A Guide To Perranporth Camping: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Tips & More!

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Last updated on July 4, 2023 by Wandering our World

Perranporth is a lovely seaside town in Cornwall, England. Bordered by the towns of St Agnes to the east and Newquay to the west. this place is home to several beaches, including Perranporth Beach, which is said to be one of the best in Cornwall. The town is also home to a number of pubs and restaurants, as well as a golf course.

With all of that going on, alongside the knockout seaside views and beach holiday vibes you get when visiting, camping in Perranporth has become more and more popular in recent years.

And if you’re planning a Perranporth camping holiday then you’re in the right place!

We know this town like the back of our hand, so below we share with you our five favourite Perranporth campsites.

We also look at wild camping in Perranporth, as well as the best time to camp in the region (and why), and then share some of our favourite things to do here as well.

So read on to get all the information you need for your upcoming Perranporth camping adventure!

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/pkanchana

Camping In Perranporth: The Best Campsites for Fun, Views & Adventure

There are several campsites located in and around the town, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Most of the camps offer pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a number of facilities.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious camping experience, there are a few campsites that also offer glamping pods! Glamping pods are essentially fancy tents with all the amenities you would expect from a hotel room. They’re perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors without having to sacrifice any luxury.

Below are five campsites in Perranporth worth checking out. Each will bring you fun, spectacular views, and a whole lot of camping adventure. (Related: Unique, Exciting and Free Cornwall Day Trips!).

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

1. Anchor Barrow Campsite

The family that run this campsite love their labour of love. It’s a proper field campsite that’s just perfect for campers looking for great facilities in a friendly atmosphere with wonderful coastal views.

Anchor Barrow is only a two-minute drive from the small town of Perranporth with its stunning dog-friendly beach so it’s in a great location too. And there are plenty of spacious open fields with beautiful views of the Cornish countryside surrounding the site. Couples, families, groups and dogs are all welcome – there’s a pitch for everyone!

Along with those wonderful Cornish views, this campsite has many great amenities, including a toilet/shower block with disabled access, a washing-up area, laundry facilities, a site shop, a football pitch, and lots of open space to play games. Making it perfect for kids that have plenty of energy to get rid of.

As Anchor Barrow is within walking distance of Perranporth, it’s also close to local pubs, cafes, and restaurants. That makes it the perfect place to stay while exploring everything that Cornwall has to offer – including a few Cornish ales in the evening!

And if you don’t want to leave the campsite for a drink check out the ‘Barrow Bar’ in the evenings. Enjoy local drinks alongside classic gins, vodkas, rums, ale and cider served in their little outside bar. What could be better? Well they sometimes have live music at the bar too, as well as visiting food trucks!

What’s Close By

Perranporth Beach is very close and is the perfect place for a sunny day walk with the dog, or a kick about with your kids.

For something more adventurous, the South West Coast Path runs beside the campsite and is waiting to be explored. This long distance hiking trail is famous for its stunning coastal views, and walking it gives you opportunities to spot wildlife like whales – more on that later.

There are also plenty of golf courses and tourist railways in the area for a fun day out. Who knows, you might even find a new favourite spot to relax in the sun.

Price: From £18 per night

Address: Anchor Barrow Campsite, St George’s Hill, Perranporth TR6 0ED

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/naumoid

2. Tollgate Farm Caravan & Camping Park

Tollgate Farm Caravan & Camping Park is a family-run park that is set in acres of countryside. It’s a quirky place where there’s plenty to keep kids occupied.

There is a bug hotel to keep children amused, a help yourself Herb Garden so you can add something extra to your dinner, and plenty of different wildlife to see on-site including badgers, buzzards and foxes.

There’s more too, as this park is on a working farm which offers campers the opportunity to lend a helping hand! What a great way for young ones to learn a little more about rural life.

As for the amenities, you’ll find large grass and hardstanding pitches with electric hook-ups on every site. Tollgate also provide a range of excellent facilities for visitors, including accessible shower rooms, a large playfield with a play area and football goal, and a drive-over waste point for motorhomes. There is also a shop on site stocked with essentials.

Various takeaway trucks are available on-site in the morning and evening during the week, serving a variety of delicious meals. There is also a bus stop close by, providing easy access to the local area.

Dogs are also very welcome at this campsite, and with miles of great walks nearby your furry friend will be very happy to be taken on vacation!

