A rustic 28 day pop-up site with excellent views and a wild location on the Cornish coast.

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The Little Wild Campsite

UK England South West England Cornwall Porthleven

A rustic, Cornish pop-up site with excellent views and a wild location

You know you’ve got an authentic wilderness campsite when it’s not even there 90% of the year. For those who want rustic, back-to-basics camping, The Little Wild Campsite is the place to go. This charming Cornish site is pop-up and proud, a simple spot that appears in the grassy scrubland every summer, delighting any visitor who pitches up the tent and kindles the campfire.

High on Tregonning Hill campers can peer from their tent flaps and enjoy commanding views across the countryside to the Cornish coast beyond. From its prized perch on the slope, The Little Wild Campsite is the perfect base for roaming through the hills with the South West Coast Path passing a mile or so beyond the field. The beaches and coves that make Cornwall so famous are 5 minute's away in the car – a succession of wave-pounded cliffs interspersed with golden sands, the Penwith Heritage Coast to the west, and The Lizard Peninsula to the east.

While the winning location may draw you to this hill-top haven, it's the onsite atmosphere that really makes the place stand out. All pitches are in one field with a large, communal fire pit at its centre where groups can chat the night away. It’s a short wander to the sanitary facilities, a composting loo housed beneath a turf roof and a shower in its own separate shed – equally rustic but both more than adequate. When the crackle of the main fire dies away, retreat to the comfort of your pitch where you can have a smaller campfire by the tent, toasting marshmallows beneath the star-studded skies.

Once daylight returns there's the rest of the campsite to explore and activities to throw yourself into. A selection of courses include an afternoon spoon carving, gypsy basket weaving and a forest school, run by affable campsite owners Baya and James. And the sheep and pigs that nuzzle the camping field borders will captivate the children for hours.

There’s a good reason that Tregonning Hill comprises part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The views of Mounts Bay are stunning, the location is a dream and this pastoral seven-acre small holding lies in wait for the summer to appear so the pop-up paradise can re-open once again.

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Facilities

The camping field has great views and plenty of wildlife, including badgers and foxes in the top field. The pitches are all in one field and there is a central fire pit for everyone to use. You may also have a small fire by your own tent. There are a range of onsite activities available to book each week, including forest school days, basket making and spoon making workshops. There are no laundry facilities but there is a laundrette 2 miles down the road in Porthleven.

Suitable For

Tents, campervans, families, groups, dogs – yes. Motorhomes and caravans – no.

Nearby

Walk from the site directly up onto Tregonning and Godolphin Hill or take the longer walk down to the beach (30mins) and to the South West Coastal Path. The north coast is a 15 min drive away where you'll find dozens of excellent beaches. The Penwith Heritage Coast and Lizard Peninsula also boast particularly spectacular cliffs and coves. The old port town of Penzance is the largest local settlement and the place to catch ferries out to The Isles of Scilly. Closer to home, Porthleven and Marazion are smaller, equally pleasant spots, the latter opposite the fairytale island of St Michael's Mount (01736 710507).

Food & Drink

There are several local stalls beside the road that sell vegetables and the excellent Trevelyan Farm Shop (01736 710410) is only 3 miles away. The nearest town is Porthleven (2 miles) which boasts a delicatessen, a small supermarket, pubs and restaurants, including The Ship Inn (01326 564204), The Harbour Inn (01326 573876) and The Atlantic Inn (01326 562439). Helston and Penzance are both 15 minutes drive and have a major supermarket each.

Open

Late July–Late August.

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The Owner Says

The Little Wild Campsite is located high on Tregonning Hill, a world heritage site, and has stunning views of Mounts Bay and the surrounding area. It is located on a 7 acre smallholding run by Baya and James and their 3 children Arthur, Lilly and Joe.

Accommodation

8 simple camping pitches,1 shower, 1 composting toilet, no electrical hook-ups.

