Best Family Camping Sites in Cornwall
Cornwall is one of the finest places in the UK to go camping with children. When it comes to family camping Cornwall has almost endless possibilities to offer.
The combination of dramatic coastline, sandy beaches, mild climate, and an enormous variety of campsites makes it a natural first choice for families looking for a UK camping holiday.
The challenge is that Cornwall is also enormously popular, and the best family camping sites fill up fast, particularly for school holidays. Book as early as you possibly can.
What to Look for in a Cornwall Family Campsite
Here’s a starting point for what you should look out for when you’re trying to find Cornwall family camping sites.
Proximity to the beach
For many families, this is the non-negotiable.
Cornwall has dozens of beaches, from vast Atlantic surf beaches on the north coast to sheltered coves on the south.
Being within walking distance or a short drive of a good beach transforms a trip.
Facilities
For families with young children, clean, accessible shower blocks are essential.
For families with older children, a camp shop, a cafe, and bike hire start to matter.
Pitch size and layout
A family with a large tent needs a decent-sized pitch with enough space around it.
Some Cornwall sites have pitches so close together that you are effectively camping in someone else’s living room.
Check reviews carefully.
Things to do nearby
Cornwall has extraordinary things to see and do, the Eden Project, Minack Theatre, the Tate St Ives, miles of coastal path, surfing lessons, kayaking, seal spotting.
A campsite well-placed for these activities extends the appeal of a trip enormously.
Types of Campsite in Cornwall
There isn’t a one size fits all approach in Cornwall. When it comes to a family friendly camping site Cornwall has plenty of different styles, depending on your needs.
Touring caravan and tent sites
The most common type, with pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes.
Look for sites that have a dedicated area for tents away from the caravans.
Glamping sites
Cornwall has an excellent selection of glamping options, from bell tents to shepherd’s huts to converted barns.
Brilliant for families who want the outdoors experience without the faff of pitching.
Small farm sites
Some of the most charming camping in Cornwall for families is at small farm sites with a handful of pitches, simple facilities, and a genuine sense of being in the countryside.
Children love these, there are often animals to see, more space to roam, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Family Camping Cornwall North Coast
The north coast is famous for its surf beaches, Fistral, Perranporth, Polzeath, Harlyn Bay, and it attracts a lot of family visitors as a result.
Campsites in this area tend to book up extremely early for summer holidays.
This is the coast for families who love the sea, beach days, and learning to surf. The Atlantic-facing beaches are beautiful but can be rough, always swim between the flags and supervise children carefully in the water.
Family Camping Cornwall South Coast
The south coast, sometimes called the Cornish Riviera, is sheltered and warmer, with beautiful fishing villages, clear water, and a gentler atmosphere.
Mevagissey, Fowey, Falmouth, and the Roseland Peninsula are highlights.
Family campsites on the south coast tend to have a slightly more relaxed feel. This is the coast for families who prefer rock pooling, kayaking, and sailing to surfing.
Cornwall Family Camping: The Lizard and West Penwith
The far west of Cornwall, the Lizard Peninsula and the land west of Penzance, is some of the most dramatic and remote in the county.
Campsites in this area tend to be smaller and more basic, but the setting more than compensates.
Brilliant for families who want a genuine outdoor experience in one of the most spectacular parts of England.
Camping in Cornwall for Families: Booking Tips
Book Cornwall campsites as early as possible for summer.
August school holiday pitches at popular sites can sell out in January. Many sites open bookings for the following year in October or November.
Consider shoulder season. May, June, and September offer good weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Cornwall in late May can be genuinely beautiful.
For more campsite inspiration across the UK, visit our family friendly campsites section, and head to Camping With Kids for tips, kit guides, and recipe ideas for your next family adventure.
