Why visit St Ives?
Scenic seaside
You could almost convince yourself you were somewhere far more exotic than little old Cornwall during a St Ives camping trip. This hillside town on the county's north coast tumbles down to six white-sand beaches – all lapped by clear waters with a turquoise tinge. Pick from family-fave Porthminster, calm and sheltered Porthgwidden, surfer-centric Porthmeor or dog-friendly Porthkidney. There’s also a stretch of sand down by the harbour, plus the award-winning Carbis Bay is just east of town.
Art and culture
The renowned Tate St Ives gallery sits in this arty part of Cornwall, displaying modern works from British creatives with regional connections. Stroke your chin thoughtfully as you admire pieces by the likes of Sandra Blow and Roger Hilton, then wander around town – past Fore Street’s independent shops and Down-a-long’s fishermen’s cottages – to seek out small galleries dedicated to works by Cornish and international artists.
Placid pursuits
The first thing you’ll notice when camping in St Ives? How relaxed it all feels. Keep your activities leisurely by signing up for a kayaking or paddleboarding tour. As days draw to a close, catch the sunset at the Man’s Head rock, a few minutes’ walk on the coastal path to the west, or just sit and take in the sea views across to Hayle at Smeaton’s Pier on St Ives Harbour.
Top things to do in St Ives
* Jump on the train to St Erth and take in the stonkingly pretty views over Carbis Bay and Hayle Towans beach
* Organise a surfing lesson – whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your skills – at one of the watersports schools
* See the Modernist sculptures and subtropical plants in the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden
* Set sail on a wildlife-spotting boat to an island commandeered by a colony of grey seals
* Get gorgeous vistas of St Ives from the Island, a headland that divides the town’s harbour from Porthmeor Beach
Tourist attractions near St Ives
Spectacular strolls
Getting on the South West Coast Path and wandering in any direction guarantees glorious views in Cornwall. But if you’re camping or glamping in St Ives, it’s worth walking the 6.5-mile circular route to Zennor, a bijou hamlet with an excellent pub (the 13th-century Tinners Arms). Rather rest your legs after your pint? Jump on the bus back to town. For a shorter route, roam along the coast path to Carbis Bay – and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals along the way.
Birdwatching and (more) beaches
If you can’t get enough of the beach, drive just over 10 minutes from your St Ives campsite to Hayle Towans, a stunning curve of coastline. Sitting right on the corner of an estuary, it’s a brilliant birdwatching spot with avocets and ospreys to spot. If you make it the whole three miles to Gwithian and Godrevy Point at the end of the beach, hike along this headland for views over a lighthouse-topped island and a seal-filled cove. Arrive early in the morning to catch the creatures sleeping on the sand.
Here’s how
Use our filters to browse St Ives campsites by price, user review, availability, rules and more. We’ve got farms, motorhome sites, touring caravan parks and glamping options including lodges and log cabins.
Or perhaps you’d like to peruse campsites in St Ives by pitch type? There are plots to put your tent on with parking and electricity, as well as fully serviced pitches.
Still not sure what you’re after? These are some of our guests’ favourite filters at St Ives campsites:
* Camping in St Ives with fires allowed
* St Ives campsites with outdoor swimming pools
* Campsites in St Ives with indoor swimming pools
* St Ives camping sites that welcome dogs
If you’ve already been camping near St Ives and are keen to try another holiday hotspot in Cornwall, opt for lively Newquay further up the north coast or set your sights on spectacular Sennen in the south east.
Our camping guide is on hand wherever you decide to stay – check it out for articles on budget holidays, taking trips with kids and the best tents to buy.
