The South West is one of the UK's finest camping destinations — from the rugged Atlantic coast of Cornwall to the rolling hills of Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast. But the weather here is famously changeable. A sunny morning in Newquay can turn blustery by afternoon, and coastal pitches are rarely sheltered. Choosing the right tent for South West camping means balancing space, weatherproofing, and ease of pitching. Here's what to look for.
Weatherproofing First
Cornwall and Devon see some of the highest rainfall in England, and coastal winds can be relentless. Look for a tent with a hydrostatic head (HH) rating of at least 4,000mm — ideally 6,000mm for exposed sites. Air tents with reinforced beams, such as the Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5.0S or the Kampa Dawlish 6 Air, handle gusts better than traditional poled tents and are quicker to pitch when the weather closes in.
Family Camping in the South West
If you're travelling with children, space and a separate living area are non-negotiable. The Kampa Saunton 6 Air and Outdoor Revolution Airedale 7.0S both offer multi-bedroom layouts with generous living areas, making them well suited to longer stays on South West campsites. For larger groups, the Airedale 9.0SEL and Kampa Rockcliff 6 Air TC provide annexe space and five-zone layouts that work like a home from home.
Couples and Small Groups
Travelling as a couple or a small group? A compact tunnel tent keeps things manageable without sacrificing comfort. The Vango Tay 400 and Kampa Saunton 4 Air are both solid choices — easy to pitch, well ventilated, and compact enough for smaller pitches on busy summer sites.
Backpacking and Wild Camping
The South West Coast Path and Dartmoor offer some of the best wild camping in England. For lightweight adventures, the Vango Soul 200 and Kampa Wanderlight 2 are designed to be carried on your back without weighing you down, while still offering reliable weather protection.
Shop at Newquay Camping Shop
Based in Cornwall, we stock a full range of tents suited to South West camping conditions — from lightweight backpacking tents to large family air tents. Visit our showroom or browse online to find the right tent for your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tent for camping in Cornwall?
For family camping in Cornwall, an air tent with a 6,000mm hydrostatic head rating — such as the Outdoor Revolution Airedale or Kampa Dawlish range — offers the best combination of weatherproofing, space, and fast pitching on exposed coastal sites.
Is Cornwall good for camping?
Yes — Cornwall has hundreds of campsites ranging from basic coastal fields to fully serviced holiday parks. The season runs from Easter through to October, with July and August being the busiest months. Booking well in advance is recommended for popular sites.
What size tent do I need for a family of four?
A four-person tent is the minimum, but a five or six-person tent gives you the living space to store gear and spend time inside during wet weather. The Kampa Saunton 4 Air or Outdoor Revolution Airedale 5.0S are both popular choices for families of four.
Are air tents better than poled tents for windy conditions?
Air tents can be more forgiving in strong winds as the beams flex rather than snap. However, a well-pegged poled tent with a low profile can also perform well. The key factor is correct pitching and guying out — especially on exposed South West sites.
