Efford Down Campsite

View prices & book 9 126 reviews
Visitor image of the site
Visitor image of the site
Visitor image of the sunset over the site
Bell tent exterior
Both of the bell tents
Exterior
Visitor image of the views
Outside eco toilets
Sinks for teeth brushing and hand washing
1/50
Visitor image of the sunset over the site
Bell tent exterior
Both of the bell tents

  • Pick your own pitches at this back to basics camping field in Cornwall
  • A five-minute walk from Bude and the South West Coast Path
  • Spacious hillside pitches; barbecues and dogs permitted
No frills but in a splendid hillside setting on the north Cornwall coast… pitches at Efford Down Campsite are in a sloping farm field that's great for family breaks. Located five minutes' walk from Bude and its independent shops, cafés and pubs, it's also within easy strolling distance of supermarkets for picking up self-catering supplies. There’s plenty to do outdoors too: a five-minute walk will see you surfing off Summerleaze beach, or you can potter down to Bude Sea Pool for a swim in less than 10 minutes. There’s also direct access to the South West Coast Path from the campsite, for action-packed days hiking headlands, or gentler ambles along Bude Canal and around the fishing harbour. But that’s not all – there are canoe and mountain bike rentals, pony trekking and golf courses all within a few minutes' drive, and you can try your hand at coasteering, sea kayaking and surf kayaking from local activity centres too. There are no designated pitches here, so you'll be able to choose your own camping spot from what’s available when you arrive in the gently sloping field. Simple facilities at the site include running water, toilets, showers and plenty of space to park cars by your pitch.

Site type

Tent pitches 21
Rent a tent 2
Motorhome pitches 21
Open now
Opens 1 May
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • Group bookings of 4 or more units (e.g. tent, touring caravan, motorhome or accommodation hire) travelling together are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted).
  • Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (excluding couples) are not permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • No hen/stag parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Bookings must not consist of more than 4 different households.
  • Toilet rolls are not provided, please bring your own. Please note: your booking confirmation email should be printed and displayed on the driver's side of your vehicle's dashboard.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Fri, 01 May to

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

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

Reviews

9

Overall rating from 126 Pitchup.com customers

  • 53%
    10
  • 13%
    9
  • 19%
    8
  • 6%
    7
  • 3%
    6
  • 2%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 8
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 5
Peaceful

94% would recommend this site to a friend

94% would stay here again

What customers say

Great spot near Bude town & beach. Reviews rave about clean facilities (especially showers) & chill vibe. Site's sloped (level blocks needed) & some hot water niggles for washing up. Overall: basic, tidy, good value.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 2026/07/07

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 13
Arrival date (latest first)

Great basic campsite!! The toilets and…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 9
 Lorna J. 3 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Great basic campsite!! The toilets and showers were really clean and perfect for what we needed. Loved the outside showers in the heat for a quick cool down. So close to town and the beach made it great for walking for a look around the town and eating and drinking. We could even hear the sea crashing in the background! Looking forward to going back again!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Simple but perfect site. Nice bathrooms…

Overall

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

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Simple but perfect site. Nice bathrooms and shower blocks.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really nice location and simple campsite

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 7
Facilities / Activities
 5
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 6
Cleanliness
 8
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Toilets and showers were clean, relaxed vibe, friendly guy at reception(I think it was Charlie). An easy 10 min walk to the beach, Marine pool, ice cream shops and boat ride.

Disliked Not much, slight slope and a little playground for the kids would be a nice plus.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Such a lovely campsite, very 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
 No rating
Georgia F. 2 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Such a lovely campsite, very clean facilities 15 minute walk into town or the beach. Fab location. Would definitely stay again

Recommend to friends Visit again

Cracking little site, will definitely visit again

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 8
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 No rating
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Kelly M. 3 reviews

Electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Toilets were clean, didn't use shower so cannot comment.
Close to town, with a good pub literally just around the corner.
Quiet; we didn't hear any human noise only wildlife.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant site

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
 vicky b. 2 reviews

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked We had a lovely stay at this campsite. The site was well maintained, peaceful, and had a really welcoming atmosphere. The facilities were clean and well looked after, and the location was perfect for exploring the surrounding area. The owners/staff were friendly and helpful, making our stay even more enjoyable. We would happily return and would definitely recommend this campsite to others.

Disliked Very narrow access via the lane

Recommend to friends Visit again

It was perfect. Exactly what we…

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
Anonymous

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked It was perfect. Exactly what we were looking for, great location with clean facilities ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Recommend to friends Visit again

We stayed for one night on…

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 2
Facilities / Activities
 4
Customer service
 2
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 4
Wifi
 No rating
Coreen H. 4 reviews

Electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked We stayed for one night on an electric pitch. Overall, I felt the campsite was a bit overrated and overpriced for what it offered.

