Fancy falling asleep to Atlantic surf and waking up on a clifftop carpet of thrift? As coast-safety instructors at Newquay Activity Centre and regular contributors to our blog, we’ve bivvied everywhere from Porth Joke to Bodmin Moor. Below you’ll find the law, map of wild camping sites Cornwall, kit list, tide-time tricks, and expert tips for wild camping in Cornwall UK – scroll, plan, and leave no trace.
Table of Contents
- Is wild camping legal in Cornwall?
- Responsible Camping: Leave-No-Trace Rules
- Wild Camping Sites in Cornwall: Low-Impact Spots
- Evidence & Sources for Our Map
- Best ‘Almost Wild’ Camping Spots in Cornwall
- Packing List: 7 kg Target Kit
- Safety First: Weather, Tides & Wildlife
- Pair Your Adventure: Surf, Coasteering & SUP
- FAQs
1. Is wild camping legal in Cornwall?
Permission hotspots
- Foreshores – You may be allowed discreet one-night bivvies above the high-tide mark (no fires, tents down by 9 a.m.).
- Private estates – Tregothnan run low-impact “night-stop” trials; email in advance.
- CampWild UK – four legal, conservation-funded sites in Cornwall from £15/night.
"Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but flattened grass." - (Countryside Code)</
2. Responsible Camping: Leave-No-Trace Rules
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- Plan ahead & prepare – check land-owner rules, tide tables (RNLI), weather (Met Office).
- Camp on durable surfaces – sand, rock or bare grass; avoid fragile cliff-top flora.
- Pack out all waste – carry every scrap of litter and used toilet paper.
- Leave what you find – never remove pebbles, thrift, or driftwood.
- Minimise fire impact – gas stove > bonfire; fires are banned on most beaches.
- Respect wildlife – keep 50 m from seal pups; no flash photography of nesting birds.
- Be considerate of others – small groups, low light, low noise at dawn/dusk.
Save this list to your phone or download our printable infographic for quick reference.
3. Wild Camping Sites in Cornwall: Low-Impact Spots
Where to wild camp in Cornwall?
Click each pin for GPS, parking, tide-cutoff warnings and seasonal notes. Check out our interactive wild camping spot map below.
4. Evidence & Sources for Our Map
Every map pin appears only when two criteria overlap:
- public-access data (Ordnance Survey, SW Coast Path), and
- a first-hand blog, video or guide describing a no-trace overnight bivvy.
"Always check for the latest rules and obtain permission where required."
Rame Head chapel bowl - evidence
- MeanderingWild guide
- SW Coast Path route card
Brown Willy spur, Bodmin Moor - evidence
- Stay legal and low-impact – all sites operate under strict pack-in/pack-out rules, so you can enjoy wild camping Cornwall without worrying about trespass.
- Enjoy creature comforts – loos, water taps and sometimes a simple shower mean less gear to carry and more time relaxing.
- Support local landowners – fees go back into conservation and trail maintenance, so you’re helping protect the very landscapes you love.
Suggested ‘Nearly Wild’ Camping Spots
- Teneriffe Farm (NT)
– A short 10 min walk from the SW Coast Path on the Lizard peninsula takes you to spacious grass pitches with tap water and compost loo. Perfect for stargazing without lugging a heavy toilet tent. - Treen Farm
– Just steps from Porthcurno beach and the Minack Theatre, this family-run site offers simple grass pitches, a basic shower block and an onsite café for post-bivvy bacon rolls. - Beacon Cottage Farm
– Nestled against gorse heath at St Agnes Beacon, enjoy panoramic coastal views, fresh spring water taps and eco-friendly composting toilets under the Dark Sky Reserve. - Gear Farm Pasture Pitches
– Only a 5 min stroll from Lizard village’s award-winning bakery. Grass terraces, fresh water and chemical loo take the effort out of wild camping spots Cornwall. - Lower Penderleath
– Quiet wildflower meadows above St Ives, complete with secure parking, potable water and compost loo. Ideal for families or mixed-ability groups wanting a wild feel with easy logistics. - Bedruthan Steps
– A spacious 14-acre clifftop campsite in Cornwall offers basic facilities and unbeatable sea and sunset views—perfect for DIY campers. Tents and camper vans welcome from just £10 pp (facilities included).
Each of these “almost wild” sites offers the perfect balance of adventure and comfort – so you can focus on dawn surf sessions or cliff-top yoga without hauling a 20 kg pack.
Know a great ‘almost wild’ camping spot we’ve missed?
6. Cornwall Wild-Camping Packing List (7 kg Target)
| Item | Weight (g) | Vol (L) |
|---|---|---|
| Bivvy bag (Storm 1-layer) | 420 | 2.5 |
| 3-season down quilt | 680 | 3.0 |
| Inflatable mat (R-3.2) | 480 | 1.2 |
| Sil-nylon tarp 2.5×3 m + 4 pegs | 370 | 1.0 |
| Head-torch + spare AAA | 110 | 0.2 |
| Tide-timer watch | 42 | – |
| Jetboil stove + 100 g gas | 450 | 0.6 |
| 1 L water bottle | 60 | 1.0 |
| Microfibre towel | 90 | 0.3 |
| First-aid & blister kit | 140 | 0.3 |
Download our printable PDF wild camping checklist for your next trip.
Check tide times on RNLI’s tide widget – Cornwall’s 7 m spring ranges can trap you fast. Aim for high ground four hours before high water.
Weather windows – summer sea-fog (“mizzle”) can drop visibility to 50 m; pack a compass.
Wildlife etiquette – seal pups 50 m clearance, no night-flash bird photography, shake boots for adders.
Emergency plan – dial 112/999, ask for Coastguard, quote your What3Words square & nearest landmark.
After a night under the stars, trade bivvy bags for wetsuits with our expert-led, British-Surf-Lifeguard-qualified coaches at Newquay Activity Centre:
- Surf lessons in Newquay – beginner to advanced clinics
- Coasteering in Cornwall – scramble, swim & leap volcanic cliffs
- Guided Paddleboarding safaris – explore secret sea caves at slack tide
- Discover the best breaks in our Cornwall Surfing Beaches guide
Can you wild camp in Cornwall?
Only with land-owner permission – otherwise you risk trespass and fines.
Are there fines for illegal camping?
Yes – local councils can issue on-the-spot fines up to £100 and order you off.
Is Bodmin Moor open for wild camping?
Only on designated open-access land; leave by dawn and follow Leave-No-Trace.
When is the Milky Way brightest in Cornwall?
Mid-April to late August, two hours after astronomical dusk on moonless nights.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, if under control; some beaches have seasonal dog bans and cattle graze cliff-tops.
Where to refill water?
Beach cafés, SW Coast Path taps & campsites – carry 2 L from the car.
