Camping in Cornwall: Best Sites for Sea Views & Starry Skies

Why Go Camping in Cornwall?

A land for all seasons, Cornwall calls to the wild at heart with diverse and dynamic landscapes. At the centre of the county, the untouched swathes of Bodmin Moor are home to vast stretches of wildflower-strewn heath and grassland hewn with granite tors. Giving way to ancient woodland and verdant countryside, the county is eventually greeted by miles of coastline fringed with salt-crusted cliffs, quiet coves, and golden sandy beaches.

Calling for open-air adventures, Cornwall’s wild spaces and mild climate are beacons for those looking to surf, kayak, swim, walk along the South Coast West Path,¹ and more. If you’re seeking Cornwall outdoor adventures, what better way to complement daytime pursuits than with a spot of nighttime magic? After hours of exploring, finding the perfect pitch to turn your gaze starward is hard to beat. From Cornwall coast camping in a traditional tent to novel escapes in a bell tent or luxury offering, there are all sorts of ways to enjoy the night skies and make cherished memories beneath the cosmos.

Best Coastal Campsites in Cornwall for Sea Views

Whether you’ve been camping in Cornwall before or are gearing up for your first trip, camping beside the sea is a Cornish camper’s rite of passage. Grab your roll mat, sleeping bag (or duvet – we’re not judging) and tent and get ready to pitch up at one of the best Cornwall coastal campsites.

Cligga Cliff Farm Camping, Perranporth

If you watched Cornwall with Simon Reeve back in 2020, you may remember Cligga Cliff Farm Campsite. Located on St George’s Hill right above Perranporth, this beautiful spot captured imaginations with its incredible clifftop location on the Cornish coast. Making it all the more sought-after, it’s only open during select weeks in the summer, so you have to be really on the ball to enjoy this little pocket of paradise. The incentive? The back-to-nature philosophy and mesmeric sea views.

Campervans and small motorhomes are welcome (though no caravans) and there is a small toilet block for guests to use. The farm has a no-dog policy, but you can say hello to the resident pigs and chickens! Perranporth is only a 10-minute walk away and you can also take daytrips to north coast hotspots, including Newquay and Bude. Seek waves at Fistral, relax shoreside at Holywell Bay, and hop in the natural outdoor pool at Summerleaze for doses of ocean goodness.

Price: Bookings are made directly with the campsite; prices vary and include camping by donation.

• Address: Cligga Cliff Farm, St Georges Hill, Perranporth, TR6 0EQ
• Grid Reference: SW 74969 53680
• What3Words: large.enchanted.fortress

Trevedra Farm, Gwynver

There’s something particularly special about Trevedra Farm. And not just because it’s where my family and I used to camp every summer. Located right about the sugary sands of Gwynver Beach, this family-friendly campsite occupies its own slice of coastal heaven. A stone’s throw from Sennen and Land’s End, it’s ideal for those looking to enjoy the wilds way out west, whilst still benefiting from a wealth of great facilities.

A dog-friendly campsite, Trevedra Farm welcomes tents, motorhomes, touring caravans and offers both grassy pitches and hardstandings, meaning awning erection is a breeze. Electric hook-ups and an onsite shop and café add that extra splash of comfort to the experience. Meanwhile, a short walk away, the lure of Gywnver promises an unrivalled natural play area for outdoor enthusiasts, from walking and water sports to wildlife watching.

Price: Prices start at £8.75 per adult per night and £5 per child, as well as £6.50 for a tent pitch (no electric) and £15 for a grass caravan pitch (no hook up).

• Address: Trevedra Farm, Gwynver, Sennen, Penzance, TR19 7BS

Grid Reference: SW 36959 27426

What3Words: wakes.steadier.silly

Trevellas Manor Farm, St Agnes

When it comes to the best coastal campsites in Cornwall for sea views, Trevellas Manor Farm comes up with the goods. A family-run site open seasonally, it sits above the coastal village of St Agnes on the county’s north coast with breathtaking views over countryside and coast. Hardstanding and camping pitches are thoughtfully arranged to soak up the views, many of which face west – perfect for sunset hours looking out over crimson-streaked skies.

Step a little closer to the sea and head down to one of the beautiful beaches nearby to find sandy shores. At Chapel Porth, a natural swimming pool resides with the rocks, perfect for bathing at low tide. Meanwhile, rolling swells often make an appearance and tempt surfers from near and far. Stay close-by and enjoy the plethora of pubs, cafés, and takeaway options in the village itself. Or coast-hop over to places like Charlestown and Mevagissey for a bit of adventuring further afield.

Price: Low season costs include £24 for a grass pitch without electric and £30 for a hardstanding pitch with electric. These rise to £32 and £38 respectively in high season. Camping pitches start at £10.

• Address: Trevellas Manor Farm, Crosscoombe, St Agnes, TR5 0XP
• Grid Reference: SW 73249 51941
• What3Words: upon.awestruck.questions

Best Cornwall Campsites for Stargazing

Offering some of the best dark sky camping in the UK, there are two designated International Dark Sky Places in Cornwall: Bodmin Moor and West Penwith. Particularly special, Bodmin Moor was the first of its kind to be designated within a National Landscape,² making it all the more captivating for nights capped by countless stars. Fortunately, for Cornwall stargazing camping, there are some wonderful sites to make the most of the conditions.

