Pleasant Streams Farm Campsite
A rural and rustic campsite next to an old farm in a peaceful area. The facilities are basic, but are complete with tire swing and a little boat on the water. A great spot for connecting with nature and getting away from more commercial sites. It can be a little tricky to find, but in a campsite that’s often a good thing. This is closer to wild camping than most other campsites. Facilities include a simple shower and toilet facilities in basic wooden huts. This is a ‘back to nature’ style campsite. Bring your own bucket for washing up and get well and truly away from it all. There aren’t even set pitches, camp where you like!
Pentewan Sands
Pentewan Sands is situated just around the corner from Mevagissey, a campsite right on the waterfront. Pentewan sands has an indoor swimming pool, that’s usually a pleasant temperate and has some small water slides attached, as well as a separate pool for swimming only. Pentewan campsite also has a Hubbox burger restaurant on the seaside. The nearest pub is the Ship Inn, which is right next to the old harbour, which has since become a bird sanctuary (not the kind that’s covered in faeces where the birds beg to be fed). Pentewan campsite is great for bike riding in King’s Wood and watersports. Pentewan sands is the most established and largest campsite around so is ideal for those with a preference for more facilities. There’s a tennis court, childrens play area and on site water sports hire venue for sailing, water-skiing and more. It has two indoor heated swimming pools complete with small flumes and a jacuzzi.
Heligan Caravan and Camping park
This five-star campsite is great for nature lovers, as its right inside one of Cornwall’s most popular green places – The Lost Gardens of Heligan. With sea views over the Mevagissey and the bay, this is a prime spot for its easy access to Mevagissey (on a lovely green footpath) as well as proximity to food and things to do. A wonderful, quiet spot for camping. Heligan has the advantage of access to Lobs Shop, which is a farm shop with high quality produce. You also have an onsite amenity block and launderette. Heligan is the sister site of Pentewan Sands and has discounted access to the indoor swimming pools just over the hill by car.
Seaview Gorran Haven Holiday Park
A small family-run holiday park with an indoor heated swimming pool. 40 static caravans all less than 6 years old and 46 level touring pitches. 2 miles from the coast. Cycle from the park to Pentewan beach, Heligan Gardens or Mevagissey. Ideally situated in Mid Cornwall, ideal for the southwest coast path, Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan. if you’re looking for seaview camping near Mevagissey, this is a solid option. Facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, sun terrace with games around the pool, tennis and football areas and a play area.
The Meadows Campsite
Just around the corner from Mevagissey and with easy access to Heligan Gardens and Pentewan beach is this small, adult only (and dog-friendly campsite). Enjoy the wild-flower meadow and pick up a Mojito from the bar. The toilets are clean and warm and the site is spacious. This business is the pride of the owners and for good reason. This is the best wild camping near Mevagissey. Facilities include wifi, a small shop with local eggs, milk and icecream. They have a special wild camping option in a private wildflower meadow.
River Valley Holiday Park
Excellent freedom, clean and spacious with very good walks and access to St Austell. River Valley has a swimming pool and is close to Pentewan cycle trail, which meanders through King’s Wood. River Valley has static caravans and other accommodation. River Valley facilities include a heated swimming pool, a zip wire and a library packed with books. We also have a fully accessible bathroom.
A Guide to Camping in Mevagissey: Know Before You Go
The Covid-19 pandemic has been a salutary reminder of how important green space is for our wellbeing – and there’s no better way to get close to nature than on a camping holiday. Mevagissey’s combination of coast, countryside and compelling visitor attractions makes it the perfect spot in which to pitch your tent or park your caravan, and there are several cracking campsites in the area. Here’s how to choose the one that’s right for you, whatever your level of experience and desire for creature comforts.
Camping essentials
It may sound obvious, but preparation is vital for a successful camping holiday. Experienced campers will know the ropes, but novices should make sure they have a tent that is in good condition, will stay standing in windy conditions and is big enough for a cooped-up rainy day. The one you used for Glastonbury 15 years ago probably won’t pass muster. Once you’ve picked your tent, make sure you know how to erect it: practise in the front room or back garden, and try to imagine doing this in the teeth of a squally gale.
Campers also need to think carefully about the kit they will need: sleeping bags or camp beds, torches and lanterns, portable phone chargers, a gas stove and so on. For a guide to different types of tent, essential equipment and camp safety, visit campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/helpandadvice/gettingstarted. It may seem like a lot of effort, but investing time and money before you travel is the best way to guarantee a relaxed and hassle-free stay. Finally, don’t forget the insect repellent.
Camping etiquette
All campers should follow the Countryside Code and should try to leave no trace of their stay. This means no littering, no fires, shutting gates, paying attention to signs and keeping your dog on a lead. Respect the local community and your fellow holidaymakers. Plan our visit in advance and make sure you know where you’ll be staying for each night you are in the Mevagissey area. That’s particularly important for wild campers (see below).
Campsites in Mevagissey
There are several sites within walking distance of the village, from child-friendly holiday parks with a playground and a pool to more basic sites with glorious views that will suit the camping hardcore. If you can’t wean yourself off internet access for even a few days, some sites offer free WiFi. All are well placed for coastal walks, rural rambling and visits to the Eden Project or the Lost Gardens of Heligan. You can search for a local campsite by location, budget and facilities on the Cornish tourist board’s website, at visitcornwall.com/accommodation/mevagissey/south-coast/camping/holiday-parks-camping/pentewan/roseland. And check out Cool Camping’s selection at coolcamping.com/campsites/uk/england/south-west-england/cornwall. Several sites reserve a few pitches for campers who arrive on the day.
