Practical tips for a happy family camping trip, from packing and bedtime to rock pooling and beach safety.
Camping with children is one of the best ways to enjoy Cornwall: freedom, fresh air and adventure every day. It can also be hard work. Here are practical tips from Lower Pennycrocker Farm, a family-run campsite near Boscastle where children aged 5 and over stay for £5 a night.
Packing for children
- Extra layers and a warm hat for evenings
- Two pairs of shoes, because one pair will always be wet
- Waterproofs and wellies
- Swimwear, wetsuits if you have them, and sun cream
- A head torch each, which they'll love
- Favourite teddy or comforter for bedtime
- Books, cards and small games for wet spells
- A first-aid kit with plasters and children's medicine
Sleeping
Children often feel the cold more. Put a blanket under them as well as on top, and dress them in a warm sleepsuit or base layer. Bedtimes may slip when it stays light until late in summer; blackout eye masks can help. A pup tent for older children can be an adventure, and pup tents are free here.
Keeping kids busy on site
- Den building with blankets and chairs
- Nature hunts: spot birds, insects and wildflowers
- Stargazing after dark
- Helping with jobs, such as fetching water or making breakfast
Rock pooling
Rock pooling is a highlight of a Cornish holiday. Crackington Haven has rock pools at low tide. Tips:
- Check tide times and go on a falling tide.
- Wear shoes with grip; rocks are slippery.
- Look gently and put creatures back where you found them.
- Turn stones over carefully and replace them.
Beach safety
- Choose lifeguarded beaches in season, such as those around Bude, and swim between the red and yellow flags.
- Learn about rip currents: if caught, don't swim against it.
- Keep an eye on the tide so you're not cut off.
- Stay away from the base and edges of cliffs.
Family days out
- Tintagel Castle and the King Arthur legends
- Boscastle harbour and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic (check suitability for younger children)
- Bude's sea pool and beaches
- The Camel Trail by bike from Padstow
- Indoor options on our rainy-day page
Meals with children
Keep food simple and familiar, and get children involved. Our easy camping meals post has ideas.
Groups and family gatherings
We take groups of up to 8 people, so two families can camp together. For more, see family camping in Cornwall.
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.
Lower Pennycrocker Farm Camping and Caravan Site is a family-run farm campsite at St Juliot, Boscastle, Cornwall PL35 0BY. It has been in our family for more than 80 years, and Colin and Karyn look after the site and its guests. We welcome tents, touring caravans, motorhomes and campervans on open grass fields with wide views of the Cornish countryside and coast.
There's no clubhouse, pool or evening entertainment. Instead you get space, quiet, free hot showers, parking beside your pitch and easy access to some of the best scenery in Cornwall. Boscastle is about two miles away, Tintagel about seven, and the South West Coast Path about half a mile. Crackington Haven, Bude, Port Isaac and Padstow all make easy day trips.
Our guests rate us 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor (64 reviews, as of October 2026), and many come back year after year. If you have questions before booking, call 07967 605392 (reception 9am–7pm) or email colin.heard@yahoo.com. For more local ideas, browse our guides hub, the Camping guides blog and our Tips.
FAQs
How much do children cost?
Children aged 5 and over are £5 per night.
Is there a playground?
No, we're a simple farm site, but there's plenty of open space.
Where can kids go rock pooling?
Crackington Haven at low tide.
