Camping in Helford River

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97% (700 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Helford River

97% (700 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Helford River

Community favorites in and near Helford River

Stories from the community

Greg

2 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

I had a great stay here (April 2025): friendly hosts, lots of space, quiet location and of course great views. The gas-powered shower was all I needed after a long day on the sea.

3 nights at The Enchanted Wilderness

Lovely campsite!! Just how we like it! At one with nature and spectacular views!! The host was lovely and was easy to contact.

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

I loved the place, narrow going down the lane, but there's two large pitches near the top,we were very lucky to be there on our own & had fantastic weather, would go again & again.

3 nights at Willow Valley Holiday Park

Our stay in Bluebird exceeded our expectations! The bus is fantastic and an incredible first glamping experience for our 2year old & 6year old boys! The bus was clean, comfortable and unique and the outdoor space was lovely, the boys loved toasting marshmallows in the firepit. Becky and John were wonderful hosts, friendly and welcoming & it’s clear they have put a lot of love into the whole site. Highly recommend if you are looking for a quirky glamping experience with your family!

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Shhhhhh, dont tell everyone, but this wild campsite is absolutely amazing. This is one of the best spots for feeling like you are wild camping. You can relax without worrying about being moved on. Worth every penny of £20 a night. It's one we would definitely come back too again. Walk from the small private campsite, past the lake, step over a little bridge to the left and you are in the most beautiful valley, an old quarry, babbling fairypools, Wild ponies, lambs everywhere. Stunning yellow gorse, fantastic views, a Dam, a viaduct. Firepit every evening whilst watching the stars over looking lake, and woods. Just go prepared. We Loved it.

1 night at Willow Valley Holiday Park

The site was beautifully clean and well set up. Becky was so welcoming and helpful -she understood that my dog can be reactive and made sure we were able to be at a distance from other campers (he liked Becky!) There are plenty of water points, and dog bins. Shower and toilet facilities were very clean. .

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Would highly recommend, beautiful scenery, easy to find and book online, great host Had an amazing time, was nice having the vehicle next to our tent so could take more things with us rather than carrying on your back. will definitely be booking again very soon

daniel

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Camp Couture

Firstly I would like to say thank you to Nick and Tracy for being so accommodating. The place is wonderful and very well thought out. When we arrived Nick and Noodle were there to greet us. The toilet and shower room was spotless. We stayed in the Dome, it had everything we needed and more, waking up to the views of the Alpaca in the pen and the Dear in the woods was so great. The site is very charming and relaxing, I don’t have a negative thing to say about it. It is in the top 3 places we have ever stayed. I would 100% recommend this place.

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Another fab, quiet couple of nights getting back to nature, it was pleasant to see the Ten Tors training happening. We had gorgeous weather, took a walk up the Dam and very much spent the rest of our time relaxing and cooking on the fire.

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

If you want real off grid wild camping this is the place. A beautiful location and superb countryside. It was cloudy when we stayed but I would imagine it would be perfect for dark skies and astrophotography We will definitely be back, thank you.

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

A wild feel and we could have a fire and left in peace. An amazing place.

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Me and my partner pitched our camper-van at Will & Catherine's despite it being off season and they were amazingly accommodating! We had the entire campsite to ourselves and watched both sunset and sunrise by the sea. Truly wonderful and wholesome experience :)

1 night at Bush Farm Campsite

Lovely place, staff are so welcoming and also theres a very friendly chicken. Stayed up by rock wood in my tent. Was a fantastic spot with views at night. Showers and toilets are clean and work fine 🙂 Would highly recommend 👌

Weekend Trip to Westland Farm

Nicky and her son were very friendly and helpful. Showed us around and left us to it but when I did need them they were a phone call away and very helpful. Cabin was beautiful and so peaceful. We stayed for two nights. Walked to the reservoir which was worth it.

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

I was passing through and thought I’d camp for the night instead of getting a hotel and it was lovely. I was the only one there. Spacious and relaxing. Would definitely book again

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Absolutely loved it here. What a beautiful spot 😍 thank you very much Phil. We will definitely be back!

