The best great views 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.

98% (224) • 61 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Ives

Cadgwith Wild Camping

1. 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

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

2. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%

(211)

117km from St. Ives · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Pets

Campfires

from

£20

/ night

Pittaford Farm

3. Pittaford Farm

99%

(67)

129km from St. Ives · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£26

/ night

The Enchanted Wilderness

4. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(43)

95km from St. Ives · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£28

/ night

Sunny Corner Campsite

5. 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

Wonton Park Camping

6. Wonton Park Camping

100%

(11)

123km from St. Ives · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes

View-tastic pitches for tents, campervans and caravans on a farm in Devon

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

from

£20

/ night

Higher Waytown Farm Camping

7. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%

(11)

119km from St. Ives · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes

**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£20

/ night

Fairlinch Camping

8. Fairlinch Camping

96%

(74)

137km from St. Ives · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Keep your eyes on the sky; buzzards, kestrels, peregrine, falcons and barn owls are all common visitors

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£14

/ night

Poole Farm

9. Poole Farm

100%

(17)

142km from St. Ives · 2 units · Glamping

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£89

/ 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

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.

98% (224) • 61 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Ives

Cadgwith Wild Camping

1. 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

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

100%

(17)

142km from St. Ives · 2 units · Glamping

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

Showers

Campfires

Potable water

from

£89

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Mike

November 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

The view from my tent was amazing and if I was there in the summer with the water beside I think the view would be even better. I did worry about being able to drive out because of the way in and out but that's because it rained a lot when I was there but apart from that it's a nice quiet place

S

Samantha

October 2025

6 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

We had a wonderful time as always! We’ve been here quite a few times now, and it never disappoints. It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place to relax and unwind. A lovely surprise this time was watching the cows wander past — such a charming touch to an already perfect stay. We really can’t recommend this place enough; it’s definitely one of our favourite spots to camp!

Beautiful private lake for swimming, fishing and water sports

Ryan

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Nobody around us but the stars and two shetland ponies, views over the reservoir on the hill were amazing, but be careful pitching there as the grass is only centremeters deep and pegs hit rocks everywhere, our tent blew away and caused a scene - the land itself though is 10/10

s

shirley

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site beside a lake. Lovely views and nice walks from the field. Nice to sit beside the camp fire star glazing at night.

r

roblox

October 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Amazing place to stop. Beautiful scenery with fantastic walks to the viaduct and reservoir nearby. Lovely to be able to have a fire. We went for a great meal at Dartmoor Inn (10 min drive) Got our camper down ok. It could get a bit tricky if the lane gets wet and slippery.

c

charlotte

September 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful Spot, we stayed for 2 nights. We had great communication with Phil and a bag of wood delivered to camp. Shared the camp with 2 ponies but no one else. Was nice to see the horse trail pass camp. Overall top spot if you are ok with no facilities. We would definitely stay again.

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 .

H

Hew

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

A gorgeous and spacious campsite with an absolutely magical feel. Such an idyllic spot to wake up in. I can't wait to come back and visit again!

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!

P

Phillip

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was a beautiful secluded spot close to the lake and the moor.

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.

Lewy

September 2025

4 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Our second time staying at Phil’s beautiful lakeside gem. Seclusion, scenery, wildlife, stars and zero stress….. those are the words that sum up this hidden wonder. Literally yards from the moors with the ponies and rugged landscape, it’s the perfect place from which to explore. Bring EVERYTHING you need, there are no facilities at all and remember to leave no trace! Thanks Phil for another amazing stay. We’ll definitely be back again

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

Max

September 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Magical space, really enjoyed camping here and will look forward to returning. Obviously no toilet, a composting loo would have been great but still a very lovely, peaceful place to camp.

Jenna

September 2025

4 m Class B

4 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site! Perfect, peaceful get away. Will definitely be coming back again

M

Michael

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautifuly secluded and peaceful spot with great views of the reservoir/lake

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.

J

Julie

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

What a gem! Very clear directions from the host, we found it easily and our campervan got down the narrow track no problem. Sometimes narrow tracks lead to hidden gems and that is definitely the case here! Beautiful location, typical Dartmoor... gentle-natured ponies wandering about, gorgeous views, stunning lake (maybe not everyone's ideal to swim in, but wonderful to sit by and enjoy the peace and quiet). Large pitches right next to the lake and a stone's throw from a river that you can walk alongside and explore - plenty of private spots along the river if you like a cold plunge! It is on a bridle path so the odd dog walker wandered past but that didn't bother us at all. One of the loveliest places I've stayed, highly recommend.

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

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best great views campsites near St. Ives 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.