Lake Camping in Cornwall, South West England

Pitch your tent by the water’s edge and wake up to mist drifting over Cornwall’s lakes. With over 190 options for lake camping in Cornwall, you can find spots where wild swimming, hiking, and even surfing are all on your doorstep. Prices start as low as £12 a night, though expect to pay around £75 on average. Many sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers. For a proper local experience, try Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping (39 reviews) where you can kayak or fish just steps from your pitch, Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm (26 reviews) for quiet woodland trails, or Pleasant Streams Farm Camping (9 reviews) for evenings by the lake with a firepit and a star-filled sky. You’ll find facilities for every style, from back-to-basics to family-friendly comfort. Bring your walking boots, swimmers, and a good supply of marshmallows—Cornwall’s lakes are ready when you are.

100% (104)

Top-rated campgrounds

Pitch your tent by the water’s edge and wake up to mist drifting over Cornwall’s lakes. With over 190 options for lake camping in Cornwall, you can find spots where wild swimming, hiking, and even surfing are all on your doorstep. Prices start as low as £12 a night, though expect to pay around £75 on average. Many sites welcome pets, allow campfires, and offer showers. For a proper local experience, try Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping (39 reviews) where you can kayak or fish just steps from your pitch, Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm (26 reviews) for quiet woodland trails, or Pleasant Streams Farm Camping (9 reviews) for evenings by the lake with a firepit and a star-filled sky. You’ll find facilities for every style, from back-to-basics to family-friendly comfort. Bring your walking boots, swimmers, and a good supply of marshmallows—Cornwall’s lakes are ready when you are.

100% (104)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(147)

168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Wake up to the sound of birdsong, go swimming before breakfast in the clear water of a secluded lake. Cook your bacon and eggs over an open fire while you plan your day, or just laze it away in the peace and quiet of your own personal tipi. You can always go fishing tomorrow, and walk along the cliffs the day after that… The site is a unique woodland valley folded around a clear, spring-fed lake created from the old Tregildrans Quarry. Our tipis and tent pitches are dotted about this secret 20 acres full of ferns, bluebells, oak and meadowsweet. Left in peace for many years there's been no modern chemicals or poisons on the land, meaning we've got bluebells, dormice, Red Admirals and shy woodland Jays for you to spot. It’s a place set apart from the rush and clutter of the modern holiday experience, with an atmosphere that makes you forget the world outside, and just lounge, ramble, or potter about in a boat. We're committed to giving you a genuinely individual service from first contact to your time staying with us. We established CTH in 1996. This was the first and we believe still is the best tipi holiday site in the UK. We know our area inside out and can always help with local knowledge or contacts if you need them. We want to offer our guests a sustainable holiday. A return to real camping means the lowest possible impact on the land and environment - our tipi poles don’t even break the surface of the earth. Your footprint while here could only be bettered by a survival expert. You don't have to fly! a major bonus, and we source all our wood, fish and canvas locally and work with local people wherever possible.

2. The Secret Garden

100%

(5)

