Porth Joke Campsite
UK England South West England Cornwall Newquay
Some campsites have been quite a bit busier since appearing in Cool Camping, and that simple fact meant that Bob and Angela Harty, who own this unique site, were slightly reluctant to include Porth Joke in any publication that may potentially damage the seclusion and atmosphere of this hidden paradise. The truth is that it is already as busy as they want it to be, and securing a pitch here in mid-summer is less likely than a very big win on the lottery. But during the peripheral months of May, June or September – well, you never know.
So, what can you expect to find if your number comes up in the camping lottery and there is a vacancy? If you’re looking for easy access, shiny brand-new facilities and plenty of nearby entertainment or eating-out opportunities, then Porth Joke will disappoint. But, if a small, secluded slice of seaside heaven is what you seek then this out of the way place cannot fail to delight you.
The location, just four miles from Newquay (Cornwall’s capital of tack and tourism) is surprising. The site is along a narrow, bumpy, sandy track through the dunes and almost a mile from the nearest public road. There are no signs directing the blessed few to Porth Joke, and no indication, until you stumble on to it, that anything exists down this scenic road to nowhere. But there it is, a tiny campsite, sheltered by the dunes from the wrath of the Atlantic, which is just a few hundred metres away.
For a young family who want a simple seaside holiday in totally unspoilt surroundings and with nothing more than the sea, sand and surf to fill their days, then Porth Joke cannot be bettered.
It’s only when you get to Newquay that you wonder how somewhere like Porth Joke can be so near, and yet so very far away. The beach at Porth Joke has good surf, clean sand, is completely undeveloped and is never packed. Perfect.
Porth Joke won’t suit the masses, being all about the simple outdoor pleasures, but once you’ve camped here, those sweet memories will keep pulling you back for a whole lifetime.
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Details
Facilities
Decent though not dazzling facilities under the fig trees with toilets, showers and hot and cold water to wash basins.Nearby
Check out The Adventure Centre’s (01637 872444) answer to bungee jumping – a hair-raising zip wire ride that is one of Europe’s longest, highest and fastest.
Click here for activities, sights & attractions to see and do in Newquay.
Food & Drink
Click here for pubs, restaurants and places to eat & drink in Newquay.
The Smugglers Den Inn (01637 830209) at Cubert is a thatched inn with real atmosphere, traditional food and local ales. Watergate Bay, on the far side of Newquay is home to the much-publicised Fifteen Restaurant (01637 861000) where disadvantaged youngsters are taught the cooking trade.
Opening Times
Easter–Oct.Location
Porth Joke Campsite, Treago Mill, Crantock, Newquay, Cornwall TR8 5QS
Getting There
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 17 reviews
A marmite site depending on when you visit
Great location but overcrowded and noisy at night
Perfect
Great location
Great location, shame about the density of campers and showers
Beautiful, friendly, relaxed and perfect for families
Beautiful quiet and relaxed
Magical
Stayed just a night on way west having read Cool Camping reviews beforehand. What a spot, we were the only ones on site - well apart from the rabbits and the owls! Pitched up in the top corner by the stream in our campervan 'Gipsy' and it was so quiet. The local beach is wonderful, the walks are excellent, Crantock is quaint with a good pub - Old Albion - and we will return for a longer stay after the school holidays. Facilities are basic but clean, functional and quirky. The owner is very friendly too. For us, this is camping as it should be - just about as wild as we like to get with our camper - brilliant!
A beautiful haven
My husband and I spent an idyllic week here over the summer holidays with our 3 girls aged 1,4 and 6 years.
The campsite is nestled away with beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the dunes. Basic facilities but the toilets were always clean and well maintained. Polly Joke beach is a short walk away and never seemed to get busy, we enjoyed a few bbq and campfires on the beach , real memory making time together.
The site itself is spacious and has the added bonus of a natural sandpit which was a big hit with the children. We are looking forward to our next visit!
Lovely Get Away
My partner and I stayed here in June (out of school holidays) and it was so peaceful. It's just a 15 minute walk from the beach and you can walk a circular route around the headland to a nice pub. Real feeling of getting away!
Best location ever!
Easily the best location for a proper escape. Just a few minutes walk along a flat path to the stunning Porth Joke beach where the sunset can be utterly magical. Photographer's heaven!
The site itself is lovely...a great barefoot camping experience. Basic but clean amenities and lots of hot showers - they are in little portaloo style huts but really clean (i.e. not too many creepy crawlies!).
Totally informal layout of the site which is lovely as you can just rock up and pitch. Most areas of the site are sunny late into the evening, if the sun is actually shining that is!
Generally plenty of space although we did visit out of the school holidays. Lots of surfers when we were there and it's absolutely perfect for them!
Not too far to walk up to the bar that's a surprisingly good find in the bigger campsite back at the top of the road. And the walks in general from here are wonderful...we ventured up and over the cliffs across Crantock beach and over into Newquay. Fistral Beach and back is a lovely walk that only takes a couple of hours.
from Switzerland
thx to Bob & Angela for their hospitality and their kindness. Very very very beautiful campsite with a splendid beach (10min on foot).
Roberto from Switzerland
Porth Joke Campsite
Porth Joke Campsite
Porth Joke Campsite
I have been going to this site since I was 2 years old (I am now 30!) and it remains my favourite holiday destination of all time! It gets a bit mental there in the high season but, if you can go out of school holidays, it is idyllic. No phone signal, no neighbours and a beach that can only be reached via a footpath make for a rural getaway that is hard to beat. At night, the only sounds you can hear are nature and the sea. Within easy reach of attractions, you will never be short of things to do if you get bored of the beautiful beach. Nature lovers will also love the abundant rabbits! The owners are really friendly and the facilities are basic but all you need. There are also some cottages to rent on the same site and, having also stayed there a couple of times, can highly recommend them!