Bay View Camping

No availability at present on Pitchup.com 8.8 25 reviews
Visitor image of their set up
A short walk away
Camping field
Camping pitches

  • Off-grid camping on the Cornish coast two miles from Falmouth
  • Walk to Maenporth or Swanpool beach within 20 minutes
  • Sea views and direct access to the South West Coast Path
Getting out on the South West Coast Path could barely be easier than it is from Bay View Camping – this Cornwall site is right by the shoreline between Falmouth and Maenporth, and it has its own private access gate to the coast path. That means you can get out for short or long seaside strolls whenever you like, or use the path to get to one of the local beaches: Maenporth and Swanpool are your closest, at about 15 minutes and 20 minutes’ walk respectively. There are places to eat at both spots too, so you could leave the car behind for several days here and simply get about on foot easily enough. And there’s no need to leave the coast behind once you’re done with outings for the day, because this field is close enough to the shore to have gorgeous sea views from the pitches. They look out to the east, so it’s worth being up for sunrise, but they’re still splendid of an evening. Off-grid, the site has flushing toilets and hot showers. It’s all very laidback in vibe, so kids and dogs are welcome and there aren’t any real restrictions on arrival and departure times.

Site type

Tent pitches 50
Opens
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Group bookings of 3 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.
  • Bookings must not be for more than 14 consecutive nights.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over.
  • Minimum spacing of 6 metres between pitches.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • There is no reception on-site: on arrival please contact the number provided on your booking confirmation.
  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.

Languages spoken

English

Reviews

92%

would recommend this site to a friend

92%

would stay here again

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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

An overpriced field with loos/showers; great view in fine weather.

Overall 6/10
Location 8
Value for money 4
Accommodation 4
Facilities / Activities 4
Customer service 10
Child friendliness No rating
Cleanliness 8
Wifi No rating
Alastair R. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Great view of the bay. Friendly owner. Quiet campsite. Two portacabins with showers & flushing toilets, all clean.

For walkers, there is a gate to access the campsite directly from the SW Coast Path, very convenient. You need a code for this which the owner texted to us the day before arrival. Luckily I'd checked my phone in advance as there was no phone signal (for me at least) by the gate.

Disliked: The downside to the view is that the site is very exposed to the weather, especially wind. It's also hard to drive pegs in more than about 3 inches before hitting stones because the topsoil is so thin. Didn't affect our little backpacking tent too badly but would not be a great combination in windy weather. Make sure you peg out all your guy lines if it's going to be stormy.

Although the campsite was quiet overall, we had quite intrusive engine noise from some of the vessels that anchor while waiting for their slot in Falmouth harbour. Probably not helped by the wind direction being from the south but it wasn't the idyllic peace we'd had elsewhere on the coastal path.

It's rather overpriced considering the very basic nature of the campsite. The washing up facilities were just one sink with only cold water on the edge of the field, draining onto the ground. No covered seating area, no phone charging facilities, no communal fridge for food; all of which we've had on some cheaper campsites on the Lizard.

The showers were both clean and hot, but better use them in daylight. At night the light was on a motion sensor that lasts 30 seconds. Then you have to get out of the shower, wave your arms around, back in to wash some more and repeat!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Very nice and well kept campsite with good basic amenities. But the…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 4
Sunny J. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Very nice and well kept campsite with good basic amenities. But the view and proximity to the coast path is the biggest positive.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lots of space, toilet and shower facilities were super clean as they…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 2
Maurizio F. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Lots of space, toilet and shower facilities were super clean as they cleaned them everyday. Hot water available for the showers. Drinking water available. And the most stunning ocean view. Right next to Falmouth.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We will be returning

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 10
Wifi No rating
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Amazing sea views! Spacious site. Had toilet and shower facilities. Amenable host.

Disliked: From the entrance going up to the field is incredibly bumpy for my car as I have a small very old fiesta.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic view of the sea. Ground was decent to pitch a tent.…

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 8
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 8
Wifi 2
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Fantastic view of the sea. Ground was decent to pitch a tent. Great view of the sky at night if its clear

Disliked: Difficult to find and access is fairly rocky so may struggle with a lower car. Water pressure in the showers wasn't great (went to virtually nothing half way through a shower and had to wait a bit for others to finish)

Recommend to friends Visit again

Staff were friendly; the cheap price made it a bit more acceptable.

Overall 6/10
Location 6
Value for money 6
Accommodation 4
Facilities / Activities 4
Customer service 8
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 6
Wifi 2
Sebastian Z. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: A decent sized field with a peaceful atmosphere and lovely view. Also easy access to the coast line and if everything worked it would have all you need to enjoy a good day camping.

