Cool Camping: The best campsites in Cornwall
Two of the best campsites in Cornwall near the beach. Family & dog friendly, spacious and with amazing views. Perfect for anyone camping in Cornwall this Spring/Summer.
1. Treen Farm Campsite, Treen
Probably our favourite campsite in Cornwall, this is laid back family camping at it’s best. The location is unbeatable, just a short walk along the coast path from Porthcurno and some of Cornwall’s best beaches. Absolute winner for the summer
Treen vs our Family Camping Checklist:
- Family and dog friendly campsite
- Communal campfire in the field below the campsite
- Generous pitches and plenty of space to run around
- Something for the kids? Each morning and evening the farm’s Guernsey cows wonder past the campsite gateway – great fun for the kids to watch
- Great location, camping near to Cornwall’s best beaches
The Campsite
It’s difficult to beat the location of Treen. The views from the campsite are stunning, and the sunsets are magical.
The campsite is relatively basic; loos and shower facilities are simple, but well maintained and electric hookups are limited. There is an onsite shop that is well stocked and a ‘campers kitchen’ with microwave & toaster etc if you need to heat something up quickly.
There’s a communal fire pit which is a very sociable spot to hang out. At weekends there are often caterers that come on site cooking up their signature dish if you don’t fancy cooking and you rarely see the children as the head off adventuring around the site.
The downside of this campsite is you cannot book, so you need to get there early in the day to try to get a spot.
Need to know:
- Fully licensed onsite shop
- Hot showers are token operated
- Washing machine and tumble dryer available on site
- No large motorhomes due to narrow lanes
Location: Camping near Porthcurno, Cornwall
The campsite is just a field or two from the coast path. My favourite beach, Pedn Vounder is a 10 minute walk away from the campsite. Set below incredible dramatic cliffs, the beach is unmanned and best at low tide. More well-known Porthcurno is just along the coast with a great café, the Museum of Global Communications (surprising cool, despite its name) for a good rainy day activity, and the amazing outdoor Minack theatre.
GWGW’s Campsite Rating:
With so many amazing beaches, this really is a great family campsite for a summer holiday or weekend break in Cornwall.
The children rated this campsite 10/10!
2. Penrose Farm Wild Campsite, Maenporth
This is a slightly different campsite. If you’re into campsite luxury, it’s not the one for you. But if you want space, freedom and a great location, nestled between Maenporth Beach and Swanpool, then it’s worth investigating.
Penrose vs our Family Camping Checklist:
- Family and dog friendly campsite
- Campfires allowed (though not advisable when the grass is dry)
- No pitches, just 3 massive fields and plenty of space to run around
- Something for the kids? Space, wilderness, freedom, wildlife
- Great location, and amazing sea views
- Only facilities are 2 compost loos and a tap
The Campsite
Campsite is a strong word. Penrose is 3 fields with fantastic views out to sea owned by Nigel, the very friendly famer. Nigel has built two compost loos (basic but clean) and installed a tap but this is the extent of facilities. What you get from this site is loads of space and total freedom to pitch where you like and do as you please which is rare for a campsite so close to the sea. There’s a gate which takes you directly on to the coast path and Maenporth is a 10 minute walk away.
Whilst we were staying, a storm rolled through and some poor other campers lost their tents! Luckily our Vango Joro Air has extra storm reinforcements so the tent held firm. Phew.
Need to know:
- Think wild camping. Very limited facilities
- The fields are on a gradient, you might wake up at the bottom of your tent!
- Only open during the summer holidays
- £20 per night to pitch. Quite pricey for what you get
Location: Camping near Falmouth, Cornwall
Having spent most of my childhood in this part of Cornwall, I love it! It’s a great stretch of coast line to explore either on the coastpath or on the sea with an SUP/kayak. Sandy Maenporth beach has a café serving ice creams and coffees, plus pizzas and beers in the evening if pre-booked.
It’s worth visiting nearby Helford Passage where you can jump on a ferry boat across the water and visit some great local pubs. Falmouth also has the National Maritime Museum which is my children’s favourite place to hang out.
GWGW’s Campsite Rating:
The views out to sea are incredible and the sense of freedom makes this campsite very special. The sloping field isn’t perfect but we can get over that. Nigel also hosts some private parties and events which can be noisy so best to check with him that nothing is happening over your stay before you book in.
The children rated this campsite 8/10
Going Camping?
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