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A guide to camping in Cornwall

It’s no secret that Cornwall has magic: rugged coastlines that'll make the perfect postcard picture, villages so charming they belong on biscuit tins, and wild moors ideal for pretending you're in a period drama.

Camping in Cornwall means waking up to seagull symphonies and falling asleep to wave lullabies. Pure bliss, really.

When to go camping in Cornwall

May through to September delivers Cornwall at its finest. The weather cooperates, wildflowers carpet the clifftops, and you can swim in the sea without turning blue.

That said, let’s take a closer look at each camping season in Cornwall.

Summer

July and August bring the masses. Expect a few queues for pasties, and busier beaches and campsites. The upside? Long days, warm evenings, and that buzzing holiday atmosphere that makes everyone ridiculously cheerful (and slightly sunkissed).

Spring and autumn

Shoulder seasons are Cornwall camping gold. May, June, and September offer brilliant weather with breathing room. Fewer crowds fighting for the best beach spots and locals who actually have time for a proper chat. Early autumn's particularly lovely with its golden light and cosy jumper weather.

Winter

Though it may enjoy milder weather than other parts of the UK, winter camping in Cornwall is best attempted only if you're tough as old boots. We're talking sideways rain, howling winds, and fewer campsite facilities. However, these brave souls are rewarded with dramatic stormy seascapes (with epic selfies) and bragging rights that last a lifetime.

Types of camping in Cornwall

Classic tent

Classic tent camping remains unbeatable for authentic outdoor living. Nothing beats waking up inches from the ground with canvas walls and morning condensation as your alarm clock. It’s also budget-friendly and genuinely satisfying when you nail that perfect pitch. You'll hear every raindrop, feel every breeze, and earn true camping credentials. Plus, your gear fits in a rucksack rather than requiring a small van.

Away Resorts offers a range of standard grass pitches and electric grass pitches, making it easy to find the set-up that suits your style. Our campsites are also dog-friendly, so your four-legged friend can join the adventure. Read more about camping with dogs here.

Glamping

Glamping pods offer the best compromise for comfort seekers. Think camping with a proper bed, functional heating, and walls that don't flap in the wind. Perfect for first-timers or anyone who draws the line at sleeping on bumpy ground. Some pods come with kitchenettes and electricity, so you can still cook outdoors but retreat to civilisation when needed.

Our new luxury glamping pod at St Ives Bay gives campers a more upscale experience, while staying close to Cornwall’s stunning coastlines. These pods are also dog-friendly, so the whole family can enjoy the holiday.

The best campsites in Cornwall

Choosing the perfect camping site in Cornwall comes down to two things: stunning locations and facilities that don’t make you question your life choices.

These top picks deliver exactly that.

St Ives Bay

Perched above one of Cornwall's most spectacular coastlines, St Ives Bay offers touring pitches with electric hook-ups and water points. The site overlooks Carbis Bay's golden sands and turquoise waters that rival the Mediterranean on a good day. Facilities include heated shower blocks, a shop that stocks essentials, and enough space to avoid feeling cramped. Perfect for Cornwall camping near the beach.

Find out more

What makes it special

You're minutes from St Ives harbour and its galleries, seafood restaurants, and winding cobbled streets. The coastal path starts practically at your tent door, leading to hidden coves and dramatic clifftop views. Plus, the site's elevated position means you'll wake up to sunrise over the bay without leaving your sleeping bag.

Nearby attractions

Tate St Ives: stunning contemporary art with sea views to match.
St Ives harbour: buzzing with fishing boats, ice cream vendors, and plenty of charming, independent shops.
Local beaches: Carbis Bay beach offers safer swimming for families, while Porthmeor Beach attracts surfers and sun worshippers.

Discover more things to do near St Ives!

Newperran (near Newquay)

Nestled in the heart of Cornwall's north coast, Newperran camping sits minutes from some of the county's finest beaches. This family-friendly site offers spacious grass pitches with electric hook-ups, modern facilities, and is a short drive from Perranporth beach: three miles of golden coastline perfect for surfing, sandcastles, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.