Grass Pitch

Grass pitch Sleeps 6 9 Available

Large Pitch, can accommodate family of 5

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Location

Contact The Little Wild Campsite, Germoe, Helston, Cornwall TR13 9TE

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Getting There

Follow A30 towards Penzance and come off at the Camborne exit. Then follow the B3303 toward Helston. After 6 miles, you reach Nancegollan, then turn right towards Godolphin Cross. At Godolphin Cross, go straight over at the junction past the pub and follow the road for 1.6 miles. Campsite is on the left, just after Chycarnne Holiday cottages.

If you are coming from anywhere further south than Truro, follow the A394 towards Penzance. Turn off at Ashton, just after the Lion and Lamb Pub, signposted Balwest and Godolphin Cross. Campsite is directly opposite the Balwest sign as you enter the hamlet.

Postcode for Sat Nav is TR13 9TE. This however, takes you to the village hall, 100m up the road.

The easiest train station to go to is Penzance (08457 484950). There is then a bus from the station that brings you to the end of the campsite road. The bus is the number 2 and leaves opposite the station. Get off at the Lion and Lamb pub in Ashton.

Reviews

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Rated ★★★★★ over 19 reviews

★★★★★

Excellent little site, quite perfect for us.

Laid back, friendly, beautiful view. Everything we need from a site.

Sep 7, 2020 by Janet Smithson Verified Review

★★★★★

Perfect Stay in a beautiful location

Would really recommend this pop-up wild campsite in Cornwall. Distant views of the sea, dog friendly, beautiful open fields and forests to play hide and seek in, lots of kids running around together and you can make campfires to toast marshmallows. We met one of the owners -James Who was lovely and very helpful and friendly. They run forest schools which I bet are great - we had to leave the day it was on. Very close to lovely dog friendly coves and other lovely beaches. Our daughter had a brilliant time running wild with all the children and foraging !

Aug 25, 2020 by Deb Verified Review

★★★★★

Loooooooved our stay!

Would really recommend this pop-up wild campsite in Cornwall. Distant views of the sea, dog friendly, beautiful open fields and forests to play hide and seek in, lots of kids running around together and you can make campfires to toast marshmallows. We met James one of the owners and he was lovely and really helpful - he also runs forest schools which I bet are great - we missed the day it was on. Very close to lovely dog friendly coves and other lovely beaches. Our daughter had a great time running free and playing with all the kids. Will definitely return👍

Aug 25, 2020 by Deb Verified Review

★★★★★

A little wild campsite

If you perfect campsite is one that is well organised with designated pitches, lots of strict rules and home from home facilities then I guess this place isn't for you. If however you prefer to turn up and pitch where there is some good space, unwind and enjoy some wonderful views, get back to nature, have adventures, watch the stars, become part of what this place is and take things at a slower pace then you'll love it here! This place is pretty much what it says on the hand painted sign as you drive in, it's little and it's wild camping. At maximum capacity there is probably space for 10/11 tents in a well spaced out layout over a couple of small fields. The place is beautifully set up.with lots of little hedges creating magical tunnels to places like the shower or compost toilet (more on that later). The trees and bushes divide the area in a great way to allow you to pitch is an area offering more privacy or a more communal area - still not crowded and it's this part that offers the best views over the bay and some incredible sunsets. The facilities are basic, but this is wild camping. The compost toilet is fine, in my opinion, others in our party would have preferred something more conventional. Either way it's quirky and unique and kept clean and tidy by the wonderful and friendly owners. This place is so small that the vibe and atmosphere is made up by those who stay here. All very like minded yet hugely different people while we were here and it was fabulous. Everyone was so friendly and keen to share recommendations for the wonderful beaches and coves that are within easy reach. This place is perfect for kids of all ages and for those without, although if you haven't got kids and want a more peaceful stay then perhaps the smaller, further field would be recommended. The only gripe would be that not everyone adhered to the request that cars are parked along the hedge by the entrance, most did But some didn't. Other than that this place is idyllic.

