St Ives Camping: Best Campsites Near St Ives, Cornwall

Both a beloved family vacation spot and Cornwall’s cultural epicentre, seaside St Ives buzzes with activity from dusk to sundown. Wake up early for a surf class, hike along the South West Coast Path, and spot seals and seabirds from The Island, then relax at one of many cafés looking out across the harbour. Once you’ve had your fill of beachy sea and sand, head into the town to stroll the cobbled lanes, browse the galleries and artisan boutiques, and admire art masterpieces in the Tate St Ives. Camping is equally varied, whether you prefer a tranquil country camping ground or a 5-star holiday park.

There's a reason St Ives has been named the British Travel Awards' Best UK Seaside Town on multiple occasions: there are few places better to get your dose of sun and sand than here.

1. Hit the beach

Spending the day at the seaside will be at the top of most people’s list when visiting St Ives. The shape of the St Ives peninsula means there’s a beach facing every direction, so whether you’re heading out to take photos at sunrise or going for a sunset paddle, you’ll see a beach that’s bathed in sunshine (assuming the sun is out, of course).

Choose Porthmeor or Porthminster blue-flag beaches for top-quality surfing and swimming, with the latter being the most popular beach in the region. Though the smallest beach in the area, the sheltered Porthgwidden proves a sun-trap throughout summer and is sought out among those looking to top up their town. At St Ives Harbour beach, you can admire the boats from your spot on the shore, while kid-friendly Carbis Bay and its tranquil waters are just a mile from town.

2. Wander the town

Visitors can walk along St Ives’ cobbled streets to the harbour and working port, where fishers go by in their boats. Shops, galleries, cafes and pubs line its street, great spots for dining out while overlooking the harbour.

Wandering the maze of independent shops and galleries in St Ives is a nice way to while away an afternoon, and a trip to Tate St Ives is a great place for rainy days. The Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden is another cultural hotspot, dedicated to one of the region's most influential artists. The historic St Ives Society of Artists, meanwhile, features changing exhibitions through the year.

3. Get active

If browsing art galleries isn't your cup of tea, how about something more upbeat? You can go for a run or ramble on the South West Coast Path, the UK's longest national trail at 630 miles, which can be picked up from St Ives and runs around the southwest peninsula. We wouldn't recommend the St Ives 14-mile walk in one trip, but even following a portion of the trail affords some magnificent views.

To get active in the water, a stand-up paddleboard or kayak can be hired at the beach, or you can also take a boat trip to Seal Island to see a grey Atlantic seal colony.

95% (707) • 730 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Ives

Treglisson Campsite

1. Treglisson Campsite

97%

(60)

6.5km from St. Ives · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A warm welcome awaits at one of Cornwall's best-located campsites

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£30

/ night

Ryn Gwari Farm

2. Ryn Gwari Farm

92%

(80)

16km from St. Ives · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A family-friendly, 10-pitch campsite in Cornwall with big views, rustic facilities and a touch of magic

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£10

/ night

Treza Camp Site, Porthleven

3. Treza Camp Site, Porthleven

100%

(10)

17km from St. Ives · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£20

/ night

Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

4. Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

98%

(85)

19km from St. Ives · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Quiet camping meadows and a friendly café located beside some of Cornwall's most popular cycling routes

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£15

/ night

Mount Pleasant Eco Park

5. Mount Pleasant Eco Park

93%

(165)

20km from St. Ives · 81 units

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

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£75

/ night

Sunny Corner Campsite

6. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%

(115)

24km from St. Ives · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£35

/ night

Trecombe Lakes

7. Trecombe Lakes

100%

(17)

26km from St. Ives · 8 units

Self-contained luxury lodge and pods in a tranquil waterside setting close to Falmouth and the River Helford

Showers

Campfires

Hot Tub

from

£155

/ night

Belle Camping Cornwall

8. Belle Camping Cornwall

100%

(26)

32km from St. Ives · 5 units

Bell tents with sea views on the Lizard Peninsula

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£65

/ night

The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

9. The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

100%

(10)

32km from St. Ives · 4 units

Adults-only bell tents on an off-grid site with campfires near the North Cornish coast

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£80

/ night

Cadgwith Wild Camping

10. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%

(244)

32km from St. Ives · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£22

/ night

Roskilly Camping

11. Roskilly Camping

97%

(32)

