The best campsites near St. Ives, Cornwall with horseback riding

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.

93% (139) • 112 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near St. Ives

Ryn Gwari Farm

1. Ryn Gwari Farm

92%

(80)

16km from St. Ives · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

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from

£10

/ night

Belle Camping Cornwall

2. Belle Camping Cornwall

100%

(26)

32km from St. Ives · 4 units

Bell tents with sea views on the Lizard Peninsula

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from

£65

/ night

The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

3. 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

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from

£80

/ night

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

4. 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

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from

£15

/ night

Wylde Valley Camping

5. Wylde Valley Camping

97%

(16)

89km from St. Ives · 130 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

A popular festival space that's now a bona fide campsite, with modern, pop-up facilities and a top North Cornwall location

Electrical hookup

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from

£15

/ night

The Enchanted Wilderness

6. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(44)

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

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

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from

£28

/ night

Bakesdown Farm Camping

7. Bakesdown Farm Camping

100%

(22)

96km from St. Ives · 3 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Small-scale camping and glamping on a 33-acre Cornish farm with separate meadows ensuring space, peace and privacy

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from

£34

/ night

Cerenety Eco Campsite

8. Cerenety Eco Campsite

93%

(21)

96km from St. Ives · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Back-to-basics camping on the edge of Bude

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from

£22

/ night

Dartmoor Domes

9. Dartmoor Domes

100%

(34)

106km from St. Ives · 4 units

Geodesic glamping domes with a ceiling that lets you stargaze and a dark-sky setting on the edge of Dartmoor

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from

£140

/ night

South Hoggs Hideaway

10. South Hoggs Hideaway

100%

(17)

106km from St. Ives · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes

We moved here in 2021 to start a camping site. It has been our dream for a long time to give people a great experience and enjoy the wonderful part of the UK that we live in. Come and make some memories. We have 27 acres, the campsite is approx 5 acres with well spaced pitches. and includes access to the wooded area and lake also. We have 2 fields that we have separated for children and dogs to play. There is a stunning lake where you can watch ducks, birds and geese. The wooded area is brimming with wildlife and wild flowers, deer are often running by in the woods. This area is a like a world away, an idyllic escape.

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from

£25

/ night

Livit, Glamping by the coast

11. Livit, Glamping by the coast

98%

(48)

125km from St. Ives · 9 units

Adventure-filled glamping with sea views to savour

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£55

/ night

Secret Spot Camping Saunton

12. Secret Spot Camping Saunton

99%

(140)

137km from St. Ives · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Finding this exclusive Devon spot is like making it on to the best VIP guest list in town

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from

£20

/ night

Poole Farm

13. Poole Farm

100%

(17)

142km from St. Ives · 2 units

Pods on a farm overlooking Woolacombe Bay in Devon

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£89

/ night

Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

14. Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

100%

(20)

144km from St. Ives · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Unspoiled countryside camping on the outskirts of a working Devon farm, offering far-reaching views and a relaxed atmosphere

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from

£16

/ night

Cheglinch Farm Glamping

15. Cheglinch Farm Glamping

100%

(26)

144km from St. Ives · 3 units

Small-scale, eco-friendly glamping on a working Devon farm, and the West Country coast nearby

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from

£115

/ night

Foxglove Field (adults only)

16. Foxglove Field (adults only)

88%

(8)

7.9km from St. Ives · 3 units

Boutique, adult-only, glamping in Cornwall, within walking distance of Marazion and St. Michael's Mount

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from

£72

/ night

Ro Dama Community Farm

17. Ro Dama Community Farm

85%

(26)

9.3km from St. Ives · 4 units

Rooted in the Dowr Konor watershed and overlooking St Ives’ Bay in Kernow/Cornwall, Ro Dama invites you into our space for connection, regeneration and rewilding of ourselves, our communities, our culture & heritage and our land. On site, we have a variety of pitch types, private, communal and camper van spots. we have a couple of young pups on site who are being a bit territorial, we therefore advise that it is not suitable for dogs at this time.