A simple place to pitch up within walking distance of Porthleven Harbour

Under £50

Booked 2 times

The Hen's Dens at Orchard Farm

10 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Torquay, England

The Hen's Dens at Orchard Organic Farm is our small and unique site offering three timber tents / glamping pods - The Hen's Dens and six individual camping pitches all set within our organic farm orchards. The three Dens are spaced out in their own quiet and private area of the orchard accessed via a short path from named parking spaces. Inside the three pods is toasty heating, lighting and electric - with a picnic bench outside and space to make up a campfire. You can choose how you`d like to stay, either renting unfurnished and bringing your own beds, or booking a set of camping beds for your trip for an extra fee, so that things are nice and easy. Each den comes with the luxury of your own private lockable bathroom and kitchen area where you can safely keep bits and bobs. It has your shower, toilet and wash basin inside, along with an indoor sofa area. There`s space for washing up and a small kitchen area with a fridge-freezer, microwave and kettle. Bringing a good sleeping bag is recommended to make sure you`re comfy at any time of year. Extras such as beds and stoves can also be booked at an additional cost, and you can even book a farm tour! The six camping pitches are grass pitches carefully set within a quiet part of an orchard. Sleeping up to five and dog friendly, they`re ideal for couples and families. Stay on an attractive, small farm site, set in Devon countryside and close to a lovely beach. Open year round and only 15 minutes from Torquay and its beach vibes. There are just six individually named grass pitches for tents and campervans only, each nestled away in its own private slot of the orchard on a slight slope. The maximum number of people per pitch is five and each pitch measures 3.6m x 7m and comes with 6 amp electric hook up. One well behaved dog is welcome to join you on your glamping adventure. The Hen`s Dens at Orchard Organic Farm is open all year round.

100%

(3)

Stars & Moor

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · England

Nearly wild camping with spectacular views? Stars and Moor in Bodmin Moor National Landscape certainly has views in spades – right to the distant south coast in fact – and what’s more, there are just a handful of off-grid camping pitches on site, all spread out across two acres of pasture surrounded by Cornish walling. We are a Greener Camping Members Site. To Join is £12.00 for the remainder of the year if you are not already a member. You can join when you arrive. We accept credit cards on site. All the pitches are on grass and you can pick your preferred spot on arrival. Vehicles are parked in a designated area, from which your gear is transported to the pitches in a wheelbarrow. Facilities in the converted horse trailer include hot showers and fully plumbed loos, and there’s ample hot water to make your alfresco washing up less of a chore – but please do note there’s no electricity on site. On-site entertainment is all about the views, which you can appreciate while cooking on your firepit – hire one on site, complete with a supply of firewood. The skies on cloudless nights are a glittering marvel that you can share with family and friends while cosying up around the fire. Pack walking boots for yomps on Bodmin Moor footpaths from your tent, and bring bikes for cycling on moorland tracks or canoes for adventures out on Siblyback Lake. Local amenities are a short stroll away in the village of Minions (20 minutes’ walk), where there’s a well-stocked shop and the highest tea room in Cornwall. Heading in the opposite direction are two pubs within 15 minutes’ walk.

100%

(4)

Trewan Hall

20 units · Motorhomes, Tents36 acres · Saint Columb, England

The grounds of a 17th century manor where a relaxed atmosphere and sense of pleasant privacy rules

91%

(68)

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

67 units · Glamping, Tents9 acres · St Austell, England

Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall

100%

(5)

Fox Camping

14 units · Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Launceston, England

Off-grid pitches for tents and campervans in North Cornwall

12 top campsites in Helford River

99%

(129)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

99%

(185)

Cadgwith Wild Camping

21 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view

100%

(9)

Willow Valley Holiday Park

30 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Bude , England

This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!

97%

(133)

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

168 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Cornwall, South West England

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.

99%

(189)

Coverack Camping & Glamping

160 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Cornwall, South West England

Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream

100%

(20)

Tregella Place Camping

40 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Padstow, England

Laid-back dog-friendly, family camping near Padstow

90%

(30)

The Enchanted Wilderness

6 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents22 acres · Yelverton, England

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

99%

(59)

Pittaford Farm

15 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents3 acres · Kingsbridge, England

A campfire-friendly site in South Devon, with a beach, a nature reserve and a pub all less than 45 minutes' walk away

97%

(15)

