98% (122) • 254 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay
Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping
1. Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping
97%
(19)
England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Open 3rd April - 20th September 2026
Mel and Tom are looking forward to welcoming you to our charming, eco-friendly camping and glamping site, proudly awarded a Silver Green Tourism accolade. Passionate about sharing this special corner of Cornwall, we hope our tranquil surroundings will help you unwind, relax, and immerse yourself in nature. With stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere, our site is the perfect escape.
Tregonetha Lake is a Freedom Camping Club Certified Site, offering peaceful, low-impact camping in a natural setting. Membership is not required to stay.
Summer pop up! Wildfire - Lakeside Bar & Kitchen serving Drinks, Pizzas & Loaded Nachos. Open Mid-July to End of August.
Mel has called Cornwall home for over 20 years and is always happy to share her local knowledge with guests, while Tom, a seasoned surfer, can offer advice on the best surf spots based on the weather and swell conditions. Friendly and approachable, we’re here to ensure your stay is enjoyable and memorable, surrounded by great company and a welcoming atmosphere.
Tregonetha Lake is a small, peaceful, off grid site surrounded by wild and natural, Cornish countryside and open farmland, including a beautiful 2 acre coarse fishing Lake.
Fishing is an extra cost of £10 per adult day ticket, £7.50 per child day ticket.
Just 9 miles from Mawgan Porth, 10 miles from Padstow, 11 miles from Newquay and 15 miles from Mevagissey it’s the perfect place to get away from it all, while still being within easy reach of some of the most popular holiday destinations on both the north and south coasts of Cornwall.
Our Lake View Camping Field offers peaceful pitches for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans, all overlooking our beautiful two-acre lake. For a more immersive nature experience, we also have five secluded woodland camping pitches, tucked among the trees and just a short walk from the lake. All camping pitches operate on a choose-where-you-want-to-pitch basis.
Glamping in bell tents is also available.
Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact — wild, natural and peaceful. With wildlife-rich surroundings and uninterrupted lake views, it’s the perfect spot for a summer holiday, a restorative weekend break, or a quiet overnight stop on your journey.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
2. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 86 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
The Enchanted Wilderness
3. The Enchanted Wilderness
92%
(49)
Yelverton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Campfires
Showers
Stones and Stars Boutique Glamping
4. Stones and Stars Boutique Glamping
England · 2 units
Escape to "Stones and Stars" - a brand new boutique glamping site with 5-10 tents surrounded by nature in a peaceful quarry on the edge of two lakes.
Named after the star Sirius, this 5m luxury Bell tent has comfy bedding and everything you need to reconnect with nature.
Explore nearby sandy beaches, forests and the vibrant maritime city of Plymouth or the remote Dartmoor.
Charming communal areas and brand new luxury showers and toilets.
Nature, comfort and adventure awaits!
Showers
Campfires
Potable water
The Secret Garden
5. The Secret Garden
100%
(5)
Newquay · 1 unit
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
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping
6. 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
Dartmoor Domes
7. Dartmoor Domes
100%
(34)
Plymouth, England · 4 units
Geodesic glamping domes with a ceiling that lets you stargaze and a dark-sky setting on the edge of Dartmoor
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Trecombe Lakes
8. 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
Spring Fields
9. Spring Fields
100%
(1)
Lostwithiel, England · 1 unit
Set on 20 acres of natural fields with panoramic views, pond, woodlands and view walks.
We have a seven acre field set aside for glamping with a Safari Camp and Shepherds Hut overlooking our natural pond complete with island. Stroll 100 metres to the farm mini shop, book a breakfast, order one of our luxury picnics or book a local distillery taster tour. Friendly farm animals, quirky accommodation, sunsets and glorious views.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Polgwedhen Lodge
10. Polgwedhen Lodge
Chacewater, Truro, England · 1 unit
A peaceful lakeside lodge in ornamental gardens in Cornwall
Pets
Showers
Wifi
Little Menherion
11. Little Menherion
Redruth, England · 3 units
A magical log cabin in Cornwall with a wild jacuzzi, luxurious amenities, and nature galore.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
m
moira
6 days ago
4 m campervan
With pets
Mel’s dream to own a campsite which fulfills others dreams of peace, tranquility and the perfect haven to escape from this crazy life and unwind have completely come true. Tregonetha Lake is one of the most beautiful campsites I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. Mel has impeccable taste and an eye for detail- she strikes a wonderful balance between the rustic down to earth back to nature feel and the comfort of beautiful clean showers, impeccably pristine and colourful toilets, washing up sinks, fabulous green and well kept grass. The lake and other paths carefully strewn with bark and decorated with tasteful solar lights- perimeters of the lake have been tastefully landscaped with an abundance of hollyhocks, iris, rhododendrons and other natural plants…. I can’t recommend this site highly enough because it’s just wonderful
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R
Rachel
3 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Perfect site, nice and peaceful, very friendly and helpful hosts. Plus the onsite facilities was really spot on too. Would definitely return. Thanks a lot.
