- Waterside Camping
Lake camping in Cornwall
99% (81) • 182 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Cornwall
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
1. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
97%
(148)
St Kew, England · 83 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping
2. Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping
98%
(23)
England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
🌿 Camping Season: 3rd April – 18th September 2026
Welcome to Tregonetha Lake – your little corner of paradise.
We’re Mel and Tom, and we’d love to welcome you to our peaceful, eco-friendly camping site, proudly awarded a Silver Green Tourism Award.
Sometimes you just need to slow down and surround yourself with nature. 🌿
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, wake up to birdsong, enjoy beautiful lake views and reconnect with nature, you’re in the right place.
Our small, off-grid campsite is surrounded by beautiful Cornish countryside, with a stunning two-acre coarse fishing lake at its heart. Watch damselflies dancing across the water, spot kingfishers and other wildlife, enjoy spectacular sunsets over the lake and spend your evenings beneath some of Cornwall’s darkest skies.
Although you’ll feel wonderfully tucked away, we’re perfectly placed for exploring Cornwall. Mawgan Porth is just 9 miles away, Padstow 10 miles, Newquay 11 miles and Mevagissey 15 miles away, making Tregonetha Lake the perfect base for exploring both the north and south coasts.
As a Freedom Camping Club Certified Site, we offer peaceful, low-impact camping in a natural setting — no membership required.
Camping
Tregonetha Lake is home to around 20 camping pitches, so while you’ll have other campers nearby during busier periods, we’ve designed the site to feel spacious, peaceful and relaxed. Whether you choose a lakeside pitch or one of our secluded woodland pitches, there’s always plenty of room to unwind and enjoy nature.
All camping pitches are non-allocated, so simply choose your favourite spot when you arrive and make yourselves at home.
Fishing
At the heart of the campsite is our beautiful two-acre coarse fishing lake, where guests can enjoy peaceful days by the water surrounded by nature. Fishing day tickets are available during your stay.
🍕 NEW for Summer 2026 – Wildfire Lakeside Bar & Kitchen
From 16th July until the end of August, we’re excited to introduce Wildfire – Lakeside Bar & Kitchen.
Enjoy stone-baked pizzas, homemade loaded nachos, cold drinks and fresh coffee beside the lake while watching the sun go down.
Opening Hours
Thursday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Friday: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: 1:00pm – 9:00pm
🍳 Breakfast
Fresh coffee and breakfast rolls are available every morning for campsite guests between 8:00am and 10:00am.
🍕 Sunday – Wednesday
Don’t fancy cooking?
We also offer evening food for campsite guests by pre-order between 5:00pm and 9:00pm. Just let us know in advance and we’ll have everything freshly prepared for you.
🥐 Freshly Baked Breakfast Treats
Fresh croissants and pain au chocolat are available to pre-order and collect from 8:00am each morning.
A little about us
We’ve called Cornwall home for over 20 years and love sharing our favourite beaches, walks, restaurants and hidden gems with our guests.
Tom is a keen surfer and is always happy to recommend the best local beaches depending on the weather and surf conditions, while Mel is full of local knowledge to help you make the most of your stay.
We’re a small family-run campsite and genuinely enjoy meeting the people who stay with us. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape, a family holiday or simply passing through, we hope you’ll leave feeling relaxed, refreshed and already planning your next visit.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Tregonetha Lake. 🧡
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping
3. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping
91%
(70)
St Austell, England · 67 units · Tents, Glamping
Lakeside camping with streams, rope swings and farmyard animals in rural Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Spring Fields
4. Spring Fields
100%
(1)
Lostwithiel, England · 1 unit
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.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
The Secret Garden
5. The Secret Garden
100%
(5)
Newquay · 1 unit
A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location
This secret garden 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 tent camping in a very peaceful and beautiful space just for you and your favorites !
* 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!
full use of gated large garden, fire pit and picnic bench, outdoor chairs and table hammock. tree swings
A peaceful little space to stay in your tent away from the hustle in a countryside and farm location.
full use of garden pitch anywhere, hammock, tree swings, fire pit, picnic bench, outside table and chairs.
portaloo and privacy tent.
