Why Camp in Cornwall?

Cornwall offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty and family-friendly attractions. You're never far from a beach, a coastal path, a farm park, or an ice cream van. Camping puts you right in the heart of it — waking up to birdsong, spending evenings around a campfire, and giving kids the kind of freedom that's hard to find anywhere else.

The county's mild climate (by British standards!) makes it a popular choice from May through September, with August being peak season. Book early — the best sites fill up fast.

Top Family Campsites in Cornwall

🏕️ Trevedra Farm, Sennen

Perched on the clifftops near Land's End, Trevedra Farm is a working farm campsite with breathtaking Atlantic views. It's a favourite for families who want a more traditional, back-to-basics experience — think wide open fields, fresh sea air, and Sennen Cove just a short walk away. The beach at Sennen is one of Cornwall's finest for surfing and swimming, making it ideal for active families.

Best for: Families who love coastal walks, surfing, and a quieter, more rural feel.
📍 Approximately 35 minutes from our showroom at Victoria on the A30 — perfect for a kit stop before you head to Land's End.

Nearest beach: Sennen Cove — a wide, west-facing beach with powerful Atlantic surf, lifeguard cover in summer, and one of Cornwall's most dramatic settings.

🏕️ Monkey Tree Holiday Park, Rejerrah

Set in the heart of Cornwall near Newquay, Monkey Tree Holiday Park is a well-equipped site with a great range of facilities including an outdoor pool, play areas, and a bar and restaurant on site. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring both north and south coasts.

Best for: Families who want resort-style facilities with easy access to Newquay and beyond.
📍 Just 10 minutes from our showroom at Victoria on the A30 — one of our closest sites and easy to combine with a visit to us.

Nearest beach: Perranporth Beach — three miles of golden sand backed by dunes, great for sandcastle building, bodyboarding, and long evening walks.

🏕️ Porth Beach Tourist Park, Newquay

Sitting directly above Porth Beach — a sheltered, family-friendly cove just outside Newquay — this site offers stunning sea views and direct beach access. Porth Beach itself is calmer than Fistral, making it perfect for younger children and paddlers.

Best for: Families who want to be steps from the beach with a quieter atmosphere than central Newquay.
📍 Around 15 minutes from our showroom at Victoria on the A30 — stock up on the way to the beach.

Nearest beach: Porth Beach — a sheltered, sandy cove ideal for young children, with calm waters and a stream running across the sand.

🏕️ Hendra Holiday Park, Newquay

One of Cornwall's largest and most popular family holiday parks, Hendra is a destination in itself. With multiple swimming pools, a waterslide, entertainment, a café, and a well-stocked shop, it's designed with families firmly in mind. Kids will love the on-site activities, and parents will appreciate having everything they need within the park.

Best for: Families with younger children who want maximum facilities and on-site entertainment.
📍 Around 15 minutes from our showroom at Victoria on the A30 — ideal for a last-minute gear pick-up before you settle in.

Nearest beach: Fistral Beach — Newquay's most famous surf beach, home to major surf competitions and a buzzing beach atmosphere. Also within easy reach of Watergate Bay and Lusty Glaze.

🏕️ Trevornick Holiday Park, Holywell Bay

Set near the stunning Holywell Bay — one of Cornwall's most beautiful and unspoilt beaches — Trevornick strikes a great balance between facilities and natural surroundings. The park has pools, a bar, entertainment, and plenty of activities, but the real draw is its proximity to the dunes and beach at Holywell.

Best for: Families who want good facilities alongside access to one of Cornwall's most scenic beaches.
📍 Around 10 minutes from our showroom at Victoria on the A30 — a quick stop on your way down to Holywell Bay.

Nearest beach: Holywell Bay — a stunning, relatively unspoilt beach backed by towering sand dunes, with rock pools, a surf break, and a magical sea cave accessible at low tide.

