Camping in Cornwall Near the Beach

Written by: Eliot Prince

I spent this morning dusting off my tent and charging my camping lights!

That’s because I’m super excited about yet another trip camping in Cornwall near the beach.

It’s one of my favourite adventures. Pitching up just yards from the beach, ready for sun up and sun down surf… Plus plenty of BBQs.

And with hundreds of sunny, sandy beaches to choose from, it’s the perfect spot for Cornwall beach camping. So pack up your tents and marshmallows and get ready to discover the best camping sites in Cornwall! 

In this article, we’ll cover the best Cornwall campsites near the beach, including:

  • Rules around camping on the beach in Cornwall
  • Our top 10 Cornwall campsites near the beach
  • Unique features and advantages of each campsite. 

Ready, campers? Let’s get started!


Can You Camp on the Beach in Cornwall?

Considering that wild camping can cause severe problems for Cornwall’s local community and environment, it is widely discouraged (so much so that the local council issued a warning). 

Additionally, every beach has different policies, so you need to figure out the rules for each. 

It’s best to plan ahead and find the right camping site in Cornwall to have the best experience. 

Think about it: would you want to gaze at the stars and eat marshmallows just to have your site shut down? Or worse – be at risk of being fined? 

So yes, you can camp near the beach in Cornwall — as long as you do it at a proper camping site!


Top Cornwall Beach Campsites

Pentire Coastal Holiday Park

Glanmping pods at pentire holiday park

Address: Pentire Haven Holiday Park, Kilkhampton, Bude EX23 9HP

Phone: 01288 321 601

Located in North Cornwall, the award-winning Pentire Coastal Holiday Park is a great place to add a bit of luxury to your camping at the beach. 

Open year-round, they offer pet-friendly options, free Wi-Fi, and a kid’s playground, making it the perfect family spot for camping. 

And, for those who want to be comfortable while camping, the Pentire Coastal Holiday Park is also the perfect site for glamping. 

You can choose from their fully furnished Safari Tents (then even have kitchenettes!) or one of their stunning luxury holiday homes. 

Activities recommended close by include taking a scenic walk through Sandymouth Bay Beach, or soaking in the stunning views at Compass Point.

sandymouth bay
Credit: Dan-1984

When dinner time arrives, you can eat delicious homemade food at the Little Pig Farmshop or have some local drinks at the London Inn. 

This camping site offers stunning sea views, access to a bar and restaurant, and direct access to the South West Coast Path. 

Pentire Coastal Holiday Park is where comfort, luxury, and nature meet. What else do you need? 


Perran Sands Holiday Park

perran sands beach camping

Address: Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth TR6 0AQ

Phone: 01872 573 551

Picture this: golden sand, salty air, and sunbathing in one of the most beautiful campsites in Cornwall. 

Located in the charming seaside town of Perranporth, the Perran Sands Holiday Park is perfect for families with kids. 

This campsite is equipped with not just one but TWO pools, a lazy river, and even watersports. 

But if you’re more of a “just want to relax at the beach” kind of person, a private beach owned by the park is only 400 yards away. 

The park has numerous camping options, including caravans, lodges, and camping pitches. And there are several restaurants and pubs nearby for those who love enjoying delicious cuisine while on holiday (who doesn’t?). 

perran sands beach

Your kids will never want to go home, as this park offers various activities such as fishing, surfing lessons, and mini golf! 

Without a doubt, the Perran Sands Holiday Park offers one of the most entertaining camping experiences near the beach in Cornwall. 


Pentewan Sands

pentewan sands

Address: Pentewan Sands, Pentewan, Saint Austell PL26 6BT

Phone: 01726 843 485

Next up is the family-owned campsite Pentewan Sands. Whether you’re after a fancy camping experience or want to sleep under the stars and wake up to the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, Pentewan Sands has your back. 

At this holiday park, there are various ways to stay. Bring your tent, sleep in your caravan, or hire one of their well-equipped holiday homes! 