3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Newquay, Cornwall

2 sites to stay ruby rose for chalet or jasmine pitch for van This secret garden's is surrounded by the fields and tall hedges, a magical place, it’s in a world of its own and will certainly make those memories. * Private spacious camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites ! either with chalet on its own, van, tents or both :) chalet with double bed, single bed, bathroom, shower, tv mini kitchen, plates, kettle, cutlery, pots & pans, outside washing up area Chill in your massive jacuzzi with a your favourite drink and best tunes 🎶 (add on for Jasmine) * Picnic bench, garden, hot shower, flushing toilet, firepit (add on for Jasmine) * A very special gated garden to spend time out with your favourite people. Family friendly You may spot wild pheasants, chickens, indian runner ducks, our super friendly Bengal Cats! if you like them!😻 Your own furry friends are welcome as it is a gated secure garden. Enjoy the fire pit (wood and firelighters can be brought in advance) or bring your own :) Your car/van can park right outside the gate to your secret garden. (jasmine is another pitch) Lovely walk down the bottom of our lane to river gannel, bring your own paddle boards, kayaks, yourself for a swim :) From the river gannel if you walk from your garden it will take you to crantock beach and quant village, including the 2 local pubs worth a visit if your into our local history. Trenance 15 minute walk 0r 3 minute drive (walk the country back lane here to Trenance via river gannel for a beautiful nature walk) *Horse riding along the river gannel at Trenance riding stables *Trenance Boating lake, Tea rooms, rose gardens and Boat hire *Trenance Play park for the kids 5 mins walk to esso/budgens for essentials 24 hour 5 Mins car ride to the quant Crantock Village beach, or long walk to the beach. Tearooms, the outstanding C-bay day spa for an extra special day out. 1.2 miles into town, 10 min car ride to Newquay town centre to visit our beautiful Cornish beaches, harbour (fishing trips) golf course, chip shops, deliveroo do deliver here :) Lifts i can do for £10 back from town before 12am if your stuck :) Bus direct into Newquay town Center or any other part of Cornwall 4 minute walk down the lane :)

3. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England

Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall

4. Spring Fields

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Lostwithiel, England

Set on 20 acres of natural fields with panoramic views, pond, woodlands and view walks. We have a seven acre field set aside for glamping with a Safari Camp and Shepherds Hut overlooking our natural pond complete with island. Stroll 100 metres to the farm mini shop, book a breakfast, order one of our luxury picnics or book a local distillery taster tour. Friendly farm animals, quirky accommodation, sunsets and glorious views.

5. Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

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(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

6. Tregonetha Lake

97%

(16)

26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Open 3rd July - 31st August 2026 Mel and Tom are excited to welcome you to our charming, eco-friendly camping and glamping site, proudly awarded a Silver Green Tourism accolade. Passionate about sharing this special corner of Cornwall, we hope our tranquil surroundings will help you unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in nature. With stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, our site is the perfect escape. Mel has called Cornwall home for over 20 years and is always happy to share her local knowledge with guests, while Tom, a seasoned surfer, can offer advice on the best surf spots based on the weather and swell conditions. Friendly and approachable, we’re here to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable, surrounded by great company and a welcoming atmosphere. Tregonetha Lake is a small, peaceful, off grid site surrounded by wild and natural, Cornish countryside and open farmland, including a beautiful 2 acre coarse fishing Lake. Fishing is an extra cost of £10 per adult day ticket, £5 per child day ticket. Just 9 miles from Mawgan Porth, 10 miles from Padstow, 11 miles from Newquay and 15 miles from Mevagissey it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, while still being within easy reach of some of the most popular holiday destinations on both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Traditional Camping for tents and camper vans is available in our 2 acre field where you can choose where you want to pitch. Glamping in bell tents is also available. Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact. Wild, natural and peaceful with pitches overlooking our beautiful 2 acre lake or in our small woodland. Great for a summer holiday, a weekend break or overnight stop off.

7. Trecombe Lakes

100%

(17)

8 units · Glamping · Falmouth, Cornwall, South West England

Self-contained luxury lodge and pods in a tranquil waterside setting close to Falmouth and the River Helford

8. Little Menherion

3 units · Glamping · Redruth, England

A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.

9. Polgwedhen Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Chacewater, Truro, England

A peaceful lakeside lodge in ornamental gardens in Cornwall

Camper favorites in and near Cornwall

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Spring Fields

100%

(1)

3 units · Glamping · Lostwithiel, England

Set on 20 acres of natural fields with panoramic views, pond, woodlands and view walks. We have a seven acre field set aside for glamping with a Safari Camp and Shepherds Hut overlooking our natural pond complete with island. Stroll 100 metres to the farm mini shop, book a breakfast, order one of our luxury picnics or book a local distillery taster tour. Friendly farm animals, quirky accommodation, sunsets and glorious views.

