Porthcothan Clifftop Camping

View prices & book 9.5 136 reviews
Campervan on site
Campervan on site
Sunset on site
Sea views
Pitched up
Sea view sunset
Grass pitches
Sunset
Well-behaved dogs welcome
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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

Accommodation

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

Reviews

9.5

Overall rating from 136 Pitchup.com customers

  • 82%
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Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 5
Spectacular sceneryPeaceful

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 14
Arrival date (latest first)

Beautiful location with sea view. Hot showers and clean toilets.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Ruth D.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Beautiful location with sea view. Excellent composting toilets which were working well, no smell. Hot drench showers. Very close to coast path and beach.
The owner/manager was very friendly and came to meet us on our first day. Loved it!

Recommend to friends Visit again

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

Overall

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

Very good facilities with stunning views and very helpful staff.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
Anonymous

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Jeff was very helpful and personable. There was lots of space available (even though everyone pitched around the edge of the site). Good showers and the toilets were cleaned regularly. Fantastic views particularly at sunset. Brilliant coastal walks in either direction from the campsite. Very good for dogs and close to stunning Porthcothan beach.

Disliked The washing up facilities only had cold water. Hot water would have made this site perfect.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A spectacular campsite on the very edge of the coast.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
Thom R.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Excellent warm welcome from Jeff.
I was looking for (and very much enjoy) no frills camping. If that's your thing then this was perfect.
I had a hot shower every day.
The spotless toilets filled every requirement. (I would caution against looking down but who spends their life looking down the loo!)
The location was outstanding as I was walking the SW coast path and could reach it in less than a minute from my tent.
I could see and hear the sea from my pitch. A short walk let me experience the waves beating against the cliffs - something I love to do.
The site was a mere 5 minute stroll to the Porthcothan beach but the delights of many other beaches were but a good walk away.

Recommend to friends Visit again

would fully recommend and will be back

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Great view, helpful staff, everything you need in a great location.

Disliked wind - worth having a wind break when its windy

Recommend to friends Visit again

Everything about the campsite was amazing, Jeff was super helpful and friendly.…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Everything about the campsite was amazing, Jeff was super helpful and friendly. The toilets and showers were clean and well maintained. The views were amazing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Absolutely love this campsite. Views for days and a host who is…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
emily j.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Absolutely love this campsite. Views for days and a host who is just the kindest. A short walk down the coastal path to the beach of porthcothan bay (the best beach in Cornwall in my opinion!)
The showers are warm and free!
The loos are composting loos which is fine and they are meticulously clean.

Disliked It’s a site that’s quite open to the elements which shouldn’t put you off but just consider where you are pitching as there are plenty of more sheltered pogs on the site that you can choose.

Recommend to friends Visit again

I’ve stayed here twice in the space of three weeks so think…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
tracy c.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked I’ve stayed here twice in the space of three weeks so think that says a lot. Location is great if you like your walks. Several bays/beaches to visit all within walking distance depending how far you want to walk and this being a Clifftop campsite the views are stunning …. Just wait for the sunset!

There’s a choice of two fields, one teetering on the edge of the cliff and the main field of your not so brave.

There are three showers and 6 compost loos.

If you’re addicted to your phone, you will need to bring a book ! Not much signal here.

Jeff the owner can offer tips and advice on the area if you’re stuck and runs a great campsite friendly and happy, he makes sure all facilities are clean several times a day.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great camp spot for the night in our campervan. Stunning views and…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Accommodation
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Helen R.

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Great camp spot for the night in our campervan. Stunning views and plenty of space. Basic amenities all you need.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Recommend without hesitation

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
 8
Mark F.

Non-electric grass tent pitch

Liked Everything - location, vibe, facilities, and the legend that is Jeff

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campsite

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

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.