OPTIONAL ADD ON - paddle boards for the river at high tide
OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- The cabin - king size bed, heating, bathroom, hot shower, flushing toilet, large fridge, kitchenette - electric hobs, utensils, heater, sofa, tv, is smart if you have data to connect to the tv, netflix, prime, :)
OPTIONAL ADD ON IF AVAILABLE- the hot tub!
6 minute walk to new esso garage/budgens/greggs for necessities,
24 hour off license. 3 min drive to lidle, morrsions, mcdonalds
There is a bus stop right at the bottom of the lane around a 4 min walk to the stop which takes you straight into Newquay town Center and back again.
Lovely country walk from lane entrance from pitch down the bottom of the lane to the river gannel or crantock beach if you keep walking!
paddle boarding, , kayaks, bikes, take yourself for a wild swim :)
From the river gannel if you walk to crantock beach and enter the quant village of crantock , two 2 local pubs the cornishman and the old albian pub - worth a visit if your into local history.
closet pub family friendly lovely garden area the tavern inn - 10 min walk
Newquay town Center is accessible by foot along the back lane down across the river gannels bridge to the boating lake and then up the hill to town or bus at the bottom of our lane.
Any small van will be ok , the storms have made it a very difficult for space now unfortunately
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Trecombe Lakes
6. Trecombe Lakes
100%
(17)
Falmouth, England · 8 units
Self-contained luxury lodge and pods in a tranquil waterside setting close to Falmouth and the River Helford
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
Little Menherion
7. Little Menherion
Redruth, England · 3 units
A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Polgwedhen Lodge
8. Polgwedhen Lodge
Chacewater, Truro, England · 1 unit
A peaceful lakeside lodge in ornamental gardens in Cornwall
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Justin
3 weeks ago
6 m campervan
Beautiful site and location
Super clean showers and toilets
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Rob
May 2026
Tent
Just a really peaceful, beautiful site. Had the woods pretty much to myself, facilities were great, everything was really clean and everything was really well signed. I will 100% be staying here again the next time I'm in the area.
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M
Matt
May 2026
With kids
Idyllic. Peaceful. Well organised. Great cafe. Lake was perfect in the May heat. Thank you.
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moira
May 2026
4 m campervan
With pets
Mel’s dream to own a campsite which fulfills others dreams of peace, tranquility and the perfect haven to escape from this crazy life and unwind have completely come true. Tregonetha Lake is one of the most beautiful campsites I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Mel has impeccable taste and an eye for detail- she strikes a wonderful balance between the rustic down to earth back to nature feel and the comfort of beautiful clean showers, impeccably pristine and colourful toilets, washing up sinks, fabulous green and well kept grass. The lake and other paths carefully strewn with bark and decorated with tasteful solar lights- perimeters of the lake have been tastefully landscaped with an abundance of hollyhocks, iris, rhododendrons and other natural plants…. I can’t recommend this site highly enough because it’s just wonderful
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Rachel
May 2026
Tent
With pets
Perfect site, nice and peaceful, very friendly and helpful hosts. Plus the onsite facilities was really spot on too. Would definitely return. Thanks a lot.
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A
Adrian
August 2025
4 m Class B
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.
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A
Alejandra
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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N
Nick
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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Grace
August 2025
3 m Class B
As always I love staying here. Waking up to the lake is beautiful. Thanks guys
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M
Mark
August 2025
Tent
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.
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a
anna
August 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
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Jacob
August 2025
Tent
Sweet campsite! Really nice facilities and pretty scenery. Mel was lovely. Thanks very much! :)
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Mat
August 2025
Tent
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 👍
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Joanne
August 2025
4 m Class B
Lovely peaceful site. Amazing facilities. Everything you need for a relaxing stay. Will definitely visit again.
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Nicole
August 2025
With kids
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!
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Callum
July 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
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Robert
July 2025
5 m Class B
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!
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Ben
July 2025
5 m Class B
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
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Gemma
July 2025
Tent
Really stunning and peaceful site. Hosts are great and super friendly. Would highly recommend
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A
Amy
July 2025
Tent
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.
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