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S
Sarah
3 weeks ago
Tent
A lovely stay, fantastic views, quiet spot right near the river and wonderful hot shower!
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Emma
April 2026
5 m car
With pets
We loved camping in our van at enchanted wilderness. What a beautiful spot. It was peaceful surrounded by nature with some lovely walks on site. We will be back next time we need to recharge the batteries.
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Jane
April 2026
5 m car
Had a very lovely peaceful time here in my little van. Loved the view, swimming in the estuary and seeing the chickens running upto you. Loved listening to the birds during the day and at nighttime.
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Andy
February 2026
Tent
My friends and I had a great time here. Great host. Would highly recommend.
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C
Charlotte
August 2025
Tent
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!
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A
Adrian
August 2025
4 m Class B
I stayed for a single night in my campervan and was really impressed with the site. Its quiet, had all the basic facilities I needed and is well maintained. The fishing lake is lovely and the 2 anglers I watched seemed to be catching some nice fish. Mel & Tom are friendly, welcoming hosts and were kind enough to share some tips on good local beaches for surfing & bodyboarding (reason for my being in Cornwall). I would certainly come back again.
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A
Alejandra
August 2025
Tent
With kids
My family and I loved the campsite. We were 10 people: 7 adults and 3 5-year-old children. We chose one of the private sites and brought 4 tents. The site was large and private. We enjoyed 3 nights there and plan to return sometime soon. We cooked over a lovely campfire, which the kids loved.
They also went canoeing one morning, completing a fascinating trip.
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N
Nick
August 2025
Tent
With kids
An interesting and wonderful spot that is a superb location for cornwall adventures and an incredible campsite with the lake and restaurant! They need to sort out the hot water and when they do it will be 5/5!
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Grace
August 2025
3 m Class B
As always I love staying here. Waking up to the lake is beautiful. Thanks guys
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M
Mark
August 2025
Tent
I stayed in Gosels as a private pitch and absolutely loved it. The campsite was perfect blend of eco/modern (compostable/flushable toilets and hot showers) within a tranquil setting. I liked how the campsite was used in a traditional sense for escape keeping noise and disturbance down to a minimum. The quarry lake was a great area for a splash around and cool down. Though used heavily by young families, had enough space for all. I already miss my chicken and rabbit friends seen daily on my pitch. The location of the site was perfect for me to make some visits out to North Cornwalls surrounding beaches and beauty spots. Well worth the trip.
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a
anna
August 2025
Tent
With kids
This is wonderful. The private pitches for wild camping are perfect for a family holiday. What a beautiful place teeming with wildlife and beautiful swimming.
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Jacob
August 2025
Tent
Sweet campsite! Really nice facilities and pretty scenery. Mel was lovely. Thanks very much! :)
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Mat
August 2025
Tent
I really enjoyed the few days at the woodlands campsite. The no frills, no fuss provision was exactly the basic camping experience I was after. As the site had no occupancy when I arrived, I was able to pitch anywhere on the largely flat area using the provided wheel barrows to ferry the gear from the car. The woodlands site is nicely secluded from the main, more manicured, Lakeview part, with the excellent, eco-centric toilets and washing facilities right next door. The clay grounds accepted the tent pegs without hammering and I was able to set up (2 tents) and get the campfire going within half an hour of arrival. The campfire being the biggest selling point for me. Mel (and Tom) were very friendly and accommodating hosts and when they weren't present at the reception booth, they were always quick to respond to texts and facilitate any enquiries raised. I do look forward to returning to the site and if anyone else does, feel free to use the central fire pit we built (and Mel requested we leave ;) great place, great price, thanks all 👍
See moreM
Med
August 2025
Tent
Beautiful campsite with beautiful surroundings. Great value would recommend
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S
Suzie
August 2025
Tent
A stunning location that was relaxing and nourishing. Jonathan was welcoming and we loved the Runner ducks too!
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Hilary
August 2025
Tent
My pitch had a fabulous view of the River Tamar. The site was super quiet and all features for basic camping as described, i.e. shower and composting loo. Handy to be on the Tamara Coast to Coast Path as well.
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John
August 2025
5 m pop-up camper
With pets
What a campsite great view of the river with access to swim, paddle board etc
Lovely and quiet just wildlife that can be heard
Jonathan was most helpful can’t recommend this enough if you like getting back to basics away from the noise
See moreJ
Joanne
August 2025
4 m Class B
Lovely peaceful site. Amazing facilities. Everything you need for a relaxing stay. Will definitely visit again.
See moreWatergate 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.