The location is definitely a plus, as it’s close to town and convenient for exploring the area. However, the facilities were fairly average and didn’t quite justify the price. On our first evening there was no hot water available for washing up, which was disappointing.

There were no hosts on site during our stay, although a contact number was provided and I did speak to the owner briefly when the electric didn’t work, luckily we managed to sort it with help from our neighbouring campers.

Overall, it wasn’t a terrible stay, but it didn’t live up to the reviews or the cost. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’d choose to stay here again.

Disliked No options for recycling.

Recommend to friends Visit again

We will be back again! Thank you

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Andi D. 1 review

Non-electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Simplicity and closeness to town centre. Quiet site. Clean wash facilities. Helpful booking and reception.

Recommend to friends Visit again

There is a better site up the road- Upper Lynstone

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
 7
Value for money
 5
Facilities / Activities
 3
Customer service
 1
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 5
Wifi
 5
 Paul C. 1 review

Electric grass campervan, tent or trailer tent pitch

Liked Close to town

Disliked No Elsan/grey waste point
Little in the way of hot water for washing up
No sign of anyone at reception.
Not really a good site for motorhomes

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house 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

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

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Rallies welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Themes

Budget/backpacker Peaceful Walkers' paradise Wild camping

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Nearby farmers' market Public transport nearby Shop nearby

Type

Farm Small (11-25 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Leisure/theme park nearby Mountain biking nearby Outdoor pool nearby Restaurant nearby Surf school nearby Tennis nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Efford Down Campsite

Vicarage Road

Bude

Cornwall

England

EX23 8LJ

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50,82588°N
4,54941°W

Route directions

As you travel from Bude towards Widemouth Bay, you will pass the Brendon Pub on your right-hand side. Immediately after the row of houses that are to the left of the Bendon Pub, there is a secret entrance lane. While driving down the leafy entrance lane, please drive very carefully and slowly. Please do not drive through the stone pillar driveway next to the property.

Nearest transport

Coach
0,5 km The Strand
32,2 km Nelson Road
32,4 km Bideford Quay
Rail
40,4 km Okehampton Rail Station
41,6 km Gunnislake Rail Station
42,5 km Coombe Junction Halt (Rail Station)
Ferry
32,4 km Bideford Ferry Landing
35,8 km Appledore Ferry Landing
36 km Instow Ferry Landing

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

Around Bude, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. This pleasant resort has half a dozen different beaches to explore, with sandy spots, secluded coves, rockpools and the saltwater Bude Sea Pool to try out. Just out of town, you can escape the hustle and bustle at Widemouth Bay (five minutes' drive), or for a peaceful few hours of sport you could make a day of it at Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club (five minutes), where visitors are welcome. The South West Coast Path (five minutes' walk from base) has ample hiking opportunities for serious walkers (and less serious ones who fancy a shorter jaunt to some of north Cornwall's less accessible beaches). Good public transport services run along much of the route, making it possible to loop back to base in Bude by bus rather than walking the long way home. For families, this part of Cornwall has Tintagel Castle (35 minutes) with its connections to King Arthur; the village of Tintagel also has caves and a toy museum to keep the kids occupied. Alternatively, take them for a go on the rides, slides and flumes at Camel Creek Family Theme Park (50 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Summerleaze 0,6 km Sea N/AExcellentGoodGood
Crooklets 1,1 km Sea N/AExcellentGoodGood
Northcott Mouth 2,5 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentN/A
Widemouth Sand 3,7 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent
Sandymouth 3,9 km Sea N/AExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Tintagel Castle 23 km

RHS Garden Rosemoor 31,7 km

Rock Beach 40,6 km

Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park 46 km

National Trust

Tintagel Old Post Office 23,1 km

Lawrence House 24,7 km

Lydford Gorge 37,1 km

Lundy 38,4 km

Cotehele 43,4 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Bude - Canal and Nature Reserve 0,2 km

Bude - Canal and Coast 0,2 km

Bude to Sandymouth 0,7 km

Poughill - Bude - Northcott Mouth 2,4 km

Battle of Stratton, 1643 2,4 km

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 Efford Down Campsite have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Efford Down Campsite dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Efford Down Campsite? Around Bude, there are plenty of things to keep you busy. This pleasant resort has half a dozen different beaches to explore, with sandy spots, secluded coves, rockpools and the saltwater Bude … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Efford Down Campsite?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2 p.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  4 p.m. –  9 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Efford Down Campsite? From R593,43 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.