Camping in Watergate Bay

Name: Watergate Bay
Address: Watergate Bay
Rating: 4.764

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!

95% (1.1K) • 2,383 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

1. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%

(236)

Okehampton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor

Pets

Campfires

Sunny Corner Campsite

2. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%

(124)

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

The Enchanted Wilderness

3. The Enchanted Wilderness

92%

(55)

Yelverton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Wild Wanderers - Riverside Camping

4. Wild Wanderers - Riverside Camping

Holsworthy, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Wild Wanderers, family friendly, rough and ready, wild and woolly Camping on the Devon & Cornwall Border! We family run and we are excited to offer our very first camping season! NEW FOR 2026! After three years of welcoming families to our much-loved holiday cottages, we're thrilled to open our fields for our very first camping season. With just a handful of boutique pitches on our family-run smallholding, we're giving even more families the chance to experience the magic of Wild Wanderers. Expect the same warm welcome, beautiful countryside and unforgettable adventures, just with a tent, a campfire and a little more wilderness. This isn't a holiday park. There are no flashing arcades or rows of identical pitches. Instead, you'll find space to breathe, children free to explore, and the kind of camping that creates the stories you'll still be talking about years later. Wake up to birdsong, wander down to the river for a paddle or wild swim, meet our friendly sheep and farm animals, toast marshmallows around the campfire and watch the stars come out. We're keeping things beautifully simple with clean toilets, hot showers and a washing-up area everything you need, without taking away the feeling of being close to nature. Bring your BBQ, hire one of our raised fire pits, or join us on one of our popular wood-fired pizza evenings. Don't forget to grab one of our famous s'mores kits... because camping simply isn't camping without gooey marshmallows! Perfectly placed on the Devon and Cornwall border, we're just a short drive from Bude's award-winning beaches, fantastic surfing, breathtaking coastal walks and endless family adventures. Already loved by hundreds of families staying in our cottages, this is now your chance to enjoy the same beautiful setting on a camping budget. What you'll love • Spacious pitches on our boutique family smallholding • Riverside adventures, fishing, paddling and wild swimming • Friendly sheep and farm animals to meet • Campfires (raised fire pits only) and BBQs welcome • Wood-fired pizza nights on selected evenings • S'mores kits available to make evenings extra special • Family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space to roam • Well-behaved dogs welcome • One-night stays accepted • A short distance from Bude, surfing beaches and the best of both Devon and Cornwall Whether you're surfing at sunrise, building dams in the river with the kids, or ending the day around the fire beneath a sky full of stars, Wild Wanderers is all about slowing down, reconnecting and making memories together. We can't wait to welcome you to our little corner of the countryside.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Cadgwith Wild Camping

5. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%

(257)

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

Roskilly Camping

6. Roskilly Camping

97%

(33)

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

Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

7. Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

98%

(88)

Redruth, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes

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

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

8. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%

(149)

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

Coverack Camping & Glamping

9. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%

(202)

Coverack, England · 67 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

10. Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

98%

(26)

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

Treglisson Campsite

11. Treglisson Campsite

97%

(61)

Hayle, England · 34 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A warm welcome awaits at one of Cornwall's best-located campsites

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Trewan Hall

12. Trewan Hall

100%

(14)

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

Bush Farm Campsite

13. Bush Farm Campsite

99%

(104)

Saltash, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

As close to wild camping as you can get on a rewilded 200-acre farm in Cornwall

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Tremanor Farm

14. Tremanor Farm

90%

(20)

Castledore, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Cornish camping with sea views, 5 minutes from the beach and 10 minutes from the Eden Project

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

The Camping Field

15. The Camping Field

95%

(29)

Bodmin, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

Kesoberi community farm

16. Kesoberi community farm

100%

(3)

