be accessed when the tide is low.
As for the campsite itself, you will find that it has all the necessary accommodations for campers and glampers. There are tent pitches and campervan sites for those who want the regular camping experience. But if you want a little more luxury, you can opt for the cottages, wigwams and holiday homes on the site.
All the required facilities are available here, such as showers, toilets and washing rooms. There are charging points for your electronics and your car as well. What’s more, you have access to Wi-Fi, meaning that you can stay connected at all times.
10. Coastal Valley Camp And Crafts, Newquay
The Coastal Valley Camp and Crafts site is situated on the outskirts of Newquay, which is one of the most happening destinations in Cornwall. If you camp here, you will have access to some of the most popular and gorgeous beaches on the Cornish coastline.
A few minutes of walking, and you will be at Watergate Bay, which is a beach known for its clear waters and golden sands. Then there’s Porth beach, which has a large shoreline with scattered rock pools.
If you go further south, you will come across several smaller beaches, such as the Towan Beach, Great Western Beach and Newquay Beach. And finally, there’s the Fistral beach, which is regarded as the surf capital of the UK.
Besides beaches, there are other tourist attractions to check out in Newquay and its surrounding areas. The most prominent among them is the Blue Reef Aquarium and the Newquay Zoo. But if you don’t want to leave the camping grounds, we have good news for you. There are several activities and events on the campsite to keep you engaged throughout the day.
When Is The Best Time To Go Camping By The Beach In Cornwall?
Now that you know some of the top beach camping destinations in Cornwall, you might ask – what is the best time of the year to go camping? Well, you will be relieved to know that the weather in Cornwall remains relatively milder than in the rest of the UK throughout the year. As such, you can go camping whenever you like.
However, you need to keep an eye out for the rains since they are quite unpredictable as in the rest of the country. That said, we would personally recommend that you go on a camping trip during the summer months. The camps feel lively during this time of the year, which means that you can make the most of your camping holiday.
Final Words
That’s about everything we have to say about the best beach camping sites in Cornwall. If you like beaches and love camping, then the information provided in this guide will be immensely helpful for planning your next trip.
Of course, there are numerous other camping spots littered across the coast of Cornwall that you can check out. But from our experience, these are the ones that provide the best ambience and facilities.
So, start packing your bags and get going. In the meantime, we’ll be wrapping up over here.
Happy camping, everyone!
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