33km from St. Ives · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A small family run campsite located on the famous ice cream farm, Roskilly’s. On the Lizard in South West Cornwall, the farm is remote and tucked away with a Cornish feel, yet there is plenty to do. The farm has a vast array of animals that you can feed, a large woodland and ponds walk where the cows may be grazing. There are also many stunning beaches and Cornish fishing villages a small walk or drive away. We have a restaurant offering lovely food all day from breakfast to dinner. During the summer season there is also live music performed by local bands on selected evenings. Our campsite offers large grass pitches for tents and camper vans as well as a pristine toilet and shower block and communal area.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£15

/ night

Coverack Camping & Glamping

12. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%

(200)

33km from St. Ives · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£12

/ night

Real Glamping at the Fir Hill

13. Real Glamping at the Fir Hill

92%

(13)

42km from St. Ives · 12 units

Family-friendly yurt glamping on an enchanting old Cornwall estate just three miles from the surf and sand of Newquay

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£140

/ night

Trewan Hall

14. Trewan Hall

100%

(10)

47km from St. Ives · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£17

/ night

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

15. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

47km from St. Ives · 67 units · Tents, Glamping

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

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

from

£15

/ night

Cotna Eco Retreat

16. Cotna Eco Retreat

100%

(10)

48km from St. Ives · 5 units

An peaceful, eco heaven near the coast, on a 10-acre organic smallholding in Cornwall with yurts, a shepherd’s hut and a strawbale barn

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

from

£72

/ night

Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

17. Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

97%

(16)

50km from St. Ives · 28 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Open 3rd April - 20th September 2026 Mel and Tom are looking forward to welcoming you to our charming, eco-friendly camping and glamping site, proudly awarded a Silver Green Tourism accolade. Passionate about sharing this special corner of Cornwall, we hope our tranquil surroundings will help you unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in nature. With stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, our site is the perfect escape. Tregonetha Lake is a Freedom Camping Club Certified Site, offering peaceful, low-impact camping in a natural setting. Membership is not required to stay. Mel has called Cornwall home for over 20 years and is always happy to share her local knowledge with guests, while Tom, a seasoned surfer, can offer advice on the best surf spots based on the weather and swell conditions. Friendly and approachable, we’re here to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable, surrounded by great company and a welcoming atmosphere. Tregonetha Lake is a small, peaceful, off grid site surrounded by wild and natural, Cornish countryside and open farmland, including a beautiful 2 acre coarse fishing Lake. Fishing is an extra cost of £10 per adult day ticket, £7.50 per child day ticket. Just 9 miles from Mawgan Porth, 10 miles from Padstow, 11 miles from Newquay and 15 miles from Mevagissey it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, while still being within easy reach of some of the most popular holiday destinations on both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Our Lake View Camping Field offers peaceful pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans, all overlooking our beautiful two-acre lake. For a more immersive nature experience, we also have five secluded woodland camping pitches, tucked among the trees and just a short walk from the lake. All camping pitches operate on a choose-where-you-want-to-pitch basis. Glamping in bell tents is also available. Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact — wild, natural and peaceful. With wildlife-rich surroundings and uninterrupted lake views, it’s the perfect spot for a summer holiday, a restorative weekend break, or a quiet overnight stop on your journey.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£13

/ night

Tregella Place Camping

18. Tregella Place Camping

94%

(32)

52km from St. Ives · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Laid-back dog-friendly, family camping near Padstow

Pets

Showers

Potable water

from

£20

/ night

The Camping Field

19. The Camping Field

94%

(27)

57km from St. Ives · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£16

/ night

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

20. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

66km from St. Ives · 168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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.

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

from

£25

/ night

Both a beloved family vacation spot and Cornwall’s cultural epicentre, seaside St Ives buzzes with activity from dusk to sundown. Wake up early for a surf class, hike along the South West Coast Path, and spot seals and seabirds from The Island, then relax at one of many cafés looking out across the harbour. Once you’ve had your fill of beachy sea and sand, head into the town to stroll the cobbled lanes, browse the galleries and artisan boutiques, and admire art masterpieces in the Tate St Ives. Camping is equally varied, whether you prefer a tranquil country camping ground or a 5-star holiday park.

There's a reason St Ives has been named the British Travel Awards' Best UK Seaside Town on multiple occasions: there are few places better to get your dose of sun and sand than here.

1. Hit the beach

97%

(147)

66km from St. Ives · 168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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.

