Wild camping in
Cornwall

Cornwall's wild upland, Bodmin Moor is a landscape of granite tors, stone circles, and ancient settlements. Wild camping on the open moor is tolerated. Brown Willy (420m) is Cornwall's highest point and Rough Tor nearby has a dramatic summit. The moor has a mysterious atmosphere, with Daphne du Maurier's Jamaica Inn on its edge. The terrain is rough grassland with bogs and granite outcrops. The Beast of Bodmin is said to roam here. Camp near the tors for shelter. Water from streams should be treated as livestock graze the moor. Camelford and Bodmin provide supplies. The moor is less dramatic than Dartmoor but quieter and more accessible.

The only campsite on the tiny island of Bryher in the Isles of Scilly, with views across the sound to Tresco. The Isles of Scilly have a subtropical microclimate with palm trees, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear water. The campsite has basic facilities with showers and a small shop. Bryher is the smallest inhabited island with just 80 residents. Hell Bay on the western shore is dramatic in storms. The food on Scilly is excellent, with crab, lobster, and samphire fresh from the sea. Access to Scilly is by boat from Penzance or by plane from Land's End, Newquay, or Exeter. A genuinely special island camping experience.

The main campsite on St Mary's, the largest of the Isles of Scilly. The site sits within the historic Garrison walls above Hugh Town with views across to the other islands. Facilities include modern showers and a small shop. The Isles of Scilly have a subtropical climate with palm trees, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear seas. Boat trips between the islands provide access to Tresco Abbey Garden, Bryher, St Martin's, and St Agnes. The archaeology is outstanding with prehistoric field systems. Diving and snorkelling in the clear waters are popular. Access from the mainland is by boat from Penzance or plane from Land's End, Newquay, or Exeter.

A delightful small campsite in the Lizard Peninsula near Coverack, the most southerly point of mainland Britain. The site is family-run with basic facilities, a relaxed atmosphere, and a communal fire pit. The Lizard coastline is spectacular with serpentine rock, hidden coves, and excellent snorkelling at Coverack. Kynance Cove, one of Cornwall's most beautiful beaches, is nearby. The coast path around the Lizard is dramatic and less walked than other Cornish sections. Helford River with its oyster beds and wooded creeks is to the north. The area has a mild microclimate. Helston provides supplies. Open April to October.

A small, peaceful campsite near the dramatic harbour of Boscastle on the north Cornwall coast. The site has basic facilities in a rural setting. Boscastle's narrow harbour entrance is spectacular, channelling Atlantic swells between steep cliffs. The village was devastated by a flash flood in 2004 but has been beautifully restored. The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic is a quirky attraction. Thomas Hardy met his first wife here and the coast inspired his novel A Pair of Blue Eyes. The coast path toward Tintagel is dramatic. Crackington Haven to the north has equally impressive cliff scenery. Open Easter to October.

A hidden cove near Land's End accessible only on foot, Nanjizal Bay is one of Cornwall's most secluded beaches. The walk from Sennen or Land's End takes about 40 minutes along the coast path. Wild camping in the field above the cove is occasionally tolerated. The Song of the Sea, a natural rock arch, frames the sunset. The beach has white sand and clear water, with seal sightings common. The coast path here is remote and dramatic. There are no facilities of any kind. Sennen Cove has a pub and shop. The Longships Lighthouse is visible offshore. This is one of the most atmospheric corners of Cornwall, especially out of the summer season.

A dramatic headland between Polzeath and Port Quin on the north Cornwall coast, with coastal grassland and dramatic cliff scenery. Wild camping on the headland is occasionally tolerated out of season. The coast path traverses the headland with views of the Rumps, a promontory fort with an Iron Age history. Polzeath beach below is one of Cornwall's best surf spots. Port Isaac (Port Wenn in Doc Martin) is 3 miles east. The Camel Estuary is visible to the south. The terrain is exposed cliff grassland with wildflowers in spring. The headland can be very windy. Polzeath and Rock have shops and restaurants. Padstow is accessible by ferry.

