If you’re planning a camping trip to Padstow, Cornwall, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about camping near Padstow, whether you have a tent, a motorhome, or a caravan.
Padstow is one of the most charismatic areas in all of Cornwall. A charming fisherman’s town surrounded by dazzling sandy beaches, it’s also incredibly picturesque.
We discovered Padstow during our road trip around Cornwall. It was one of our first-ever trips in our self-converted campervan, and Padstow was one of the highlights.
When it comes to camping in Padstow, you have various options. There are plenty of campsites in the nearby area, as well as a few suitable areas for wild campers.
I’ll be covering it all in the blog post, alongside all the coolest things to see and do near Padstow.
So let’s get to it and plan your perfect camping trip to Padstow, Cornwall.
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Is it Worth Camping Near Padstow?
Padstow itself is a small seaside town. There’s a fair bit to see and do; however, you could easily cover most of it in a day trip, should you please.
Having said that, there’s something about Padstow that had us wanting to stay longer than our itinerary would allow.
The beaches are beautiful and pristine, while the area surrounding Padstow harbour is bustling with life.
We could have easily spent a week soaking in the sun at the beaches. Followed by eating and drinking our way around town.
With this in mind, I would certainly allow yourself at least a night or two for camping near Padstow.
Best Time to Camp in Padstow
For the best camping experience in Padstow, you’ll want to schedule your trip when it’s warm and dry.
We love camping, and we love van life, but there’s nothing fun about camping in the rain.
Anytime between the end of May and mid-September allows a reasonably decent chance of good weather.
Nonetheless, this is the UK, so you should always prepare for the odd rainy day.
July and August are peak months in Cornwall since it’s the kid’s school holidays.
Padstow gets incredibly busy during this time, so you’ll want to think about booking campsites way in advance.
If you have the option to avoid the school holidays, June and September are perfect months to visit.
We went in September and spent our days in bikinis on the beach!
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Campsites Near Padstow
Whether you have a tent, a camper, a motorhome, or a caravan, there is no shortage of campsites in the Padstow area.
While we love a bit of wild camping, we also enjoy checking into a campsite now and again to take advantage of the facilities.
We actually found a free park up, where we ended up wild camping near Padstow. I talk more about how to find this spot a little further down.
In the meantime, I’ve done some research and put together this list of the best campsites around Padstow.
Dennis Cove Campsite
Dennis Cove is one of the most family-friendly campsites in the area.
Via onsite access to the Camel Trail, it’s a 10-minute comfortable walk to Padstow harbour.
The campsite welcomes visitors between April and September, where you’ll get a spacious pitch on grass terrain.
If you’re lucky to get a spot in the top field, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the surrounding area.
The camp has everything you need for a comfortable stay with onsite toilets, showers, and washing facilities.
- Dogs: Yes
- Electric Hook Ups: Yes
- Waste Disposal: Yes
- BBQs: Yes – off the ground.
- Campfires: No
- Awnings: Yes
Padstow Touring Park & Holiday Village
Another Padstow campsite close to the town is Padstow Touring Park & Holiday Village.
Here we have an ideal family holiday destination, where you can bring your own vehicle or tent to camp or rent one of the onsite holiday homes.
The park has all the conveniences you need for a stress-free holiday, from a licensed shop and children’s play area to camp kitchens and laundry rooms.
Over the summer, you can even enjoy a variety of pop-up food stalls with culinary delights for all the family.
- Dogs: Yes
- Electric Hook Ups: Yes
- Waste Disposal: Yes
- BBQs: Yes – off the ground.
- Campfires: No
- Awnings: Extra charge.
Tregella Place Caravan & Camping
If you fancy a simpler camping experience near Padstow, Tregella Place is an excellent budget-friendly option.
Stripped of the luxuries that other Padstow campsites provide, here’s your chance to really connect with nature.
Enjoy the peace and quiet during the day, and marvel at the stars of the evening. All are advantages that their rural location allows.
To get into Padstow is less than 10-minutes in a car and 30-minutes on foot.
- Dogs: Yes
- Electric Hook Ups: No
- Waste Disposal: Yes
- BBQs: Yes
- Campfires: Yes
- Awnings: Yes
Padstow View Campsite - Tents Only
This next campsite might be a little further out from Padstow; however, it’s a real gem for those who don’t mind a little extra effort.
Padstow View Campsite – A rural site with spacious pitches, the drawcard here is the unrivalled views over the estuary.
