Camping in Watergate Bay

·

For those looking to escape the crowds of Newquay, the golden sands of Watergate Bay lie just to the north. Life in Watergate Bay is all about the beach. Stroll along the sea cliffs, take to the water to swim or stand-up paddleboard, or enjoy kite-surfing along the 2-mile long sands, then grab dinner at a restaurant with views of the ocean. Summertime is peak season for swimmers and campers, with lifeguard patrols from May through September, and several campsites to choose from. For surfers, the biggest swells hit the shore in winter—just don’t forget your wetsuit!

94% (1.1K) 932 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay

Cadgwith Wild Camping

1. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%
(244)
Ruan Minor, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Sunny Corner Campsite

2. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%
(115)
Saint Agnes, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
The Enchanted Wilderness

3. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%
(43)
Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
The Owl Box Eco Camp

4. The Owl Box Eco Camp

England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dreamy and picturesque campsite nestled in the beautiful Cornish coastal village of St Agnes. The perfect location for beach goers, surfers, walkers, hikers, cyclists and families alike, to explore our incredible coastline, and whether you see yourself walking along the coast path towards Perranporth , surfing or swimming at Trevaunance Cove, enjoying the seclusion of Trevellas Porth, or immersing yourself in a bit of Cornish miners history with an ale at The legendary Driftwood Spars, all are just a short and scenic walk away away from the campsite! We are a family run, local and relaxed campsite. Immerse yourself in sweet birdsong during the day of the many species that live in the trees all around, and at night listen out for the hunting calls of the barn or tawny owls that nest in our specially erected owl boxes. We have toilets, drinking water and showers with hot water available on site
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£22
 / night
Coverack Camping & Glamping

5. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
Coverack, England · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

6. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%
(211)
Okehampton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

7. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 168 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
from 
£25
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

8. 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
from 
£15
 / night
The Secret Garden

9. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
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
Showers
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Treglisson Campsite

10. Treglisson Campsite

97%
(60)
Hayle, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A warm welcome awaits at one of Cornwall's best-located campsites
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

11. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Trecombe Lakes

12. 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
from 
£155
 / night
Roskilly Camping

13. Roskilly Camping

97%
(32)
Helston, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small family run campsite located on the famous ice cream farm, Roskilly’s. On the Lizard in South West Cornwall, the farm is remote and tucked away with a Cornish feel, yet there is plenty to do. The farm has a vast array of animals that you can feed, a large woodland and ponds walk where the cows may be grazing. There are also many stunning beaches and Cornish fishing villages a small walk or drive away. We have a restaurant offering lovely food all day from breakfast to dinner. During the summer season there is also live music performed by local bands on selected evenings. Our campsite offers large grass pitches for tents and camper vans as well as a pristine toilet and shower block and communal area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
The Camping Field

14. The Camping Field

94%
(27)
Bodmin, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Camp Bedrock

15. Camp Bedrock

100%
(5)
Plymouth, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Almost wild waterside camping on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Hideaway Camping

16. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
Okehampton, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
FOX FARM MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN PARK

17. FOX FARM MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN PARK

71%
(7)
England · 4 units
A peaceful farm setting within two miles of Penzance, Mounts bay and the moors of West Penwith. Lots of great coast and countryside walks with 20 acres of ancient woodland adjoining the park. Generous hard standing pitches with water and electricity, there are shower and toilet facilities on site.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
£28
 / night
Ryn Gwari Farm

18. Ryn Gwari Farm

92%
(80)
Penzance, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A family-friendly, 10-pitch campsite in Cornwall with big views, rustic facilities and a touch of magic
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£10
 / night
Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

19. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%
(66)
Bude, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Trewan Hall

20. Trewan Hall

100%
(10)
Saint Columb, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The grounds of a 17th century manor where a relaxed atmosphere and sense of pleasant privacy rules
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night

For those looking to escape the crowds of Newquay, the golden sands of Watergate Bay lie just to the north. Life in Watergate Bay is all about the beach. Stroll along the sea cliffs, take to the water to swim or stand-up paddleboard, or enjoy kite-surfing along the 2-mile long sands, then grab dinner at a restaurant with views of the ocean. Summertime is peak season for swimmers and campers, with lifeguard patrols from May through September, and several campsites to choose from. For surfers, the biggest swells hit the shore in winter—just don’t forget your wetsuit!

