Porthcothan Clifftop Camping

View prices & book 9.5 144 reviews
Campervan on site
Sunset on site
Sea views
Pitched up

  • Clifftop eco camping in Cornwall with stunning sea views
  • A five-minute walk from Porthcothan Bay via the South West Coast Path
  • Back to basics site on a working farm by the coast path; dogs welcome
Based on a working beef and sheep farm just off the South West Coast Path, Porthcothan Clifftop Camping likes to keep things simple. After all, why would you want to complicate life when you have a spacious grassy field, spectacular views out to sea and a top Cornwall location? This friendly and laidback pop-up site crosses the cliffs and looks out over the golden sands of Porthcothan Bay (roughly five minutes' walk away via the coast path). Sea views are visible all around the site, not to mention the gorgeous sunsets that light up the sky on regular occasions. This is a spot for those with an adventurous side – facilities include three hot showers, four composting toilets and multiple water points. You'll need to be fairly self-sufficient in bringing all your own food and equipment, but it's not far to a feed or a hot drink as there are cafés that can be reached within a mile's walk. The sizeable village of Saint Merryn (five minutes' drive) has more amenities, and the larger town of Padstow (a renowned foodie spot) is an easy 15 minute-drive down the road. Those of you who never leave your dogs behind for an adventure will also be happy to find that well-behaved dogs are also welcome at Porthcothan Clifftop Camping.

Site type

Motorhome pitches 3
Tent pitches 38
Open now
Opens 27 June
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 27 Jun to

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

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96% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

This clifftop campsite boasts spectacular, uninterrupted sea views and direct access to the coastal path. Guests consistently praise the friendly and helpful owner, Jeff, and the clean, basic facilities including hot showers and compost toilets. It offers a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space, ideal for dog owners and those seeking a "wild camping" feel. While some found the facilities basic and the location exposed to wind, the overall sentiment is highly positive, with many guests eager to return.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 15
Arrival date (latest first)

Perfect view, perfect site. The person who checked us in was very…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
1
Charlie G.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Perfect view, perfect site. The person who checked us in was very kind and helpful

Recommend to friends Visit again

Can’t fault the dite

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
1
Scott B.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Beautiful scenery views and great management 👍🏼

Disliked Could do with toilets on bottom field

Recommend to friends Visit again

The best of Cornwall.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
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10
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No rating
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8
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No rating
Alison O.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked What a fabulous site! Peaceful, tranquil, beautiful views, lots of space to enjoy and to top it Jeff! Great guy. Friendly, so helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Think we saw him rush off and find a replacement tent for some campers.
Simple, so don’t go if you don’t really like real camping. We booked but could have turned up and pitched up no trouble.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

This campsite is the perfect blend of back-to-basics living and breathtaking scenery.…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
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10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
6
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked This campsite is the perfect blend of back-to-basics living and breathtaking scenery. It has a laid-back, welcoming vibe that's dog-friendly and allows campfires.The facilities are basic but clean and functional. We would definitely go back again.

Disliked Bumpy lane leading to the site.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Would definitely stay here again

Overall

10 out of 10
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8
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Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Well kept site with great views

Recommend to friends Visit again

Will be back for sure, for longer

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
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6
Customer service
10
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No rating
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9
Wifi
5
Daniel J.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Everything!
Quite, off the beaten track (literally)
Quirky
Amazing views
Local beaches !
The owner.... Jeff ?? Nice dude !

Disliked Not much to dislike
Hot water shower are a bit hit and miss

Recommend to friends Visit again

I recently stayed at this beautiful seaside campsite and couldn’t be happier…

Overall

10 out of 10
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10
Value for money
10
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10
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Artur S.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked I recently stayed at this beautiful seaside campsite and couldn’t be happier with the experience! The location is absolutely stunning – right by the sea and close to beautiful cliffs, with breathtaking views at any time of day. It’s just a short walk to gorgeous sandy beaches, which made it perfect for both relaxing and exploring.

The site is very well-kept and dog-friendly, so our furry friend felt just as welcome as we did. Jeff, the owner, is incredibly friendly and helpful – always happy to offer tips about the local area and make sure guests are comfortable.

If you’re looking for a peaceful coastal getaway with amazing scenery, easy beach access, and a warm welcome, this campsite is a real gem. Highly recommended!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Ideal for a couple of nights if you’re ok with basic facilities

Overall

10 out of 10
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10
Value for money
10
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10
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10
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10
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Nicola H.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Location right on coast path with awesome views and walks.
Porthcothan beach is only 10 mins walk away.
Owner is a really nice guy!

