Campervan Holidays in Cornwall: Campsites and Wild Spots

Cornwall is the UK's definitive campervan county: roughly 300 miles of coast, surf beaches and a campsite every mile in summer. The A30 fills with vans from May to September, so a little planning goes a long way. The biggest decision is north coast surf versus south coast coves.

North coast or south?

The north coast faces the Atlantic and delivers the surf: Perranporth, Newquay, St Agnes and Polzeath attract the board crowd, and campsites cluster close to the breaks. The south coast is softer — the Helford River, Falmouth, Portscatho and Porthcurno offer sheltered coves and warmer water. Many regulars split their week: three nights on each coast, using the A39 between Wadebridge and Truro to switch sides.

Where to stay

Expect to pay £30 to £50 per night in high season for a serviced pitch on the north coast, with a discount for staying a week or more. Farm-based sites around St Ives and Penzance are cheaper and quieter than the resort parks. Overnighting wild is not legal in Cornwall in the sense of free-for-all camping — parking overnight is only acceptable in car parks and lay-bys that explicitly permit it — so plan on campsites or designated overnight parking.

Driving and parking

Cornish lanes are narrow and high-sided. Stick to A-class and B-class roads where you can, and abandon the idea of taking a big motorhome down to coves like Porthgwarra. Reserve parking in coastal towns in advance — St Ives gridlocks in summer — and use the park-and-ride services where they are offered.

Booking a pitch for at least your first night removes the biggest stress of a Cornwall trip: arriving in August with nowhere to stay.

When to go

June, September and October are the sweet spots — warm weather, fewer crowds and prices that drop sharply after the schools go back. Surf schools, harbour restaurants and most campsites run well into October, so an early-autumn trip gets most of the experience for a fraction of the summer price.

Find the right van on our search, or if you fancy a coastal tour further afield, our Wales campervan guide covers the Pembrokeshire coast in similar detail.