A campsite near the sheltered beach of Porthcothan Bay between Padstow and Newquay on the north Cornwall coast. The site has good facilities with showers and electric hookups. Porthcothan is a family-friendly beach with rock pools and surfable waves. The Camel Estuary and Padstow with its famous restaurants (Rick Stein's fish restaurant, Paul Ainsworth's No. 6) are 7 miles north. The coast path provides dramatic walking along the north Cornwall cliffs. Constantine Bay nearby has one of Cornwall's best surf breaks. The area has excellent beaches within easy reach. Wadebridge provides additional supplies.

A friendly campsite near the surf beach of Porthtowan on Cornwall's north coast. The site has good facilities with modern showers, electric hookups, a shop, and an outdoor swimming pool. The beach is a short walk downhill and produces excellent surf. The old mining coast with its engine houses is dramatic and atmospheric. St Agnes, a former mining village with a vibrant arts scene, is nearby. The coast path walking in both directions showcases Cornwall's mining heritage. The Blue Bar on the beach serves food and drink with sunset views. Truro is 12 miles for additional supplies. Open Easter to October.

An organic farm campsite on Bodmin Moor offering wild-feeling camping in stone-walled meadows with views across the moor. The farm is certified organic with native breed cattle and sheep. Facilities include compost toilets, cold water, and fire pits. No electric hookups. The atmosphere is genuinely back-to-nature. The Cheesewring and Minions, impressive granite formations, are nearby. Walking across the open moor is available from the farm gate. Brown Willy and Rough Tor are accessible. Bodmin and Liskeard provide supplies. The farm also offers self-catering accommodation in converted barns. The dark skies above the moor are excellent for stargazing.

A well-equipped campsite near Portreath on the north Cornwall coast. The site has excellent facilities with modern showers, a heated swimming pool, electric hookups, and a shop. Portreath beach is a short walk with good surfing. Tehidy Country Park, a beautiful area of woodland and gardens, is adjacent to the campsite. The coast path provides access to the dramatic mining coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Redruth and Camborne provide supplies. The old engine houses and mine stacks along the coast are iconic Cornish landmarks. The campsite suits families and those wanting comfortable facilities with beach and coast access.

The dramatic coastline around Tintagel in north Cornwall is steeped in Arthurian legend, with the castle ruins perched on a headland connected to the mainland by a modern footbridge. Wild camping on the clifftops is occasionally tolerated out of season but the area is very popular with visitors. The coastline is spectacular with dramatic cliffs, caves, and blow holes. Rocky Valley near Tintagel has mysterious carved labyrinths. Boscastle, a picturesque harbour village, is 3 miles north. The coast path here is challenging with steep climbs and descents. The geology is fascinating with contorted slate formations visible in the cliffs.

A simple clifftop campsite above the beautiful Pednvounder beach near Land's End. The campsite has basic facilities with toilets, showers, and a farm shop. The Logan Rock, a famous rocking stone, is a short walk along the coast. Porthcurno beach and the Minack Theatre (an open-air theatre carved into the cliff) are nearby. The South West Coast Path passes through, offering dramatic coastal walking in both directions. The area is rich in prehistoric sites including Merry Maidens stone circle. Penzance is 9 miles for supplies. Sunsets over the Atlantic are spectacular. Open Easter to October.

A farm campsite near the Helford River on the Lizard Peninsula. The site has good facilities with showers and electric hookups. The Helford River is one of Cornwall's most beautiful waterways, with wooded creeks, oyster beds, and the lost garden of Heligan nearby. Kayaking on the river is popular. Frenchman's Creek, made famous by Daphne du Maurier, is accessible by footpath. The coast path around the Lizard is dramatic and less crowded than north Cornwall. Falmouth is 8 miles away with the National Maritime Museum and excellent restaurants. Gweek Seal Sanctuary rescues injured marine wildlife. Open April to October.

A campsite above the 2-mile stretch of Watergate Bay near Newquay, one of Cornwall's finest beaches. The site has excellent facilities with modern showers, electric hookups, and a shop. The beach below is famous for surfing and is home to the Extreme Academy offering surfing, kite surfing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Jamie Oliver's Fifteen Cornwall (now the Watergate Bay Hotel restaurant) overlooks the beach. Newquay is 3 miles away with additional surf beaches and nightlife. The coast path provides excellent walking. The campsite is popular in summer and booking is essential. Open Easter to October.