Find out more

What makes it special

Newperran’s location delivers the perfect balance of convenience and tranquillity. You can walk to the beach without fighting traffic or hunting for parking spaces. The site itself feels like a real community with entertainment for kids, heated indoor pools, and evening shows that don't make adults cringe (a genuine miracle in the holiday park world).

Nearby attractions

Perranporth town: surf schools, beachside cafes, and enough pubs to fuel several evenings of local storytelling.
Healeys Cornish Cyder: sample local ciders (including the famous Rattler), explore orchards, and meet the resident farm animals.
Penhale Dunes: everything from rare wildlife to excellent walking trails leading to hidden valleys and ancient mining remains.

Two children running on the beach with surf boards towards the sea.

Tips for camping in Cornwall

Prepare for all weather

Cornwall's weather changes faster than a toddler's mood. Pack for four seasons in one day because you'll likely experience blazing sunshine, driving rain, and howling winds before teatime. Bring waterproof everything and pack more layers than you think you need.

Respect the environment and local wildlife

Respect the environment and you'll be welcomed back. Cornwall's landscapes look pristine because locals and visitors protect them. Keep to marked paths, take rubbish home, and give wildlife space to do their thing. Seals might look cuddly, but they bite, and disturbing nesting birds can result in hefty fines.

Pack region-specific essentials

Pack smart for coastal living. A tide-timer watch prevents embarrassing situations like getting stranded on rocks or planning beach walks during high tide. Midge repellent saves evenings from becoming slapping competitions, especially near water. Coastal maps show hidden paths and emergency routes when the weather turns nasty.

Book ahead for peak season

Book early for summer camping. Cornwall's popularity means decent pitches can disappear fast. Popular sites fill up months ahead, particularly those near beaches or with decent facilities. Flexibility with dates opens up more options and better prices.

Use windbreaks when cooking outdoors

Use proper windbreaks when cooking outdoors. Cornish coastal winds can turn camping stoves into temperamental beasts and barbecues into fire hazards. Position screens to block prevailing winds and create functional cooking zones. Your fellow campers will appreciate not dodging flying napkins and tent pegs during dinner preparation. Here’s our ultimate camping food checklist to get you inspired.

Why choose Away Resorts for your Cornwall camping holiday?

Our Cornish campsites sit in prime coastal locations where you can roll out of your tent onto stunning beaches and sweeping countryside. Proper facilities mean hot showers that stay hot, clean loos, and electric hook-ups that work when you need them.

With no nasty surprises or hidden fees, camping holidays in Cornwall with Away Resorts are straightforward and even come with backup plans (i.e. indoor pools plus onsite entertainment and shops) for rainy days. Our knowledgeable teams know Cornwall inside out and love sharing local secrets: get in touch today to start planning your trip.

FAQs about camping in Cornwall

Can you camp on beaches in Cornwall?

Beach camping isn't allowed on most Cornish beaches. Local bylaws protect these areas, and you'll likely get moved on by wardens or coastguards. Some beaches permit overnight parking for campervans in designated areas, but camping requires official campsites.

Is wild camping legal in Cornwall?

Wild camping is technically illegal without landowner permission. However, some remote areas, like parts of Bodmin Moor, see discrete overnight camping. Always pitch late, leave early, and respect the landscape. Getting caught means awkward explanations and potential fines.

Is Cornwall campervan-friendly?

Cornwall welcomes campervans with designated pitches at many holiday parks and campsites. Narrow lanes can challenge larger vehicles, but main routes accommodate standard motorhomes. Many car parks restrict overnight stays, so book proper pitches rather than taking a chance with roadside parking.

Can I bring my dog on my Cornwall camping holiday?

Many Cornish campsites (including Away Resorts’ locations!) welcome well-behaved dogs. Many beaches allow dogs year-round, though some impose summer restrictions. The South West Coast Path offers brilliant dog walks, and numerous pubs serve four-legged visitors alongside their owners.