Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Fowey
This laid-back fishing port is one of the prettiest spots on the Cornish Riviera.
Popular camping styles for Fowey
Dog-friendly getaways
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12 top campsites near Fowey
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Best camping, glamping, and outdoor stays in Fowey guide
Overview
With its pastel-painted houses and rows of fishing boats flanked by forested headlands, Fowey paints a pretty picture. Perched on the edge of the Fowey Estuary, this small port town makes a strategic base from which to explore and has a choice of seafront campsites. Hike along part of the South West Coast Path, take in the views from the seafront St Catherine’s Castle, or enjoy bird-watching around the estuary. Looking to get on the water? The beach at Readymoney Cove provides sheltered waters ideal for swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, while boat cruises set sail along the Fowey River.
Where to go
Cornish Riviera
Golden beaches and picturesque Cornish towns hug the shores of the Cornish Riviera, which stretches west of Fowey. St Austell and Falmouth are the main towns, where you can visit the Eden Project, enjoy bird-watching around the Fal Estuary, then stop at a café for a traditional Cornish cream tea. Beach lovers have endless choices—Carlyon Bay, Par Sands, and Porthpean all draw crowds in summer, while the hidden coves around Polkerris and Portloe offer a more tranquil experience.
Bodmin Moor
North of Fowey, the rocky tors and wild moorlands of Bodmin Moor provide a dramatic backdrop for hikers. Discover Bronze Age ruins, spot wild ponies grazing on the heathlands, or enjoy a picnic looking out over Golitha Falls. Camping here is all about getting back to nature, whether parking your campervan on a working farm or pitching your tent on the hills.
North Coast
If you’re looking for some of the UK’s best surf, you’ll find it along Cornwall’s windswept Atlantic coast. Newquay and Bude are the main hubs, with waves to suit both seasoned surfers and first-timers. Nearby, discover the evocative ruins of Tintagel Castle, tuck into delicious seafood in Padstow, or check into a campsite by the beach in Perranporth or Port Isaac.
When to go
Peak season in Fowey is June through September, when the waters are warm enough to swim, and the coastal breeze keeps it cool enough for hiking. This is peak season for campers, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Winters in Cornwall can be wet and windy, so tent camping is off the menu, but off-season visitors can benefit from fewer crowds, dog-friendly beaches, and free parking at St. Catherine’s Castle.
Know before you go
- Fowey has a few camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
- Fowey has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
- Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
- Wild camping is illegal throughout Cornwall.