England · 10 units

Kesoberi community farm is a new pop up off grid eco campsite in a beautiful location with a far reaching views of the sea in West Cornwall. Owned and run by a co-operative who are in the process of rewilding and regenerating our land after a history of intensive agriculture. We have newly built compost loos and a gas powered shower with spacious pitches. There are two camping fields, one where you can park next to your pitch at the bottom of our site and a car free camping field with incredible views to truly get away from it all. In all we have 20 acres for you to explore, and its only a short walk into the village of Paul with its brilliant pub and historic church. We are very close and within walking distance to Mousehole. Mousehole is a picturesque harbour village which is sandy and lovely to swim in, there are lots of shops and places to eat and it has a sea swimming pool that has been recently restored. We are also very near to Newlyn and Penzance with so much to see and do.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

17. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%

(66)

Bude, England · 40 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

Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

18. Mushroom Meadow, Cornwall UK

100%

(10)

8 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Centrally located yet quiet, secluded and flat two-acre meadow with 9 large grass pitches each mowed for privacy within natural wildflower borders. Clean and well looked after composting toilets, hot gas showers, fire pits, free scrap wood and a quiet woodland to immerse yourself in, next to the stream. Mushroom Meadow and the adjoining woodland are nestled at the bottom of our picturesque 50 acre family farm - with the stream at it's southerly border. Access is via a long farm track (about 750m) and is clearly signed once you arrive at our farm. The numbered pitches are thoughtfully spaced across the entire meadow. Perfect for those who like lots of space and for children who like to run free. An ideal West Cornwall location (10 min drive to both North and South coasts) - you can walk into our village of Praze and Beeble to visit the local pub, village shop or famous Philps Bakery for all your pasty needs!

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

19. 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

Ro Dama Community Farm

20. Ro Dama Community Farm

86%

(28)

Camborne, England · 4 units

Rooted in the Dowr Konor watershed and overlooking St Ives’ Bay in Kernow/Cornwall, Ro Dama invites you into our space for connection, regeneration and rewilding of ourselves, our communities, our culture & heritage and our land. On site, we have a variety of pitch types, private, communal and camper van spots. we have a couple of young pups on site who are being a bit territorial, we therefore advise that it is not suitable for dogs at this time.

Campfires

Showers

Potable water

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

John

1 week ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

My 2nd visit here. Didn’t disappoint. Great site, beautifully clean, quiet & peaceful. Great fishing & location to base for further trips into Cornwall. The owners are so nice, great advice on local stuff. Definately will be back again soon.

Jourdan

2 weeks ago

4 m campervan

1 night at Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

We pitched right by the lake and it was the perfect spot. Such a peaceful location, surrounded by wildlife, making it a lovely place to switch off. The grounds are beautifully maintained, and the toilet and washing facilities are spotless and really well thought out. We also really appreciated the eco-friendly approach! The hosts were so welcoming and friendly from the moment we arrived, and nothing was too much trouble. We honestly couldn’t fault the place at all. Such a wonderful little campsite and we’d happily come back again🤍

Sam

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

I thought this campsite was excellent and would highly recommend it. It had great facilities such as a hot working shower, washing up station and multiple compost toilets. There’s a food van which sells all sorts of items and has specific food nights such as friday pizza night. The views are spectacular and the nearby coastal walk is good fun. Hosts were amazing and very knowledgeable of local area and walks

Sophie

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

Beautiful location and very easy instructions and set up. Loved our stay here and would definitely come again

Emma

2 weeks ago

5 m campervan

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Beautiful site great for exploring on foot from the campsite. Such a unique site with both a lake and river. We will be back.

Arthur

2 weeks ago

5 m car

Weekend Trip to Cadgwith Wild Camping

Lovely hosts and a stunning campsite right on the SWCP, could not recommend more. Beautiful!

Lorna

2 weeks ago

1 m campervan

2 nights at Sunny Corner Campsite

Lovely campsite. Very clean facilities, great showers and very well thought out. Can’t fault it and Kate on hand for any questions. The site has sea views and a great spot for watching the sun set and is a 10 minute walk from a really great beach for bodyboarding and surfing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or return. Thanks Kate!

