Wild Camping Cornwall
UK England South West England Cornwall Penzance
Celtic fire festivals used to be held at Bartinney Castle, dedicated to the sun god Belenos. They seem to have worked. Cornwall’s Penwith Peninsula is one of the sunniest spots on the British Isles and today, half a mile down a footpath from the castle’s faintest of earth remains, there’s a tiny wild campsite well placed to enjoy it.
There are just a couple of pitches and a pre-erected bell tent at Wild Camping Cornwall, which opened in 2021 after moving from another temporary location nearer the coast. The new site has been planted with dozens of trees that will make for quite the hideaway in years to come. For the time being it’s best to hope Belenos keeps the wind gods at bay, since the place can feel a little exposed when it gets gusty.
Facilities consist of a composting loo, a gas-powered shower and a firepit at each pitch (a bag of logs comes with every booking), and the stars are excellent night lights. The nearest neighbours here are a nature reserve and a string of Iron Age humps and bumps of significance, cared for by English Heritage, so light pollution is non-existent.
There’s more to the location, of course, than hiking through history. There’s a beach within 10–15 minutes’ drive in almost every direction you choose. Sennen Cove (six miles) is Cornwall’s most westerly surfing hotspot and frequently tops lists of the UK’s best beaches, while lesser-known spots like Lamorna Cove, St Loy’s Cove and Penberth offer smaller nooks where you can enjoy rock pooling under jagged cliffs.
Gallery















Details
Facilities
There are three compost toilets, two gas-powered showers, a covered dining area for bad weather and sinks with mains drinking water that can be also used for washing. No electricity. Each pitch and bell tent has an assigned fire pit. Bell tents feature a double bed (bedding and linen provided; extra beds can be added if needed), soft furnishings and a wood-burning stove.
Suitable For
Glampers, tent campers, couples, families, friends – yes. Campervans, caravans, dogs, large groups – no.
Nearby
There’s a beach within 10–15 minutes’ drive in almost every direction. Sennen Cove (six miles) is Cornwall’s most westerly surfing hotspot, link up with the South West Coast Path and, from here, it's easy to follow the trail much further afield to smaller coves and nooks. Elsewhere, it's a half-hour drive to the galleries of St Ives, a quarter of an hour to Lands End and 20 minutes to St Michaels Mount.
Food & Drink
The nearest pubs are all in St Just, two miles away, where The Star Inn (01736 788767), The Wellington Hotel (01736 787319) and The Kings Arms (01736 788545) are all just off the main square.
Open
Late June–early September.
Pricing
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions
The Owner Says
Looking for a peaceful holiday experience in West Cornwall? Come and spend some time with us at Wild Camping Cornwall! We have a small exclusive site with 4 independent pitches available, all offering different camping and glamping solutions. Whether you are a single person, a couple or a family, looking for a quiet time and wanting to spend time in nature
Accommodation
Just three pitches despite plenty of space, two of them occupied by pre-pitched bell tents.
'Wild View' Grass Pitch
Private Bell Tent
'Surf's Up' Grass Pitch
'Sunset' Grass Pitch
Location
Contact Wild Camping Cornwall, Higher Trevarthen, Grumbla, Penzance, Cornwall TR20 8QY
Getting There
There’s a parking area at the site entrance, then it’s a 20–100-yard walk to the pitches. The owners can help move your stuff in their truck on Mondays and Fridays.
YesReviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 9 reviews
Great place to switch off
Wild but wonderful!
Peaceful and beautiful
Wild camping in our favourite part of Cornwall.
Perfect - peaceful, quiet and beautiful.
The perfect getaway to get away from it all!
Pearl - Wow!
Precious corner of the world
Fabulous!
Why book with Cool Camping?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions