Camping in Watergate Bay

Surf, sand, and sea cliffs draw beach lovers to this Cornish beach.

96% (902 reviews)

United Kingdom
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England
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Watergate Bay

96% (902 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Watergate Bay

Community favorites in and near Watergate Bay

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

Loved the vast amount of space, great views, it was peaceful, great comms, loos clean :)

Weekend Trip to Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

Wonderful site with stunning views. Perfect for peaceful camping.

Weekend Trip to Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

I loved the overnight stopover at Katie's campsite. The views are spectacular & the weather was kind .... lovely to wake up in the sunshine. Lots of space!

Weekend Trip to Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

Beautiful views and facilities for a wild camping site. Communication was great

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was fantastic, but I would hesitate recommending it because I love how private and secluded it is and it wouldn’t feel the same if it was busy

Weekend Trip to Parke Farm Camping

Charles was brilliant. Really friendly and took the time to show us around and came back to check on us the following day. He gave great local suggestions and the facilities were both clean and nice. Would 100% visit again. We also had two dogs - they loved it.

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

We had such a lovely, peaceful stay at Jonathan’s. Our pitch was perfectly tucked away with a wonderful view of the river. Our three year old loved exploring and seeing the chickens and ducks roaming around the farm. Fresh eggs for breakfast were very much enjoyed! Jonathan was a brilliant host, friendly and helpful and great communication. Would highly recommend for a peaceful get away if you like a simple wild camping set up. The location is magical, we hope to return one day soon!

Weekend Trip to Aldridge Mill

It was perfect for what we were looking for. Peace and tranquility with beautiful surroundings 💜

1 night at Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

Amazing views. The site is very tidy toilets and showers are clean. Everyone is super friendly.

1 night at Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

Great campsite, amazing views, plenty of room, quiet, helpful and friendly owners - would definitely stay again when we are in the area

Weekend Trip to Glan Y Mor Camping

We had a lovely stay here last weekend. Lots of little touches elevate this tucked away campsite above others. Highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to Glan Y Mor Camping

The campsite is small but very beautiful. We felt very comfortable. It has a beautiful walk through the forest and the facilities are good.

Weekend Trip to Glan Y Mor Camping

Nice and quiet place. A lot to do around the area aswell and really welcoming host!

Weekend Trip to Glan Y Mor Camping

Stayed 3 nights here and it was perfect. Hosts were amazing! Communal area was nice with the fire pit and fridge for all to use really came in handy! Pembrokeshire is nice and plenty to do! Highly recommend.

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Absolutely stunning spot. So peaceful and quiet. Incredible views from the pitch... The moors, lake, wild ponies, sheep. Beautiful starry skies. Reservoir, viaduct, bluebell woods, clear rivers and so much more wildlife all around.

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Did exactly what it said on the tin - this campsite has absolutely no facilities (as in, no loo, chemical disposal or running water) but if you are self sufficient like we are in our van that really doesn’t matter. It’s a lovely spot right on the lake and we shared the site with just 2 other campers. In the morning we walked straight from site onto the moors and up to Meldon Wood to see the bluebells, but you can also walk to the reservoir and further to Blackator Copse if you wanted. The only 2 negatives we had were that the road leading to the camping area is extremely narrow in spots (it does state this on the ad!) but also so full of huge rocks that we were worried we would get a puncture. So for confident drivers only. Also, one of the other groups had 3 dogs, 2 of who were very aggressive towards our dog, which meant we couldn’t enjoy the site with as much freedom. Dogs are allowed off lead but I think responsible owners should tether their dogs if they are attacking others! Not the owners fault but something to bear in mind. We would 100% stay here again and have already recommended this site to friends. Thanks Phil for a lovely stay!

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

This place is truly magical. I’m reluctant to give a glowing review as it’s so wonderful and would hate not to be able to book in again, but I have to absolutely praise this place. As a solo female camper I was feeling nervous and didn’t know what to expect, felt completely safe and happy. Fab location, private spot next to the lake, dogs allowed to roam freely which is rare. There is a lovely ranch at the top of the farm as you enter, which I had no clue about and was a pleasant surprise would love to come back again, so much to see and do and the peace and tranquillity is lovely. 1 bit of negativity would be walkers coming through, but that’s no big deal. Would highly recommend, thank you for a wonderful stay!

