How to camp in wind and rain on the Cornish coastnotes from the farm

The North Cornwall coast faces the Atlantic, which means fresh air, big skies and, sometimes, plenty of wind and rain. With the right preparation, a blustery night needn't spoil your trip. These are the tips we share with campers at Lower Pennycrocker Farm near Boscastle.

Before you leave home

• Check your tent: pitch it in the garden, check the poles, seams and zips, and re-proof the flysheet if it's old.
• Upgrade your pegs: the thin pegs supplied with many tents bend easily. Bring strong steel or Y-section pegs and a mallet.
• Spare guy lines: extra cord and line tensioners are cheap and very useful.
• Watch the forecast: check the Met Office forecast and wind speeds for the coast, not just for inland towns.

Pitching in the wind

Choose your orientation

Pitch with the narrow, lowest end of the tent facing into the wind, and keep the door on the sheltered side. If you're unsure which way the weather is coming from, ask at reception.

Peg the windward side first

Peg down the upwind corners before you raise the tent, so it can't blow away. Keep hold of the tent at all times in strong gusts.

Use every guy line

Guy lines are there for a reason. Peg them all out at about 45 degrees, in line with the seams, and tension them evenly.

Use your car as a windbreak

At Pennycrocker you park beside your pitch, so you can position your car to shelter your tent from the prevailing wind.

Staying dry in rain

• Don't pitch in a dip where water collects.
• Keep the inner tent from touching the flysheet, or water can wick through.
• Use a groundsheet that doesn't stick out beyond the flysheet, or it will channel rain underneath.
• Store wet gear in the porch, not in the bedroom.
• Bring a few spare towels and a bag for wet clothes.
• An awning or tarp gives you a dry space to cook and sit. Awnings are free at Pennycrocker.

Caravans and motorhomes

For tourers, wind down the corner steadies, take awnings in during gales, and close roof vents if rain is driving. Our touring caravans page has more advice.

During the night

• Retension guy lines before bed; tents loosen as they get wet.
• Keep a head torch and shoes by the door.
• If it's really wild, sleep in the car or go home rather than risk damage. Safety first.

Make the most of a wet day

Rain on the coast often passes quickly. In the meantime, head to Boscastle's harbour cafés, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic or Tintagel village. See our rainy-day ideas and places to eat. Then enjoy a free hot shower back on site.

Drying out before you pack up

Try to pack your tent dry. If you can't, put it up again at home as soon as possible to stop mildew. Our packing list covers everything else.

For reference, our 2026 prices per night are: adults £10, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Awnings and showers are free, parking is beside your pitch and groups are limited to 8 people. We are open from 1 April to 31 October and reception is open 9am–7pm. See pitches & prices for the details.

FAQs

Check availability at Lower Pennycrocker Farm