What’s Close By

If you’re an animal lover, then a farm stay is the perfect holiday for you. You can get up close and personal with all sorts of animals here, from horses and pigs to ducks and chickens.

There’s plenty to do on the farm, from feeding the animals to taking a walk around the fields. Not only is it a fun and educational experience for kids, but adults will enjoy it too.

Plus, the farm is conveniently located near Perranporth, which can be reached by a 3-mile walk along a lovely coastal path. Newquay, St Ives, and Land’s End are all within easy reach by car too.

Price: From £8 per night

Address: Budnick, Hill, Perranporth TR6 0AD, United Kingdom

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/cookelma

3. Reen Cross Holiday Park

Reen Cross is a delightful Perranporth campsite that is surrounded by picturesque Cornish countryside. It’s conveniently located close to Perranporth Beach (1.5 miles away) and just a short drive from the many attractions found at Newquay, St Agnes, Crantock and Holywell. The fascinating Eden Project is around a 45-minute drive away as well.

This campsite has good access for motorhomes and is suitable for large vehicles. Static caravans are also available for holiday bookings. It’s a very family friendly place too.

There’s a toilet block with shower facilities, as well as a washing machine and freezer that can be used by campers, so you can keep your food fresh on those hot summer days.

There’s plenty of space to play or enjoy a BBQ, while children can let off steam in the nearby play area. Plus with a pub just a short walk away, no one in the family should be bored!

What’s Close By

If you want to explore further afield, the kid-friendly Dairyland Farm Park, Newquay’s Holywell Bay, and Lappa Valley Steam Railway are all within easy reach. Or why not try nearby Llama Land, which is as fun as it sounds!

The coastal path can also be picked up a mile north at Rose, and from there you can explore the beautiful beaches of Crantock, Polly Joke, Holywell and St Agnes. Or if you fancy something more adventurous, how about coasteering?

Other nearby attractions include Flambards and Crealy Theme Parks, Callistick Farm’s Ice Cream shop, Reen Manor Riding Stables and Newquay Zoo. Watergate Bay is also well worth a visit.

Price: From £18 per night

Address: Reen Cross Perranporth, Goonhavern, Truro TR4 9JS

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/welcomia

4. Perran Sands Holiday Park

Perran Sands is a lively 5-star holiday park set among sand dunes and boasting direct access to the beach!

You’ll find pitches with and without electric hook-ups, as well as extra-large spaces and premium Euro pitches with all the amenities you need.

There’s also plenty of choice for families, including glamping safari tents that can accommodate up to five people and come fully furnished with everything you need – including a compact kitchen unit and your own hot tub.

If you’re looking for a more luxurious option they also have beach houses with gorgeous sea views, feature fireplaces and large flat-screen HD TVs.

As for the shared camping facilities, this is actually a Haven holiday park so the amenities really are excellent. There are two rooms with baby changing facilities for families, as well as accessible shower blocks and WCs. Guests can also enjoy the indoor pool with flume and the outdoor fun pool, plus there’s an activity hub for sports.

The park also has its own cafe, bar, restaurant, amusement arcade, evening entertainment and events, plus free Wi-Fi in certain areas. Fishing and golf are also available nearby.

If you’re looking for a campsite with all the facilities you could possibly need, and right beside the beach, this is likely the best Perranporth camping option for you.

What’s Close By

Cornwall is a wonderful place to vacation and this campsite is a great base to explore the region.

However with its beautiful landscape and plethora of activities it’s also easy to keep everyone entertained on-site. Splash about in the pool, go for a nature walk, or enjoy the the activities and evening entertainment at this park.

There are also plenty of nearby attractions to choose from, like the Blue Reef Aquarium. 

Price: From £14 per night for one person

Address: Perran Sands Holiday Park, Perranporth TR6 0AQ

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Apicha Thumvisead

5. Perranporth Camping and Touring Park

Perranporth Camping & Touring Park is a family-owned site that is perfect for those who love the beach. It’s just a five-minute walk away from Perranporth Beach, but is still located in a beautiful valley with plenty of trees for shade or hanging your wet suit.

The campsite is set in six acres of lush green grassland on well-drained sandy soil. There are electric pitches for caravans and tents, as well as some hard-standing sites with electric and water connections, as well as drainage too.

The showers are always clean and the washrooms come with shaving points so that you can be at your best for the day.