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

from

£25

/ night

Top camping destinations around St. Ives

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

R

Ruth

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Coverack Camping & Glamping

The tent was bigger than I imagined, very sheltered and private. Loved the considerations to the environment, the compost loos, solar panels. Great communication when I enquired about firewood. Easy access to Coverack, great coastal walks and swimming beaches nearby. Would highly recommend.

K

Kevin

September 2025

Tent

With pets

4 nights at Sunny Corner Campsite

Really clean tidy pitch toilets were immaculate. The owner was driving a truck and offered my 3 year son a ride . So friendly. Great location lovely walk down to the beach plenty to see and do .

E

Ellie

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Perfect campsite, great view, hot showers. Hosts were lovely, checked in with us during a rough weather patch, offered us food in the mornings. Can’t fault it at all - would definitely stay here again!

R

Robert

September 2025

4 m pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great site, wild camping but with hot shower, toilet and washing up facilities. The site is super quiet and the skies are really dark at night. You can have a firepit and there's a food van on site if you can't be bothered making breakfast.

R

Robert

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great site, hot showers and toilets (composting (flush with a scoop of sawdust)). Wild camping with a little bit of comfort. Takes tents, motorhomes, camper vans, trailer tents etc. Dishwashing facilities a bonus with hot water on tap. Calves in field are a real treat for inquisitive children just keep dogs on a lead as they'll come right up to your tent if you let them.. moo moo. Beautiful sunrise over the Atlantic and super dark at night so you can see way back in time. Will definitely be going back as soon as we can. Get weather now app as it's really accurate for the Cornish weather which can be changeable in September and gives a good radar picture of clouds and rain etc. The hosts are really friendly and accommodating, fire pits available to toast your marshmallows and dry your socks Only a short walk from a little fishing village with working shingle harbour "beach". 10 mins by car from Kennack Sands (sandy) beach. Seems good for surfing on windier days and family fun when it's a bit calmer. Plenty of rock pools, a cafe and a kiosk. Parking isnt too expensive either. There are also a few other coves and beaches around the lizard peninsula worth exploring. Fishing is good from the safer rocks and there's a tackle and bait shop in lizard. Almost forgot, there's a hot food van on site if you can't be bothered cooking breakfast.

S

Shemek

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Sunny Corner Campsite

10/10 experience, this campsite is in a perfect spot so it’s near very cool sights to see. This campsite offers great facilities and clean showers. I would recommend this place for anyone going near St Agnes.

M

Melody

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Belle Camping Cornwall

The bell tent was wonderful and the whole site is well designed and kitted out. The views of the Lizard from the campsite are beautiful and there is easy access to both the coast path and the nearby villages. Michelle and the site guys were friendly and helpful. Belle camping exceeded our expectations. And the Friday night pizza was amazing!

A

Alistair

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Ryn Gwari Farm

Simple, well kept and with stunning views. Thank you.

H

Hamish

August 2025

Tent

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

I had a really good stay at this campsite. Will and Catherine were welcoming and helpful. They offered fire pits, wood, eggs, and milk if needed, which was a nice bonus. The compost loos were clean and well-stocked. The pitches were spacious and had great views over the water. There was also a catering van on site with tasty food and friendly service. Overall, it was a relaxed and well-run site. I’d definitely recommend it.

A

Andrew

August 2025

Tent

With kids

8 nights at Roskilly Camping

Just returned home from a lovely week at Roskilly’s, and we had a great time! Lovely site with good facilities, the staff really helpful as well. The restaurant/ice cream shop across the road makes it me, the food is lovely and the entertainment in the evening is varied and really good.

A

Annabelle

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

A proper quiet rural campsite near the coast with amazing sea views and a very quiet setting. The facilities are as described and it is exceptionally good value. Thank you

C

Craig

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Trewan Hall

Friendly, helpful staff on site. Good set up and lots of teas to walk around. Would definitely go back

I

Ian

August 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

This is a beautiful cliff top campsite with stunning sea views and starry skies. We stayed for 2 nights in August and we had a great time. You can walk down to the pretty village of Cadgwith and on further to other beaches and coves. The host Catherine was lovely and delivered a fire pit to our pitch. There is also a food van with great food and loos are clean and showers hot

t

tyla

August 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

We had such a wonderful two-night stay at Elm Farm with two friends and our two dogs. The location was absolutely perfect, just a short drive to lots of beautiful beaches, with Porthtowan being a real highlight for us as it brought back childhood memories of visiting. The facilities at Elm Farm were excellent and made our stay really comfortable. The hosts were so welcoming and attentive, and they went out of their way to give us loads of great recommendations for places to explore nearby. One of the best surprises was discovering their café on the bike hire side, the food was absolutely amazing and not to be missed! We couldn’t have asked for a better base for our trip. We’d definitely recommend Elm Farm to anyone looking for a relaxing stay in a fantastic location, and we’ll certainly be returning.