Campfires

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from

£10

/ night

Halgarrack Farm Hideaway

18. Halgarrack Farm Hideaway

12km from St. Ives · 1 unit

We are an informal and friendly site in a gorgeous part of Cornwall. These bell tents are located in a peaceful five-acre field, so there's ample space to spread out, explore and play. The field faces the west, so it catches lots of sunlight and is a great spot for watching the sky light up in pinks and oranges as the sun sets in the evening Sustainability and nature is at the heart of what we do here, so we wanted to find a way that we could make your stay unique and eco friendly without compromising on comfort. We have turned a horsebox into a shower block complete with a composting loo! Everything you see on the site has been made from upcycled and repurposed materials. All of the tents are decorated slightly differently with vintage and antique pieces, making them truly unique and one-off! This farm is centrally located, making all of Cornwall very easy to explore. Both the north and south coasts of the county can be reached in about a quarter of an hour, so you can nip up to Gwithian to catch the surf before heading south to the much-loved foodie town of Porthleven.

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from

£102

/ night

Friendly Spacious Campsite

19. Friendly Spacious Campsite

100%

(6)

19km from St. Ives · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A Spacious, peaceful site with great facilities just 5 miles to the beach. Far from the crowd but close to everywhere, being just 1/2 a mile to the village shops, bakery and restaurants and only 1.5 to the town. A small number of pitches over 3 meadows where you choose where you want to pitch when you arrive, being assured of a great space for your stay, bring whatever size tent or your campervan and enjoy the great facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers and a wash up area with hot water, together with a communal fridge, microwave and phone charging sockets. There's drinking water in every meadow. So, relax and listen to the birds and enjoy the surrounding nature and magnificent views across the Cornish countryside whilst you sit by the fire. A great location to explore from being fairly central. We're close to the Tresavean Trail which links to the network of trails throughout Cornwall, so bring your walking shoes or cycle. Horse riding is just a 5 minute drive and if you fancy a spot of windsurfing/ canoeing, then Stithians lake is just 2 miles away. For the surfers amongst you there are several great beaches within a short distance and there's a handy wetsuit wash area when you get back. Dogs are welcome - all we ask is that you clean up and use the waste bin on site. This quiet site is perfect for children 8 years and over with plenty of space for a ball game or two. Fire pits and bbq's are allowed as long as they're raised off the ground - we have blocks for you to use.

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from

£21

/ night

Half Moon Domes

20. Half Moon Domes

100%

(3)

21km from St. Ives · 1 unit

Outdoor living but with the luxury of a hotel. One of only two luxury domes set in their own paddock. An experience rather than just a stay. Enjoy sitting out on the deck stargazing at night, waking up to birdsong and watching stunning sunsets . Safe and snug in a tent designed for the extremities of mountain tops and more than capable of handling whatever the Cornish weather can throw at it! Electricity, wood burner, comfortable beds and seating. Older children can be accommodated either on the single beds in the main dome or in an additional bell tent located just the other side of the deck (please let us know where you would like the beds when booking) Each dome has an ensuite kitchen/bathroom pod with hot shower, flushing toilet, fridge, kettle and induction hob. Its own private deck with BBQ, outdoor seating and a large grassy area for games! Fully equipped with everything you will need. all we ask is that you bring your own beach towels, toiletries and torches (as we try to keep external lighting to a minimum). Rural views and plenty of wildlife but only a few minutes walk to the village shop, 5 mins drive to the beautiful beach at Porthtowan, half an hour to the south coast and direct access to many of the coastal paths by foot. A perfect base for exploring Cornwall.

Showers

Wifi

Potable water

from

£130

/ 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

21km from St. Ives · 1 unit

Outdoor living but with the luxury of a hotel. One of only two luxury domes set in their own paddock. An experience rather than just a stay. Enjoy sitting out on the deck stargazing at night, waking up to birdsong and watching stunning sunsets . Safe and snug in a tent designed for the extremities of mountain tops and more than capable of handling whatever the Cornish weather can throw at it! Electricity, wood burner, comfortable beds and seating. Older children can be accommodated either on the single beds in the main dome or in an additional bell tent located just the other side of the deck (please let us know where you would like the beds when booking) Each dome has an ensuite kitchen/bathroom pod with hot shower, flushing toilet, fridge, kettle and induction hob. Its own private deck with BBQ, outdoor seating and a large grassy area for games! Fully equipped with everything you will need. all we ask is that you bring your own beach towels, toiletries and torches (as we try to keep external lighting to a minimum). Rural views and plenty of wildlife but only a few minutes walk to the village shop, 5 mins drive to the beautiful beach at Porthtowan, half an hour to the south coast and direct access to many of the coastal paths by foot. A perfect base for exploring Cornwall.

Showers

Wifi

Potable water

from

£130

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

View showing how private and tucked away the tent pitches are!

