Pitch perfect campsites right here on Scilly

There is no where quite like the Isles of Scilly for ‘getting away from it all’. A unique archipelago with clear turquoise seas, powdery white sands and ocean views as far as the eye can see. Whether you pitch your own tent, travel empty-handed and book a ‘Readi-tent’ or hire a yurt, Scilly offers an array of camping options, all of course within a stones throw of the lapping waters that surround it.

Here we explore 4 of the best campsites with the most amazing views found anywhere in the UK:

#1 St. Martin's Campsite

The campsite on St. Martin’s has been welcoming campers since the early sixties and has become a prominent part of island life during the summer season; many campers return year after year not only for their ‘Scilly fix’, but to stock up on the irresistible ‘Campsite Honey’.  St. Martin’s campsite is protected by sturdy hedges giving both shade from the blazing sun and shelter from the Atlantic winds and allows a small number of dogs (mainly out of season) The site is very spacious as they purposely limit number of occupants, so there is always plenty of room and privacy - but possibly best of all just pop through the marram grass and you are on the most fabulous silky sandy campsite beach.

St. Martin’s Campsite is perfectly located on the island being only a moments’ walk away to Lower Town Quay for all your daily boat trips; moments from farm gate stalls, selling produce from tomatoes to lobsters and literally a moments’ walk to the island pub. Take a gentle stroll to the other side of thel island where you will find a cafe’, a bistro, a bakery (who also does takeaway pizzas) and a bit further on to a fish and chips restaurant. Once fed and watered there are many beautiful shell laden beaches, unspoilt rugged coastal paths and heather coated headlands to be explored… then back to your tent for a hot chocolate, lie back under the ‘Milky Way’ and watch for shooting stars.

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#2 Troytown Farm Campsite, St. Agnes

Troytown Farm Campsite is a small family-run site on the western shores of the beautiful island of St. Agnes. Every pitch is within yards of the sea and enjoys spectacular views of the ocean, with stunning sunsets. The beach at the front of the site is fantastic for swimming, and kayaks and paddleboards are available to hire, allowing visitors to explore the rocky shore of this small island and see the seals and possibly puffins which gather on the nearby island of Annet. Campfires on the beach and rocky shoreline are encouraged as a great way to enjoy the landscape with family and friends. Most people bring their own tents and choose a pitch, but there are also fully kitted out bell tents to hire.

Troytown is a working dairy farm, and visitors will see the cows in the fields, plus the dairy team producing delicious homemade ice cream which you can try at the farmshop.

The team at the campsite will always strive to make sure your time on St. Agnes is a highlight of your year.

The island of St. Agnes is only one mile across so the many carns and coves can be explored on foot.  The café, pub and shop are a short walk away.

Useful to know – our tips for planning ahead:

• If you’re travelling by passenger ferry, pack up your gear, drop-off at Penzance Quay and you’ll next see it at your pitch, taken by their quirky tractor luggage delivery service!
• Dogs are permitted, but strict to one per party during school holidays
• Picnic tables are provided
• On site shop and grocery shop 10 mins walk away for all essentials
• Camping mats, chairs and stoves to hire (add to booking form)

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#3 Bryher Campsite

Bryher Campsite is situated on the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago and offers a beautifully peaceful location with panoramic sea views. The site has been picked as one of the country’s best by The Telegraph and The Guardian, and BBC Countryfile called it “a relaxed, seaside campsite plucked from a rose-tinted dream of the 1950s.”

Bring your own tent and choose your own little corner or opt for one of the fully equipped Bell Tents for up to 5 people, where you can just turn up and chill out.

Gaze out to the west and the vast Atlantic Ocean, or peer east across the channel with its 16^th century castle and picturesque fishing boats to the neighbouring island of Tresco. With five camping fields, there remains a wonderful sense of space, even in the height of summer.

Everything Bryher has to offer is within a short walk, from beautiful and deserted beaches to boat hire, the shop, pub, Crab Shack, honesty stalls and more.

Useful to know – our tips for planning ahead:

• Getting your luggage to the campsite is simple: they take care of everything and will even drop your bags straight to your pitch.
• They are a dog-free campsite
• Secure area for charging mobile phones and other electronic devices
• There is no WiFi – you’ll feel better connected to nature and people without it! But 4G has an excellent signal.
• They provide a ‘swap shelve’ where you can leave unwanted camping gear, books, beach kit, tinned food and more, and take anything left by other campers.
• Contact the campsite regarding any physical disabilities so they can advise if their site is right for you.

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#4 The Garrison Campsite, St. Mary's

Set on a gloriously open and spacious 9.5 acres, with facilities such as laundry service, metered showers, onsite shop, washing up facilities, this family-run and orientated campsite boasts wonderful views from its enviable location up on the Garrison. Based on the ‘main’ island of St. Mary’s, a plethora of shops, pubs, restaurants and bars are on the door step and with the quay down on the harbour front, the daily boats to off islands couldn’t be more convenient.

Useful to know – our tips for planning ahead:

• Well stocked shop, mobile phone/laptop charging, toilet blocks, metered showers, washing up & laundry facilities
• There are 10 electric hook ups that can be reserved in advance if required (not available for Readi-Tents)
• They can transport your luggage from and to the Scillonian III ferry
• Trolleys are available on site to transport tents and equipment to your pitch
• If you prefer to travel light, or are new to camping & want try it out first, choose the Readi-Tent option
• Dogs are allowed in certain areas of the campsite. 

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Our top 5 tips for planning your camping holiday to Scilly:

1. Check availability at your preferred campsite first
2. Contact our travel providers. Isles of Scilly Travel operate the passenger ferry from Penzance Harbour and Skybus Planes from Exeter, Newquay and Land's End. Whilst Penzance Helicopters operates from Penzance Heliport. If you intend on bringing lots of equipment, then the ferry – Scillonian III – might be a better, more affordable, option
3. Decide whether it’s better for you to bring own equipment or hire it on site. Above, we highlight some useful tips for each campsite, but for full information, please contact them directly
4. Choose your view and island! All 4 campsites offer amazing views, so you really just need to choose yours!
5. How about the family dog? Check each campsite for specific information.