Porthcothan Clifftop Camping

No availability at present on Pitchup.com 9.7 315 reviews
Campervan on site
Campervan on site
Sunset on site
Sea views
Pitched up
Sea view sunset
Grass pitches
Sunset
Well-behaved dogs welcome
1/434
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). This is a spot for those with an adventurous side – it's an off-grid, eco-friendly and wild location without flushing loos. Sea views are visible all around the site, not to mention that there's no light pollution, making for stunning stargazing on clear nights and gorgeous sunsets. Facilities include five powerful hot showers, eight composting toilets and multiple water points, as well as four indoor hot-water sinks for washing up and an outdoor cold-water handwashing station. 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.

Campground type

Tent sites 50
RV sites 50
Opens
Please note

Admission

  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Dogs

  • The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

Languages spoken

English

No availability here for your search criteria

Reviews

9.7

Overall rating from 315 Pitchup.com customers

  • 78%
    10
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Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
Spectacular sceneryPeaceful

99% would recommend this campground to a friend

98% would stay here again

What customers say

This clifftop campsite boasts breathtaking, unobstructed ocean views and direct access to the South West Coast Path. Guests rave about the friendly owner, Jeff, and enjoy the ample pitches and tranquil vibe. Facilities, including hot showers and eco-toilets, are usually clean and well-kept. Ideal for beach access and coastal hikes, though it can be windy. Some note the basic facilities, especially compost toilets, and the rough access road.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 9/15/2026

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Reviews page 1 of 32
Arrival date (latest first)

The location is breathtaking and we…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
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Patrizia W. 5 reviews

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The location is breathtaking and we were given a very warm welcome. Everything was clean and the facilities were perfectly adequate. Anyone looking for a wonderful view of the sea and who doesn’t mind the occasional bit of wind should stay here.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Incredibly kind and welcoming owner, clean…

Overall

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

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Incredibly kind and welcoming owner, clean and peaceful spot with an incredible view

Recommend to friends Visit again

The perfect wild coastline escape! This…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Linards V. 1 review

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The perfect wild coastline escape!
This site provides the perfect balance of nature, wilderness and scenery.
Campgrounds exceptionally well organised, accessible and tidy.
Hot showers with an 11/10 water pressure, with the perfect essence of wild camping.
Gratitude to the wonderful host, made us all feel welcome and well informed of the day Mother Nature had planned for us!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Easy to find with additional directions…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
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Facilities / Activities
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Child friendliness
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Wifi
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Amy T. 1 review

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Easy to find with additional directions added and Jeff was very friendly and helpful!

Recommend to friends Visit again

The view the location is perfect…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Neil G. 2 reviews

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked The view the location is perfect for us, Jeff the owner is very helpful, we will be returning when reopen next year.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Honestly everything, what a perfect spot…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Helen J. 1 review

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Honestly everything, what a perfect spot

Don’t be put off by the compost toilets there’s no weird smell or anything

We had the best stay - even with a bit of wind and rain - will be back

Disliked I didn’t book long enough!

Recommend to friends Visit again

This is a great, well run,…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
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Mark F. 1 review

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked This is a great, well run, friendly campsite with a spectacular coastal view setting and location for fantastic walks along coast path and access to surf/beach

Recommend to friends Visit again

Absolutely loved the site, location, facilities,…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 7
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Absolutely loved the site, location, facilities, owner was on hand with good information. Genuinely enjoyed our stay... Have been talking to the children upon our return about us all coming down next year.

Disliked As a suggestion, if there could be some small solar fairy lights around toilet block. We arrived just after 9 & I couldn't find the toilet. Didn't want to disturb everyone by driving around trying to find them.

Lastly the track. I run a business, which my clients have to drive down a track to get to me. We maintain that track religiously. Its a hassle to do, that said I wish to have the repeat business & it's the first impression they recieve of business.
In summary the track took the shine off what was otherwise a lovely stay.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great!

Overall

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

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Great campsite, gorgeous views, nice walks to neighboring villages and beaches. In some parts the site has quite a slope, but there are bricks laying around that can be used to straighten up the car.

There is a small shop selling camping essentials and food 10-15 minutes away at Porthcothan Beach.

