Cornwall and the South West remain one of the UK's most popular camping destinations — and for good reason. From the rugged Atlantic coastline near Newquay to the sheltered valleys of Dartmoor and the Jurassic Coast, the region offers something for every type of camper. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned tourer, this guide covers everything you need to plan a brilliant trip.

Choosing Your Pitch: Campsites Worth Knowing

The South West has an exceptional range of sites — from basic coastal fields to fully serviced touring parks. A few worth considering:

• Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay – family-friendly, close to surf beaches
• Trevedra Farm, Sennen – stunning clifftop views near Land's End
• Dartmoor Camping, Princetown – wild and remote, ideal for lightweight campers
• Dornafield, Newton Abbot – award-winning touring park, great for caravans and motorhomes

Always book ahead for peak summer — Cornwall sites fill fast from June onwards.

Shelter: Getting Your Setup Right

Cornwall's weather is famously changeable. A solid shelter is non-negotiable.

• Tents – For families or groups, a quality tunnel or dome tent handles Atlantic winds well. Browse our New Tents For 2025 range for the latest models from Vango, Outwell, and Easy Camp.
• Drive-Away Awnings – Touring with a campervan? A drive-away awning gives you extra living space without the bulk. Our Low Drive Away Awnings collection covers height-adjustable options for most van roof heights.
• Motorhome Awnings – For motorhome tourers, see our Motorhome Awnings range for full-width and porch options.
• Caravan Awnings – Heading to a static pitch? Our All Season Caravan Awnings are built for extended stays in variable conditions.

Sleep: Don't Underestimate Cornwall Nights

Even in August, temperatures can drop sharply after dark — especially inland and at elevation.

• Pair a good Sleeping Bag rated to at least 5°C with a quality mat for insulation from the ground.
• Self-inflating mats are the go-to for touring campers — compact, comfortable, and quick to set up. Browse our Sleeping range for mats, bags, and bed options.
• For van lifers, see our dedicated Van Life Sleeping collection.

Cooking: Fuel Up After a Day on the Coast

Campsite cooking is one of the great pleasures of a South West trip. Keep it simple and efficient:

• A reliable gas stove is essential. Our Camping Stoves range includes compact single-burner options through to multi-burner family stoves.
• Don't forget a good Camping Cook Set — nesting pots and pans save space and weight.
• For a proper brew on a blustery morning, a camping kettle is worth its weight. See our Camping Toasters and Kettles collection.

Comfort & Camp Living

The South West lends itself to longer stays — and a comfortable camp makes all the difference.

• Seating – A good chair transforms a campsite. Browse Camping Chairs for lightweight and padded options.
• Tables – Keep things organised with a folding Camping Table.
• Kitchen setup – For longer stays, a Camping Kitchen unit keeps cooking organised and off the ground.
• Storage – Camping Cupboards and Wardrobes are ideal for family tourers who need to keep kit tidy across a week-long trip.
• Power – Keep devices charged with our Camping Electrics range, including solar panels and power stations.

Cornwall Camping Essentials

We've curated a dedicated Cornwall Camping Essentials collection — hand-picked kit for South West conditions, from windproof stoves to compact shelters. It's the fastest way to gear up if you're heading down this season.

A Note on Accessories

The small things matter on a longer trip. Our Camping Accessories collection covers everything from guy ropes and pegs to lanterns, storage bags, and groundsheets.

Frequently Asked Questions: Camping in Cornwall & the South West

What is the best time of year to go camping in Cornwall?

Late May to early September offers the best combination of weather and daylight. July and August are peak season — book campsites well in advance. Late May and early September are often the sweet spot: quieter sites, lower prices, and still reliably warm.

Do I need a drive-away awning for a campervan trip to Cornwall?

Not essential, but highly recommended for longer stays. A drive-away awning gives you a covered living and storage space without committing your van — you can still drive off for the day and return to a set-up camp. Most Cornwall sites have enough pitch space to accommodate them.

What sleeping bag temperature rating do I need for Cornwall camping?

A 3-season bag rated to around 0°C to 5°C covers most Cornwall conditions comfortably, even in summer. Nights can be surprisingly cool, particularly inland and in August after a clear day. Pair it with a self-inflating mat for ground insulation — cold from below is often more of an issue than cold air. Browse our Sleeping Bags for rated options.

What camping stove fuel is best for Cornwall?

Butane/propane mix cartridges perform well in the South West's variable conditions — pure butane can struggle in cold or windy weather. Our Camping Stoves range includes stoves compatible with both screw-top and push-fit cartridges.

Can I wild camp in Cornwall?

Wild camping is not legally permitted on most private land in England without landowner permission, unlike Scotland. Dartmoor National Park is the main exception in the South West, where wild camping is permitted in designated areas. For everywhere else, use a licensed campsite.

Does Newquay Camping Shop offer click and collect?

Yes — if you're heading to Cornwall and want to travel light, you can order online and collect from our Newquay store. Ideal for bulky items like awnings, furniture, and stoves that are awkward to transport.

Newquay Camping Shop is based in Cornwall and has been supplying campers, tourers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the South West for years. Visit us in store or shop online for expert advice and fast UK delivery.