Efford Down Campsite

View prices & book 9 110 reviews
Visitor image of the site
Visitor image of the site
Visitor image of the sunset over the site
Bell tent exterior
Both of the bell tents
Exterior
Visitor image of the views
Outside eco toilets
Sinks for teeth brushing and hand washing
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Visitor image of the sunset over the site
Bell tent exterior
Both of the bell tents

  • 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 21
Rent a tent 2
Motorhome pitches 21
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).
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Bookings must not consist of more than 4 different households.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • 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 Fri 1 May to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
0 dogs
Dogs allowed
Other options

Reviews

9

Overall rating from 110 Pitchup.com customers

  • 52%
    10
  • 14%
    9
  • 20%
    8
  • 6%
    7
  • 4%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 5
Peaceful

95% would recommend this site to a friend

95% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite boasts an excellent, central location within easy walking distance of Bude town centre and the beach, offering a relaxed atmosphere. Facilities are generally found to be clean, with notable praise for the showers. Many appreciate the peacefulness and the opportunity to pick their own pitch. Some visitors mention the site's sloping nature and basic amenities, but overall it's highly recommended for its location and straightforward camping experience.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 16/06/2026

Reviews page 1 of 11
Arrival date (latest first)

Good site & location with relaxed atmosphere but shame about the loo’s

Overall

6 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 6
Facilities / Activities
 2
Customer service
 5
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 5
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked The relaxed pick your own pitch so close to sea at Bude makes this a nice site.

Disliked Only one male toilet in use and that didn’t flush!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent location but very basic facilities.

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 5
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Clean facilities, sheltered from the wind next to the hedge. Excellent access to Bude and the coast path.

Disliked No hand drying facilities or hot water to wash dishes. Seemed expensive for very basic facilities.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Well now, thank'ee kindly for the kind words about the clean facilities, the shelter o' the hedge, and our handy spot for Bude and the coast path. That old hedge has saved many a camper from being introduced to the Atlantic a bit sooner than planned.

As for the lack o' hand dryers and hot water for the dishes, you've caught us red-handed, my 'ansome. Efford Down's a simple farm campsite, not a five-star spa disguised as a field. Most folk arrive expectin' grass, fresh air and a bit o' peace and quiet, though every now and then someone turns up hopin' for the Ritz with tent pegs.

On the question o' price, we're sorry it didn't feel like value for money. Mind, a sheltered pitch, clean facilities, and a stone's throw from some of the finest coastline in Cornwall do cost a touch more than parking up in Uncle Bert's back garden.

Still, we're glad you enjoyed the location, and we wish you well in your continued search for a campsite that offers both rugged outdoor adventure and the full conveniences of a luxury utility room.

Pleasant, relaxed stay

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Steve S. 7 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked The relaxed siting arrangement, close to town and quite location

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely quiet & chilled out campsite,…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Andy G. 1 review

Electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Lovely quiet & chilled out campsite, a very short walk from Bude town centre and the beach. Clean facilities and hot showers. Would definitely recommend and stay again.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Clean, beautiful and peaceful. Very close to…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Clean, beautiful and peaceful.
Very close to town but still quiet.

Disliked Lio roll wasn’t get topped up.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The location is perfect for enjoying…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
 Jemma L. 2 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked The location is perfect for enjoying the delights of Bude. Lovely and clean facilities. The pitches were well kept and quiet site in the evenings.

Disliked Nothing to dislike

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great location, simple free range campsite

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Laura S. 1 review

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Casual free range style. Fantastic location. Clean toilets and showers. Friendly murder of crows 🐦‍⬛

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent location

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
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 Excellent Location , within walking distance to town. Showers are great, adjustable temps and power.

Disliked The crows are extremely noisy in the morning, toilets are not great and never have toilet paper in.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great location near beach.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Alistair B. 2 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Showers were warm and toilets clean! 11pm curfew so no late parties around fires.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant stay!

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
 Nancy K. 5 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Location was brilliant, short walk to town and beach. Very chilled out and not 'rulesey'. Showers were great, hot and clean. Outdoor Shower for after the beach was good too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

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 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 Small (11-25 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.

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.