Cornwall seems to be a popular choice as a destination for a road trip this Spring/Summer, and it’s not hard to see why with it’s stunning beaches, breathtaking hikes, and array of fun water activities to try! We thought we would share some of our personal recommendations for campsites on the South West coast.

STONEHENGE

If you want a little pit stop on your way down to Cornwall, head to The Grove. You will find lots of other vans there, as well as an amazing view of this historic monument! Just be wary of the lane full of potholes - take it very slow.

WATERGATE BAY, NEW QUAY

Just a ten minute drive from the famous town of Newquay is Watergate Bay, and an amazing campsite called the The View at Watergate. It is located on the top of the cliff with ocean views and only a 10 minute walk along the cliff to Watergate Bay beach, where you can surf or grab a coffee / food. You can also can use the facilities of Watergate Touring Park whilst staying at the View [including a pool!].

Activity Suggestion: Head to Porth beach, about 5 minutes drive away, and take the paddleboards or kayaks out in the sea for some fun in the water! This little beach is a little more sheltered than the surrounding ones, so is perfect for the SUP Kit or Kayak kits.

BASSET’S COVE, ST IVES

About 40 minutes from Watergate on the way to St Ives is a lovely beachy town called Gwithian, with an awesome campsite called Gwithian Farm Campsite. It is £15 per night [no electric] and only a ten minute walk through the dunes to the beautiful Gwithian beach - a perfect stroll to take in the sunset over the ocean!

Activity Suggestion: On your way to Gwithian, stop at Basset’s Cove car park and do the two hour [there and back] hike along the stunning coast to find the seals at Portreath, and on your way back stop for a coffee at the little pit-stop cafe.

POLZEATH

Robbie Loves Campsite is located a ten-minute walk from Polzeath beach. Made up off gorgeous rolling fields at the top of the cliff, you can just about see the ocean from your camp spot. This laid back campsite has everything you could need including a shower block, washing up facilities, and even a work room with WIFI. It costs £12 per person, per night. Plus, Polzeath can get very busy as it’s a popular place to surf, so having a spot to park for free is a bonus!

Activity Suggestion: Get those legs moving on a beautiful walk around the coastline. Check out some walks here.

CRANTOCK, NEW QUAY

Crantock beach is a stunning beach just off Newquay’s Fistral Beach - and is much quieter than Fistral and Watergate. A 5 minute walk from the beach is Porth Joke campsite - a hidden gem, and a steal at only £8.50 per night [without electric]. It is part of Treago Farm, and has great facilities, a cute little shop, bar, and even a little lake at the bottom of the hill. Wifi warning - it’s located in a bit of valley so the signal wasn’t great when in the campsite. Down the road towards Porth Joke beach is The Bowgie Inn, which is a great spot for a beer or dinner.

Activity Suggestion: Work off those pasties with a hike around the headland, or head down into the dunes around the beach!

BUDE

Atlantic Camping is a peaceful, small family run farm campsite in Bude with everything you could need, including washing up blocks, showers, and electric hook up is required. Bude can get a little busy, especially in the summer, but this is 20 minutes to the town centre which is handy!

Activity Suggestion: Take the MTB Kit and cycle along the cycle trail, or find other cycle routes here.

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