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!

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

This is a beautiful and secluded spot with views out over Dartmoor. A footpath/bridleway runs through the site and can be followed up to Meldon Reservoir and way-marked walking routes. The access instructions from Phil were excellent. We were in a 6m long motorhome (long wheel base van) and navigated well along the narrow lane. Would love to return for a few nights; we were only there for one night and were the only people there. Beautiful!

14 units · Glamping, Tents4 acres · Titching Park Lane, England

1 unit · Motorhome, Tent4 acres · Plymouth, England

Almost wild waterside camping on Cornwall’s Rame Peninsula

12 top campsites in Watergate Bay

99%

(137)

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

5 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

98%

(60)

Glan Y Mor Camping

15 units · Glamping, Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · St Petrox, Pembrokeshire, South Wales

A super-friendly, family-run campsite on the edge of Pembroke

98%

(263)

South Dean Camping

70 units · Motorhomes, Tents12 acres · Barnstaple, Devon, South West England

Clifftop camping with epic sea views, right next to Exmoor National Park.

97%

(95)

Parke Farm Camping

67 units · Motorhomes, Tents8 acres · Barafundle Bay, Pembrokeshire, South Wales

Idyllic farm campsite with campfires in south Pembrokeshire, 10 minutes' drive from several top beaches

99%

(188)

Cadgwith Wild Camping

21 units · Motorhomes, Tents7 acres · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view

100%

(48)

Goren Farm

7 units · Motorhomes, Tents70 acres · Seaton, Devon, South West England

Nearly wild camping in Devonshire wildflower meadows

97%

(91)

Sunny Corner Campsite

10 units · Tents10 acres · Saint Agnes, England

Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes

100%

(24)

Girt Down Camping

11 units · Motorhomes, Tents20 acres · Combe Martin, Devon, South West England

Set the edge of Exmoor, we have unrivalled coastal views, direct access to the South West Coast Path and Combe Martin bay is just a little walk away (perfect for paddle-boarding and dolphin spotting!). Choose your pitch, settle down by a fire pit and watch the sun set across Combe Martin bay. With pizza’s available on some weekends, breakfast baguettes for breakfast and a selection of farm produce available - we have everything you could need, we are campervan friendly too. With footpaths from the farm in all directions you can join the South West Coast Path or just ramble down to the village where there are shops, cafes and pubs a plenty. With full flushing toilets and hot showers, as well as a washing up area, there is even an old railway carriage with electric plugs to charge your phone or dry your hair, with a fridge and freezer to look after your supper too. We are a small site focusing on that quiet get-away. There is no road noise, just the farmer going about his day job, who’s more than happy to chat about the wildlife, birds and weather!

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills

15 units · Motorhomes, Tents30 acres · Devon, South West England

Farm camping in the Blackdown Hills, with campfires, big views and homegrown produce for sale

Berry's Ground Lane Campsite

40 units · Motorhomes, Tents40 acres · Martinhoe, England

Lovely wild camping pitches on the North Devon coastline. You will be one of a maximum of 6 pitches in a large field on the beautiful North Devon coast with incredible sea views. We can provide a firepit to borrow and you can purchase logs onsite so you can stargaze and chatter around the fire - back to nature! We are based just outside the pretty hamlet of Martinhoe in North Devon, a stone's throw from the SW Coast Path. There is a historic Roman Beacon closeby and plenty of wildlife around, we'd be surprised if you didn't see deer in the neighbouring fields! There is a compost loo and a water point, but no electricity / wifi - delightfully off-grid. Situated on an organic working farm this is the perfect place to escape!

98%

(74)

Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

26 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Redruth, Cornwall, South West England

Quiet camping meadows and a friendly café located beside some of Cornwall's most popular cycling routes

100%

(1)

The Secret Garden

3 units · Glamping, Motorhomes1 acre · 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 :)

Pets

35 units · Motorhomes, Tents6 acres · Bodmin, Cornwall, South West England

Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Watergate Bay guide

Overview

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!

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.