Simple, practical ways to keep the cost of a Cornwall camping holiday down without missing out.
A holiday in Cornwall doesn't have to cost a fortune. Camping is already one of the most affordable ways to see the county, and with a little planning you can keep costs down further. This guide shares our best money-saving tips, from choosing when to go to free days out on the north coast.
Choose a simple campsite
Big holiday parks with pools, bars and entertainment often charge more, especially in peak season. A small, simple campsite usually costs less per night. You still get the essentials, such as toilets and hot showers, and you spend your days on the beach or the coast path rather than on site.
At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, near Boscastle, our prices are simple:
- Adults £10 per night.
- Children aged 5 and over £5 per night.
- Electric hook-up £7 per night, if you need it.
- Dogs £2 each per night, up to two.
- Awnings and pup tents are free.
- Showers are free.
For example, a couple with electric hook-up pays £27 a night. See our pitches and prices page.
Pick your dates carefully
Travel outside the school summer holidays
Many campsites and attractions charge more in August. If you can travel in spring, early summer or September, you'll often find lower prices, quieter beaches and easier parking. Read about spring camping in Cornwall and October camping.
Book direct
Booking directly with a campsite rather than through a third-party site can avoid booking fees. See our post on why it pays to book direct.
Go without electric
If you're in a tent in summer, consider a non-electric pitch. Battery lanterns, a power bank and a gas stove are all you need. Our electric hook-up explained guide helps you decide.
Cook your own meals
Eating out every day soon adds up. Cooking at the campsite is part of the fun of camping:
- Plan simple meals before you go.
- Bring store-cupboard basics from home.
- Do a big shop at a supermarket on the way, as small village shops cost more.
- Treat yourself to the occasional pasty or cream tea instead of every meal out.
Our easy camping meals post has ideas, and you can use the campsite's washing-up room for cleaning up.
Free things to do in North Cornwall
Some of the best days out in Cornwall cost nothing:
- Walk the coast path. It's about half a mile from our campsite. See our coast path guide.
- Explore Boscastle harbour. Read our Boscastle harbour guide.
- Walk the Valency Valley. See our Valency Valley walk.
- Visit beaches, such as Crackington Haven, Widemouth and Bude. Parking may cost money, but the beach is free.
- Go rock pooling at low tide.
- Climb Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor, about six miles away.
- Stargaze from the campsite on clear nights.
Save on parking
Car parks in popular villages charge, especially in summer. To save money:
- Walk from the campsite where you can. Boscastle is about two miles away by road.
- Share a car with friends if you're in a group.
- Use one car park for a full day and walk from there.
- Check if you're a National Trust member, as members can park free at many NT car parks.
Our Boscastle parking guide has details.
Save on fuel
- Pick a central base so you don't have to drive far each day.
- Plan days out by area to avoid zigzagging across the county.
- Fill up on main roads before heading into the lanes.
Kit on a budget
You don't need the latest gear to camp well:
- Borrow kit from friends or family for your first trip.
- Look for second-hand tents and chairs.
- Pack layers and waterproofs you already own.
Our first-time camping tips post explains what you really need.
Budget days out by weather
On sunny days, head for beaches and walks. On wet days, low-cost options include exploring villages, visiting churches, walking in sheltered valleys, or a museum. See our rainy day ideas.
A sample budget weekend
Here's an example of how a frugal weekend could look for a couple in a tent, without electric hook-up, at our campsite:
- Two nights' camping: £40.
- Food cooked at the campsite from a supermarket shop.
- One pasty lunch in Boscastle.
- A free coast path walk and a beach day.
- Parking for one beach day.
Your fuel and food costs will depend on where you live and what you eat, but camping keeps the core cost low.
Avoid hidden extras
Before you book anywhere, check what is included. Some sites charge separately for showers, awnings, extra cars, visitors or dogs. At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, showers, awnings and pup tents are free, and the only extras are electric hook-up and dogs. Knowing the full price up front makes budgeting easier.
Cheap holidays in Cornwall
Camping is one of the cheapest ways to holiday in Cornwall, and costs stay low when you choose free days out. See free things to do in Cornwall. Compare the full nightly price of each site: our guide to caravan parks vs farm campsites explains what tends to cost extra. If you are flexible, read last-minute camping in Cornwall.
Frequently asked questions
How can I camp cheaply in Cornwall?
Choose a simple campsite, travel outside August, cook your own meals and enjoy free days out like coast walks and beaches.
How much does camping near Boscastle cost?
At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, adults are £10 per night and children 5 and over are £5. Electric hook-up is £7 per night.
Are showers free?
Yes, showers are free at Lower Pennycrocker Farm.
What are the best free things to do near Boscastle?
The coast path, the Valency Valley, Boscastle harbour, beaches and stargazing.
Stock up on the way in: our guide to shops, fuel and supplies near Boscastle lists the nearest stores and fuel. New to camping? Start with our page on first-time camping in Cornwall.
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.
Coming with friends or another family? Read about small group camping in Cornwall at Lower Pennycrocker Farm before you book.