Its location is ideal for visiting the picturesque fishing village of Mevagissey Bay, or the mysterious past at the Lost Gardens of Heligan. You can also enjoy the views of the iconic Mevagissey Bay.

Pentewan sands campsite by the beach in Cornwall

And, as if that wasn’t enough, guests can also swim or do water sports at Pentewan Sands’ private beach! 

On hot summer days, guests at Pentewan Sands can refresh with a swim in their indoor pool, drink a cocktail by the beachside restaurant, or take their little ones for a fun experience at their indoor water park, The Seahorse. 


Sandy Acres Campsite

Address: 22 Sandyacres, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 5BA

Phone: 07494 436 635

Camp at the sandy beaches and learn how to surf at Sandy Acres Campsite

Offering camping, glamping, and static caravans, this campsite is located on the dunes of Hayle Beach and is a top choice for campers looking to do a little exploring. 

With the West Cornwall Coast and the historic mining town of Redruth nearby, campers can also easily go on a little journey to explore the wonders of Cornwall. 

And, if you’re particularly keen on getting into the water, guests can even learn how to surf at the Sandy Acres Surf School – no matter their skill level!

A unique feature of this campsite is its fantastic beach pods, which are a version of glamping. Sleep on the beach track for a true camping experience – only much more luxurious. Some even allow dogs! 

Glowing reviews on Tripadvisor recall a “simply breathtaking” experience.


Sun Haven Holiday Park

sun haven camping site

Address: Sun Haven Valley Holiday Park, Mawgan Porth, Newquay TR8 4BQ

Phone: 0333 200 2780

You can find the Sun Haven Valley Country Holiday Park nestled in a quiet valley near the North Cornwall Coast. Perfect for nature lovers, you’re sure to have a peaceful camping experience here. 

Located in Mawgan Porth near Newquay, this campsite offers various camping options. Guests can bring their caravan, do glamping, or camp within easy reach of the beach! 

Perks include a heated pool (for rainy days), a fishing lake (perfect for an Instagram photo), and a pub (enjoy happy hour!). 

Mawgan Porth Beach

Sun Valley Country Holiday Park is located only a few steps from the award-winning Mawgan Porth beach — a true paradise for the sea, walkers, and nature lovers.


Southwinds, Polzeath

southwinds camping polzeath

Address: Southwinds Camping Park, Old Polzeath Road, Polzeath, Wadebridge PL27 6QU
Phone: 01208 863 267

Southwinds in Polzeath is a small family-run business for those campers looking for a simple but unique camping experience. 

If you want to strip camping back to its basics, then staying at Southwinds is a must. This site is in Wadebridge and overlooks the best of both worlds: the sea and the countryside. 

Southwinds is made up of four spacious fields which have a variety of options for campers. So whether you’re looking to stay in a caravan, a motorhome, or a good old-fashioned tent, Southwinds has you covered. 

Some of the site’s perks include horse riding, golfing, and bike hire, and it’s perfect for couples or families who want a peaceful, laid-back getaway. 

Southwinds campsite is also only a short walk to Polzeath beach and village, where you can take your whole family (including the dogs) for a swim or to do a little shopping.

camping polzeath beach

Friendly reviews from past guests recall a “really friendly and welcoming” experience. 


Trevornick Holiday Park

Trevornick Holiday Park Camping

Address: Holywell Bay, Holywell, Newquay TR8 5PW

Phone: 01637 830 531

For campers who want to escape to a magical destination and take the whole family, Trevornick Holiday Park is for you!

Picture this: after a long day at the beach, you relax in your cozy ready tent, which is fully equipped. 

When hunger strikes, you set up a BBQ and have a good banter with the neighbors. Later at night, when the kids are asleep, you visit the on-site bar to down a couple of beers. 

This is not a dream — it’s all possible if you stay at Trevornick Holiday Park! 