A

Andy

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

My friends and I had a great time here. Great host. Would highly recommend.

A

Alistair

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Ryn Gwari Farm

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

L

Lucy

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Cerenety Eco Campsite

The site was exactly as described! Really quiet and calming. Our only note would be to make sure if your van is bigger than a short wheel base is make sure you are a relatively confident driver as the roads to get to the site are narrow single track and quite tight. But overall we would be happy to stay again.

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

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

C

Charlotte

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enchanted Wilderness

Lovely site, great amenities that were also eco friendly, river is right there for a swim or kayak and the morning views were beautiful. We were the only campers so it was super quiet but Jonathan was close by if we had any issues. Would have loved to have stayed longer!

P

Peter

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Secret Spot Camping Saunton

Fabulous 3-field site, fantastically located and very quiet after the August Bank Holiday. Cleanest showers, toilets and guest hut with very friendly and helpful hosts. I'd say more, but it's supposed to be a secret.

C

Carol

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ryn Gwari Farm

Admittedly we were blessed with the weather at the August bank holiday weekend so we could sit outside our tent and enjoy the fantastic sea views. Rebecca was very friendly and helpful. It’s a great location for walking two days of the SW Coast path. Back to basics amenities were clean and well kept. The hot shower was a little temperamental . We will return 🙂

J

Jess

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at Livit, Glamping by the coast

Amazing quiet spot (except for some noisy sheep!), plenty of space per pitch & lovely sea views. excellent shower and toilet facilities a very short walk away. Picnic bench and fire pit and wood provided. The tent itself was amazing - looked brand new, on a raised deck which kept it dry and clean & chairs to sit and watch the sun rise with a cuppa, comfy warm beds, rugs, blankets, hot water bottles all provided. Cute little “kitchen” hut with a gas hob and kettle and pans and crockery and cool box - everything we needed for a short break was thought of and provided. Great communication with the hosts beforehand as well. Would highly recommend and love to return if we’re in the area again.

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to South Hoggs Hideaway

We loved our stay at South Hogg’s Hideaway. The pitches were spacious and very dog friendly. The facilities were well maintained and the woods and lake were a lovely addition. Michaela and Mark were super welcoming and helpful. We will be returning. ☺️

C

CeriJones

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

Absolutely lovely long weekend. The tents were so clean and cwtchy. Ren was very lovely and easily contactable if needed. Short drive away from Perraporth. My boyfriend and I loved our stay and will definitely be coming back! Thank you again Ren!

L

Laura

August 2025

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Easy check in, plenty of room, great hot shower and clean and tidy toilets. Great location to explore the local area. Sure we will be back, thank you!

D

David

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Secret Spot Camping Saunton

What a wonderful find. Relatively close for a camping site to lots of local amenities and all of the wonderful opportunities that Croyde, Saunton and Wollacombe offer for jut getting out there and calling. The campsite is well maintained and good value. Steve is so knowledgeable and informative and will guide you through what to do and see.

S

Steven

August 2025

5 m car

2 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Basic field with a sea view. Really lovely to have a hot shower. Massive bonus

Ambient lighting bathing the pod with a warm glow in the evening

V

Vaibhav

August 2025

4 nights at Poole Farm

The pod is located in a private farm and felt like a little escape from the rest of the world. The view of Woolacombe bay from the pod is stunning and if you're lucky with the weather, the sunset view is incredible too. The pod is well equipped and spacious enough for 2 adults and an infant (we were able to fit a travel cot inside too!). Would highly recommend this to anyone travelling to the area!

H

Hannah

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cheglinch Camping (Wild Camping)

This is a really lovely spot for back to basics camping. The eco friendly toilets were well maintained and the water station too. The views were beautiful and the field quiet. We really enjoyed our stay and will likely visit again.

A

Alastair

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

3 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Great location for the coast and many old tin mines! Really well priced and basic, but excellent facilities. Super good shower!!

S

Shaun

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Cerenety Eco Campsite

As stated this is a basis eco wild camp site. Very well run by a lovely hard working lady. Close to town, canal, river and sea. Would definitely recommend

R

Rachel

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Cerenety Eco Campsite

Great campsite wonderful location met such lovely people there just a magical place especially for families. It's a chilled out place well run and friendly suits people who love camping.

M

Med

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

Beautiful campsite with beautiful surroundings. Great value would recommend

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near St. Ives with horseback riding 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.