South Penquite Farm, Bodmin

For constellation spotting in Cornwall, there are few places more perfect than Bodmin. A designated International Dark Sky Landscape, Bodmin Moor is protected from light pollution thanks to dedicated night sky conservation and boasts a huge array of places to curl up under the stars. Situated in the heart of Bodmin Moor, the 200-acre South Penquite Farm features a family-run campsite just perfect for solo stargazers, couples, and families.

Head over to discover their spacious grass pitches and yurts for an unforgettable camping experience. With an environmentally friendly approach, many of the facilities are adapted to nature, such as solar-heated hot water, rainwater showers, solar panels, and even a small wind turbine to harness the elements. In the lead up to your nightly adventures, make the most of the proximity to the moors for walks, or drive the half an hour to the Eden Project near St Austell for an immersive journey through global flora.

Price: Prices range from £25 per night for non-electric grass pitches to £155 for five-person yurts.

• Address: South Penquite Farm, Blisland, Bodmin, PL30 4LH
• Grid Reference: SX 10804 74997
• What3Words: otters.stable.reforming

Teneriffe Farm Campsite, The Lizard

At the very tip of mainland Britain, the Lizard Peninsula is one of the most wild and unspoilt places imaginable. And, though technically not a Dark Sky Reserve (yet), it is undoubtedly one of the best places for celestial gazing thanks to its limited light pollution and uninterrupted vantage points. To get stuck into your adventure, the National Trust’s Teneriffe Farm Campsite on the Lizard’s Predannack Downs is one of the best dog-friendly campsites Cornwall.

Not only a 10-minute walk from the coast path and a short drive from a number of award-winning beaches, but it also benefits from gorgeous sea views and, you guessed it, lots of starry-starry nights. On site, you’ll find a range of facilities, including showers, laundry, barbecue areas, electric hook-up and Wi-Fi. That said, it’ll be easy to ignore the latter, with nature’s play park on your doorstep night and day.

Price: Rates start at around £11 per night for backpackers and £30 for caravans.

• Address: Teneriffe Farm Predannack, Helston, TR12 7EZ
• Grid Reference: SW 67216 16721
• What3Words: humidity.sprains.nozzles

Treen Farm Campsite, Treen

Inviting you to escape the rush of everyday life, Treen Farm Campsite in West Penwith is a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. In fact, it’s somewhere many of my own friends and colleagues longingly talk about visiting in summer. But, there is a catch: this site doesn’t take bookings. It’s a first-come, first-served policy, so it’s recommended to arrive early to avoid missing out on a pitch (it’s probably good to have a back-up plan, just in case!).

That said, once you’re installed, the magic of Treen Farm Campsite is irrefutable. The facilities cover all basic needs, and there are some pitches with electric (these are first-come, first-served too). Walk down to the beach, gather around the communal fire pit, craft tasty meals in the campers’ kitchen, or simply chill out by your tent. Then, when night descends, look out for the northern constellations as they glint in the sky above (who doesn’t love Ursa Minor?).

Price: Camping starts at £10 per night per adult, as well as £5 for a small tent and £8 for a large campervan.

• Address: Treen Farm Campsite, St Levan, Penzance TR19 6LF
• Grid Reference: SW 39230 22795
• What3Words: operating.crib.kebab

Tips for an Unforgettable Cornwall Camping Trip

For the most unforgettable camping getaway in Cornwall, plan your adventures in tandem with the seasons. For the best sea views and beach days, late spring, summer and early autumn are the best times of year to visit. On the flipside, late autumn, winter and early spring are the best for stargazing thanks to earlier, darker nights. Summer brings with it the warmest temperatures, along with a host of festivals and events. That said, you may find the shoulder months more pleasant for camping walking trips.

Cornwall camping tips and essentials include a tent, ground sheet, tent pegs and, of course, all of your sleeping equipment. A headlamp is also a must, as are warm and waterproof layers. And, it must be said, Crocs may not be stylish, but they’re certainly handy (or should we say foot-y) for camping! Some campsites have cooking facilities, and you can also bring your own gas stove and utensils. Just remember to embrace eco camping in Cornwall and leave no trace behind you, preserving nature as should it be. It’s also important to stick to designated camping areas to protect the county’s fragile environment.

See: The Best Time to Visit Cornwall (and What to Do in Every Season)

Alternative Stays: Glamping & Campervan Sites

Camping comes in many forms and if the idea of a traditional tent doesn’t appeal to you, then fear not. All around the county you’ll find an array of glamping pods and campervan sites in Cornwall, as well as wonderfully unique structures and spaces to give you that dose of wild escapism along with all the comforts you could wish for. Try your hand at glamping in Cornwall in a shepherds hut, yurt, campervan park, or holiday park and pick what works for you.

Ready to Camp Under Cornwall’s Stars?

Pack your bags, grab some snacks, and get ready to camp under Cornwall’s stars. With loads of great walks to enjoy by day and beautiful dark sky spots to visit at night, you can look forward to 24-hour inspiration in this salt-kissed county. Just remember to clue loved ones up on your plans before you set off, take safety equipment with you if you’re heading out at night, and always leave no trace behind you.

Article Sources

1. South West Coast Path. (n.d.). Camping on the Coast Path. [online]. Available at:https://www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/walk-coast-path/trip-planning/camping/ South West Coast Path[↩]
2. Cornwall Landscape. (n.d.). Dark Skies. [online]. Available at: https://cornwall-landscape.org/project/dark-skies/ Cornwall National Landscape[↩]