If you fancy getting close up to nature on the Coast Path, then there’s no better way than spending a night or more under canvas.
Whether you’re looking for a back-to-basics, off-grid experience, a simple pitch up with some home comforts, a place under the stars to call home whilst you explore the Path, somewhere that welcomes your four-legged friend or a more luxurious, coastal glamping experience, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
Those campsites marked ‘budget’ on our Place Finder mean you can stay for under £18 per person per night. Many offer simple single night pitch ups for around £10. The good news is that all campsites listed on our website are no further than 5 miles from the Path – and many of them are located right on it.
Keeping the Path safe
With over 80 different landowners along the Coast Path helping to manage wildlife and agriculture alongside access for walkers, ‘wild camping’ away from formal campsites is not possible without the consent of the landowner and failure to gain this is considered trespass. Choosing one of the following options is the best choice for everyone using the Path, whilst also supporting the local businesses along it and making sure the Trail’s unique wildlife is left undisturbed.
Pop Up/Off-grid Campsites
Along the length of the South West Coast Path, you’ll find a number of seasonal camping and campervan/motorhome sites open for only 60 days each year, specifically to accommodate walkers and the influx of summer visitors.
By law, these ‘pop-up’ sites must provide basic toilet and waste facilities which is often just a simple composting loo and cold water. On the plus side, many sites allow you to have your own campfire or shared fire pit. So if you’re after a no frills, ‘wild’ camping experience at low cost, check out pop up options but be sure to check seasonal opening dates.
Discover…
Orchard Nook Campsite – A family-run, eco, budget campsite set in a picturesque apple orchard on the outskirts of Noss Mayo. Very close proximity to the SWCP and 2 lovely pubs. Open from 1st July – 5th November.
Higher Waytown – A basic, quiet, back-to-nature camping across 13 acres of wildflower meadows on a hill above Bucks Mills. Flush toilet, water and device charging. No shower. Phone ahead for special walker rate.
Higher Pendeen Camping – Award-winning, rustic, family-run, friendly, off-grid and ecologically considerate back-to-basics site with five pitches and Bell Tents. Advance bookings only.
Traditional Campsites
Whether you’re looking for a pitch with a sea view, a sheltered spot in a valley or a secret woodland hideaway, there’s a huge range of campsites along the Path with a complete range of facilities ranging from basic to luxurious and with varying levels of community facilities and on-site food options – including weekly take-away food vans serving fresh local food. Some sites include ready erected options if you don’t want the hassle of carrying your own tent! If you’re taking your dog along, don’t forget to check whether the site is dog-friendly first (and be sure to check out our Dog Friendly Camping blog!) and make sure that you have everything you need to keep your dog cool, comfortable and under control. If you’re looking for smaller sites with limited pitches check out the Camping and Caravanning Club sites (some may require CCC membership).
Tom’s Field and Shop – Traditional, rural camping in beautiful Isle of Purbeck. Just 20 mins walk from the SWCP and Dancing Ledge.
Higher Aunemouth – A small and basic but pretty camp ground located 3/4 mile from Bantham Beach, close to Thurlestone and Bigbury and about 0.75 miles from the Coast Path.
Freshwell Camping, Croyde – The ideal coastal campsite boasting a full view of the beach which is just 2 minutes away. Plenty of open space to pitch your tent in.
Farm Stays
After spending all day looking out at the ‘blue’, head slightly in-land to experience some of the ‘green’ and pitch your tent on a farm campsite. These often come with a farmhouse B&B too and an on-site shop offering a selection of farm produce and sometimes a chance to interact with the farm animals. Some owners offer lifts from the Path.
Macdonald’s Farm Touring and Camping – Small family-run Farm Park, B&B plus Campsite just ½ a mile from beautiful Porthcothan Bay, along the coast between Padstow and Newquay.
Exmoor Coast Holidays, Caffyn’s Farm – Camping on a working cider farm with shop and bar just one mile from the Path.
Little Clifden Camp – Pick your own pitch on this North Cornwall dairy farm with sea views near Tintagel.
Holiday Parks/Touring Parks
There’s a huge selection of larger holiday parks and smaller independently owned, family parks along the Path, with some of the larger chains conveniently located at stop off points all along the SWCP 52 day itinerary. Those located a bit further from the Path sometimes include free buses back to the coast.
Most require longer bookings and are great bases from which to explore the Path. They offer a huge range of accommodation options, from simple camping pitches to campervan/motor home pitches with electric hook-ups and from static caravans and lodges to glamping pods in all sorts of shapes and sizes. On-site facilities include toilet and shower blocks, great places to eat and drink, a grocery shop, pool and leisure facilities and a chance to do your laundry! A good choice for families, if you’re walking as part of a group or if you just need a bit of a reset.
Many of the sites now also offer one-night stay camping pitches for through hikers. Check our budget sites on the Place Finder.
John Fowler Holiday Parks – John Fowler have nine Holiday Parks right on the Coast Path offering a range of lodge accommodation and some single night pitch up camping at their Widemouth Bay and Sandaway Beach locations.
Polmanter, St Ives – This family-run Holiday Park recently won Gold Award for Camping, Glamping and Holiday Park of the Year at the Visit England Awards for Excellence. A perfect base to explore West Cornwall offering award-winning camping facilities and 4 luxury holiday properties.
Oakdown Holiday Park – Family-run, award-winning site near Sidmouth offering a huge range of glamping options, including premier Devon pods, luxury lodges and camping and touring pitches.
Glamping
You love being out in the open but sometimes you just need that extra level of comfort and a chance to really unwind. Choose from a whole range of glamping options from a simple shepherds hut or wooden pod to a roomy safari tent or yurt complete with decking, hot tub and wood-burner. You might even want to get closer to the stars in your own hideaway tree house.
Beersheba Wildwood Camping – Put your feet up in Wildflower Wood, a tranquil eco-glamping retreat just 1.5 miles from the SWCP. Coastal views, cosy Landpods & campfire nights await!
Wilderme Glamping – Sea view glamping right by the SWCP and the beautiful villages of Kingsand and Cawsand. Book a yurt and help support WilderMe’s autism-friendly holidays.
Dittisham Hideaway – A Luxury Collection of Spacious Treehouses, Luxurious Shepherds Huts and a 1950’s Vintage Airstream near in beautiful valley near Dartmouth.
Tregantle Farm Eco Glampsite – Experience coastal magic at Tregantle Farm Eco Glampsite in Cornwall. Luxury safari tents, locally-sourced breakfast hampers, and stunning seaside views await.
All campsites mentioned support the South West Coast Path as Way Maker businesses – you can find over 550 Way Maker businesses offering places to stay, eat and drink or take part in activities along the Path by visiting our online Place Finder or ordering a copy of the Official Guide to the South West Coast Path.
Blog written by Sarah Gunn, SWCPA Business Engagement Lead.
The South West Coast Path 