Efford Down Campsite

View prices & book 9.2 59 reviews
Visitor image of the site
Visitor image of the sunset over the site
Spectacular cornish coastline
Bude

  • Pick your own pitches at this back to basics camping field in Cornwall
  • A five-minute walk from Bude and the South West Coast Path
  • Spacious hillside pitches; barbecues and dogs permitted
No frills but in a splendid hillside setting on the north Cornwall coast… pitches at Efford Down Campsite are in a sloping farm field that's great for family breaks. Located five minutes' walk from Bude and its independent shops, cafés and pubs, it's also within easy strolling distance of supermarkets for picking up self-catering supplies. There’s plenty to do outdoors too: a five-minute walk will see you surfing off Summerleaze beach, or you can potter down to Bude Sea Pool for a swim in less than 10 minutes. There’s also direct access to the South West Coast Path from the campsite, for action-packed days hiking headlands, or gentler ambles along Bude Canal and around the fishing harbour. But that’s not all – there are canoe and mountain bike rentals, pony trekking and golf courses all within a few minutes' drive, and you can try your hand at coasteering, sea kayaking and surf kayaking from local activity centres too. There are no designated pitches here, so you'll be able to choose your own camping spot from what’s available when you arrive in the gently sloping field. Simple facilities at the site include running water, toilets, showers and plenty of space to park cars by your pitch.

Site type

Tent pitches 10
Motorhome pitches 10
Rent a tent 2
Open now
Opens 1 May
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Twin axle vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • Minimum spacing of 2 metres between pitches.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Bookings must not consist of more than 4 different households.
  • Toilet rolls are not provided, please bring your own. Please note: your booking confirmation email should be printed and displayed on the driver's side of your vehicle's dashboard.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Thu, 1 May 2025 to

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 67%
    10
  • 3%
    9
  • 20%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 5%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 3%
    4
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    3
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    2
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    1
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
9
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
4

93% would recommend this site to a friend

93% would stay here again

Reviews page 1 of 6
Arrival date (latest first)

Very good experience.

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Sue G.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Amazing facilities. Clean toilets, hot showers. Best we’ve had using pitch up. Walking distance to Bude beach and centre. Would definitely recommend.

Disliked Nothing.

Location, relaxed site, showers…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
9
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Michelle S.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Location, relaxed site, showers

Disliked Nothing

Clean toilets and bathrooms and appreciated the option for an outdoor shower…

Overall 9/10

Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
5
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Anonymous

Bell tent

Liked Clean toilets and bathrooms and appreciated the option for an outdoor shower - great after a swim or surf. Also liked the clear guidelines around no noise after 10pm. Lovely quiet site.

Disliked Mattresses in the bell tents could do with an upgrade.

Simplicity. We loved the no frills basic amenities. Idea location…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Simplicity. We loved the no frills basic amenities. Idea location for town and great view . Campsite and facilities were spotless.

Disliked Nothing

We will be staying here again Thanks Robin

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Paul H.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked We thought it was a great location.
Everything was simple but nice.
Peacefull
Simple works.

Disliked Absolutely nothing

From the manager: Well now, look at ‘ee go! That’s the kind o’ review that makes us do a little jig in our rubber boots!

Reckon you’ve hit the nail on the head there—simple works. No fuss, no frills, just a peaceful patch o’ grass, a view that’ll knock yer knickers off, and loos that don’t scare the sheep.

We don’t claim to be fancy, just friendly—and by the sounds of it, you got the best of Efford: sea breeze, birdsong, and not a disco toilet in sight.

Thanks for droppin’ by, and don’t be a stranger. The kettle’s always on (well… if you bring one), and the grass’ll be waitin’ for yer tent peg next time you roll through.

Till then—happy wanderin’, and may your guy ropes never tangle! 🏕️🌾

Proper job of a campsite couldn’t ask for a better place

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Tim G.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Cracking little camp 🏕️ site, perfect location, clean & friendly. Robin the host very friendly especially to my wife & 19year old daughter, Geddon Bey!!!

Disliked No welcome pasty & cider on arrival, no slippers or bathrobes in the WC facility,

From the manager: Well now, you’ve rumbled us good ‘n proper! We were this close to installin’ a welcome pasty conveyor belt and a butler in the bogs, but he ran off with the scones and we ain’t seen him since.

Glad you liked our little patch of paradise—clean, friendly, and just rough enough ‘round the edges to make it feel like real campin’. As for me bein’ friendly to your missus and daughter—what can I say? I were raised right... and maybe just a little bit flirty after me third cup of tea.

Next time, I’ll pop a cider in the hedge and warm a pasty on the engine block for ya. Slippers optional, but mind the grass—it does tickle the toes.

Geddon me dear! 🍻🏕️🥟

Yep read reviews!!! For us great little get away!! We will book again!

Overall 9/10

Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Eric B.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked It was exactly what the web site said!!! And we fully agree! And for us great location!!!

From the manager: Well butter my boots and call me a brochure—now that’s the kind o’ review that warms the cockles faster than a campfire on a breezy Bude evening!

