The chances are, if you are coming to Cornwall for a holiday, your main reasons will be to enjoy the great outdoors. That means spending lots of time on Cornwall’s golden sandy beaches, tramping the coast path taking in the scenery.

And last but not least, getting stuck in to plenty of adventurous activities, like surfing and, of course, climbing and coasteering

So, if your holiday is all about spending time outside, then why not go the whole hog and opt for a camping holiday? Camping, as we shall see, comes in many forms these days. But, at its most basic it means stripping things back to the bare essentials and keeping it simple.

Whether that’s sleeping under canvas, or a glammed-up shepherd’s hut, it’s an opportunity to de-clutter and take a step back from the hectic modern world we all inhabit.

Camping gives us a chance to max-out on fresh air and get back to nature. Sleeping outside always feels like a little bit of an adventure and maybe stirs a part of the soul remnant from the days of our ancestors, when camping was the only form of accommodation known to humankind!

There is a huge range of campsites to choose from in west Cornwall, suiting a wide range of tastes and budgets. Here we share some of our favourites.

Lands End Camping and Glamping is a new family run campsite in Sennen and in easy walking distance of Sennen Cove and all that its beautiful beach has to offer.

The site prides itself on its newly built facilities. Campers have thoroughly enjoyed the free, lovely spacious showers last season. Our toilet and shower block has a rustic yet modern feel. Also, for those who like to travel light, our kitchenette has a kettle, toaster, fridge, freezer, microwave and USB charging points. For the 2021 season, the site has newly installed free guest super-fast Wi-Fi. 

For those who really want to enjoy a stress-free break, the site has brand new glamping pods, that come with their own shower and loo, kitchen area with hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, and wood burner.

The pods have decking to the front and a roof top sun set deck – the perfect  to enjoy the most amazing sunsets. Watch the sun disappear into the sea behind the Longships Lighthouse, just off of Land’s End.

In our opinion, the most westerly campsite in mainland England is the perfect location. The most beautiful sections of the Cornish coast are all within walking distance. From Land’s End you can enjoy the unmissable stretch of southwest coast path southwards towards Gwennap Head, taking in Nanjizal beach along the way. This is arguably the nicest stretch of coastline in all of Cornwall, so don’t miss it!

Basing yourself at Land’s End is also perfect for taking part in some of our activities. You are off course primed to take advantage of any of our Advanced Coasteering at Land’s End sessions we may be running. We also some of our rock climbing courses at the splendid granite crag at Sennen, a short walk away.

https://www.landsendcamp.co.uk/

This charming site is located in Towednack, making it just a few miles from St. Ives. It’s also just 5 miles from Penzance, meaning it’s perfectly positioned to explore deepest, darkest west Cornwall with ease. It prides itself on being a quiet, family campsite, so party-goers may wish to look elsewhere.

Lower Penderleath takes a simple, stripped-back approach to camping, with camping being available for tents and small camper vans only. There are shower blocks and washing-up facilities and an area for rinsing wetsuits, etc.

Fire bowls and BBQs are allowed, bring your own wood or charcoal. As an added bonus, the water on site has official ‘natural mineral water’ status.

Lower Penderleath also has a hostel, for those preferring a proper roof over their heads. The hostel sleeps up to 24 people. This includes and Alpine-style dormitory, two person rooms, and a separate, self-contained family maisonette.

As well as being within easy reach for all the main towns and places of interest in west Cornwall, it is within walking distance of the impressive engine house of Giew Mine, just up the hill. This is an old tine mine that was worked between 1838 and 1923.

This building also lends its name to the nearest watering hole, the Engine Inn, in the hamlet of Crippleasease. The pub sells a fine selection of real ales, and is also a strong supporter of local live music. So, it’s well worth the trek up the hill for.

http://stivescampingandhostel.com/

At the more sophisticated end of the scale, we have Boswarthen Farm Glamping.

I caught up with owner, Maddy. She told me that their aim is to provide spacious, stylish accommodation enjoy – not just tents in a field. The tents are stylish and practical so that you really can unwind and enjoy the experience of being on a working dairy farm. Relax, unwind and enjoy the sea views!

Boswarthen offers a variety of luxury accommodation:

• A unique two storey safari lodge which sleeps eight (with hot tub)
• Safari tents which sleep six, two of which have hot tubs
• A gypsy wagon with bell tent, sleeping four in total.

Whether you wish to enjoy some family time, are a couple or just away with friends then life will certainly be slower on the farm, where children can be children again - playing a game, collecting eggs or learning about life on a dairy farm and what it takes to provide milk for cheese.

The spacious tents have wood burning stoves, a living space, and separate bedrooms, as well as their own cloakrooms. The two-storey lodge has its own 'shower shed' whilst the other tents enjoy a shower block with good showers. Cooking facilities include gas hobs and BBQ/firepits. 

There is also the farm mini tour, where you can see the calves have their breakfast and have a better understanding of life on a farm.

Maddy says, “Come and stay at Boswarthen, where hospitality is taken to a whole new level.”

The site is in an awesome location, right on the doorstep of the moors of west Penwith. Tso, whilst staying here, you’re not too far from some excellent places of interest, such as the lonely Greenburrow Engine House that was part of Ding Dong mine. In the same area, you should also make sure you visit the Neolithic / Bronze Age sites of Lanyon Quoit and Men-an-Tol.

https://www.boswarthenfarm.co.uk/

Treglisson Campsite is a small, family-run, sheltered rural park on the site of an old orchard. It’s a peaceful, idyllic location, despite being only 5 minutes from the A30, as well as the B3302, which will take you to the south coast in no time. This is perfect for joining us for coasteering at Praa Sands, for example, as well as easy access to places of interest, such as Porthleven or the Lizard Peninsula.

The town of Hayle, with all its attractions and amenities is just a few minutes away, and Gwithian’s 3 mile stretch of golden sandy beach is less than ten minutes away.

The small, licensed shop, ‘The Mine’, sells all the basics, plus local Cornish lager, beer, spirits, and gifts to take home.  Freshly baked pain au chocolat and croissants for breakfast are also available. 

Treglisson is open from 1st April until the 31st October. Outside of peak summer months, this peaceful site is perfect for couples seeking a rural retreat.

The site is dog friendly site and welcomes well-behaved canine companions for no extra charge. 

http://www.treglisson.co.uk/