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Lucky campers who've stayed at Porth Joke Campsite know it's an unspoilt, tucked-away, tiny hideout of a site with a warm and genuine atmosphere. Acquiring a pitch here in midsummer will be a challenge because this place is popular and spots are limited, but you'll understand why.
It's seaside camping at its finest. Not only is Surf City Newquay just four miles away, you've also got Porth Joke Beach, which offers privacy and enviable beauty, on your doorstep.You could lose days watching the curling wrath-filled waves of the Atlantic crash against the mighty Cornish dunes.
The site itself is very basic but comes with good facilities, and the jewel in its crown and the single onsite source of entertainment is a giant sandpit, which you are advised to replenish with the sand from Porth Joke Beach.
If, perchance, you do want to venture out of the seductively comfortable Porth Joke confines, then do so on foot. Within a few miles of the site you'll encounter the beauty of Holywell Bay, the endless sands and roaring surf of Perranporth, and the equally sublime Crantock Beach.
COOL FACTOR A beach-tastic site.
WHO'S IN? Tents - yes. Groups - by arrangement. Campervans, caravans, babies under 1 year, dogs - no.
ON SITE Fifty pitches. Shower and toilet block with free hot showers; refurbished washing-up room. Shaving and hairdrying points; free ice pack freezing. Natural sandpit (safe play-space for the kids). BBQs off the ground. No campfires on site - permitted on beach, but bring your own wood.
OFF SITE Take a trip on the quaint Lappa Valley Steam Railway (01872 510317). Or walk through underwater tunnels at Newquay's Blue Reef Aquarium (01637 878134).
FOOD AND DRINK Cornish pies and local fruity ales at the Smugglers' Den Inn (01637 830209). Fine dining at the Crantock Bay Hotel (01637 830229).
GETTING THERE On the A3075 (Newquay to Redruth road), take the first minor road right, signposted Crantock. After 2 miles turn left into a lane, go through Treago Farm on to a track on Cubert Common for 1/2 mile to the campsite.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Train to Newquay and then a local bus (no. 585/586) to Crantock and walk to the site.
OPEN April-October.
THE DAMAGE Adult Ј9.50/Ј60 per night/week; child Ј4.50/Ј35. Weekly bookings only during school holidays.