Camping in Looe

What's on offer around Looe

BritStays lists 29 campsites in this part of Cornwall, and nearly all of them (27) are filed under Looe itself. There is also one in Lanteglos-by-Fowey and one in Yelverton. The range runs from farm pitches with very little listed to holiday parks with a pool and a bar. Before you start browsing, it helps to decide what sort of trip you want: lively and well equipped, or simple and low-key.

Coast or countryside?

Some site names point towards the sea, including Whitsand Bay Holiday Park and Plymouth Sound. Others suggest a more rural setting, such as Keveral Farm, Highertown Farm Campsite, Trerieve Farm and Siblyback Lake Campsite. A name only tells you so much, though. Check the map on each listing so you know exactly where you'll be pitching and how far you are from the places you want to visit.

Which sites suit which trip

If you're camping with children, look for facilities that keep everyone happy when the weather turns or energy levels dip:

• Whitsand Bay Holiday Park lists a swimming pool, bar and cafe.
• Siblyback Lake Campsite has a cafe, playground and WiFi.
• Dolbeare Park offers evening entertainment, disabled access and WiFi.
• Great Trethew Manor Campsite has a bar, restaurant and indoor areas, which are useful on a wet day.

Couples, or anyone after something simpler, may prefer sites where fewer extras are listed. Examples include Keveral Farm, Trerieve Farm, Watergate camping, Colliford Tavern Camp Site and Polborder House Car. & Cp. Park. Fewer facilities on a listing doesn't always mean fewer on site, so contact the owners if something matters to you.

Dog owners should know that only 6 of the 29 campsites are marked Pet Friendly, and none of the example stays above lists it. Filter for pet-friendly sites first, then confirm the rules on dogs, such as leads, numbers and any extra charges, before you pay a deposit.

Checking the practical details

The facility data across these sites is patchy, and that's worth bearing in mind. Only 4 sites list toilets, which almost certainly reflects gaps in the information rather than what's actually available. Ask directly about toilets, showers and washing-up areas if a listing doesn't mention them.

• Arriving without a car: 4 sites are noted as near a bus stop, including Plymouth Sound, Highertown Farm Campsite and Trelay Farmpark Holidays.
• Driving an electric car: 8 sites have EV charging nearby, among them Maker Camping and Trelay Farmpark Holidays.
• Parking and WiFi: each is listed at just 4 sites, so check both if you need them.
• Evening entertainment: 3 sites list it, and 3 have a gift shop.

What to do once you're there

History lovers have plenty to choose from. The National Trust looks after Cotehele House, Buckland Abbey and The Net Loft. You can also visit Mount Edgcumbe House, Trematon Castle, the Royal Citadel and Crownhill Fort.

With children, The Tamar Valley Donkey Park is listed under Looe. The Screech Owl Sanctuary and Spingfields Fun Park and Pony Centre are other options. Older children and adults after a thrill might try Adrenalin Quarry.

For rainy days, there are museums to fill an afternoon:

• Mevagissey Museum
• Shipwreck Treasure Museum
• Plym Valley Railway
• Church House
• Monastic Way Exhibition

Opening times and seasons vary, so check before you set off.

When to book

Book as early as you can if you need something specific, such as a pet-friendly pitch, a site near a bus stop or disabled access. These features appear on only a handful of the 29 listings, so there are fewer options and they can go quickly. The same goes for school holidays, when family-friendly parks with pools and entertainment are naturally in higher demand. If your dates are flexible, travelling outside the main holidays usually gives you a wider choice.

Before you confirm, check the following:

• arrival and departure times
• what's included in the pitch price
• whether you need to bring your own hook-up cable
• the site's cancellation terms