This site is located in Holywell Bay, and it’s been around since 1963. Trevornick Holiday Park was also renowned as the number one destination for “fun family holidays” in Cornwall. 

Holywell bay camping near the beach in Cornwall

Some amenities that make this campsite truly special include a TV on-site, an indoor heated pool, and a spa! 

A fantastic review from a past guest praises, 

Trevornick in Cornwall is fantastic!!!! On a beautiful beach called Holywell Bay, couple of pubs nearby, mini golf, 18 hole par 3 golf course, fishing lake, swimming pool, on-site bar, arcade, shop, surf hire, immaculate shower blocks, statics, and park homes.” 


Sennen Cove Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Sennen Cove Camping and camper van

Address: Higher Tregiffian Farm, Penzance TR19 6JB

Phone: 01736 871 588

Located on the edge of the county, Sennen Cove Camping and Caravanning Club Site is perfect for those looking to relax by the beach, with Sennen Cove beach only a short walk away for those who cannot wait to splash in the water. 

This camping site is also surrounded by gorgeous green scenery for those who just can’t get enough of nature. 

This site offers pitches for caravans and tents, so take your pick. You can also choose from one of their glamping options if you’re in need of a little bit of an extra experience! 

They’ll also provide you with all the amenities you need for the ultimate camping experience — and at a reasonable price!

Sennen Cove Camping

Looking to explore the local area? Minack Theatre, the historic open-air theatre is close by, as is the historic castle and island, St. Michaels Mount and Land’s End is a short walk away along the south west path.

And for those of you who are a little more adventurous and water sport-minded, you can learn to surf at Sennen Cove or only a few miles away at Whitsand Bay!


Treloan Coastal Holidays

Treloan Coastal Holidays views over the beach

Address: Treloan Lane Gerrans, Portscatho, Truro TR2 5EF

Phone: 01872 580 989

Treloan Coastal Holidays camping park welcomes you all year round. Located in the beautiful, untouched, rural Roseland Peninsula, when you stay at this site, you can enjoy stunning views of Gerrans Bay.

The family-owned campsite welcomes both families and dogs. Accommodation options include mobile homes, camping pitches, glamping pods, and backpacker pitches. 

A small shop sells local products near the campsite for campers who want to support local businesses. In addition, there is plenty to keep your little ones happy, such as the site’s animal feeding, where kids can feed chickens and sheep.

Treloan beach camping with vw vans

Some more activities that Treloan Coastal campsite offers are pop-up family workshops  (learn to make hand puppets!), and from mid-July to August the site owners James and Pete like to entertain their guests by lighting a fire and having a BBQ with live music!


Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping

Dropped Anchor Sea View Camping

Address: Trewavas Lane, Breage, Helston TR13 9QB

Phone: 07706 832 152

Last but not least, you have a camping experience like no other. 

With no electricity or Wi-Fi, campers can forget all about the modern world and have a genuine camping experience at the Dropped Anchor Sea View

An eco-friendly campsite located on a cliff overlooking Mount’s Bay, this campsite offers guests a wild camping experience, but with the luxury of convenient facilities (and no legal restrictions is also a plus). 

Expect composting toilets and solar-powered showers, and 15 spacious pitches (all with their own fire pit and sea view). Enjoy nature at this campsite, and take care of the environment — all at the same time!

However, if a pitched tent isn’t really your style, the Holly Caravan is available for those looking for a bit more comfort. 

Whichever option you go for, this one’s the perfect spot for nature lovers and hikers.


Get Ready For Camping by the Beach in Cornwall!

Camping in Cornwall allows you to relax, recharge, and enjoy nature in the best (and more affordable) way possible — particularly when Cornwall is one of the sunniest places in the UK!

Whether you’re a camper or more of a Cornwall glamping lover, now you know where to head on your next camping holiday, and what to expect!

So what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen and your sense of adventure, take that holiday you deserve, and book your next beach-side Cornish camping holiday!