Wild Camping Cornwall
UK England South West England Cornwall Penzance
If good things come in small packages, then it’s no wonder that truly amazing things are to be found at this teeny tiny campsite on Cornwall's Penwith Heritage Coast. Home to just two wild camping pitches, a bell tent and an enchanting gypsy caravan, this pocket-sized hideout between the moors and the beaches is one for those looking to get off-grid and back to nature; a place where campfires, coastal walks and late night stargazing are all routine.
In fact, small though the number of pitches may be, the campsite still feels positively spacious. Every pitch has its own, independent area – a whopping 50m by 50m, basically a field for each camper – while an adjacent 12-acre woodland, dimpled by small ponds, gives the place a far wider reach – you can follow trails into the trees and explore the protected wildlife habitats straight from your tent. Facilities, meanwhile, are modest and suit the campsite’s name. There are composting toilets, gas-powered showers and no electricity, though a covered dining area and simple cooking facilities are a welcome treat. Glampers, of course, also have the added luxury of proper beds and furnishings, all ready and waiting your arrival.
The size of the campsite also lends it a wonderfully personable feel. Owner Francesca greets you in the car park and provides you with a welcome pack of logs for the campfire as she shows you to your pitch. She can also help organise activities with you in advance, working with local company ‘Future Tracks’, who provide on-site courses from bushcraft and archery to art and up-cycling courses.
It’s venturing beyond the gateway that really reveals the beauty of this campsite, though. Clamber back inland and across to Watch Croft, the highest point in West Penwith, for dazzling views out to the Atlantic and the ruins of the local, clifftop mines (as seen in the BBC’s Poldark series) or walk the 20-minute valley trail down to the coast. Portheras Cove offers the nearest beach, a stretch of sand between great rocky jaws, while St Ives Bay and St Ives town itself are within easy driving distance.
Our Best Price Guarantee
We guarantee our prices at Cool Camping are the same, or lower, than booking elsewhere. If not, tell us, and we’ll match it or beat it. Full terms here.
Gallery
Details
Facilities
There are 3 compost toilets, 2 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, bell tent and gypsy caravan 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. The gypsy caravan has a built in bed (for 2 people) and also has its own exclusive kitchen area, with all necessary equipment. Local outdoor education company Future Tracks runs weekly bushcraft and traditional archery sessions. Contact the campsite for a full list of workshops available this summer.Suitable For
Glampers, tent campers, couples, families, friends – yes. Campervans, caravans, dogs, large groups – no.Nearby
The beaches are the most obvious attraction. It's a ½-mile walk to sandy Portheras Cove. As you arrive the footpath links up with the South West Coast Path and, from here, it's easy to follow the trail much further afield too. Boat Cove, a little further west, is a tucked into a tiny inlet between Pendeen Lighthouse and Portheras Cove and makes for a pleasant diversion. The stroll also offers the chance to look east up the coast towards Gurnards Head and Zennor. Elsewhere, it's a ½-hour drive to the galleries of St Ives, a ½-hour to Lands End and a ½-hour from St Michaels Mount. Directly above the campsite, meanwhile, lies the moorland where Chun Quoit, Men-An-Tol and several stone circles can be discovered. Be sure to enjoy soak in the views while you're there.Food & Drink
Stroll the 500 metres to the café at Morvah Schoolhouse Art Gallery (01736 787808) or hop in the car to find the nearest pub. It's 3 miles to The Gurnards Head (01736 796928) in Zennor and The Tinners Arms (01736 796927) is just beyond in the same village. It's around the same distance, in the opposite direction, to St Just, which is the best places to go for groceries. There are several supermarkets and smaller shops, while Kegen Teg Café (01736 788562) makes for pleasant tea or lunch stop. There are plenty of pubs and restaurant on offer there too.Opening Times
Late June–early September.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
Accommodation
2 huge tent pitches (50m by 50m), 1 bell tent (again with lots of private space) and 1 gypsy caravan.
Location
Contact Wild Camping Cornwall, Penwith Heritage Coast, St Just, Penzance, TR19 7TS
Getting There
Reviews
Add Your ReviewRated ★★★★★ over 7 reviews
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
Related Guides
Book campsites near Wild Camping Cornwall
i
Campsites in Porthleven
Campsites in Cornwall
Campsites in South West England
Campsites in England
i
Campsites in Porthleven
Campsites in Cornwall
Campsites in South West England
Campsites in England
i
Campsites in Porthleven
Campsites in Cornwall
Campsites in South West England
Campsites in England