The Best Campsites and Cabins to Book in Cornwall

Wake up in an orchard when you stay at the Wriggly Tin | Courtesy of The Wriggly Tin at Tregoose Old Mill, Newquay / Booking.com

Alexis James

31 December 2021

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Cornwall, or as it’s traditionally called in these parts, Kernow, is one of the most naturally spectacular counties in the UK. The best way to soak up its timeless traditions, surf-magnet beaches and quaint inland villages is to pitch up at the coast or countryside and don your walking boots. From freshly baked Cornish pasties to sea shanties, there are memories to be made at every stop. Here are the top campsites and cabins in Cornwall – all bookable on Culture Trip.

37 Rosewater Park, for cosy cabin stays near Port Isaac

Lounge with sofa, television and view of balcony at 37 Rosewater Park, Port Isaac

Courtesy of 37 Rosewater Park, Port Isaac / Expedia

This one-storey wooden cabin, near the village of St Teath, wouldn’t look out of place in the North American Rockies. Four can stay in this cosy two-bedroom holiday home; gather on the balcony for al fresco morning cuppas. If you’ve brought your clubs, the Bowood Park Golf Course is only seven minutes’ drive away and likens itself to Augusta, the home of the Masters. The same distance away, Port Isaac is a quaint, cobblestone village – you might recognise it from the TV show Doc Martin.

The Wriggly Tin at Tregoose Old Mill, for communing with nature

Table laid out with dinner plates, wine and glasses overlooking sheep outside at The Wriggly Tin at Tregoose Old Mill in Newquay

Courtesy of The Wriggly Tin at Tregoose Old Mill / Booking.com

The Wriggly Tin, a converted shepherd’s hut in an orchard, is a fun, quirky name for a fun, quirky place – “I got laid at Tregoose” reads the enamel bowl containing complimentary eggs. It’s all about nature here, with friendly neighbours in the shape of cute lambs that could have been drawn by Disney. You’re free to converse with them while soaking in the outdoor bath or use the Marshall speakers to provide your soundtrack. The cabin doors open outwards for dinner with a view, while the skylight lets you doze off while counting the stars.

Trecombe Lakes, for treehouse-style living near Falmouth

Pod with two single beds and doorway to kitchen with mini fridge at Trecombe Lakes, Falmouth

Courtesy of Trecombe Lakes, Falmouth / Booking.com

There are six pods, each sleeping four, at this nine-acre (3.5ha) lakeside resort with a climbing wall, treehouse and rope swings. Fully insulated and with underfloor heating, these cute cabins near Constantine, a tiny village near Falmouth, keep things pleasant when the Cornish sun is hiding. And whatever the weather, families won’t be able to resist roasting marshmallows on the decking fire pit. If you’re after a glamping vibe, book the timber lodge – it sleeps six – with a wood-fired Swedish hot tub on the veranda.

Newquay Bay Resort, for family-friendly camping near the sea

Outdoor swimming pool surrounded by chairs and tables at Newquay Bay Resort

Courtesy of Newquay Bay Resort / Booking.com

The butterfly-shaped outdoor pool is a hit with the kids at this family-friendly caravan and camping resort, 2mi (3km) from central Newquay. There’s also a heated indoor pool, plus sauna and steam rooms, a beauty salon, convenience shop, cafe, arcade games and a bar. The warm welcome extends to dogs, and the 15-minute stroll to Porth Beach is perfect for walkies. The deep shoreline and rock pools there are ideal for crab spotting.

Widemouth Fields, for the luxury of choice near Widemouth Bay

Pod with wooden rocking chair at Widemouth Fields, Bude

Courtesy of Widemouth Fields, Bude / Expedia

Variety is the spice of life, so says the accommodation at this pleasant holiday park, from roomy and modern static caravans and snug glamping pods to a touring area accommodating motorhomes and tents. You’re only a mile from the sparsely populated golden sands of Widemouth Bay, with its cafe, pubs and surf school. Bude offers a few more diversions, including a castle, tennis courts and rowing club, just 10 minutes away by car. The resort has a fun adventure play park with swings and slides, a retreat bar, and a handy mini-mart selling the daily essentials.

Bude Holiday Resort, for low-key family fun

Caravan lounge with sofa, television and electric fireplace at Bude Holiday Resort

Courtesy of Bude Holiday Resort / Booking.com

You’re metres from National Trust cliff-top walks at this north Cornish resort, with signs pointing you in the right direction. If you’re staying put, there’s a large heated outdoor pool – big enough for both swimming laps and playful splashing. The artificial turf surrounding the pool makes a great spot to relax with a gripping book. Elsewhere you’ll find a small park and a smattering of blue picnic benches. The decking hammocks are a welcome feature of the static homes, with pitching space should you arrive with a tent or caravan.

Safari Cornwall, for close-to-nature conversions near Port Isaac

Two shepherd's huts with garden deck at Safari Cornwall, Port Isaac

Courtesy of Safari Cornwall, Port Isaac / Expedia

This family-run glamping site, just a few miles inland from Port Isaac, is the brainchild of Paul and Kayna Prescott. Inspired by their travels in Kenya, they created a Cornish safari of alpacas, horses, goats and sheep, with two sleeping options for guests. The Orchard comprises two well-sized shepherd huts with wood-burning stoves, an outdoor hot shower and a wooden hot tub. Then there’s Big Blue, a cleverly converted horse lorry, which has an en suite toilet, separate shower trailer, hot tub and even a kitchenette.

Atlantic Surf Pods, for elegant ecopods in Bude

Two wooden pods with picnic tables overlooking lawn at Atlantic Surf Pods

Courtesy of Atlantic Surf Pods / Expedia

You can forget about Rio or Honolulu when the waves are out in Bude, with the Atlantic throwing up tempting swells daily. The town is also on the Cornish border with Devon, making these funky surf pods a great place if you’re keen to explore both counties. Sheltered under a thick gathering of trees, these solar-powered ecopods have plenty of shade in the Cornwall summers, while underfloor heating keeps the chill away in the winter.

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