An honest comparison of campervans and tents for a Cornish holiday, from cost to comfort.
Cornwall is perfect for both campervans and tents. But which is right for you? Each has advantages and drawbacks, depending on your budget, who you're travelling with, the time of year, and the type of trip you want. We welcome both to our farm campsite near Boscastle, so here's our honest comparison.
Cost
Tent
A tent is usually the cheapest way to camp. If you already own one, your main costs are the pitch, food and fuel. At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, adults pay £10 per night and children aged 5 and over pay £5, whether you bring a tent or a van.
Campervan
If you own a campervan, the pitch fee is the same as a tent at our site, but you may want electric hook-up at £7 per night. Hiring a campervan for a week can be a significant cost, especially in summer. Fuel costs can also be higher than for a car.
Verdict: a tent usually wins on cost, especially if you're hiring.
Comfort
Tent
Modern tents can be very comfortable, with separate bedrooms and big living areas. Good airbeds or camp beds and warm bedding make a big difference. But you're closer to the elements: cold mornings, wind and rain are all more noticeable.
Campervan
A campervan offers a solid roof, a proper bed, and often a small kitchen and heater. It's warmer and drier, especially in spring and autumn.
Verdict: a campervan wins on comfort, especially outside summer.
Weather
Cornwall's coastal weather can be changeable, with wind and showers. A well-pitched tent copes with most conditions, but strong gusts and heavy rain can be uncomfortable. A campervan is much less affected, although a wind-buffeted van can still be noisy. Read our guide to camping in wind and rain.
Verdict: campervan for shoulder seasons; either works in settled summer weather.
Space
Tent
Family tents give lots of space, which is ideal for children and wet days. You can bring pup tents for kids, which are free at our site.
Campervan
Campervans are compact. For couples this is cosy; for families it can feel tight, especially in bad weather. Many campervanners add a drive-away awning for more space.
Verdict: a tent wins for families and groups.
Flexibility
Tent
Once pitched, your tent stays put, and you explore by car. Packing up takes time, so moving every night isn't practical.
Campervan
A campervan lets you move on easily, with less setting up. On the other hand, you have to pack up the van every time you go out for the day, unless you have a separate vehicle.
Verdict: a campervan wins for touring; a tent is fine for a single base.
Driving and parking
North Cornwall's lanes are narrow and car parks can be busy. A car is easy to drive and park. Large campervans can be harder on lanes and in village car parks, and some car parks have height barriers. Read our Cornish lanes guide.
Verdict: a car and tent is easier on lanes and in villages.
Setting up
A tent can take from 15 minutes to over an hour to pitch, depending on its size and the weather. A campervan just needs parking, levelling and hooking up.
Verdict: a campervan wins on setting up.
Wild camping?
Some people choose a campervan hoping to stay overnight in car parks or lay-bys. In Cornwall, many car parks ban overnight stays, and there's no general right to wild camp. A campsite is the reliable option. See our wild camping guide.
Summary table
- Cheapest: tent.
- Warmest and driest: campervan.
- Most space: tent.
- Best for moving around: campervan.
- Easiest on narrow lanes: car and tent.
- Quickest setup: campervan.
Our suggestion
- Couples in spring or autumn: a campervan is lovely.
- Families in summer: a family tent gives more space.
- First-time campers on a budget: borrow a tent and try it. See our first-time camping tips.
- Touring the county: a campervan makes moving easier.
At Lower Pennycrocker Farm
We welcome tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans on our open grass fields about two miles from Boscastle. Bring levelling ramps for vans, and a long hook-up cable if you want electric. Read our campervan camping and tent camping pages.
Mixing both
Some families get the best of both: a campervan for the adults and a pup tent or small tent beside it for older children. Pup tents are free at our campsite, and the whole group must be no more than eight people. It's a good way to add sleeping space without paying for a bigger van.
Frequently asked questions
Is a campervan or tent cheaper for Cornwall?
A tent is usually cheaper, especially if you'd need to hire a campervan.
Is a tent OK in Cornish weather?
Yes, with a good tent pitched well. Bring waterproofs and warm layers.
Can I bring both a campervan and a tent?
Yes, as long as your group is within our limit of eight people. Pup tents are free.
Are campervans easy to drive on Cornish lanes?
Smaller campervans are usually fine. Larger vans need more care on narrow lanes.
Still deciding how to travel? Compare the options in tent, caravan or motorhome?.
Stay near Boscastle
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle (PL35 0BY). We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans from 1 April to 31 October. Adults are £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Showers are free and you park beside your pitch. Check availability and book direct, or see pitches and prices.
Still deciding where to base yourself? Our guide to the best areas to camp in Cornwall compares the north, south and west coasts.
Travelling with a rooftop tent? Read our page on rooftop tent camping in Cornwall and call us to check a pitch.
