Cornwall is a hugely popular destination for campers and it's no surprise with our miles upon miles of glorious beaches spread across two distinct coastlines. The north coast has storm ravaged cliffs that tower hundreds of feet above long, golden sandy beaches and secluded coves that shelter quaint fishing villages. The more sheltered south coast has an altogether milder nature, with hidden tropical gardens, estuaries that wind their way inland along rivers lined by ancient woodlands and their fair share of tranquil beaches.
Cornwall is lucky enough to have some fantastic campsites, and while some are happy to visit bustling mega-sites, complete with nightclub and amusement arcade we've compiled a list of some of our favourite sites. Campsites that are, maybe, more akin to Cornwall's gentler pace of life and laid back atmosphere.
Situated just off the A30 at Blackwater is a small holiday park nestled amongst tall pines and mature gardens. As you venture down the drive, with recreation field on your right, you can't help but notice just how immaculately kept the grounds are. Colourful Hydrangeas boast large balls of flowers, hanging baskets are full to bursting and the Cornish hedges home the odd rabbit. The site has an intimate and secluded feel that suits campers wanting to relax and unwind.
Trevarth is a family friendly site that caters for both campers and tourers as well as having a number of permanent static caravans. The toilets and showers are, as with the rest of the site, spotlessly clean. Kids and big kids alike have the choice of entertainment including a games room, complete with pool and football table and outdoor play area. There is also a large recreation field where there is ample space for kids to run, fly kite, play football or, if they can keep still long enough, spot some wildlife. Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
There are a host of beaches all within a ten minute drive of Trevarth Holiday Park and the rest of Cornwall is easily accessible via the A30 just two minutes up the road.
Located on the outskirts of Goonhaven, a quaint village not more than five minutes drive from Perranporth and its' three mile beach, is Penrose Holiday Park. This family owned park is a delight with spacious level pitches and well tendered mature gardens that feature tall trees, abundant flower beds and the odd tall bamboo. The facilities are clean and modern, housed in a small complex at the centre of the park next to the reception. Surrounded by generous planting and wooden benches, it is a perfect place to sit and indulge in an ice cream whilst enjoying the sun and watching the world go by. The camping fields are divided by hedgerows and bushes that offer just the right amount of privacy whilst not feeling too secluded. There is a great children's play area that has a large climbing frame, complete with slide, monkey bars and swings to keep kids happy as well as an outdoor table tennis table. Dogs are welcome and to accommodate their needs there is a dog walking field where they are free to roam.
Within two minutes walk you can find a small shop and the New Inn public house that serves good food and you can treat yourself to a well earned pint of Cornish Ale. A great selection of beaches are only a short drive away, the nearest being Perranporth, one of Cornwall's best surfing beaches and home to Chapel Rock and its seaside facing tidal pool. Perranporth has plenty of shops and restaurants, the most famous of which is the Watering Hole nestled at the base of the extensive sand dunes.
This park is probably the largest parks on our list of favourite Cornish campsites, but that does not affect the sites personal feel. Not far from Truro, Cornwall's capital city, on the road to Falmouth you will find Carnon Downs caravan and camping park. Greeted by an overwhelming feeling of space and a tree lined driveway, your first port of call is the lodge styled reception. Immaculate landscaping and mature hedgerows separate and divide the larger fields into smaller pitches that offer just the right amount of privacy. There are numerous toilet and shower blocks, some architecturally striking, often featuring large expanses of glass that allow an abundance of natural light into the building. While others are more traditional, but all house modern facilities. There is a huge adventure play area complete with wiggly caterpillar, swings and slides surrounded by soft sand. Stannard's Wood offers acres of pristine woodland serving as a natural retreat for both children and adults to forage and explore without even leaving the site.
The nearest village is Carnon Downs itself, where there is a medium sized shop to stock up on supplies. No more than two minutes drive down the road is Devoran a creek side village that is extremely beautiful at high tide. If shopping and a great selection of restaurants is your thing then Truro is close at hand. Alternatively, the third largest natural harbour in the world and Falmouth and its' beaches are within a fifteen minute drive.
Just two miles from Truro in the village of Shortlanesend, tucked away down a country lane is Summer Valley, a touring park that resides on the south facing side of a valley - hence the name. The site is essentially one large field split in two by a row of large trees, the bottom of which is perfect for den making. There is a large heated facilities block kept to a high standard, with toilets, showers, laundry and indoor washing up area, also there is an information room with Wi-Fi and a book exchange. If cycling is your thing then the St Piran cycle trail 32 is only half a mile away. With a total of 60 pitches there's plenty of room for caravans, motor homes and campers and electric hook up is available if required. Dogs are welcomed as long as they are kept on a lead whilst on site and woodland walk and other footpaths are nearby.
Shortlanesend has a good pub The Old Plough, there is also a Post Office and General store. Truro Cornwall's capital city is just a few minutes drive away and offers plenty of shopping and restaurants. The beaches at Perranporth and St Agnes are also not far away if you fancy trying some surfing or simply fancy a dip in the ocean. Summer Valley is a good central base to explore all that Cornwall has to offer.
