Finding the best campsites and holiday parks in Cornwall shouldn’t mean settling for crowded, uninspiring fields. We’ve scouted the coast and countryside to bring you the ultimate edit of outdoor stays, from rustic clifftop campsites with dramatic Atlantic views to premium holiday parks packed with home comforts. Consider this your definitive guide to Cornish outdoor escapes, curated by locals who know exactly where wild nature meets the perfect pitch.
Pitching a tent or parking up in Cornwall places you right at the forefront of the county’s spectacular natural environment. The region boasts an impressive array of campsites and holiday parks that cater to every type of outdoor enthusiast, set against a backdrop of sweeping ocean views, rolling countryside, and hidden coves. Whether you prefer a back-to-basics wild camping experience or a fully-equipped family holiday park, the geography of Cornwall provides the perfect pitch.
Families and active travellers often flock to the lively holiday parks dotted along the golden stretches of the north coast, where access to surf schools and expansive beaches like Fistral and Harlyn is unparalleled. For a more traditional, nature-focused camping trip, the unspoilt stretches of the Roseland Peninsula and the tranquil fields overlooking Mount’s Bay offer rustic sites with incredible coastal panoramas. Inland, the serene lakes and woodlands of mid-Cornwall provide peaceful, sheltered pitches away from the coastal breezes.
Choosing the right campsite or holiday park is essential for crafting your ideal outdoor holiday. We have gathered the finest sites across the county, focusing on locations that offer exceptional facilities, stunning surroundings, and a genuine connection to the landscape. Explore our comprehensive guide to find the perfect spot to set up camp and explore the Cornish outdoors.
The most spectacular clifftop pitches are often the most exposed to the Atlantic weather systems.
If you’re pitching a tent, bringing heavy-duty pegs is essential for peace of mind during a sudden squall.
For a calmer experience, look for sites nestled slightly inland or behind natural windbreaks like established hedgerows.
Our Curation: What Makes a Campsite or Holiday Park “Cool”?
To us, “cool” isn’t about cramming as many pitches as possible into a field. It’s about space, scenery, and a great atmosphere. If a park feels overwhelmingly commercial or lacks a connection to nature, it doesn’t make the cut.
Here is our checklist:
Why Trust Cool Cornwall?
We aren’t just scrolling through generic review sites. We’re a team of Cornish locals who have spent countless summers pitching tents and exploring holiday parks across the county.
We know which sites are best for families, which are a surfer’s paradise, and which offer the quietest, most secluded corners. We know where the facilities shine and the views are unbeatable. This isn’t just a list – it’s our insider guide to the best places to pitch up and plug into nature.
Campsites usually offer basic pitches for tents and tourers, while holiday parks often provide static caravans, entertainment, pools, and extensive on-site facilities.
Yes, especially during the summer holidays and bank holiday weekends, campsites and holiday parks in Cornwall get fully booked very quickly.
Policies vary by site. Many traditional campsites allow raised fire pits or provide designated campfire areas, but holiday parks often restrict open fires.
The North coast, particularly around Newquay, Polzeath, and Bude, is fantastic for campsites that offer quick access to some of the UK’s best surfing beaches.
Most campsites and holiday parks offer hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups specifically designed for campervans and motorhomes.