Glamp or Camp at Magical Mena Farm

100%

(63)

16 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Easily accessed camping on a 15-acre farm, with family facilities and a vast amount of wild space to explore

Tregonetha Lake

97%

(16)

26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England

Open 3rd July - 31st August 2026 Mel and Tom are excited to welcome you to our charming, eco-friendly camping and glamping site, proudly awarded a Silver Green Tourism accolade. Passionate about sharing this special corner of Cornwall, we hope our tranquil surroundings will help you unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in nature. With stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, our site is the perfect escape. Mel has called Cornwall home for over 20 years and is always happy to share her local knowledge with guests, while Tom, a seasoned surfer, can offer advice on the best surf spots based on the weather and swell conditions. Friendly and approachable, we’re here to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable, surrounded by great company and a welcoming atmosphere. Tregonetha Lake is a small, peaceful, off grid site surrounded by wild and natural, Cornish countryside and open farmland, including a beautiful 2 acre coarse fishing Lake. Fishing is an extra cost of £10 per adult day ticket, £5 per child day ticket. Just 9 miles from Mawgan Porth, 10 miles from Padstow, 11 miles from Newquay and 15 miles from Mevagissey it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, while still being within easy reach of some of the most popular holiday destinations on both the north and south coasts of Cornwall. Traditional Camping for tents and camper vans is available in our 2 acre field where you can choose where you want to pitch. Glamping in bell tents is also available. Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact. Wild, natural and peaceful with pitches overlooking our beautiful 2 acre lake or in our small woodland. Great for a summer holiday, a weekend break or overnight stop off.

Trecombe Lakes

100%

(17)

8 units · Glamping · Falmouth, Cornwall, South West England

Self-contained luxury lodge and pods in a tranquil waterside setting close to Falmouth and the River Helford

Little Menherion

3 units · Glamping · Redruth, England

A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.

Polgwedhen Lodge

1 unit · Glamping · Chacewater, Truro, England

A peaceful lakeside lodge in ornamental gardens in Cornwall

Stories from the community

View across camping ground to fishing lake

A

Adrian

August 2025

4 m Class B

1 night at Tregonetha Lake

I stayed for a single night in my campervan and was really impressed with the site. Its quiet, had all the basic facilities I needed and is well maintained. The fishing lake is lovely and the 2 anglers I watched seemed to be catching some nice fish. Mel & Tom are friendly, welcoming hosts and were kind enough to share some tips on good local beaches for surfing & bodyboarding (reason for my being in Cornwall). I would certainly come back again.

Railway 2 - Wild Camping - Private Pitch

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Alejandra

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

My family and I loved the campsite. We were 10 people: 7 adults and 3 5-year-old children. We chose one of the private sites and brought 4 tents. The site was large and private. We enjoyed 3 nights there and plan to return sometime soon. We cooked over a lovely campfire, which the kids loved. They also went canoeing one morning, completing a fascinating trip.

Wild Camping - Communal Meadow Tent Pitch

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Nick

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

An interesting and wonderful spot that is a superb location for cornwall adventures and an incredible campsite with the lake and restaurant! They need to sort out the hot water and when they do it will be 5/5!

G

Grace

August 2025

3 m Class B

1 night at Tregonetha Lake

As always I love staying here. Waking up to the lake is beautiful. Thanks guys

M

Mark

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

I stayed in Gosels as a private pitch and absolutely loved it. The campsite was perfect blend of eco/modern (compostable/flushable toilets and hot showers) within a tranquil setting. I liked how the campsite was used in a traditional sense for escape keeping noise and disturbance down to a minimum. The quarry lake was a great area for a splash around and cool down. Though used heavily by young families, had enough space for all. I already miss my chicken and rabbit friends seen daily on my pitch. The location of the site was perfect for me to make some visits out to North Cornwalls surrounding beaches and beauty spots. Well worth the trip.

Wild Camping - Private Pitch - Bluebell Bank

a

anna

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

This is wonderful. The private pitches for wild camping are perfect for a family holiday. What a beautiful place teeming with wildlife and beautiful swimming.