Disliked From the spots with views the walk to the toilets can be quite long. Water pressure and warm water is only there when the generator is fired up in the morning until noon and evening. Not a big problem though.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Back to basics campsite

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Helen B. 4 reviews

Primitive grass campervan, tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked Beautiful views and location. Very friendly and helpful owner. Beach in walking distance. Amenities are kept clean daily

Disliked The bottom field gets very windy just a heads up as our awning couldn’t handle it. Better setting up in the top field

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Beach access Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports Wild swimming

Amenities on park

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Hikers’ paradise Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Farm Medium (26-50 sites) Pop-up campground

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 +0100 (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

Bus
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.
(within 6.2 mi)
Castle, Aquarium, Theme park, & Zoo (within 10 mi)

Food and drink

  • Tredrea Inn Pub 0.2 mi
  • Farmers Arms Inn Pub 1.5 mi
  • Salt & Samphire Restaurant 1.5 mi
  • The Olive Tree Restaurant 1.5 mi
  • Rafferty's Restaurant 1.5 mi
  • Fryer Tucks Fish and Chips Restaurant 1.5 mi
  • The Cornish Arms Pub 1.9 mi
  • Ivy House Restaurant 1.9 mi
  • The Well Parc Pub 2.7 mi
  • Trevisker's Kitchen Restaurant 2.9 mi

Groceries

  • Tesco Supermarket 3.5 mi
  • Cornish Spirit Off-licence 4 mi
  • Tarquin's Gin School & Shop Off-licence 4 mi
  • Spar Supermarket 6.2 mi
  • Sharp's Brewery Shop Off-licence 6.2 mi

Parks and play

  • Wheal Jubilee Parc (Millennium Green) park 3.4 mi
  • Willow Croft park 3.6 mi
  • St Mawgan Playing Field Play Area Playground 4.1 mi

Family days out

  • Tidal pool Visitor attraction 0.5 mi
  • Old MacDonalds Farm Visitor attraction 0.8 mi
  • Porth Mear Cove Visitor attraction 1 mi
  • Tidal Pool Visitor attraction 1.1 mi
  • Park Head Visitor attraction 1.6 mi
  • Bedruthan Steps Visitor attraction 2 mi
  • Kernow Chocolate Cafe Visitor attraction 2.9 mi
  • Natural Shower Visitor attraction 3 mi
  • Prideaux Place Visitor attraction 3.8 mi
  • Japanese Garden Visitor attraction 4 mi
  • Morgawr Visitor attraction 4 mi
  • Newquay Zoo 7.3 mi
  • Blue Reef Aquarium 7.4 mi
  • Spingfields Fun Park and Pony Centre Theme park 7.9 mi
  • Screech Owl Sanctuary Zoo 8.9 mi

Public transport

  • Opp Tredrea Inn 0.2 mi
  • Tredrea Inn 0.2 mi
  • Porthcothan Bay Stores 0.4 mi
  • opp Porthcothan Bay Stores 0.4 mi
  • Top of Porthcothan Hill 0.5 mi
  • Treyarnon Turn 0.8 mi
  • Old MacDonalds Farm 0.8 mi
  • Sea View Road 0.9 mi
  • Sea View Corner 0.9 mi
  • Post Box 1 mi

Beaches

  • Porthcothan Beach 0.5 mi
  • Fox Cove 0.7 mi
  • Pepper Cove 0.9 mi
  • Treyarnon Beach 1.1 mi
  • Constantine Bay 1.5 mi
  • Booby's Bay 1.8 mi
  • Harlyn Bay 2.2 mi
  • Mother Ivy's Bay 2.3 mi
  • Mackerel Cove 2.4 mi
  • Trerathick 2.6 mi

Other nearby

  • Trevose Golf & Country Club Golf course 1.7 mi
  • The Alps Fishery Fishing 2.1 mi
  • Mawgan Porth Golf Club Golf course 3 mi
  • Pitch and Putt Golf course 3.3 mi
  • St Enodoc Golf Club Golf course 5.1 mi
  • Waves Cabaret Club Nightclub 5.8 mi
  • hawksfield cornwall Shopping centre 5.9 mi
  • Retallack Resort Pitch and Putt Golf Course 5.9 mi
  • Treloy Golf Club Golf course 6 mi

Local services

  • PoGo charge Charging Station 0.3 mi
  • Tesla Destination Charger Charging station 1.2 mi
  • Gulf Fuel station 1.5 mi
  • PodPoint Charging Station 2 mi
  • Pod Point Charging Station 3.2 mi
  • Padstow Petrol Station Fuel station 3.3 mi
  • InstaVolt Charging Station 3.3 mi
  • NatWest Cashpoint 3.5 mi
  • Pod Point Charging station 3.5 mi
  • Petroc Group Practice Doctors 3.7 mi

© OpenStreetMap contributors

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.

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?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  noon –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more