Waterside camping near Newquay, Cornwall

95% (331 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Newquay

Under £50

5 top waterside campsites near Newquay

97%

(119)

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

127 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · 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.

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

67 units · Glamping, Tents9 acres · St Austell, England

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

Elmar's Place

2 units · Tents1 acre · Bude, England

Nearly wild camping on the border of Devon and Cornwall

89%

(14)

Wild Swim2Sauna Safari Tipis

35 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Devon, South West England

Wild swimming and off-grid living in tipis and tents on the banks of Devon's River Avon

100%

(7)

Bulstone Springs Devon Eco-Glamping

1 unit · Glamping40 acres · Devon, South West England

A unique combination of off-grid glamping and spa days in Devon

Waterside campsites near Newquay guide

Overview

Camping in Newquay is all about the beach. And when you return from a day at the seaside with blissfully sandy feet and the taste of sea salt on the lips, a tent might be all you need for a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or hoping to catch your first wave, you can’t come to Newquay without hitting the water. There are 12 sandy beaches to choose from—head to the surf hub of Fistral Beach, explore the rock pools at Tolcarne Beach, or go snorkelling at Crantock Beach. Hike along the South West Coast Path, cycle along the seafront, or go bird-watching at the Gannel Estuary, then cap it all off with a seafood dinner overlooking Newquay Harbour. Campers have options too—check into a holiday park, go glamping in a luxury yurt, or join revellers at the annual Boardmasters Festival.

Best Beaches in Newquay

With 12 stretches of sand to choose from around Newquay, there’s a beach for every type of camper and the place is great for family holidays. If it’s the world-famous surf you want, make your way through the dunes to the cliff-backed sands of Fistral Beach with its surf schools, cafes and regular competitions, or try Watergate Bay or Holywell Bay just along the coast. Central Towan Beach is popular among surfers and families with buckets and spades, but for somewhere a little quieter, perhaps try the horseshoe-shaped bay of Lusty Glaze or Tolcarne Beach, where low tide reveals the perfect places for rockpooling.

Where to go

West Cornwall

South of Newquay, the coastal road to St Ives provides a dramatic backdrop for a road trip. Stop along the way to surf or horseback ride at Perranporth beach, spot dolphins along the St Agnes Heritage Coast, or visit the blue flag beaches around St Ives. Another highlight is a visit to Land’s End, the westernmost point of mainland Britain.

Northeast Coast

Sea-cliff walks await along Watergate Bay, Trevose Head, and Pentire Point, all worthwhile destinations along Cornwall’s north shore. Campsites and caravan parks dot the coast between Port Isaac and Tintagel, and there’s plenty to explore in the area. Follow in the footsteps of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle; admire the views from the High Cliff, Cornwall’s highest point; or continue north to catch some waves in Bude.

Cornish Riviera

The shores of the "Cornish Riviera"—the south coast between Falmouth and Fowey—are a natural playground of forested headlands and sandy beaches. Stop by Carlyon Bay, Par Sands, or Porthpean Beach to swim and take part in water sports, then head inland to visit the Eden Project or enjoy a beer tasting at the St Austell Brewery. For camping, choose between family-friendly caravan parks or quiet farm campsites away from the crowds.

When to go

Newquay is one of Cornwall’s most popular destinations, and it has the crowds to match. Advance bookings are essential in July and August, for everything from campsites to restaurants. Lifeguard patrols run from Easter through early October, and this is the best time to hit Newquay’s beaches. Winters can be wet and windy along the coast, but there are some benefits to an off-season visit, including free parking around town and the best surf.

Know before you go

Newquay has a few camping and outdoors stores where you can pick up supplies for your camping trip.
Newquay has public transport links to many of the surrounding towns, but it is handy to have your own transport, especially if staying at rural campsites.
Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many campsites close in the winter months.
Wild camping is illegal throughout Cornwall.
While the beaches are undoubtedly the main attraction, there’s more to Newquay holidays than sunbathing on the sands. Attractions include an aquarium and adventure parks, and the town makes a great base from which to head out with St Ives and Land’s End to the south or Port Isaac and Padstow to the north.