Porthleven campsites: prime positions on the Cornish coast
It’s got a pretty harbour and a fab surfing beach, it’s got rockpools and gorgeous coast walks, and it’s handily placed for days at Praa Sands beach, strolls on the Lizard Peninsula and outings to the fab Flambards Theme Park… well, it’s no wonder we reckon that Porthleven camping is a pretty fine idea.
Whether you’re heading down Cornwall way with surfboard, golf clubs, walking boots or bucket and spade in hand, Porthleven campsites make handy (and often mighty scenic) places to bed down for a night or few. And there are plenty to choose from too, from your straightforward top-value tent pitches to your swanky glampsites – and just about everything in between.
So before you go plotting a course down to Cornwall, take a bit of time to browse the various options and figure out which of our campsites in Porthleven is the one for you.
Camping in Porthleven for surfing, strolling and seaside days
Finding a campsite in Porthleven itself is unlikely – it’s only a wee place, after all – so you’ll want to start by browsing the lovely locations outside the village. Seaside spots are much coveted, but the slightly more sheltered spaces just a little way back from the coast are certainly worth a look too (particularly if you’re coming along to a Porthleven campsite outside of the main season – many are open all year round for hardy types).
Yearning for quiet time and open space? Select wild camping spots, pick remote locations or look out for places that allow campfires for that classic camping vibe. Bringing the whole tribe along? Check out family-friendly Porthleven holiday parks: they’re often packed with things to enthrall the tiddlers, from play areas to pools to on-site activities. Just got your four-legged pal for company? There are plenty of dog-friendly Porthleven campsites to pick from.
It’s not all about traditional tent sites around here, of course. Motorhome pitches and caravan parks are all around for folk touring Cornwall in their own home-on-wheels, and lots of them are well-equipped with amenities to help keep van life ticking over.
If you’re eyeing up the security of a roof of some description over your head (fab if you’re travelling light or don’t own all the camping kit) try a cosy Porthleven camping pod for size or spread out a little more with a stay in a static caravan or lodge.
Looking for a heady mix of fresh air and fancy luxury touches? (Woodburning stove, proper bed, perhaps a hot tub to sink into at the end of the day? Ooh yeah.) Have a browse through our Porthleven glamping options to sort yourselves a proper Cornish treat.
What to do on a Porthleven camping holiday
Well, you’ll want to potter around Porthleven itself, obvs – it’s a pretty place with lots of little arty shops, smart seafood restaurants and places to pick up ice creams or fish and chips. Hire canoes or kayaks by the harbour to paddle out and see it from the sea side, or get set for a walk along the South West Coast Path (a lengthy one if you can – there are so many scenic bits to see).
There are lots more lovely walks to be had out on the Lizard Peninsula, just down the road, but you may also surmise that it’d be nice to have a bit of beach time (and you’d be right, of course). In that case, hit the waters at Porthleven only if you’re a strong surfer (the waves can be fierce around here) or head over to Praa Sands for a more family-friendly stretch of sand.
If it’s golf that gets you moving on hols, you’ll be chuffed to hear that there are a couple of courses close by (don’t expect to play your finest round ever though – those sea views can be rather distracting). Fishing trips can be sorted in Porthleven if that’s your gentle holiday activity of choice.
For further chilled-out day trip options, take the short drive to Trebah Gardens or St Michael’s Mount, hail a ride on the Helston Railway or meet the cute residents of the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. Time to ramp up the pace a bit? The rides of Flambards Theme Park are just up the road.
Making Porthleven part of a longer south-west stay? Check out all our choices for campsites and holiday parks in south-west England.