Bobby

2 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

Me and my partner had a lovely couple nights away at Elm farm, really friendly host and lovely food. We will definitely be back as it was a great base with really lovely beaches all around. 5 Stars

Holly

3 weeks ago

Tent

5 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Wonderful views, beautiful site, location and proximity to the coastal path. Great, super helpful hosts. We ended up staying an extra night to extend our lovely stay

Maddy

3 weeks ago

Tent

4 nights at The Enchanted Wilderness

This was a beautiful place to camp! Felt very tucked away and in our own little oasis. Wild swimming was the best way to cool down and our fire pit was the best way to warm up! Hot shower was lovely and clean. Jonathan was super kind and responsive to messages.

Lucia

3 weeks ago

4 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Sunny Corner Campsite

Great location! Quiet campsite with nice views and 10min walk to the beach and St Agnes. Clean facilities and Kate was lovely and helpful

Meg

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

Beautiful lake and campsite! Would definitely go back, poppy’s was a perfect sized pitch for two people and the stream was lovely to listen to in evening. Staff on site were so helpful and happy to help :)

Beautiful private lake for swimming, fishing and water sports

Tracy

3 weeks ago

5 m campervan

2 nights at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Fantastic find, the best , just like heaven for a nature lover

3 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Ro Dama Community Farm

Friendly welcome and the basic facilities in a beautiful setting. Felt away from it all. We had our pick of camping pitches but if it was busier you might end up with a less even pitch. Lovely friendly dogs who may or may not have helped the pigs escape

Nina

3 weeks ago

3 m campervan

1 night at Cadgwith Wild Camping

Lovely site with great views - right on the south west coastal path. Basic facilities but what you need. Owners are really lovely and I will definitely return

Tracy

June 2026

4 m campervan

With pets

1 night at Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Amazing place, dogs loved it and perfect with the heat . Beautiful find and definitely be back

Emily

June 2026

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

Relaxed campsite in beautiful surroundings. There were quite a few campers staying at the same time as us but the single composting loo & the basic but hot ‘shower in a horse box’ never seemed busy. I think because a number of people were in vans with their own facilities possibly?? This is back to basics camping at its best. Jonathan the owner always on hand via WhatsApp should you need assistance with anything. Thank you Jonathan & volunteers.

Karen

June 2026

6 m Class B

With pets

4 nights at Cadgwith Wild Camping

This is the most wonderful campsite. The hosts are super friendly and the view from our pitch of the sea was just fantastic. There was a really relaxed atmosphere with like minded campers. Pitches are spacious, but as they are all on grass, may not be completely flat. (This can be easily sorted with some levellers though.) Don't be put off by the composting toilets, they were immaculately clean and smelled fresher than most plumbed in toilets! Hot water in the 3 outdoor shower cabins was plentiful. The food van on site is top notch. It's around a 15 min walk down to the village by road (very safe) longer along the coast path which you can access from the site. It's a bit of a climb back up the hill home though:) hearing the shanty singing on Friday night was a big highlight of our trip, not to mention the seafood and cream tea we had down in the village too. All in all this is one of the best campsites we have stayed at, if you like a more natural campsite experience but with the convenience of loos, hot showers and a food van for when you don't want to cook. We stayed an additional night but wished we could have stayed another week! 100% recommend.

Michaela

June 2026

4 m campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

It was so beautiful we didn’t want to leave and can’t wait to go again soon. The lane to get there is very narrow but can fit small camper.

Kelly

June 2026

4 m campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

Absolutely stunning. Highly recommend. Very beautiful location

Watergate Bay camping 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I enjoy in Watergate Bay?

In Watergate Bay, you can stroll along the sea cliffs, swim or stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy kite-surfing along the 2-mile long sands. You can also grab dinner at a restaurant with views of the ocean.

When is the peak season for swimmers and campers in Watergate Bay?

The peak season for swimmers and campers in Watergate Bay is summertime, with lifeguard patrols from May through September.

What are some nearby attractions to visit from Watergate Bay?

Near Watergate Bay, you can enjoy sea-cliff walks along the Trevose Head Heritage Coast, spot sea-birds swooping along the shore, or visit Tintagel Castle or hike up the High Cliff, Cornwall’s highest point.

What are some camping options near Watergate Bay?

Camping options near Watergate Bay range from family-friendly holiday parks to glamping in a luxury yurt. You can also explore different options for camping near Watergate Bay on Hipcamp.