How to plan a camping trip that takes in both Devon and Cornwall, with a north Cornwall base near the border and realistic drive times.
Many people want to see a bit of both Devon and Cornwall on one camping trip. The two counties are big, though, and their roads are slow in places, so where you pitch matters. If the north coasts appeal most, staying in north Cornwall near the border lets you dip into Devon without spending the whole holiday in the car.
North coast or south coast?
The two counties each have a north and a south coast with very different characters:
- North Devon and north Cornwall: Atlantic surf, high cliffs, the South West Coast Path and small harbours.
- South Devon and south Cornwall: estuaries, sheltered bays, sailing towns and gardens.
Crossing between the two coasts takes time. Choose one side as your main focus.
Why a north Cornwall base works
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle and about two miles from the A39 Atlantic Highway, which runs up the coast into north Devon. Approximate drive times from the farm:
| Destination | County | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Boscastle | Cornwall | about 2 miles |
| Bude | Cornwall | about 15 miles |
| Clovelly | Devon | about 45 minutes |
| Hartland Quay | Devon | about 50 minutes |
| Okehampton (for northern Dartmoor) | Devon | about 50 minutes |
| Port Isaac | Cornwall | about 15 miles |
Times vary with traffic and the season; allow longer in summer.
Devon days out from the farm
- Clovelly and Hartland: a car-free fishing village and wild cliffs. See our Clovelly and Hartland day trip.
- Northern Dartmoor: open moorland and tors, reached via the A30. Pack for changeable weather.
Cornwall days out from the farm
- Boscastle and Tintagel, both close by. See camping in Boscastle and Tintagel.
- Bude for beaches and the sea pool; see the Bude day trip.
- Bodmin Moor for big skies and walking; see the Bodmin Moor guide.
Planning tips for a two-county trip
- Plan one big day out for every two days of local exploring.
- Avoid driving long distances on summer Saturdays, when changeover traffic is heavy.
- Check that your tent or vehicle suits narrow lanes; see driving Cornish lanes.
- If you have a motorhome, read our motorhome route through north Cornwall.
What to pack for both counties
The weather on the moors can be very different from the coast. Bring waterproofs and warm layers even in summer, sturdy walking boots for the cliffs and tors, and a map, as mobile signal can be patchy in remote areas. A flask and a picnic save time on long days out. See our north Cornwall camping packing list for a full kit list.
Crossing the Tamar
The River Tamar forms most of the border between Devon and Cornwall. From the north coast, the A39 crosses into Devon north of Bude, and the A30 crosses near Launceston, about 16 miles from the farm. Either makes a Devon day straightforward.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to camp in Devon or Cornwall?
Both are excellent. If you want to see both, staying near the border on the north coast keeps drive times manageable.
How far is Lower Pennycrocker Farm from Devon?
North Devon destinations such as Clovelly are roughly 45 minutes' drive away via the A39.
Can I see Devon and Cornwall in a week?
Yes, if you choose one coast and one base. Our 7-day north Cornwall itinerary can be adapted to include a Devon day.
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.