Disliked: Unfortunately the showers and running water have stopped while we were there so that ruined it a bit as we Couldn’t get a wash.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Spacious field with clean facilities, friendly staff, great location

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 6
Marie B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: The field was very spacious and had a beautiful view of the sea.
Toilets were always clean and shower was hot and provided a bath mat which was very helpful.
Lovely host Alice who always checked in and kept the place going!
Super close to the beach which was ideal for us and we could walk along the coastal path into Falmouth.
Perfect holiday.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great views, little expensive

Overall 8/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 6
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 2
Luke A. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: The views are incredible, literally dreamy views of the sea, and right next to the coastal path which will take you right into Falmouth. Was nice to have a proper toilet and shower even though a little basic.

Disliked: Drive up to the site was very sketchy, make sure you take a car with good suspension

Recommend to friends Visit again

This campsite had everything we needed a shower a toilet and the…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
chloe s. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: This campsite had everything we needed a shower a toilet and the most fantastic views. I understand why people would want to keep this haven a secret because its just so stunning and most of the time very peaceful. Alice was a great host incredibly helpful and informative of the local area. We will be back!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 8
Wifi 8
Natalie C. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked: Lovely site, really quiet, amazing views. Easy access to south west coast path and walking to the beaches.

Recommend to friends Visit again


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

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly 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 Leave the car at home Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wildlife haven

Utilities

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

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 pitches) Pop-up campsite

Accessibility

Disabled facilities

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Surf school nearby Watersports nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Seasonal pitches

Location

Bay View Camping

Penrose Farm

Maenporth

Falmouth

Cornwall

England

TR11 5HL

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London GMT (GMT+00:00)

GPS

50.13052°N
-5.08579°W

Nearest transport

Coach
1.8 mi The Moor B
2.6 mi Bridge
4.8 mi Post Office and Stores
Rail
1.4 mi Penmere Rail Station
1.5 mi Falmouth Town Rail Station
1.9 mi Falmouth Docks Rail Station
Ferry
1.8 mi Falmouth Custom House Quay
1.8 mi Falmouth Ntl Maritime Museum Ferry Landing
1.9 mi Falmouth Prince of Wales Pier Ferry Landing
Airport
19.2 mi Penzance Airport
22.2 mi Newquay St Mawgan Airport
25.9 mi Land's End St Just Airport

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

The coast is the big draw around here, of course – and no doubt you’ll start with outings to Maenporth and Swanpool beach, which are both within 20 minutes’ walk. You could continue from either of these for a splendid day’s walking along the South West Coast Path – perhaps as far as Durgan (an hour and a half’s walk), where you can turn inland to explore Glendurgan Garden or Trebah Garden. Alternatively you can drive to either within 15 minutes. Spotted any seals as you walk? It’s perhaps unlikely, so you may need to pay a visit to the Cornish Seal Sanctuary (25 minutes’ drive). To meet equally cute four-legged rescue animals, aim for the Flicka Foundation donkey sanctuary (10 minutes). Some time in Falmouth (five minutes’ drive/40 minutes’ walk) is also a fine idea, to peruse Pendennis Castle, visit the art galleries and take a boat to St Mawes, a lovely little fishing village across the estuary with a beach, castle and a network of winding streets to wander through.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Maenporth 0.5 mi Sea N/AGoodGoodGood
Swanpool 0.8 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Gyllyngvase 1.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Porthallow 4.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Porthoustock 5.3 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

National Maritime Museum Cornwall 1.8 mi

Pendennis Castle 2 mi

Trebah Garden 2.3 mi

National Seal Sanctuary 5.9 mi

Truro Cathedral 9.4 mi

National Trust

Glendurgan Garden 2.3 mi

St Anthony Head 4.2 mi

Trelissick Garden 6.4 mi

Penrose Estate: Gunwalloe and Loe Pool 9.9 mi

Cornish Mines and Engines 10.3 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

PENJERRICK 0.9 mi

FALMOUTH GENERAL CEMETERY 1 mi

GLENDURGAN 2.1 mi

TREBAH 2.4 mi

Helford - St. Anthony-in-Meneage - Gillan Creek - Manaccan 3.4 mi

Local events

  • Boardmasters (Wednesday 6 August 2025 – Wednesday 6 August 2025)

    Newquay, Cornwall 21.2 mi

  • Eden Sessions (Thursday 12 June 2025 – Thursday 12 June 2025)

    Par, Cornwall 21.9 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.

Offers

Conditions apply - see pitch type section for details

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Cornwall?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Bay View Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Bay View Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Bay View Camping? The coast is the big draw around here, of course – and no doubt you’ll start with outings to Maenporth and Swanpool beach, which are both within 20 minutes’ walk. You could … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Bay View Camping?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  7 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more