Planning a family camping trip to Cornwall? You've come to the right place. We're based in Newquay and we sell tents every day to families heading to sites across Cornwall and the South West — so we know exactly what works and what doesn't when it comes to pitching in a Cornish field.
Here are our top picks for family camping in Cornwall, from compact 3-person options up to large 6+ berth tents for bigger groups.
What to Look for in a Cornwall Family Tent
Weather resistance — Cornwall gets more rain and wind than most of England, particularly on exposed coastal sites. Look for high hydrostatic head ratings (3,000mm+) and a sewn-in groundsheet. Guy out all ropes fully on windy nights.
Size — Cornwall's season runs from Easter through October, and many families spend a full week or two on site. Size up if you're in doubt — you'll use the space.
Pitch time — Arriving tired after a long drive down the A30? Inflatable AirBeam tents pitch in half the time of poled alternatives and are well worth considering for longer journeys.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget Family Tent — Kampa Dawlish 4 Tent 2026
The Dawlish 4 is one of our most popular tents for good reason — reliable, practical and excellent value. Weathershield 75D polyester flysheet, a front canopy, sewn-in groundsheet and three separate entrances make it a genuinely comfortable family tent without a premium price tag. Pitches in around 13 minutes. Perfect for couples with children or groups of three to four.
Also consider: The Kampa Dawlish 6 for larger families on a similar budget.
Best Inflatable Family Tent — Kampa Dawlish 6 Air Tent 2026
If you want the quickest possible setup after a long drive to Cornwall, the Dawlish 6 Air is the one to go for. Inflate the AirBeam frame in minutes, peg out and you're done. The 150D ripstop flysheet is tough, the inner bedroom is darkened for better sleep, and the living area is genuinely spacious for six.
Best Vango 4-Person Tent — Vango Savannah 400 Tent Package
The Vango Savannah 400 is a well-proven family tunnel tent with a generous layout and reliable weatherproofing. The package includes a free footprint — great value and ideal for families of three to four heading to Cornwall for a week. If you want the quicker inflate-and-go version, the Savannah Air 400 is also available.
Best Vango 6-Person Tent — Vango Savannah 600XL Tent Package
The Savannah 600XL steps up to 6-person capacity with an XL living area, excellent standing height and a free footprint included. A great choice for larger families who want a well-built Vango tent at an accessible price. The Savannah Air 600XL is the inflatable version for even faster pitching.
Best Vango Premium Option — Vango Sherwood Air 600XL Tent Package
The Sherwood Air 600XL is Vango's premium large family tent — AirBeam inflatable structure, superior fabric specification and a beautifully designed interior. For families who want the best Vango has to offer for their Cornwall holiday, this is it. The Sherwood Air 400XL is the 4-person version.
Best Large Vango Tent — Vango Iris 500 Tent
The Vango Iris 500 is a spacious 5-person tent with a classic tunnel design, ideal for families who want a tried-and-tested layout with excellent internal space and weatherproofing. A reliable choice for Cornwall's unpredictable summer weather.
Best Large Outwell Tent — Outwell Sacramento 6 Air Tent 2026
Outwell are known for thoughtful interior design and the Sacramento 6 Air is no exception — inflatable structure for fast pitching, excellent standing height throughout and well-planned bedroom zones. Ideal for bigger families or two families sharing. The Sacramento 4 Air suits smaller groups. Also worth a look is the Outwell Carolina 6 for a premium poled alternative.
Best Premium Family Tent — Kampa Rockcliffe 4 Air TC Tent 2026
The Rockcliffe Air TC is built from technical cotton canvas — it breathes better, insulates better and feels considerably more comfortable in both warm and cool conditions than standard polyester. Heavier and pricier, but for families who camp regularly and want something exceptional, it's hard to beat. AirBeam structure means fast pitching despite the premium build.
Best Compact Tent — Kampa Dawlish 3 Tent 2026
Not everyone needs a 6-person tent. The Dawlish 3 is ideal for couples, pairs of friends, or a small family on a tighter budget. Quick to pitch and easy to transport — perfect for a spontaneous long weekend in Cornwall.
Cornwall Camping Tips
Book early — popular sites like Holywell Bay, Crantock and Trevornick fill up fast in July and August. Book as soon as you know your dates.
Always peg out fully — coastal Cornwall can be windy even in summer. Every guy line matters on exposed sites near the cliffs.
Bring a porch mat — sandy and muddy boots are a constant in Cornwall. A small entrance mat or footprint makes life considerably easier.
Check the A30 — Friday afternoon traffic on the A30 into Cornwall can be severe in peak season. Aim to arrive Thursday evening or Saturday morning if you can.
Browse Our Full Tent Range by Size
- 1 to 2 Berth Tents — solo campers and couples
- 3 to 4 Berth Tents — small families and groups
- 5 to 6 Berth Tents — larger families
- 7+ Berth Tents — big groups and extended families
All tents are available to view in our Newquay showroom at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ. Come in and we'll help you find the right one for your trip.
FAQ
What's the best tent for a Cornwall camping holiday?
For most families, we'd recommend the Kampa Dawlish 6 Air or Vango Savannah 600XL Air — spacious, quick to pitch, and tough enough for Cornish weather.
Are inflatable tents good in wind?
Yes — modern AirBeam tents are highly stable in wind when pegged out correctly. Always use all peg points and guy lines.
Do you deliver to Cornwall?
Yes — we offer free UK delivery and we're also based in Newquay, so you can collect from our showroom too.
Can I see tents in person before buying?
Yes — visit us at 4 Bamber House, Victoria, PL26 8LQ. We stock display tents and can help you find the right fit before you commit.