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Stunning views of the sea, within 10 mins walking distance of beach

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
10
Accommodation
10
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
10
Child friendliness
10
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
4
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Stunning views and large fields.

Recommend to friends Visit again

No frills site with amazing views and great access to the beach

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
7
Accommodation
No rating
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10
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10
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Linda B.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Lots of space and amazing views. Right on the coastal path with beautiful beaches an easy walking distance in both directions. Jeff (the owner) was always super cheery and friendly.

Disliked Showers were very temperamental! We stayed 6 nights and only had 1.5 actually hot showers. Jeff was doing a great job of trying to get them working though. Bring a bowl (and kettle) for your washing up too. Quite exposed if it’s windy.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Beach access 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 Wild swimming

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

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

Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping 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 Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

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

Nearby leisure

Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Surf school nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Porthcothan Clifftop Camping

Carnevas Farm

Porthcothan Bay

Padstow

Cornwall

England

PL28 8PN

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.51236°N
5.01721°W

Route directions

Please do not follow Google Maps, as it will take you down a dead-end road. Use the following instructions (or what3words: postcard.pacifist.tortoises). The gateway for the site is 20 yards along on the left just past a grey cottage (on the right) called Carnavis Cottage. It is clearly marked with the logo and the name Porthcothan Clifftop Camping. Please do not continue up to Carnevas Holiday Park, which is a separate business.

Nearest transport

Coach
6.7 mi Shop Corner
6.7 mi Porth Four Turns
7.5 mi Bus Station
Rail
7.2 mi Newquay Rail Station
7.5 mi Quintrell Downs Rail Station
8.6 mi St Columb Road Rail Station
Ferry
4.1 mi Padstow Ferry Landing
4.6 mi Rock Padstow Ferry Landing
19.8 mi Mevagissey Ferry Landing
Airport
4.5 mi Newquay St Mawgan 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

With direct access to the South West Coast Path, reaching Cornwall’s coves on foot has never been easier. Once you’ve ticked off seeing beaches like Porthcohan Bay and Treyarnon Bay a short walk along the coast, further afield are the bigger towns. Padstow (15 minutes’ drive), in particular, has lots to like: access to the Camel Trail, a busy harbour, a ferry to Rock and Prideaux Palace. To the south of Padstow is Trevibban Mill Vineyard (15 minutes) and its Cornish cider and wine tasting activities. Wadebridge (25 minutes) also has bicycle hire for the Camel Trail if you want to end your route in Padstow. Port Isaac (40 minutes), further afield, is a historic place with rows of cottages, a historic harbour and kayaking, coasteering or speed boat trips. If you’re looking for more entertainment of the active sort, Newquay Activity Centre (30 minutes) runs surf lessons, paddleboarding and other watersports. Kids are also likely to enjoy Newquay Zoo (30 minutes) and near Wadebridge, the Camel Creek Adventure Park (15 minutes), which has rides, small animals and a 5D cinema.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Porthcothan 0.4 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Treyarnon Bay 1 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Constantine Bay 1.5 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Booby’S Bay 1.9 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentN/A
Harlyn Bay 2.1 mi Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park 4.2 mi

Rock Beach 4.7 mi

Blue Reef Aquarium 7.3 mi

Fistral Beach 7.3 mi

Newquay Zoo 7.3 mi

National Trust

Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps 2.3 mi

Trerice 8.8 mi

Tintagel Old Post Office 15.6 mi

Trelissick Garden 20.4 mi

Cornish Mines and Engines 22.5 mi

Cycle routes

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

Other

Harlyn and Constantine Bays 2.1 mi

Bedruthen Steps and Park Head 2.2 mi

Trevone Bay - Constantine Bay - South West Coastal Path 2.9 mi

PRIDEAUX PLACE 3.9 mi

Padstow and the South-West Coast Path 3.9 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.

Nearest sites

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable sites.

Want to know more about camping in Cornwall?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Porthcothan Clifftop Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Porthcothan Clifftop Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Porthcothan Clifftop Camping? With direct access to the South West Coast Path, reaching Cornwall’s coves on foot has never been easier. Once you’ve ticked off seeing beaches like Porthcohan Bay and Treyarnon Bay a short … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Porthcothan Clifftop Camping?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  10 a.m. –  10 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Porthcothan Clifftop Camping? From £30 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.