J

Jen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Tregella Place Camping

Peaceful campsite, close to Padstow and some beautiful beaches. Bathroom and showers clean. Very relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for children and families

A

Amara

August 2025

4 nights at Belle Camping Cornwall

Glamping at Belle vue was amazing! We had such a wonderful holiday. The campsite is beautiful and Michelle and everyone there were wonderful hosts thank you so much

O

Oliver

August 2025

5 m Class B

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Fabulous site, great ethos, lovely folk 😊! We will definitely come again.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great location and lovely camp owners. Hot showers were great and appreciated the recycling onsite. Tasty food from the pop up cafe. Would definitely recommend and hope to revisit! Thank you x

G

Godfrey

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Great location and the facilities are outstanding. Will and Catherine are great hosts and really go out of their way to make sure you have a good stay. I have camped all over England and this is one of best places to stay. If I lived closer I would be there every week🙂

View across camping ground to fishing lake

A

Adrian

August 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

I stayed for a single night in my campervan and was really impressed with the site. Its quiet, had all the basic facilities I needed and is well maintained. The fishing lake is lovely and the 2 anglers I watched seemed to be catching some nice fish. Mel & Tom are friendly, welcoming hosts and were kind enough to share some tips on good local beaches for surfing & bodyboarding (reason for my being in Cornwall). I would certainly come back again.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near St. Ives, Cornwall guide

Where to go

Penwith Peninsula

Cornwall’s western arm is a rugged wilderness of soaring sea cliffs and windswept headlands. Hike along the coast, stopping to swim at hidden sandy beaches, discover Bronze Age ruins, and camp out at remote coastal campsites. A visit to Land’s End, the westernmost point of mainland Britain, is a rite of passage for travellers, but equally enchanting is St Michael's Mount, an island monastery marooned off the south coast.

North Coast

East of St Ives, the coastal road to Newquay winds its way past rocky coves, ocean lookouts, and pretty fishing villages. Newquay and Bude are the destinations of choice for budding surfers, but if you prefer a more relaxed beach vibe, head to Perranporth or Port Isaac. Additional highlights include the ruins of Tintagel castle and the foodie hub of Padstow, where you can tuck into everything from seafood to Cornish pasties.

Isles of Scilly

Ferries set sail from Land’s End or Penzance to the Isles of Scilly, a cluster of tiny islands off Cornwall’s western tip. Camping on the islands is a retreat from the mainland crowds, and you can pitch your tent amid verdant farmlands or right by the seafront. Simple pleasures await on the islands—lounge on white-sand beaches, hike along rugged headlands, and spot wildlife along the coast.

Family Holidays in St Ives

St Ives is an ideal destination to take your kids, as the Cornish town is a hugely popular destination for family holidays. With many of its campsites within close proximity to its top spots and gorgeous beaches, St Ives makes for a laid-back trip to take with the kids in tow.

If you're looking to start your holiday off with a bang, then you could even book a trip with the St Ives Bay Line, a train journey from St Erth to St Ives that offers an incredible view of the coast.

Once in St Ives, the kids will love the family-friendly blue-flag beach of Porthminster, which is safe for shallow swimming (dogs are only welcome in winter) and offers views of Godrevy Lighthouse in the distance. It's spacious, too, giving you and your clan plenty of room to find your spot in the sand. If you have younger kids, we'd recommend Cardis Bay, which has far less surf than its counterparts, ideal for toddlers on a supervised paddle.

For evening entertainment, Kidz R Us is an award-winning youth theatre group that hosts events throughout the year. The group works with children, teenagers, and young adults, putting out shows for everyone to enjoy, from musicals to pantomimes.

When to go

Summer vacationers descend on St Ives in July and August so expect big crowds. Advance bookings are essential at this time, for everything from campsites to restaurants. Shoulder-season campers can make the most of lower prices and fewer crowds, and it’s often still warm enough to swim—lifeguard patrols run from easter through early October at the main beaches. For the biggest waves, seasoned surfers hit the water in winter.

Know before you go

St Ives has a few camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
St Ives has public transport links to many surrounding towns, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Cornwall.