The best campsites in Watergate Bay with horseback riding

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% (241) • 170 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near 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!

95% (241) • 170 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watergate Bay

1. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%

(43)

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

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

2. Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery

100%

(1)

1 unit · Tent, Motorhome · Porthleven, England

Campsite is part of the Predannack Anti-Aircraft Battery and Museum, a former WW2 AA site that defended RAF Predannack. Grass pitches maximum of 12 with flushing toilet, fresh water and gas powered shower. 2 Military Camping Pods with gas showers, heating and off grid low voltage lighting Site borders a nature reserve and is close to the Spectacular Kynance Cove, the Lizard Point, Kennack Sands and the fishing village of Cadgwith, as seen on the TV documentary, Fishermans Apprentice

3. Camp De Lank Cornwall

100%

(6)

35 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · St Breward, England

Bell tents and pitches close to Bodmin Moor and the Camel Trail

4. Lamarth Farm Campsite

100%

(1)

45 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Porthleven, Cornwall, South West England

We are a relaxed, spacious campsite on a quiet family run farm at the gateway to the Lizard Peninsula. Whether it is enjoying the local beaches, coastal walks, cycling trails, castles or attractions Lamarth Farm is a simple and uncomplicated site ideally situated to explore all these things. Whatever you get up to when enjoying your stay with us be assured there is plenty of space for you to relax and unwind in the Cornish countryside taking in the fantastic valley views across Mounts Bay. Our Pitch sizes at Lamarth Farm are unrestricted so you are able to spread out! We allow barbeques and campfires if they are raised off the ground so they don’t damage the land. We welcome well behaved dogs and ask that they are on leads around the campsite. We do have a designated dog exercise area and with 2 dog friendly beaches within 5minutes drive and an award winning dog friendly pub! Not only with you have a fantastic holiday your four legged friend will too. Our facilities have been kept to just the basics and they are well looked after. We have 2 shower blocks, WC’s and washbasins. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you make some wonderful memories that last a lifetime POSTCODE TR12 7QP

5. Friendly Spacious Campsite

100%

(6)

10 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Redruth, England

A Spacious, peaceful site with great facilities just 5 miles to the beach. Far from the crowd but close to everywhere, being just 1/2 a mile to the village shops, bakery and restaurants and only 1.5 to the town. A small number of pitches over 3 meadows where you choose where you want to pitch when you arrive, being assured of a great space for your stay, bring whatever size tent or your campervan and enjoy the great facilities include flushing toilets, hot showers and a wash up area with hot water, together with a communal fridge, microwave and phone charging sockets. There's drinking water in every meadow. So, relax and listen to the birds and enjoy the surrounding nature and magnificent views across the Cornish countryside whilst you sit by the fire. A great location to explore from being fairly central. We're close to the Tresavean Trail which links to the network of trails throughout Cornwall, so bring your walking shoes or cycle. Horse riding is just a 5 minute drive and if you fancy a spot of windsurfing/ canoeing, then Stithians lake is just 2 miles away. For the surfers amongst you there are several great beaches within a short distance and there's a handy wetsuit wash area when you get back. Dogs are welcome - all we ask is that you clean up and use the waste bin on site. This quiet site is perfect for children 8 years and over with plenty of space for a ball game or two. Fire pits and bbq's are allowed as long as they're raised off the ground - we have blocks for you to use.

6. Surf Pods and Camping at Atlantic Farm

88%

(66)

50 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bude, Cornwall, South West England

Glamping near Bude, with eye-catching eco-pods, a staggering treehouse for couples and traditional tent camping

7. Diddylake Shepherd Huts

100%

(6)

1 unit · Glamping · Bodmin Moor, England

An off-grid shepherd’s hut site out on Bodmin Moor

8. Cerenety Eco Campsite

93%

(21)

5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bude, Cornwall, South West England

Back-to-basics camping on the edge of Bude

9. Tremanor Farm

89%

(19)

50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Castledore, England

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

10. Ro Dama Community Farm

85%

(26)

4 units · Tents · Camborne, England

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.

11. Pleasant Streams Farm Camping

91%

(70)

67 units · Tents, Glamping · St Austell, England

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

12. Atlantic Horizons

100%

(1)

9 units · Tents, Glamping · Bude, England

We are a friendly glamping and camping site set in the beautiful natural surroundings of the North Cornwall coast and countryside allowing for a quiet getaway or family break. Atlantic Horizons aims to offer the camping experience but without the hassle. Supplying you with everything you need for a relaxing yet comfortable glamping experience. We understand how the issues of packing and unpacking can be for you, especially after a long drive, therefore we feel that it is important to remove any challenges by providing you with a variety of glamping packages to suit your needs.

13. Ryn Gwari Farm

92%

(80)

15 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Penzance, Cornwall, South West England

A family-friendly, 10-pitch campsite in Cornwall with big views, rustic facilities and a touch of magic

14. Belle Camping Cornwall

100%

(26)

5 units · Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Bell tents with sea views on the Lizard Peninsula

15. Wylde Valley Camping

97%

(16)

132 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Bude, Cornwall, South West England

16. Fox Camping

100%

(8)

14 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Launceston, England

Off-grid pitches for tents and campervans in North Cornwall

17. Passaford Meadow Campsite

100%

(1)

15 units · Tents · Okehampton, Devon, South West England

Camping for walkers and cyclists in the Devon countryside

18. Bakesdown Farm Camping

100%

(22)

7 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Bude, Cornwall, South West England

Small-scale camping and glamping on a 33-acre Cornish farm with separate meadows ensuring space, peace and privacy

19. South Hoggs Hideaway

100%

(17)

9 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Devon, South West England

We moved here in 2021 to start a camping site. It has been our dream for a long time to give people a great experience and enjoy the wonderful part of the UK that we live in. Come and make some memories. We have 27 acres, the campsite is approx 5 acres with well spaced pitches. and includes access to the wooded area and lake also. We have 2 fields that we have separated for children and dogs to play. There is a stunning lake where you can watch ducks, birds and geese. The wooded area is brimming with wildlife and wild flowers, deer are often running by in the woods. This area is a like a world away, an idyllic escape.