Aug 20, 2020 by Dan

★★★★★

Quiet and simple

Pretty little site . The owners make the site rustic and simple ( The write up is rather dated though and some facts incorrect and the photos definitely don’t reflect how pretty and green the site is now 💚) Very easy to reflex here . Sadly we had to leave early due to ill health but plan on returning .

Aug 16, 2020 by E A Hall Verified Review

★★★★★

Lovely basic little camp site.

Good location close to beautiful beaches. Great for children. Very friendly owners. Highly recommended.

Aug 9, 2020 by Piotr Bialoszewski Verified Review

★★★★☆

Lovely view across to Praa Sands, very peaceful location, everyone was friendly.

We'd never done wild camping before. It was a fantastic experience. I had reservations about the compost toilet but it was fine it didn't smell it had a beautiful view across to Praa Sands even my 12 & 8 year old didn't mind. The shower was hot and was a new experience. Both the shower and toilet were kept clean, the soap did run out by the toilet and all the bins did get full. The whole experience taught me that basic essentials is all you need for a fab camping holiday, none of these electric hook ups, shower & toilet blocks. The weather was brilliant. We didn't want to leave and I would certainly go wild camping again.

Aug 24, 2019 by Abigail Tucker-Brown Verified Review

★★★★★

Hidden Gem

This is a place you want to tell everyone about but you also want to keep it secret. Located near lots of lovely beaches. Beautiful sunsets and most important lovely people.

Aug 13, 2019 by Meredith

★★★★★

Perfect wild camping

We absolutely loved staying here, proper wild camping at its best. Stunning views of mounts bay, and stars at night. Our three year old made great friends and didn't pass out till eleven most nights! Thanks for a lovely stay and we will be back (if we can get in!)

Aug 11, 2019 by Alice Widger Verified Review

★★★★★

Yet again, a great stay, and they organised the weather ...

A great little site, and as I type this I am thinking I should not be, as you can all STAY AWAY this is a great retreat from the modern world, and we want it all to ourselves :) Let your children run free, let them climb trees whilst you cook an off-grid supper on the fire, do not care when your mobile runs out of battery - the night time view of the stars and Penzance at night is enough + Merlot + fire. Highly rated and ypou shall enjoy, but be prepared for minimal camping, the loo and shower are great, but this is wild camping, not plugging in and pretending. We shall be back next year, thank you James.

Aug 5, 2019 by Alastair Blant Verified Review

★★★★★

Proper camping!

What a fab stay in Cornwall. Proper campsite which is dark at night with amazing views of the stars and distant ships on the ocean. A peaceful field with a nearby compost loo and a shower in the shed - both very quirky. The owners James and Baya are fab and very informative about the local area. Baya also put on a clay modelling workshop which the children (and grown ups) loved. A true experience of the great outdoors and a place for the children to run free and be safe. The campsite is a great spot for exploring the nearby towns and villages and amazing coastline. Definitely recommend a visit to The Ship In, Porthleven; a traditional Cornish pub and great food. Also Kynance Cove which is breathtaking as well as Porthcurno Beach. Highly recommend. Thanks for a great holiday.

Aug 19, 2018 by Janine Pearce

★★★★★

The toilet and the views

Who would love a toilet at a campsite?! But it was so spacious and the aroma of sawdust, a cosy wooden seat, fairy lights with a view out to sea looking straight at St Michael’s Mount, I never wanted to leave. We looked out of our tent to see Praa Sands every morning, climbed the hill where you could see both coasts and regularly went to Porthleven where there are great shops, pubs & a Rick Stein with an awesome fish soup on the menu. A perfect holiday.

Aug 12, 2018 by What a find!

★★★★★

Amazing! 3 very happy children, 2 happy parents!