But best of all they have a heated swimming pool that’s set in an enclosed sun trap area!

What’s Close By

Nearby Perranporth is a bustling town that has something for everyone.

And just a five-minute walk from this campsite and you’ll find The Watering Hole – the only bar sat directly on a beach in the UK! Offering great food, fantastic sunsets and live bands, this is the perfect place to spend an evening. 

There are also plenty of other attractions close by like the Perranporth Airfield Museum, the Tolcarne Inn, and the Surf Life Saving Club.

Price: From £28 per night

Address: Budnick, Perranporth TR6 0DB

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/HildeAnna

Perranporth Camping: The Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Perranporth is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. The beach is a great place to relax and sunbathe, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the town centre that are open for visitors to explore. The town is also home to a few pubs with some lovely beer gardens, the perfect place to enjoy a cold drink on a warm evening.

If you want a very special wildlife experience, then the best time to spot whales off the Cornish coast is usually around August and September. So you may wish to plan your Perranporth camping adventure around these months in the hopes of spotting a minke whale or humpback whale.

There have been sightings of both from April through to November though, so you may be lucky at any point during those months. For your best chance of seeing whales, make your way to the headlands along the South Coast Path – especially further south of Perranporth towards St Agnes Bay.

There are several events held in Perranporth throughout the year too, so there is always something going on. The ‘Tunes in the Dunes’ music festival is held on Perranporth Beach around June and features famous UK and international acts. You may want to time your camping trip to coincide with that.

During winter the Christmas markets are good fun as well, and the town comes alive with festive cheer.

So if you’re looking for a fun and lively place to visit during the winter months, where temperatures remain mild in comparison to the rest of the UK, then Perranporth is perfect. However we wouldn’t recommend tent camping in winter, but staying in a heated caravan or motorhome should be fine if you’re well prepared.

Photo via Unsplash+

Wild Camping In Perranporth: Everything You Need To Know

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

The bad news is that wild camping in Perranporth, and England in general, is illegal. However it is sometimes tolerated by locals if you are not camping in a group, and you are camping far from settlements and people’s homes.

Furthermore, sometimes people will wild camp when walking long-distance routes – like the South Coast Path. In general wild camping while hiking is sometimes tolerated if done in a considerate manner.

Although we always advise choosing a campsite, if you do decide to go wild camping in Perranporth and the surrounding region, then make sure you camp discreetly.

Be careful not to damage the ground where you pitch your tent and if you think you’re on private land (like a farmer’s field) then you should always seek out the permission of the land owner. They may ask for a small fee.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

If wild camping in Perranporth, we’d advise sticking to the following guidelines in order to be as considerate as possible:

  • You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission.

  • Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking and hiking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to walk and camp in Perranporth and the surrounding area.

  • If you are walking a main hiking trail you should camp away from the path as a matter of courtesy. 

  • When wild camping, do not light fires as wild fires are a danger. Instead it may be worth looking at using a stove or storm cooker – but check local laws first to see if they’re allowed. The Swedish brand Trangia make great camping storm cookers that are safe and virtually indestructible.

  • When going to the toilet you should do it far from water sources, such as rivers and lakes. Make sure to use a trowel (like this folding one) to bury any human waste – don’t just leave it out in the open.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Ralf Geithe

Things You Should Do When Camping In Perranporth

There are so many things to do in Perranporth, that you’ll likely never find yourself bored. However here are three of our favourites:

1. Visit the Blue Reef Aquarium

The Blue Reef Aquarium is a great place to visit for all ages. With over 40 different displays, you’ll be able to see a wide variety of marine life, from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and octopuses.

It’s a great way to learn about marine wildlife and their habitats. The aquarium also has a cafe and a gift shop, so you can grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir before you leave.

2. Explore the Perranporth Airfield Museum

The Perranporth Airfield Museum is a must-visit for any history buff!

With over 50 different exhibits, you’ll be able to learn all about the history of aviation in Cornwall.

This museum is also home to a variety of aircraft, from a World War II Spitfire to a modern-day helicopter.

3. Enjoy Perranporth Beach

Perranporth Beach is one of the most beautiful in Cornwall.

With its long expanse of sand and clear blue waters, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular beaches in the area. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or surf, you’ll be able to do it all at Perranporth Beach.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/photobyravis

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  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.