20. The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

100%

(10)

4 units · Glamping · Cornwall, South West England

Adults-only bell tents on an off-grid site with campfires near the North Cornish coast

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

S

Sarah

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

4 nights at Tremanor Farm

A wonderful spot to camp! Tessa was very welcoming and helpful! We had a wonderful view of the sea and the facilities were good. (Hot showers!!) Fowey is super cute and only 5 mins away. Great spot to get to other places in Cornwall too. Would definitely go back :)

A

Alistair

September 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Ryn Gwari Farm

Simple, well kept and with stunning views. Thank you.

L

Lucy

August 2025

5 m Class B

Weekend Trip to Cerenety Eco Campsite

The site was exactly as described! Really quiet and calming. Our only note would be to make sure if your van is bigger than a short wheel base is make sure you are a relatively confident driver as the roads to get to the site are narrow single track and quite tight. But overall we would be happy to stay again.

A

Annabelle

August 2025

Tent

With pets

3 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

A proper quiet rural campsite near the coast with amazing sea views and a very quiet setting. The facilities are as described and it is exceptionally good value. Thank you

C

Caroline

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Diddylake Shepherd Huts

The most beautiful location and the huts were so cosy and clean. We had everything we needed. I can't wait to visit again!

A

Amara

August 2025

4 nights at Belle Camping Cornwall

Glamping at Belle vue was amazing! We had such a wonderful holiday. The campsite is beautiful and Michelle and everyone there were wonderful hosts thank you so much

C

Charlotte

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Enchanted Wilderness

Lovely site, great amenities that were also eco friendly, river is right there for a swim or kayak and the morning views were beautiful. We were the only campers so it was super quiet but Jonathan was close by if we had any issues. Would have loved to have stayed longer!

T

Tess

August 2025

5 m Class B

2 nights at Fox Camping

So spacious, great out of the way peaceful spot but also near enough to the coast and moor for walks. Lovely walk around the hill fort for sunset. Yummy pizza.

C

Carol

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Ryn Gwari Farm

Admittedly we were blessed with the weather at the August bank holiday weekend so we could sit outside our tent and enjoy the fantastic sea views. Rebecca was very friendly and helpful. It’s a great location for walking two days of the SW Coast path. Back to basics amenities were clean and well kept. The hot shower was a little temperamental . We will return 🙂

S

Sarah

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to South Hoggs Hideaway

We loved our stay at South Hogg’s Hideaway. The pitches were spacious and very dog friendly. The facilities were well maintained and the woods and lake were a lovely addition. Michaela and Mark were super welcoming and helpful. We will be returning. ☺️

C

CeriJones

August 2025

Weekend Trip to The Paddock Wildcamp Glamping

Absolutely lovely long weekend. The tents were so clean and cwtchy. Ren was very lovely and easily contactable if needed. Short drive away from Perraporth. My boyfriend and I loved our stay and will definitely be coming back! Thank you again Ren!

L

Laura

August 2025

Tent

With kids

5 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Easy check in, plenty of room, great hot shower and clean and tidy toilets. Great location to explore the local area. Sure we will be back, thank you!

S

Steven

August 2025

5 m car

2 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Basic field with a sea view. Really lovely to have a hot shower. Massive bonus

A

Alastair

August 2025

5 m Class B

With kids

3 nights at Ryn Gwari Farm

Great location for the coast and many old tin mines! Really well priced and basic, but excellent facilities. Super good shower!!

S

Shaun

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Cerenety Eco Campsite

As stated this is a basis eco wild camp site. Very well run by a lovely hard working lady. Close to town, canal, river and sea. Would definitely recommend

R

Rachel

August 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

2 nights at Cerenety Eco Campsite

Great campsite wonderful location met such lovely people there just a magical place especially for families. It's a chilled out place well run and friendly suits people who love camping.

View showing how private and tucked away the tent pitches are!

M

Med

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

Beautiful campsite with beautiful surroundings. Great value would recommend

S

Suzie

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Enchanted Wilderness

A stunning location that was relaxing and nourishing. Jonathan was welcoming and we loved the Runner ducks too!

D

Dave

August 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Tremanor Farm

We loved camping here, the site was quiet with lots of space but still within easy reach of the local towns and Eden project. Tessa greeted us on our first day and offered some great local knowledge. Loo's and showers were spot on

M

Martin

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Fox Camping

I stayed in the lower field, which I had all to myself. It was lovely and peaceful--not that that the other campers were at all noisy. You'll have to work a bit to find a flat spot, but they're there, and it's worth it once you do. Victoria was very responsive and helpful, supplying me with firewood on short notice. Highly recommended if your camping solo (like me) or with a whole group of friends.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites in Watergate Bay with horseback riding 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.