Jacob

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tregonetha Lake

Sweet campsite! Really nice facilities and pretty scenery. Mel was lovely. Thanks very much! :)

M

Mat

August 2025

Tent

4 nights at Tregonetha Lake

I really enjoyed the few days at the woodlands campsite. The no frills, no fuss provision was exactly the basic camping experience I was after. As the site had no occupancy when I arrived, I was able to pitch anywhere on the largely flat area using the provided wheel barrows to ferry the gear from the car. The woodlands site is nicely secluded from the main, more manicured, Lakeview part, with the excellent, eco-centric toilets and washing facilities right next door. The clay grounds accepted the tent pegs without hammering and I was able to set up (2 tents) and get the campfire going within half an hour of arrival. The campfire being the biggest selling point for me. Mel (and Tom) were very friendly and accommodating hosts and when they weren't present at the reception booth, they were always quick to respond to texts and facilitate any enquiries raised. I do look forward to returning to the site and if anyone else does, feel free to use the central fire pit we built (and Mel requested we leave ;) great place, great price, thanks all 👍

J

Joanne

August 2025

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Tregonetha Lake

Lovely peaceful site. Amazing facilities. Everything you need for a relaxing stay. Will definitely visit again.

The Lilly Pad -Emperor Bell Tent next to lake

Nicole

August 2025

With kids

7 nights at Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

Very spacious, quiet, well maintained campsite. The bell tent was very well equipped and the outside kitchen covered with a tarp was very convenient. Everyday frozen cooling elements are provided for the cool box. Great service! Lesley and Tony were super friendly and helpful. The kids had lots of fun playing and could wander on their own around the campsite. Can recommend staying here!

C

Callum

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

The lake was amazing - even better than the pictures. Beautiful private wooded sites running down the hill and a lovely set of open pitches at the top. The site staff were really friendly and helpful, with an excellent on site cafe for brunch and dinner. My daughter says her caramel cookie was the best she had ever eaten - high praise!

R

Robert

July 2025

5 m Class B

1 night at Tregonetha Lake

Stayed for 1 night on the way down to lands end. Genuinely couldn’t have asked for more! Easy to book, cheap (a night in Exeter service station is £15+) at £12 pppn, facilities clean, well maintained and an amazing shower! Will definitely be back! Thanks!

B

Ben

July 2025

5 m Class B

4 nights at Tregonetha Lake

Campsite was very easy to find and navigate, toilets and shower blocks were cleaned well and were very modern which was nice, overall great experience

G

Gemma

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tregonetha Lake

Really stunning and peaceful site. Hosts are great and super friendly. Would highly recommend

A

Amy

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

Such a wonderful campsite - a really relaxed, peaceful and quiet environment which is exactly what we wanted. We loved having the lake to cool off in too. We swam every day. We were in the ash acre site which was a particularly private spot. Helpful staff. Loos and showers all fine.

L

Luke

April 2025

1 m pop-up camper

2 nights at The Secret Garden

A perfect little hideaway – ideal to stay whilst cycling, surfing & recharging! I stayed here as part of a bikepacking trip and couldn’t have asked for a better spot. The location is peaceful and secluded, surrounded by greenery with a lovely fire pit, hot outdoor shower, and plenty of space to relax. It’s just a 15-minute cycle to Newquay and Fistral Beach, which made it ideal for surfing and exploring the coast. The host, Sheryl, was incredibly welcoming and helpful. She provided super clear directions with photos, was quick to respond to questions, and even left out firewood and matches. On top of that, there were friendly chickens roaming about, a couple of chilled cats, and paddleboards available too. She also gave great local recommendations and was very flexible on request. The price is very reasonable for what you get – this place is a hidden gem. I was also really grateful to be able to book on the same day — something quite rare / almost impossible with the campsites in the area. Would absolutely stay again – thanks Sheryl!

M

Matthew

April 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

1 night at Tregonetha Lake

Lovely remote site with great shower/toilet block and lovely hosts.