The best star host campsites 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!

99% (699) 265 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watergate Bay

2. Tregonetha Lake

97%
(16)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Open 3rd July - 31st August 2026 Mel and Tom are excited to welcome 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. 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, £5 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. Traditional Camping for tents and camper vans is available in our 2 acre field where you can choose where you want to pitch. Glamping in bell tents is also available. Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact. Wild, natural and peaceful with pitches overlooking our beautiful 2 acre lake or in our small woodland. Great for a summer holiday, a weekend break or overnight stop off.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / 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!

99% (699) 265 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Watergate Bay

2. Tregonetha Lake

97%
(16)
26 units · Tents, Motorhomes · England
Open 3rd July - 31st August 2026 Mel and Tom are excited to welcome 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. 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, £5 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. Traditional Camping for tents and camper vans is available in our 2 acre field where you can choose where you want to pitch. Glamping in bell tents is also available. Tregonetha Lake is a small campsite with a big impact. Wild, natural and peaceful with pitches overlooking our beautiful 2 acre lake or in our small woodland. Great for a summer holiday, a weekend break or overnight stop off.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from 
£13
 / night

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

The best star host campsites 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