Bowhayes Farm - Glamping & Camping

12 units · Glamping, Tents30 acres · Sidmouth, Devon, South West England

Nearly-wild camping in a Devon cider orchard, 5 miles from the Jurassic Coast

Mount Pleasant Eco Park

81 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents42 acres · Cornwall, South West England

Eco-friendly camping with campfires, an excellent café and knock-out sea views, all within walking distance of the beach

100%

(24)

Girt Down Camping

11 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

Booked 4 times

The Secret Garden

3 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · Newquay, Cornwall

2 sites to stay ruby rose for chalet or jasmine pitch for van This secret garden's is surrounded by the fields and tall hedges, a magical place, it’s in a world of its own and will certainly make those memories. * Private spacious camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! either with chalet on its own, van, tents or both :) chalet with double bed, single bed, bathroom, shower, tv mini kitchen, plates, kettle, cutlery, pots & pans, outside washing up area Chill in your massive jacuzzi with a your favourite drink and best tunes 🎶 (add on for Jasmine) * Picnic bench, garden, hot shower, flushing toilet, firepit (add on for Jasmine) * A very special gated garden to spend time out with your favourite people. Family friendly You may spot wild pheasants, chickens, indian runner ducks, our super friendly Bengal Cats! if you like them!😻 Your own furry friends are welcome as it is a gated secure garden. Enjoy the fire pit (wood and firelighters can be brought in advance) or bring your own :) Your car/van can park right outside the gate to your secret garden. (jasmine is another pitch) Lovely walk down the bottom of our lane to river gannel, bring your own paddle boards, kayaks, yourself for a swim :) From the river gannel if you walk from your garden it will take you to crantock beach and quant village, including the 2 local pubs worth a visit if your into our local history. Trenance 15 minute walk 0r 3 minute drive (walk the country back lane here to Trenance via river gannel for a beautiful nature walk) *Horse riding along the river gannel at Trenance riding stables *Trenance Boating lake, Tea rooms, rose gardens and Boat hire *Trenance Play park for the kids 5 mins walk to esso/budgens for essentials 24 hour 5 Mins car ride to the quant Crantock Village beach, or long walk to the beach. Tearooms, the outstanding C-bay day spa for an extra special day out. 1.2 miles into town, 10 min car ride to Newquay town centre to visit our beautiful Cornish beaches, harbour (fishing trips) golf course, chip shops, deliveroo do deliver here :) Lifts i can do for £10 back from town before 12am if your stuck :) Bus direct into Newquay town Center or any other part of Cornwall 4 minute walk down the lane :)

Pets

14 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents5 acres · Salcombe, Devon, South West England

A stay at The High Nature Centre is sure to reinvigorate the soul as only a sojourn by the sea can

Star Hosts in Helford River

100%

(9)

Willow Valley Holiday Park

30 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents4 acres · Bude , England

Cadgwith Wild Camping

21 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

168 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Cornwall, South West England

Coverack Camping & Glamping

160 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Cornwall, South West England

Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Helford River guide

Overview

Riverside pubs, tree-lined canal ways, and secluded beaches tempt travellers to the Helford River estuary on Cornwall’s south coast. On the north shore, visit the National Trust gardens of Trebah and Glendurgan, paddle around the creeks on a kayak or boat cruise, then ride the ferry across the river from Helford Passage. Wildlife-watching is the main attraction at the estuary, and there are plenty of opportunities. Enjoy bird-watching along the beaches, spot crabs and other sea life at Nare Point or Prisk Cove, and visit the Cornish Seal Sanctuary. There’s no camping along the riverside, but country campgrounds lie just a short drive away.

When to go

Summer is the most popular time to discover the estuary, when it’s possible to swim at the beaches. However, the best wildlife-watching opportunities are in autumn and winter, when migrating birds flock to Cornwall’s south shores. Tent camping in Cornwall is best from late spring through early autumn, but year-round camping is still possible with a caravan or motorhome. Ferries run across the Helford River between April and October.

Know before you go

The Helford River lies between Falmouth Bay and the Lizard Peninsula, along the south coast of Cornwall. The north shore is about 9 miles south of Falmouth or a 30-minute drive. Passenger ferries run across the river to Helford village on the south shore.
Facilities are limited along the river, so it’s best to bring everything you need with you. There are restrooms, a café, and a general store in Helford Village, as well as a few pubs along the north shore.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many close in the winter months.