The delightful region of Cornwall offers stunning views and friendly people to all those who visit. With some of the loveliest campsites in the region, it is a must-see for all those looking for slow and winding campervan road trips.
Cornwall, in the extreme south-west of England, is a camper van enthusiasts delight.
From RVs to VWs, the narrow roads of the county are packed with people hunting excitement in their motorhomes. Usually, you’ll find surfboards piled on the top of these vans and happy, smiling faces eager to discover the next hidden gem. Whether it’s the magic of Land’s End or an undiscovered area of beauty such as Widemouth Bay, every turn in Cornwall throws up a new and exciting place for people to discover. There are plenty of people who head down there every year; ITV explains how up to 4 million people visited there in 2020, and those numbers will only increase as domestic holidays become popular with UK residents. In the absence of stable foreign travel, they’ve discovered what Foxy Bingo refers to as perfect beaches in their own country. You can’t guarantee the weather, but there are many great hidden coves perfect for surfing, relaxing and spending a day.
Not all locations are suitable for an RV; some roads are so tight and windy that it might be difficult to get a humble VW around them. However, there are plenty of great sites that will let you pull up, unpack and hunker down for a week’s exploration of your chosen part of Cornwall. North or south, it doesn’t matter, there is lots to see and do, and these sites are perfect for you to park the camper van and explore.
Balnoon Campsite
Lelant, Saint Ives TR26 3JA
Situated near the cosmopolitan town of St Ives, Balnoon campsite is just tucked far enough out to be tranquil but is close enough for you to walk to the village and the nearby sea. It’s a small, friendly site with a modest toilet and shower block and pitches for no more than ten electrical hook-ups. There is a great place to eat, the Balnoon Inn, a five-minute walk from the site, and both Carbis Bay (2 miles) and Penzance (6 miles) are close by as well.
Tehidy Holiday Park
Bassett Rd, Redruth TR16 4JQ
Tehidy Park is an award-winning location set among mature trees in the beautiful Tolskithy Valley. It is far more substantial than Balnoon, perfect for larger parties looking for more facilities. There’s free fibre-optic Wi-Fi, a launderette and electric car charging for those with two vehicles. It is close to the town of Redruth, but do be aware it is not a short walk to any of Cornwall’s stunning beaches.
Bakesdown Farm Camping
Lower Bakesdown Farm, Marhamchurch, Bude EX23 0HJ
North Cornwall is a ‘blink, and you miss it’ part of the county, which many will pass as they head down the A30 in their RVs, but there is plenty to discover for those who do turn off and head north. Bakesdown Farm just outside of Bude is a great place to base yourself if you’re excited about the legend of King Arthur or enjoy the delicious cooking of celebrity chef Rick Stein; both Tintagel and Padstow are within easy traveling distance. Bakesdown claims to have 30 acres of scruffy fields, lively hedges and unruly brambles for those who enjoy the rustic element of their campervan experience.
For those based in the UK, Bristol is just off the M5 and perfect for hiring your camper van as you head down to seek out those Cornish delights.