What an amazing holiday we have just had. In fact we left sadly this morning, leaving other campers debating "just maybe one more day..." (2 days after they were due to leave...) as once you arrive here you simply never want to leave. The site is so simple. Two big unmanicured, wild fields abundant with wildlife, fire pits, cold water sinks to wash up, a clean and effective compost loo and the most amazing hot shower! In fact we are still marvelling how they managed to achieve the shower in a hut in a field with not an ounce of electricity and not a single rule anywhere in sight. The only disappointment on arriving was to find James and Baya are no longer holding a communal bonfire, however, James explained this was simply due to people naturally self grouping around their own firepots at night. I wasnt convinced but low and behold once the yellow warning Gales had passed we found ourselves every night gazing at the most immense stars around a communal fire pit, making the most amazing friends ever, once we had quite literally all communally dragged our children to bed, who didnt want to leave their own childrens fire pit, campsite games and old fashioned playing. The forest school days were great, we had two adult days to walk the costal path and cycle. James and Baya's wonderful simple paradise has enabled all 5 of us to laugh, relax, play, share food, learn to campfire cook and make wonderful friends. I wish I could have bottled the atmosphere! As my 8 year old techology obsessed son put it "you dont need technology or wifi to make friends" before running off to play another game of sardines....

Aug 28, 2016 by Ellena

★★★★★

Best eco campsite in an amazing location!

I stayed in a very charming Shepherd's hut. It was very last minute arrangement and luckily for me the hut became available due to cancellation. I loved every minute spent there as the campsite facilities, the owners and their lovely children, combined with gorgeous views, made this place so special. I was made feel very welcomed and comfortable. The landlady offered some great advice about the local area.

Location of the campsite is perfect for access to Praa Sands beach and lovely village of Porthleven. The walk from Rinsey to Porthleven was very beautiful and I can highly recommend it.

Visit to Mousehole village is a must and cream tea at the Rock Pool cafe will complete the perfect day out!

I would highly recommend staying at this campsite and will definitely come back to spend more magical time there.

Aug 5, 2015 by Ewelina

★★★★★

Fantastic Campsite!

what a lovely friendly family run campsite. clean composting loos, clean shower room and lovely hot water! great courses offered by baya and james and excelent forest school days for the children too, which meant we could have a child free day, a rarety on holiday! dog friendly too. also each pitch as a fire pit which is great. wood and home reared organic meat and eggs available to buy. Fantastic all round. highly reccomended!

Sep 22, 2014 by ashlee

★★★★★

Awesome

This place is simply wonderful, you don't need more then a warm shower and a clean toilet. We took our 2 young children for a 5 night stay and loved it. They had a great day doing Forest school with James. The site has amazing views, the pictures don't do the place justice. The owners and the campers were really friendly and laid back and the local area has a vast amount to do, particularly if you have invested in a national trust membership. If you like it simple and honest you will like it here.

Sep 13, 2014 by Peter

★★★★★

A gem of a campsite...

I stayed here with my family for 5 days in August. What a wonderful little campsite. Only 20 minutes drive from the Lizard and lots of other things to do as well.. Campsite is clean with a shower (never waited for more than a couple of minutes to use it) and the best compost loo I've ever used. There's a giant wooden cotton reel (don't know what else to call it!) for each pitch that can be used as a table which is very useful. Logs for sale that are completely dry and smoke free. You can buy delicious chops as well from James and Baya...

We arrived a bit late on the Monday and horror of horrors we had no pegs! I duly sent my husband to get some (what amatuers!) and James, noticing we weren't putting our tent up, came to see if everything was ok. He offered me tent pegs and more importantly a beer - what more could you ask from a campsite.

Five stars from me guys :)

Sep 1, 2014 by Nicola65

★★★★★

We don't want other people to know about it

Agreed! This is the best campsite we have stayed in. It has sea view, spacious grounds, your own fire pit, and very welcoming hosts. The compost toilet smells better than most campsite we have been to, shower is great. This campsite is unique in that you are not restricted to the plot like most other campsites, and we love the space. We almost didn't write a review as we didn't want too many people to know about this... Thank you for a lovely time. We left the spade by the fire pit.

Aug 5, 2014 by CD

★★★★★