Destinations
Free camping Cornwall: complete guide to wild spots
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If you’re off on a southwest road trip and want to wild camp, make your trip even more amazing and arrive prepared for free camping in Cornwall.
One of the most popular holiday destinations in the UK, Cornwall has something for everyone. Take a trip here to enjoy stunning settings like the Lizard and the Penwith Heritage Coast, world-class surfing at Newquay and Widemouth Bay, hikes along the South West Coast Path, or days out at attractions like the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
As it has so many spectacularly remote locations, Cornwall is also a top spot for free camping – but it’s also a destination where it’s essential to be aware of the rules and etiquette around parking up overnight for free. Below, we take you through the need-to-knows before you wild camp.
Free camping legislation in England
As we said in ourwild camping for motorhomes and campervans guide, free camping (i.e., parking your van overnight without paying for a campsite) is generally tolerated around the UK – as long as it’s done respectfully and discreetly.
But in Cornwall, the popularity of the destination coupled with a history of irresponsible camping means that bylaws against overnight stays are often strictly enforced. This is for safety reasons too – clifftops, for example, could become unstable in bad weather and become a dangerous environment for a parked motorhome – as well as the need to protect the crops of local farms.
Any drive around Cornwall, particularly to popular coastal areas, will yield plenty of “No overnight camping signs” in public places, particularly car parks. The good news is that wild camping is perfectly possible in certain parts of Cornwall… as long as it’s done responsibly.
The importance of responsible camping
Like other popular destinations, Cornwall’s had its fair share of irresponsible camping in recent years. Camping irresponsibly can mean litter, fire and crop damage, which in turn leads to a reluctance of landowners to allow people to camp on their land. It can also mean damage to local wildlife habitats.
If you’re planning to free camp, please follow the key principle of responsible camping, to “leave no trace”. There are seven main guidelines on this, which are all covered in ourguide to responsible camping in the UK. Our blog on must-haves for wild camping in England has plenty of useful info too.
Best areas for free camping in Cornwall
Popular areas for free camping in Cornwall include:
Porthleven
Penzance
Lizard Peninsula
Tintagel
North coast: Portreath, Porthtowan, St Agnes
However, none of these are official overnight spots, and so should be treated with caution. We prefer to use “almost free” sites like those listed below. Whichever you go for, always remember to ask permission before parking up overnight!
Best (almost) wild camping spots in Cornwall
There are two types of almost free camping in Cornwall:
Motorhome stopover sites (including pub and attraction car parks), where motorhomes and campervans can stay overnight for a small sum. These often have basic facilities such as a toilet or a water tap.
Paid campsites with a wild camping vibe.
Here are some suggestions for both categories!
Motorhome stopover sites in Cornwall
Gorran Haven Car Park, Canton, Gorran Haven, St Austell PL26 6JG
Privately owned car park (sloping; levelling blocks needed). £8 overnight.
King Arthur's Car Park, opposite Old Post Office, Fore Street, Tintagel PL34 0DA
Officially licenced for motorhomes to stay overnight. £5 from 5 pm to 10 am.
Car Park, Treen, St. Levan, Penzance TR19 6LF
£6 overnight; ask at Treen Local Produce Cafe and Shop
Camping sites with a wild feel
Treen Farm Campsite
Map and location:Treen, St. Levan, Penzance, Cornwall TR19 6LF
Price: from £23 per night (two adults and one campervan)
A clifftop campsite retreat above Porthcurno Bay, family-run for five generations. The site has a relaxed, friendly and tranquil vibe and stunning scenery with sea views from the Lizard Peninsula to the Isles of Scilly.
Campsite features
On a working dairy farm: organic milk plus free-range organic eggs available to buy
Relaxed and friendly vibe
Sea views from and picnic benches on all pitches
Fully licensed on-site shop
Communal firepit
Map and location:Pillaton, Saltash PL12 6QY
Price: from £20 per night (two adults)
A remote and peaceful wildlife haven with loads of space, woodland walks and a riverside setting. Saltash is under five miles to the east.
Camping spot features
Pitch where you like on a 200-acre site
Dogs welcome
Firepits and barbecues allowed: buy wood on site
Family-friendly
Penwarne Campsite
Map and location: Penwarne Farm, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth TR11 5PH
Price: from £30 per night (two adults)
Another farm with glorious sea views, Penwarne is on Cornwall’s southern coast near Falmouth and the Helston Peninsula.
Camping spot features
Open since the 1920s and run by locals with in-depth knowledge of the area
Direct access to Maenporth Beach a mile away
Toilet block, shower and play area
Café on site
Ruthern Valley Holidays
Map and location:Ruthernbridge, Bodmin PL30 5LU
Price: from £18 (two adults)
Wild camping with a luxurious twist, close to Bodmin Moor. This north Cornwall campsite and glampsite is a peaceful, family-friendly and spacious holiday option for families and couples.
Camping spot features
Within easy reach of both the coast and the Camel Trail
Countryside setting with woodland areas
Toilet and shower block, play area and licensed shop
Chickens and pigs on site
Pioneer Billys
Map and location:Lower Condurrow Farm, Lower, Condurrow Rd, Camborne TR14 9AP
Price: from £15 (four guests)
Our final Cornwall wild camping spot is another farm campsite, for back-to-basics holidays a mile from Camborne.
Camping and Caravanning Club site
Next to the King Edward Mine museum
Eight acres of space
Great Flat Lode Trail accessible on foot from the site
Get ready for free camping in Cornwall
There are heaps more wild camping options on your Cornwall road trip! Look for a park that permits overnight stays like the ones listed above, or bag a nearly-wild campsite for a remote and relaxed stay. And you can make it even easier by arranging your trip using ourcampervan hire in Cornwall andvans for rent in Cornwall search pages.