Dog-friendly caravan parks in Watergate Bay

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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!

90% (875) 1,279 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay

Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

1. Meldon Lake and Woods Wild Camping

98%
(252)
Okehampton, England · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Seriously simple but beautiful wild camping beside a lake on Dartmoor
Campfires
Sunny Corner Campsite

2. Sunny Corner Campsite

98%
(139)
Saint Agnes, England · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping with views of the sea in walking distance of St Agnes
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Cadgwith Wild Camping

3. Cadgwith Wild Camping

99%
(273)
Ruan Minor, England · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A dog-friendly campsite on a farm in Cornwall where every pitch offers a sea view
Showers
Potable water
Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

4. Tregonetha Lake Camping & Glamping

98%
(31)
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. 🧡
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
Coverack Camping & Glamping

5. Coverack Camping & Glamping

99%
(206)
Coverack, England · 67 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Traditional family camping near Coverack, with the promise of coast, countryside and Cornish ice cream
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Tregella Place Camping

6. Tregella Place Camping

94%
(34)
Padstow, England · 40 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Laid-back dog-friendly, family camping near Padstow
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
Wild Wanderers - Riverside Camping

7. Wild Wanderers - Riverside Camping

100%
(8)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

8. Elm Farm Camp, Cafe & Cycle hire

98%
(92)
Redruth, England · 25 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Quiet camping meadows and a friendly café located beside some of Cornwall's most popular cycling routes
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Bush Farm Campsite

9. Bush Farm Campsite

99%
(110)
Saltash, England · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes
As close to wild camping as you can get on a rewilded 200-acre farm in Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
The Enchanted Wilderness

10. The Enchanted Wilderness

93%
(62)
Yelverton, England · 7 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Simple riverside camping pitches in the Tamar Valley on the edge of Dartmoor
Showers
Potable water
Tencreek Holiday Park

11. Tencreek Holiday Park

100%
(1)
England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Nestled on a gentle hillside approximately 100 m above sea level, Tencreek Holiday Park offers sea views from virtually every pitch—whether you're on tent, caravan, or motorhome. Its terraced layout with low tree rows ensures both privacy and vantage points across the rolling Cornish countryside and the shimmering bay beyond. The park boasts modern underfloor‑heated toilet, shower, and wet‑room blocks, including facilities suitable for families and mobility-restricted guests. Every comfort station includes hand and hair dryers, chemical disposal, dishwashing sinks, and water points close to pitches
Showers
Potable water
Picnic table
Treglisson Campsite

12. Treglisson Campsite

97%
(62)
Hayle, England · 34 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A warm welcome awaits at one of Cornwall's best-located campsites
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
The Camping Field

13. The Camping Field

94%
(33)
Bodmin, England · 35 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Back-to-basics camping in beautiful Cornish countryside
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Harlings - camping in Devon

14. Harlings - camping in Devon

88%
(4)
Yelverton · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Situated within and overlooking the serene Tamar Valley National Park on the Bere Peninsula, our campsite offers spacious pitches and modern amenities, all while retaining the natural charm of traditional camping. Designed with accessibility in mind, our facilities are fully equipped and include complimentary Wi-Fi and fire pits for a cozy evening under the stars. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure in the great outdoors, we invite you and your dogs (additional charge) to book your stay and experience the breathtaking beauty of Devon and Cornwall. We accept, caravans, tents and tourers. Conveniently located just 6 miles from the ancient town of Tavistock in Devon and to the Cornish border of Gunnislake. Good rail and bus links. Check in is from 15:00, and check out is by 10:00. Alternative arrangements can be made by prior agreement. Facilities include: Accessible toilets and showers Shared guest fridge and freezer Indoor washing up area Free Wi-Fi access Phone charging points Complimentary firepit use with purchase of pit pack Well-behaved dogs welcomed (extra charge £2pn - no restricted breeds) Chemical toilet and grey waste disposal points Motorhome service point Farm restaurant open Friday - Monday from 9am - 4pm with last hot food orders at 3pm. Serving all day breakfasts, hot food, paninis and light lunches and Sunday roasts.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Little Meadow

15. Little Meadow

100%
(2)
England · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Relax with the whole family at this idyllic place to stay in Cornwall. Relax at near by beaches like Widemouth, go to places like Port Issac, Tintagel and Padstow with just a small drive from were your staying. Spend time with your family with short drive down to Trethorne golf and leisure park with soft play, bowling and dodgem rides. The spectacular views from Bodmin Moor and the North coast are all easily accessible from where you're staying.
Showers
Potable water
Roskilly Camping

16. Roskilly Camping

97%
(38)
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.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Ruby Country Camping

17. Ruby Country Camping

100%
(34)
Highampton, England · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A natural, spacious meadow campsite perfect for exploring North Devon and Cornwall
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Treza Camp Site, Porthleven

18. Treza Camp Site, Porthleven

100%
(11)
Porthleven, England · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
A simple place to pitch up within walking distance of Porthleven Harbour
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
Willow Valley Holiday Park

19. Willow Valley Holiday Park

100%
(18)
Bude , England · 25 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!
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers
Trewan Hall

20. Trewan Hall

100%
(16)
Saint Columb, England · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
The grounds of a 17th century manor where a relaxed atmosphere and sense of pleasant privacy rules
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top regions near Watergate Bay

Top towns in and near Watergate Bay