Sea-view camping in Mevagissey
Stumbling out of your tent to a view of the big blue is one of the great joys of camping, especially if you can hit the beach before breakfast. The campsites around Gorran Haven, south of Mevagissey, offer the chance to do just that – and one of them has a cafe serving organic food and Cornish ice cream if you can’t be bothered to fire up the gas stove after your seaside stroll. There are two great beaches on this stretch of the coast, Vault and Hemmick, both of which are dog-friendly. You can hire kayaks in Gorran Haven, or pick up some fish and chips for a seafront supper. Just remember to bring cash, as there’s no ATM in the village or in neighbouring Gorran Churchtown.
Families might prefer to stay next to Pentewan beach, a stretch of white sand north of Mevagissey. There’s a holiday park here with several places to eat and a supermarket on site, so you can expend all your energy on having fun with the kids. Dogs are not allowed.
A word of warning: if you’re camping in a cliffside location, try to pitch your tent near natural cover such as trees and hedgerows, rather than in an exposed spot. The view from the middle of a coastal field may be unrivalled on a still, sunny day, but you will be buffeted by high winds and rain if the weather’s not kind.
Wild camping in Mevagissey
Wild camping is becoming increasingly popular in the UK, and it’s not hard to see the appeal: the freedom to pitch your tent wherever you want, enjoying peace and tranquillity that even the most basic campsite can’t provide. Unfortunately, landowners and the law don’t quite see it that way, at least in England, so it’s essential to do your homework before you head out into the countryside.
Wild campers should follow the Countryside Code to the letter, leaving no trace of their stay. Fires are off limits – head to an organised campsite if you want to toast marshmallows by moonlight. You should pitch your tent as late as possible and break camp early to avoid disturbing other people. It is illegal to camp on private land without the landowner’s permission, so pitching up in a field unannounced could lead to an encounter with a shotgun-wielding farmer.
The Cornish council advises against wild camping in the county, citing “serious safety issues” on or near the highway, on agricultural land (especially before harvest) and near livestock. Camping on cliffs, on moorland or near fast-flowing watercourses could leave you vulnerable if there is a sudden change in the weather. Staying overnight in
car parks or on beaches is not permitted and you can’t camp in public parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Special Scientific Interest or by Historic Monuments or Heritage Sites.
Experienced wild campers will know how to navigate these hurdles, but novices should consider starting out on Dartmoor or in Scotland, where wild campers have more legal purchase. Or how about the best of both worlds? There’s a campsite near Mevagissey with a private wild-flower meadow, so you can enjoy the illusion of seclusion but still have a sundowner at the bar.
Glamping in Mevagissey
Is it really camping? The purists are understandably sniffy about luxury tents, but there’s no doubt that glamping has widened the appeal of the great outdoors to an audience who don’t know their guy ropes from their rainfly and are happy to pay for someone else to do the hard work involved in living under canvas.
If that’s you, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Mevagissey, with sites offering safari tents, yurts, wigwams and pods. You can stay within walking distance of the village or nearer the beaches around Gorran Haven. One site even offers breadmaking courses. This is a more expensive option than “proper” camping, and will feel too manufactured for some free spirits, but the glamping experience is ideal for anyone who enjoys the open air but also likes sinking into a sofa.
Caravans and camper vans in Mevagissey
Many of the campsites in and around the village offer pitches for vehicles and electric hook-up, so this is a great place to stop on a tour of Cornwall or for a few days of R&R. If you want to go it alone, the advice about wild camping applies to caravans and camper vans as well. And if you fancy touring the coast in a pastel-coloured vintage VW camper, several local companies can oblige.
How to spend a week camping near Mevagissey
Day One:
Take a sigh of relief as you cross the tamar, get to your campsite and set up your gear. Take a stroll to the local pub, your holiday has begun. That’s quite enough for one day.
Day Two:
At 7am be the first person in the sea and spend the day doing whatever you please at the beach. Grab a bite to eat from a local restaurant or fire up your own BBQ, whatever.
Day Three:
That’s enough beach for one day, hop in the car and drive one of the popular things to do, like the Eden Project or Heligan Gardens. Enjoy wondering about the futuristic biomes designed by Nicholas Grimshaw or take a fresh garden stroll. If you want to avoid tourist hotspots, consider visiting one of the North Coast beaches that you haven’t already heard of, or visit Gorran Haven. Gorran is a stunning spot and great for harbour jumping at high tide.
Day Four:
Walk or drive to Mevagissey and spend a day enjoying the things to do there. Maybe buy a crabbing line and some award winning fish and chips. Better yet, buy a travel fishing rod from Amazon before you go and catch mackerel for the BBQ tonight.
Day Five:
Hop aboard the Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry and cross the bay. You might spot a seal or dolphin if you’re lucky. The crossing is picturesque and the bay is normally very calm and still. Wonder the streets of Fowey and buy some expensive fudge or something. It’s a very special place and has a very relaxed atmosphere. Up the river in Golant there’s a house where one of the old royals is rumoured to have taken his harem; he could have built a private retreat anywhere which says something about the river Fowey. The sail boats add to the feel of the place. If you pass the bakery near the town quay the salted rosemary bread is unreal and you really should buy some of that unless you’re still full from your pasty.
Day Six:
That’s quite enough exploring for one day. Mong out on the beach for your last day. Perhaps wonder along the coastal path and enjoy one of the walks near Mevagissey to discover a new spot you haven’t seen before. If you’re at pentewan, you could hire paddle boards and take them out on the water.