That and the maintenance of the onsite facilities keep customers returning time and time again.
But unfortunately, since this is a tent-only site, caravan and camper owners are out of luck!
- Dogs: Yes
- Electric Hook Ups: No
- Waste Disposal: Yes
- BBQs: Yes
- Campfires: No
- Awnings: Yes
Glamping Near Padstow
If you like the idea of camping but can’t imagine being without your home comforts, why not look at glamping in Padstow instead?
Glamping offers the best of both worlds. An idyllic trip away in a rural setting, with the added luxury of a warm and comfortable environment.
It seems there are a few glamping options in Padstow. Whether it be cosy glamping huts or luxury holiday homes, or premium bell tents set and ready for your arrival.
Padstow Touring Park & Holiday Village
I mentioned this place earlier, so I don’t need to say too much more. However, Padstow holiday village is a winning choice when it comes to glamping.
With options ranging from static caravans to luxury lodges, you should have no trouble at all finding your home away from home.
Padstow Creek Glamping
For a more idyllic glamping experience, Padstow Creek seems to be at the top of its game.
They have just a few properties on their picturesque site, including luxury glamping pods, a 2-bedroom holiday cottage, and a treetop lodge.
Each provides the utmost comfort with luxury amenities, while the site allows for an authentic camping adventure.
Set just a 25-minute walk from Padstow, it’s the perfect place to return to after the hustle & bustle of the town.
Tregavone Touring Park
If you don’t mind being a little further away from town, Tregavone brings all the festival feels with their glamping bell tents.
Camping really doesn’t get any easier than this since all you need to bring is yourself.
The tents come kitted out with comfy beds and all the bedding, while toilet, showers, and kitchen facilities are just a short walk away.
Save Time and Book a Tour
For a more local experience, we recommend checking out the guided tours on Get Your Guide:
Free & Wild Camping Near Padstow
If you’re a seasoned wild camper, you’ll know that the UK isn’t the most welcoming of places.
While this might seem irrational, it comes down to a few irresponsible campers who ruin things for the rest of us.
When camping or road-tripping in Padstow, Conrwall, don’t be surprised to find plenty of “no overnight camping” signs in public places.
Especially in car parks or lay-bys near the town, you’ll struggle to find spots that tolerate wild campers.
That’s not to say that people don’t chance it. But personally, I don’t like the idea of getting a knock on the door during the middle of the night.
Your best bet for finding wild camping spots near Padstow is to venture a little way out of town.
For example, tons of beaches spread along the coastal path where you could easily get away with a tent so long as you set up late and leave early.
With a campervan, we found a wild camping spot near the Bedruthan Steps, located a 20-minute drive away.
It’s only a lay-by, but it has no overnight restrictions and stunning sunset views over the ocean. A few other vans were parked there, and we had no trouble at all.
We found this particular park-up on Park4Night, a great app for finding free parks ups. Other apps we use are Search for Site and Just Park.
Responsible Camping Near Padstow
Regardless of whether you are wild camping near Padstow or staying at a campsite, there is certain camping etiquette that you should follow.
I found this responsible camping guide well worth a read when you have the time. But in the meantime, here are some key pointers to keep in mind.
- Take all rubbish and sanitary waste with you.
- If you don’t have a camping toilet, use a trowel to bury human waste.
- Camp close by to marked trails so as not to disturb wildlife.
- Minimise fire impact by using raised BBQs and firepits and only when it’s safe.
- Be considerate of your fellow campers.
- Respect the interests of other people.
- When wild camping, arrive late, leave early, and never camp longer than one night in one place.
- Make pragmatic decisions, and you’ll be just fine.
Things to do in and around Padstow
If you’re heading to Padstow, you’ll want to check out my guide on the 15 best things to do in and around Padstow.
In the meantime, here’s a little taster of what you can look forward to.
- Beautiful Beaches
- Padstow Harbour
- The Camel Trail
- Culinary Delights
- Stunning Coastal Walks
Enjoy Your Padstow Camping Trip!
That concludes our guide on camping in Cornwall near Padstow. I hope you’ve found it helpful and that you’re looking forward to your trip!
We love hearing from you! If you have any questions or feel that we’ve missed anything, don’t hesitate to reach out or leave us a comment in the comment section.
Stay adventurous and happy travels.
Planning a trip around South of England? Check out our UK series to help with inspiration.
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