Glad to hear the website didn’t tell porkies and we delivered the goods just as promised: grassy pitch, cracking location, sea air by the bucketload, and maybe the odd seagull shouting encouragement.

No dislikes? Either you’re too kind—or you didn’t find the rogue nettle behind pitch 7 that’s been tryna unionise.

Thanks for campin’ with us, me 'ansum—sling yer tent back up any time! Geddon! 🏕️🌊🌿

Very clean facilities a back to basic campsite with everything you need…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Alison G.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Very clean facilities a back to basic campsite with everything you need pitches are not all level but if you have ramps no problem and in a fantastic location to walk into town to the beach and longer coast walks all brilliant.

Disliked Nothing

From the manager: Well howdy doo and a big ol’ geddon!

Now that’s a review that’s straighter than a well-whittled tent peg! Glad you clocked us for what we are—a no-frills, back-to-basics kinda place where the grass grows green, the loos stay clean, and the seagulls provide the morning alarm call.

Aye, the pitches ain’t all level—this ain’t the showroom at B&Q—it’s a proper Cornish hillside! Bit of a lean just makes the tea drain to the strong end. Bring a ramp, bring a smile & job’s a good’un.

No dislikes? You sure you didn’t stub your toe on a rabbit? Either way, you’re welcome back anytime—the views are still free, the breeze is still fresh, and the kettle’s just whistlin’ (if you remembered to pack one).

Happy wanderin’ me lover! 🏕️🌿🌊

Fabulous site tucked far away from the road. So peaceful and quiet.…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
7
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Shaunna L.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Fabulous site tucked far away from the road. So peaceful and quiet. Absolutely loved the showers in the little wooden huts. I expected it to be a cold experience and wasn't looking forward to using them but they were great! All facilities were clean. 5 minutes walk into the town, pub right next door. Robin who runs the site was a lovely chap. Will definitely return again when we are down that way!

Disliked Price was on the high side at £27 a night with no electric but we were happy to pay that for the convenience of being right in Bude itself and being able to walk into town, leaving our big camper safely onsite.

Everything, amazing campsite, easy to find, close to Bude, really friendly.…

Overall 10/10

Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
10
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Everything, amazing campsite, easy to find, close to Bude, really friendly.


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by pitch/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Walkers' paradise Wild camping

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Surf school nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Efford Down Campsite

Vicarage Road

Bude

Cornwall

England

EX23 8LJ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.82588°N
4.54941°W

Route directions

As you travel from Bude towards Widemouth Bay, you will pass the Brendon Pub on your right-hand side. Immediately after the row of houses that are to the left of the Bendon Pub, there is a secret entrance lane. While driving down the leafy entrance lane, please drive very carefully and slowly. Please do not drive through the stone pillar driveway next to the property.

Nearest transport

Coach
0.3 mi The Strand
20 mi Nelson Road
20.1 mi Bideford Quay
Rail
25.1 mi Okehampton Rail Station
25.9 mi Gunnislake Rail Station
26.4 mi Coombe Junction Halt (Rail Station)
Ferry
20.1 mi Bideford Ferry Landing
22.2 mi Appledore Ferry Landing
22.4 mi Instow Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Around Bude, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. This pleasant resort has half a dozen different beaches to explore, with sandy spots, secluded coves, rockpools and the saltwater Bude Sea Pool to try out. Just out of town, you can escape the hustle and bustle at Widemouth Bay (five minutes' drive), or for a peaceful few hours of sport you could make a day of it at Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club (five minutes), where visitors are welcome. The South West Coast Path (five minutes' walk from base) has ample hiking opportunities for serious walkers (and less serious ones who fancy a shorter jaunt to some of north Cornwall's less accessible beaches). Good public transport services run along much of the route, making it possible to loop back to base in Bude by bus rather than walking the long way home. For families, this part of Cornwall has Tintagel Castle (35 minutes) with its connections to King Arthur; the village of Tintagel also has caves and a toy museum to keep the kids occupied. Alternatively, take them for a go on the rides, slides and flumes at Camel Creek Family Theme Park (50 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Summerleaze 0.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentGoodGood
Crooklets 0.7 mi Sea N/AExcellentGoodGood
Northcott Mouth 1.6 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentN/A
Widemouth Sand 2.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Sandymouth 2.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Tintagel Castle 14.3 mi

RHS Garden Rosemoor 19.7 mi

Rock Beach 25.2 mi

Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park 28.6 mi

National Trust

Tintagel Old Post Office 14.3 mi

Lawrence House 15.3 mi

Lydford Gorge 23.1 mi

Lundy 23.9 mi

Cotehele 26.9 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Bude - Canal and Nature Reserve 0.1 mi

Bude - Canal and Coast 0.1 mi

Bude to Sandymouth 0.4 mi

Poughill - Bude - Northcott Mouth 1.5 mi

Battle of Stratton, 1643 1.5 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Cornwall?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Efford Down Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Efford Down Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Efford Down Campsite? Around Bude, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. This pleasant resort has half a dozen different beaches to explore, with sandy spots, secluded coves, rockpools and the saltwater Bude … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Efford Down Campsite?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  4 p.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Efford Down Campsite? From £27 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.