in our own words
If you have never camped before, Cornwall can feel like a big first step. The good news is that a small, friendly farm campsite is one of the easiest places to start. At Lower Pennycrocker Farm, near Boscastle on the north Cornwall coast, you park beside your pitch, the showers are free and Colin and Karyn are on hand during the day to help. This page explains why we suit beginners and how to plan your first trip.
Why a farm campsite suits beginners
- Park beside your pitch. No carrying kit across a field, and the car is there if the weather turns.
- Free showers, toilets and a washing-up room. The basics are covered without the bustle of a holiday park.
- Simple pricing. Adults £10 a night, children aged 5 and over £5, electric hook-up £7 and dogs £2 each (maximum two). Full details on pitches and prices.
- Quiet nights. There is no bar or entertainment, so evenings are calm.
- Friendly hosts. During reception hours (9am–7pm) one of us usually meets you and shows you to a pitch.
Choosing your first trip
Keep it short. Two or three nights is ideal. You will learn what you forgot without it spoiling a whole week.
Go when it is calmer. Late spring and September usually bring quieter fields than August. Our spring camping page and best time to visit Boscastle guide help you pick dates.
Watch the forecast. North Cornwall is on an exposed Atlantic coast. Read our guide to north Cornwall weather for campers before you set off.
Practise at home. Put the tent up in the garden or a park first, so you know every pole and peg.
What to bring
Start with the essentials: a tent you have practised with, sleeping bags rated for cool nights, sleeping mats, a stove and fuel, a torch for each person, and warm layers even in summer. There is no shop on site, so plan meals and stock up first: see shops, fuel and supplies near Boscastle. For full lists, use our north Cornwall packing list and seasonal packing guide.
If you are still deciding what to camp in, our post on tent, caravan or motorhome compares the options, and choosing a tent for Cornwall looks at wind-worthy designs.
Easy things to do on a first trip
You do not need a packed itinerary. Walk to the coast path (about half a mile away), wander around Boscastle harbour, and have a pub supper in the village. On day two, try Tintagel (about seven miles) or Crackington Haven beach (about five miles). Our weekend in Boscastle itinerary is written with first-timers in mind.
Tips from the farm
- Arrive in daylight so you can pitch without a torch.
- Pitch with the narrow end of the tent facing the wind.
- Keep a dry bag of spare clothes in the car.
- Bring a hook-up cable if you book electric (£7 a night).
- Ask us anything. We have been on this farm for more than 80 years and are happy to help.
Book your first camping trip
Lower Pennycrocker Farm is open from 1 April to 31 October. Check availability and book direct, phone 07967 605392 or email colin.heard@yahoo.com.
Questions we often get
Is Lower Pennycrocker good for first-time campers?
Yes. It is a quiet family farm with free showers, parking by your pitch and hosts on hand during the day.
Can we hire a tent from you?
No. You bring your own tent, caravan, campervan or motorhome.
Do we need electric hook-up?
No, but it makes life easier for charging phones and running a small heater. It costs £7 a night.
How many nights should a first trip be?
Two or three nights is a good start.
Camp two miles from Boscastlefields, sky and sea
Spacious, quiet farm pitches with free showers, free awnings and parking beside your pitch. Open 1 April – 31 October.