94% (1.1K) 932 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay

Cadgwith Wild Camping

1. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%
(244)
Ruan Minor, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£22
 / night
Sunny Corner Campsite

2. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%
(115)
Saint Agnes, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£35
 / night
The Enchanted Wilderness

3. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%
(43)
Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£28
 / night
The Owl Box Eco Camp

4. The Owl Box Eco Camp

England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dreamy and picturesque campsite nestled in the beautiful Cornish coastal village of St Agnes. The perfect location for beach goers, surfers, walkers, hikers, cyclists and families alike, to explore our incredible coastline, and whether you see yourself walking along the coast path towards Perranporth , surfing or swimming at Trevaunance Cove, enjoying the seclusion of Trevellas Porth, or immersing yourself in a bit of Cornish miners history with an ale at The legendary Driftwood Spars, all are just a short and scenic walk away away from the campsite! We are a family run, local and relaxed campsite. Immerse yourself in sweet birdsong during the day of the many species that live in the trees all around, and at night listen out for the hunting calls of the barn or tawny owls that nest in our specially erected owl boxes. We have toilets, drinking water and showers with hot water available on site
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£22
 / night
Coverack Camping & Glamping

5. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(200)
Coverack, England · 162 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£12
 / night
Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

6. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%
(211)
Okehampton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
from 
£20
 / night
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

7. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 168 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
from 
£25
 / night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

8. 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
from 
£15
 / night
The Secret Garden

9. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
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
Showers
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Treglisson Campsite

10. Treglisson Campsite

97%
(60)
Hayle, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A warm welcome awaits at one of Cornwall's best-located campsites
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£30
 / night
Willow Valley Holiday Park

11. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(16)
Bude , England · 31 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
This peaceful, sheltered site has a special character. The site is the ideal place to unwind with plenty of safe space, a meandering river and friendly atmosphere. It offers 4 acres with facilities, 7 acres of wilderness, shower block, level pitches, picturesque river, children’s playground and has been rated AA 4 star gold pennant. Becky and John both love Cornwall and fell in love with the site as soon as they saw it and it provided the perfect opportunity for a new challenge. Having only recently taken over at Willow Valley in the Summer of 2024, there are always ongoing improvements being made so make sure you keep in touch. Any returning campers will be glad to know we aren’t changing the campsite itself though. Why would we when it is already so perfect!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£29
 / night
Trecombe Lakes

12. 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
from 
£155
 / night
Roskilly Camping

13. Roskilly Camping

97%
(32)
Helston, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A small family run campsite located on the famous ice cream farm, Roskilly’s. On the Lizard in South West Cornwall, the farm is remote and tucked away with a Cornish feel, yet there is plenty to do. The farm has a vast array of animals that you can feed, a large woodland and ponds walk where the cows may be grazing. There are also many stunning beaches and Cornish fishing villages a small walk or drive away. We have a restaurant offering lovely food all day from breakfast to dinner. During the summer season there is also live music performed by local bands on selected evenings. Our campsite offers large grass pitches for tents and camper vans as well as a pristine toilet and shower block and communal area.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£15
 / night
The Camping Field

14. The Camping Field

94%
(27)
Bodmin, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£16
 / night
Camp Bedrock

15. Camp Bedrock

100%
(5)
Plymouth, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
Almost wild waterside camping on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£12
 / night
Hideaway Camping

16. Hideaway Camping

98%
(43)
Okehampton, England · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Carefree camping and glamping in Devon with a nature-friendly setting and imaginative owners
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night
FOX FARM MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN PARK

17. FOX FARM MOTORHOME AND CARAVAN PARK

71%
(7)
England · 4 units
A peaceful farm setting within two miles of Penzance, Mounts bay and the moors of West Penwith. Lots of great coast and countryside walks with 20 acres of ancient woodland adjoining the park. Generous hard standing pitches with water and electricity, there are shower and toilet facilities on site.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
£28
 / night
Ryn Gwari Farm

18. Ryn Gwari Farm

92%
(80)
Penzance, England · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A family-friendly, 10-pitch campsite in Cornwall with big views, rustic facilities and a touch of magic
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£10
 / night
Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

19. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%
(66)
Bude, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from 
£26
 / night
Trewan Hall

20. Trewan Hall

100%
(10)
Saint Columb, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The grounds of a 17th century manor where a relaxed atmosphere and sense of pleasant privacy rules
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
£17
 / night

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Camping in Watergate Bay guide

Where to go

Northwest Coast

West of Watergate, Cornwall’s north coast is wild and windswept. The surf Mecca of Newquay is one of the region’s busiest hubs, while further south, St Ives is surrounded by sandy beaches and seaside holiday parks. Coastal hikes don’t come more spectacular than the South West Coast Path, which runs the entire length of the Cornish coast. 

Northeast Coast

Sweeping headlands and rocky coves line the coast east of Watergate Bay. Enjoy sea-cliff walks along the Trevose Head Heritage Coast, spot sea-birds swooping along the shore, or take in the views from Pentire Point. Further north, discover the legacy of King Arthur at Tintagel Castle or hike up the High Cliff, Cornwall’s highest point. 

South Coast

St Austell, Falmouth, and Fowey are the headline acts of the ‘Cornish Riviera’, a 30-minute drive south of Watergate Bay. Camping options range from family-friendly holiday parks to glamping in a luxury yurt, but whichever you choose, the beach is never far away. Don’t miss a visit to the Eden Project, famed for its giant rainforest biomes. 

Bodmin Moors

Misty moorlands and ancient standing stones tempt intrepid hikers away from the coast to the Bodmin Moors. Visit in the summertime to hike amid fields of purple heather, picnic by Golitha Falls, then pitch your tent at a hillside camping ground. Look out for native ponies grazing the hillsides along the way.

Top towns in and near Watergate Bay