What to Pack for Family Camping in Cornwall

Cornwall's weather is famously unpredictable — sunshine and showers can arrive within the same hour. Packing smart makes all the difference.

Shelter & Sleep

• A spacious family tent with a good-sized porch (ideal for wet gear and muddy boots)
• Sleeping bags rated for cooler nights — even in summer, temperatures can drop
• Inflatable sleeping mats or camp beds for comfort

Clothing

• Layers, layers, layers — mornings and evenings can be chilly even in August
• Waterproof jackets for every member of the family
• Flip flops and water shoes for beach days
• A spare set of clothes per child per day (trust us)

Kitchen & Cooking

• A reliable camping stove and fuel
• A cool box or camping fridge for fresh food
• Reusable water bottles — Cornwall has great tap water
• A kettle — non-negotiable for British camping

Beach & Outdoors

• Sun cream (high SPF — the Cornish sun reflects off the water)
• Windbreak for exposed beaches
• Bodyboards and wetsuits — or hire locally in Newquay
• A good OS map or trail guide for coastal walks

Family Activities in Cornwall

Beyond the beach, Cornwall has no shortage of things to keep families busy:

• Eden Project — the iconic biomes near St Austell are a must-visit, especially for curious kids
• Flambards Theme Park — rides and attractions near Helston
• Newquay Zoo — compact but well-loved, great for younger children
• Cornish Seal Sanctuary, Gweek — a hit with animal-loving families
• Coastal walking — the South West Coast Path has sections suitable for families with older children
• Surfing lessons — Newquay is the UK's surf capital; many schools offer beginner sessions for kids

Tips for Camping with Kids in Cornwall

• Book early. Peak-season pitches at popular sites like Hendra and Trevornick sell out months in advance.
• Arrive prepared for rain. A good porch tent and waterproofs mean a rainy day doesn't have to ruin the trip.
• Embrace the pace. Cornwall rewards those who slow down — rock pooling, crabbing, and beach fires are often the highlights.
• Check tide times. Many Cornish beaches change dramatically with the tide; plan beach days accordingly.
• Go local. Farm shops, pasty bakeries, and local fish and chip shops are all part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Late June through August is the most popular time for family camping in Cornwall, offering the warmest temperatures and longest days. May and early September are great alternatives — quieter, often cheaper, and still reliably pleasant. Avoid school holidays if you can; you'll find better availability and lower prices.

How far in advance should I book a campsite in Cornwall?

For peak summer (July–August), aim to book 6–12 months in advance for the most popular sites like Hendra and Trevornick. Smaller farm sites like Trevedra can also fill quickly. Last-minute pitches do occasionally come up, but don't rely on it.

What type of tent is best for family camping in Cornwall?

A tunnel or dome tent with a large porch is ideal for Cornwall's changeable weather. The porch gives you space to store wet gear, muddy boots, and bikes without bringing the outdoors inside. Look for tents with a good hydrostatic head rating (2,000mm+) for reliable waterproofing.

Are Cornwall campsites dog-friendly?

Many are, but policies vary. Trevedra Farm and Trevornick both welcome dogs. Always check directly with the site before booking, and be aware that some sites restrict dogs during peak season or limit numbers per pitch.

What should I do if it rains on my camping trip?

Embrace it! A good waterproof jacket and a porch tent make a huge difference. For days when you want to get out of the rain, the Eden Project, Flambards, and Newquay Zoo are all excellent wet-weather options.

Gear Up with Newquay Camping Shop

Planning a family camping trip to Cornwall? Make sure you're properly equipped before you go. At Newquay Camping Shop, we stock a full range of family tents, sleeping bags, camp kitchens, and outdoor clothing from trusted brands including Vango, Outwell, Kampa, and Outdoor Revolution.

Whether you're a first-time camper or upgrading your kit for a bigger adventure, our team knows Cornwall's camping scene inside out. Visit our showroom at Victoria on the A30 or browse our full range online.

Happy camping — see you out there.