What to pack for camping in Cornwall in spring, summer and autumn, with extra lists for families, dog owners and motorhome trips near Boscastle.
The north Cornwall coast has a climate all of its own. It is mild for much of the year but exposed to the Atlantic, so a sunny afternoon can turn breezy and damp within an hour. Our general north Cornwall camping packing list covers the core kit. This guide adds what changes through our season at Lower Pennycrocker Farm, which runs from 1 April to 31 October.
The year-round essentials
Whatever the month, we suggest every camper brings:
- A tent you have practised pitching, with spare pegs and a mallet. Longer pegs grip better in windy weather.
- Extra guy lines and a few spare tent-pole sections or a repair sleeve.
- Warm sleeping bags: nights by the sea can be cooler than you expect, even in summer.
- Insulated sleeping mats, because the ground draws heat from you.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers for every person.
- Layers: base layer, fleece and a warm hat.
- A head torch for each person.
- A stove, fuel and a lighter. Camping gas can be hard to find locally, so bring spare canisters. There is no shop on site; see shops, fuel and supplies near Boscastle.
- An electric hook-up cable, if you have booked hook-up (£7 a night).
- Bin bags and a washing-up bowl. We have a washing-up room, which makes life easier.
Spring (April and May)
Spring is lovely on the north coast: wildflowers on the cliffs and quieter beaches. But nights can still be cold, especially in April.
- A sleeping bag rated well below the overnight temperatures you expect, or a blanket or liner to add warmth.
- Hot-water bottles, which take up little room and make a big difference.
- Gloves and a warm hat for evenings.
- A flask for hot drinks on the coast path.
- Wellies or waterproof boots for wet grass in the mornings.
Our spring camping in Cornwall page explains why April, May and early June suit people who like peace and quiet.
Summer (June to August)
Summer brings warmer days and long evenings, but the wind rarely disappears completely.
- Sun cream and sun hats. Sea breezes make it easy to underestimate the sun.
- A windbreak for the beach, where it is allowed.
- Swimwear, beach towels and a wetsuit for longer sessions in the sea.
- Water bottles for each person. Taps are few and far between on the coast path.
- A lightweight fleece for evenings.
- Insect repellent for still evenings.
See summer camping in Cornwall for tips on avoiding the busiest days.
Autumn (September and October)
Autumn can be beautiful, with warm seas in September and dramatic skies in October. It is also the season of the first big Atlantic storms.
- Storm-worthy kit: extra pegs and guy lines, and ideally a tent with a strong pole structure. Our post on choosing a tent for Cornwall explains what to look for.
- A warmer sleeping bag than you used in summer.
- A good lantern for the darker evenings.
- Waterproof bags to keep clothes and bedding dry.
- A plan B for wet days: see rainy days in north Cornwall.
Our October camping page has more on late-season trips.
Extra lists by trip type
Families
- Spare clothes for every child, in a dry bag.
- Rock-pooling nets and buckets, and water shoes for rocky beaches.
- Glow sticks or a small night light for the tent.
- Card games and books for wet afternoons.
Our posts on camping with kids in Cornwall and toddler-friendly days out have more.
Dog owners
- Lead, long line and poo bags.
- Bed, towel and a water bowl.
- A tie-out stake for the pitch.
Remember that dogs are banned on some beaches in summer: see dog-friendly beaches in north Cornwall.
Motorhomes and caravans
- Levelling ramps or chocks: our pitches are on grass.
- Hook-up cable and adaptors.
- Fresh-water container and waste kit.
Our motorhome packing checklist is a full list.
Final checks before you leave
Check the forecast the night before, especially wind gusts: see north Cornwall weather for campers. Fill up with fuel on the way in, as there is none on site, and arrive within reception hours (9am–7pm).
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.
