Campsites with showers 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!

96% (963) 929 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watergate Bay

4. Fat Apples Cafe and Wild Camping

4 units · Tents · Porthallow, St Keverne, Helston, Cornwall., England
Hello and thank you for choosing Fat Apples Wild Camp Site! Less than half a mile from Porthallow beach, our small family run wild campsite has around ten pitches spread throughout an old Cornish woodland, located just behind Fat Apples Café. We are also close to the half way mark of the Southwest Coast Path! The village of St. Keverne is a five minute drive and has a Spar, baker, butcher, two pubs and a newsagents. When open, the café serves breakfast and lunches, and also has essentials for sale. Please check our café opening days as you will need to bring your own supplies if you are staying on the days we are closed! The campsite is open seven days a week from April to the end of October (weather permitting). The camp pitches are wild, and a short distance away we have a coin operated (hot) shower, WC and cold-water dishwashing sink. There is no vehicular access to the site, cars are left about 100 yards away in our yard. We have wheelbarrows to help unload kit. Throughout the year we run a variety of events, such as, music nights, courses, an ongoing bookswap and private parties. Our camp area is becoming well known for outdoor retreats and educational visits. We allow small campfires on site in fire pits or baskets. Logs and basket are £13.50. The café is open (9.30am-4.00pm). Thursday to Sunday from the 5th March 2026. Wednesday-Sunday April- End of August. Thursday-Sunday September and October. We also run BBQ evenings on a pop-up basis in the summer season. It is a good idea to book breakfast or lunch in the café as it gets very busy. The Village of Porthallow has a lovely pub on the beach called The Five Pilchards Inn. In calm weather it is great swimming, snorkelling and kayaking/boating area. We are near the Helford estuary- 3 miles Coverack Cove - 3 Miles Porthkerris Dive Centre- 1 mile
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night

8. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
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
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

9. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · 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
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
£29
 / night

11. Stars & Moor

100%
(5)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Nearly wild camping with spectacular views? Stars and Moor in Bodmin Moor National Landscape certainly has views in spades – right to the distant south coast in fact – and what’s more, there are just a handful of off-grid camping pitches on site, all spread out across two acres of pasture surrounded by Cornish walling. We are a Greener Camping Members Site. To Join is £12.00 for the remainder of the year if you are not already a member. You can join when you arrive. We accept credit cards on site. All the pitches are on grass and you can pick your preferred spot on arrival. Vehicles are parked in a designated area, from which your gear is transported to the pitches in a wheelbarrow. Facilities in the converted horse trailer include hot showers and fully plumbed loos, and there’s ample hot water to make your alfresco washing up less of a chore – but please do note there’s no electricity on site. On-site entertainment is all about the views, which you can appreciate while cooking on your firepit – hire one on site, complete with a supply of firewood. The skies on cloudless nights are a glittering marvel that you can share with family and friends while cosying up around the fire. Pack walking boots for yomps on Bodmin Moor footpaths from your tent, and bring bikes for cycling on moorland tracks or canoes for adventures out on Siblyback Lake. Local amenities are a short stroll away in the village of Minions (20 minutes’ walk), where there’s a well-stocked shop and the highest tea room in Cornwall. Heading in the opposite direction are two pubs within 15 minutes’ walk.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

19. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night

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!

96% (963) 929 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watergate Bay

4. Fat Apples Cafe and Wild Camping

4 units · Tents · Porthallow, St Keverne, Helston, Cornwall., England
Hello and thank you for choosing Fat Apples Wild Camp Site! Less than half a mile from Porthallow beach, our small family run wild campsite has around ten pitches spread throughout an old Cornish woodland, located just behind Fat Apples Café. We are also close to the half way mark of the Southwest Coast Path! The village of St. Keverne is a five minute drive and has a Spar, baker, butcher, two pubs and a newsagents. When open, the café serves breakfast and lunches, and also has essentials for sale. Please check our café opening days as you will need to bring your own supplies if you are staying on the days we are closed! The campsite is open seven days a week from April to the end of October (weather permitting). The camp pitches are wild, and a short distance away we have a coin operated (hot) shower, WC and cold-water dishwashing sink. There is no vehicular access to the site, cars are left about 100 yards away in our yard. We have wheelbarrows to help unload kit. Throughout the year we run a variety of events, such as, music nights, courses, an ongoing bookswap and private parties. Our camp area is becoming well known for outdoor retreats and educational visits. We allow small campfires on site in fire pits or baskets. Logs and basket are £13.50. The café is open (9.30am-4.00pm). Thursday to Sunday from the 5th March 2026. Wednesday-Sunday April- End of August. Thursday-Sunday September and October. We also run BBQ evenings on a pop-up basis in the summer season. It is a good idea to book breakfast or lunch in the café as it gets very busy. The Village of Porthallow has a lovely pub on the beach called The Five Pilchards Inn. In calm weather it is great swimming, snorkelling and kayaking/boating area. We are near the Helford estuary- 3 miles Coverack Cove - 3 Miles Porthkerris Dive Centre- 1 mile
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£15
 / night

8. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping

97%
(147)
168 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Cornwall, South West England
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
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

9. The Secret Garden

100%
(5)
3 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · 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
Campfires
Water hookup
from 
£29
 / night

11. Stars & Moor

100%
(5)
5 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Nearly wild camping with spectacular views? Stars and Moor in Bodmin Moor National Landscape certainly has views in spades – right to the distant south coast in fact – and what’s more, there are just a handful of off-grid camping pitches on site, all spread out across two acres of pasture surrounded by Cornish walling. We are a Greener Camping Members Site. To Join is £12.00 for the remainder of the year if you are not already a member. You can join when you arrive. We accept credit cards on site. All the pitches are on grass and you can pick your preferred spot on arrival. Vehicles are parked in a designated area, from which your gear is transported to the pitches in a wheelbarrow. Facilities in the converted horse trailer include hot showers and fully plumbed loos, and there’s ample hot water to make your alfresco washing up less of a chore – but please do note there’s no electricity on site. On-site entertainment is all about the views, which you can appreciate while cooking on your firepit – hire one on site, complete with a supply of firewood. The skies on cloudless nights are a glittering marvel that you can share with family and friends while cosying up around the fire. Pack walking boots for yomps on Bodmin Moor footpaths from your tent, and bring bikes for cycling on moorland tracks or canoes for adventures out on Siblyback Lake. Local amenities are a short stroll away in the village of Minions (20 minutes’ walk), where there’s a well-stocked shop and the highest tea room in Cornwall. Heading in the opposite direction are two pubs within 15 minutes’ walk.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£25
 / night

19. Higher Waytown Farm Camping

100%
(11)
6 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
**Now closed except for walkers and 4x4s due to access. Contact directly with Qs and before making a booking - thanks!** Nestled on the hilltops near Bucks Mills and Clovelly, 10-15min walk by footpath from the SW coast path, our 13 acre smallholding-in-progress offers rustic nearly-wild camping in our wildflower meadows. Share your space with hares, deer, foxes, owls, songbirds, field voles, bees and butterflies. The views from the fields are a well kept local secret - from your tent or van look out over Hartland, Lundy island, Saunton, Croyde, Exmoor and Dartmoor, even Pembrokeshire on a clear day! FACILITIES: In keeping with our low impact approach, the fields are just fields, but with the addition of some picnic benches! A flushing toilet, drinking water, hot shower, charging and WiFi are found by the farmhouse. BBQs and fires permitted off the ground and we have fire pits for loan and logs for sale. Please pack out all rubbish and leave NO trace. Dogs welcome under close control - please avoid meadow centres in summer to protect the nesting skylarks and ensure they do NOT chase the wildlife. ACCESS: Easily accessible by 4WD, and 2WD in summer/when dry. Be aware it's a grassy uphill track, if your vehicle is not great off-road... (but everyone so far has been fine!) The views are worth the walk though! Campervans have backup options lower down near the house. THE SITE: Nature spot, relax and stargaze across our 4 fields. We recently planted 800 trees for a new woodland, created a wildlife pond, and are establishing a traditional cider orchard. Rose looks after our vegetable garden and usually has some native breed piglets. Our apiary is managed by Jon who will happily explain about bees... and sell you a jar of honey for breakfast. Note - the area is agricultural with very occasional farm noise and odour. We are pleased to be a South West Coast Path Waymaker, and welcome walkers. We also welcome anyone enjoying the Atlantic Highway or South West 660. We like classics and have spanners! Flexible arrival/departure. If we are not around just choose a spot and we'll find you later. We are both keen adventurers and happy to provide tips on things to do and places to visit! Please contact with any questions and follow @HWF_Adventures
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£20
 / night

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Campsites with showers in Watergate Bay 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.

Top towns in and near Watergate Bay