Spring camping in Cornwall

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to camp in Cornwall. The clifftops come alive with wildflowers, the days get longer, and the paths and beaches are quieter than in summer. Lower Pennycrocker Farm is a quiet, family-run campsite at St Juliot, about two miles from Boscastle, and we open for the season on 1 April.

Why camp in spring?

• Quieter: outside the school holidays, beaches and paths are calm.
• Wildflowers: bluebells, sea pinks and primroses along the lanes and cliffs.
• Wildlife: seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
• Longer days: more daylight for walking and exploring.
• Fresh air: perfect walking weather, neither too hot nor too cold.

What the weather is like

Spring weather in Cornwall can change quickly. You can have bright sunshine, sea mist and a shower all in one day. Nights can be cold, especially in April, so come prepared.

What to pack for spring camping

• A warm sleeping bag rated for cool nights.
• A sleeping mat or airbed with insulation.
• Warm layers, a hat and gloves for the evenings.
• Waterproof jacket and trousers.
• Walking boots.
• A good torch, as it still gets dark fairly early in April.

See our best tent for Cornwall guide and our tips on camping in wind and rain.

Staying warm

Electric hook-up is available if you'd like to use a small heater or keep devices charged. Ask about it when you book. Our free showers are a welcome treat on a chilly morning.

Spring walks

The coast path is about half a mile from our campsite. In spring, it's at its best.

• Boscastle to Tintagel: past Rocky Valley, about five miles. See our Boscastle to Tintagel walk.
• Valency Valley: a wooded walk to St Juliot church. Bluebells line parts of the valley in spring. See our Valency Valley walk.
• Pentargon waterfall: a short clifftop walk from Boscastle. See our Pentargon waterfall walk.

See more walks near Boscastle.

Beaches in spring

The sea is cold in spring, but the beaches are lovely for walks, rock pools and picnics. Try Crackington Haven, about five miles away, or Trebarwith Strand near Tintagel. Always check tide times before you go. See our beach safety and tides guide and our beaches page.

Days out in spring

• Boscastle: the harbour, the National Trust shop and the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. See our Boscastle harbour guide.
• Tintagel: about seven miles away.
• Bodmin Moor: Rough Tor is about six miles away.
• Gardens: see our Lanhydrock day trip and Eden Project day trip guides.

Check opening times before you travel, as some attractions have shorter hours early in the season.

Spring wildlife to look out for

Spring is a wonderful time for nature lovers. Seabirds return to the cliffs to nest, and you may spot fulmars, gulls and, with luck, choughs. Seals are often seen in the coves below the coast path. Look for skylarks singing over the clifftop fields, and butterflies on sunny days. In the woods of the Valency Valley, listen for birdsong as the trees come into leaf. Bring binoculars and a field guide, and remember to keep dogs on a lead near nesting birds and livestock.

Cooking outdoors in spring

Spring evenings are perfect for a camping stove supper. Pick up local produce on your way, cook outside while it's light, then wrap up warm as the sun sets. Our washing-up room makes clearing up easy. See our Cornish food guide for ideas.

Bank holidays and school holidays

The Easter school holidays and the May bank holidays are busier. If you want to visit then, book early. See our Easter camping page.

A spring weekend plan

1. Friday: arrive by 7pm, pitch up and enjoy a quiet evening.
2. Saturday: walk the coast path to Boscastle, have lunch in the village, and return via the Valency Valley.
3. Sunday: visit Tintagel or Crackington Haven before heading home.

Our facilities

• Free showers.
• Toilets and a disabled toilet.
• A washing-up room.
• Grass pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and touring caravans.
• Optional electric hook-up.

There's no shop on site. See our facilities page, and pitches and prices for current prices.

Booking

We're open from 1 April to 31 October. Check live availability and book direct using the booking bar on our home page, or call Colin and Karyn on 07967 605392.

Coming later in the year? See summer camping in Cornwall for what to expect in the busy months.

Cornwall in May

Late spring is one of the loveliest times on the coast. Our guide to Cornwall in May covers the weather, wildflowers, bank holidays and events.

Questions we often get

Check availability & book