Top 5 caravan sites in Cornwall

Wayfarers Caravan & Camping Park, near Penzance

The birds’ dawn chorus is about the highest decibel level you’ll find at this adults only, dog-free caravan site near Penzance, the most westerly town in Cornwall. In fact, peace and quiet is so valued you’ll need to go off-site to find a bar or entertainment, but in this neck of the woods there’s no shortage of pubs and restaurants.

The caravan site is close to the small town of Marazion from where you can walk along the causeway to the castle, gardens and monastic building on St Michael’s Mount in the bay (do wait until the tide has gone out!). And if the tranquillity becomes too much to bear, Penzance and Newlyn are just across Mount’s Bay.

Open: May 8 – September 26

Price per night (minimum 3-night stay): From £19.50, low; £27, high

Visit wayfarerspark.co.uk; 01736 763326

Namparra Campsite, near Helston

If you can’t hear the word ‘Namparra’ without thinking ‘Poldark’, then you’ve arrived at the right place. A family run, 6-acre site set on the Lizard Peninsula, there’s a lack of formality about the place as it’s pretty much ‘pick your own pitch’ when you arrive

A great base from which to explore the southernmost point of the British coastline and attractions such as Poldark Mine, the Gweek seal sanctuary (with Humbolt penguins, too) and, if you’ve got the grandchildren with you, Flambards amusement park. At the end of the day you can relax over locally brewed beer and cider in Namparra’s own Cow Shed bar.

Open: March – November

Price per night: From £12, low; £16, high

Visit namparracampsite.co.uk; 01326 290040

The Meadows Campsite, near St Austell

An adults only (but dogs are welcome) site, set in a wildflower meadow in the Pentewan Valley, between St Austell and the nearest ‘big’ town Mevagissey, about three miles away.

It’s peaceful, secluded and whether it's botanical attractions or beaches you’re after, the site is perfect for walkers, with the Lost Gardens of Heligan, the Eden Project and fabulous beaches and coves within striding distance. The local pubs, all a decent walk away, are a treat in themselves and for ale drinkers no visit is complete without a tour of the St Austell brewery.

Open: April 30 – end of September

Prices per night: From £10, low; £17, high

Visit themeadowspentewanvalley.co.uk; 01726 844383

The Trewince Touring, near Truro

This family run touring caravan site offers pitches with sensational views across Gerrans Bay on the Roseland Peninsula. Sailing enthusiasts will love it, as you can hire dinghys at St Mawes or just watch the water folk at play.

A ferry takes you to Falmouth but you probably won’t to wander too far if simply taking in the sea air ticks the box. Be warned, it’s not to be confused with Trewine Farm holiday park on the north coast near Padstow – it’s a cross-country trek if you turn up at the wrong one.

Open: Easter – end of September

Prices per night: From £12, low; £20 high

Visit trewincefarm.co.uk; 01872 580430

Cottage Farm Park, near Newquay

A 2-acre, family run site with good basic facilities and seemingly a world away from the holiday madness of Newquay, just four or so miles north east. It’s great for families and grandchildren will happily spend a sunny day on the firm sand of nearby Crantock Beach.

Newquay is the ‘fun capital’ of Cornwall, and you can’t escape the surf culture. There’s probably as much posing as surfing but it’s great to watch – or even try a beginner’s lesson.

The last weekend in May sees the annual Run to the Sun festival, when the roads around Newquay are abuzz with VW Beetles and Campervans and custom cars and vintage vans. The main display is at Newquay airport.

Open: March 28 – September 30

Prices per night: From £12, low, £18, high

Visit cottagefarmpark.co.uk; 01637 831083

Please note that all prices and opening times are correct at time of writing. Always check beforehand.

For comprehensive insurance check out Saga Caravan Insurance.

Do you agree or disagree with our suggestions for top caravan sites in Cornwall? Share your site recommendations in the comments section below.