I know it's Bank Holiday, and I know we've left it *really* late, but me and my girlfriend are hoping to go camping in Cornwall this weekend (Thurs/Fri/Sat night).
We don't mind where we're based as we'll be taking the car, but the initial search I ran on here was for around St. Ives. I'm pretty sure I've now phoned every campsite I found, and none have any space.
Does anyone have any useful tips on finding a pitch at such a busy time? Is there a way of finding sites that still have space, other than ringing round every single one in the county?
Or does anyone have any specific sites to recommend? We're taking a three-man tent and we're happy to stay anywhere, so long as it has;
i. A toilet/shower block.
ii. A nice pub in walking distance.
Any suggestions gratefully received!!
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Try BUDE, it's normally less busy than the other 'more popular' resorts in our lovely county! Search the sites on this site and ring them, there's no quicker way! You may or may not be lucky, after all it is a BH weekend!!!!
Good luck,
Kernow Camper
------------- More adventures in 2026 -
Feb - Steamer Quay CAMC, Totnes
May - Cheddar & Dulverton
June - Lake District
July - Devizes, New Forest & Dorset
September - TBA
Christmas - Ayr, St Ives
New Year - Hillhead CAMC, Brixham
Just take the coastal road from Pastow towards Newquay via Watergate bay and you will find quite a few sites along there that allow campers to turn up on spec, most having superb views that make up for the lack of facilities.
St ives holiday park in hayle is huge. I think they keep places for people on first come first served basis. When we were there 1st two weeks Aug, it was very busy but i think they had room for tents without EHU
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I'm in a similar predicament. We are booked for our main hols from Saturday onwards at Little Trevarrack but hubby heard today he's got to call into a customer's site on Friday lunchtime which is halfway there so we could squeeze an extra night somewhere in the little tent. I'm going to ring round in the morning but if all else fails I know there is a farmers field along the along the Zennor road out of St Ives (saw it a fortnight ago) that's got a hand painted sign at the gate saying:-
"Camping, Flush Toilets, Just pull on & I'll see you in the morning" (Prices were on the sign too. Can't remember for sure but I think it was something like £3 per person)
If I get any joy with the phoning around, I'll let you know.
Managed to get a pitch at Gwithian Farm, Hayle http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=1098 for Friday night only. The lady said she is fully booked from Saturday onwards but had a few pitches for Friday - don't know if thats of any help to anyone?
We stayed at Trewince Farm Nr Padstow 2 weeks ago & they have 2 overspill fields for tents - we went in the Kite Field & it was brilliant. They don't take bookings for these fields so there should be space there. It's a pretty good site too.
If you head for Goonhavern on A3075 from Newquay, or B3285 from A30 to Perranporth - there are 8-10 Sites within a couple of miles radius. I am sure they won't all be full. On the road from Goonhavern to Perranporth there at at least 6 that I can remember - I went to Rose this morning.
Having just spent a week in Cormwall all I can say is take plenty of money, Yes it's a lovely County but there's only so much extra you can add on for the views.
Thanks again for all the replies. We tried to go to Treen in the end, but it was full up and the owner directed us to Tower Park campsite in St Buryan - which was great.
I'll put a review up on its page soon, but I can definitely recommend Tower Park for anyone looking to explore this part of Cornwall.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: How to find last-minute Cornwall pitches?
