- Waterside Camping
Waterside camping in Watergate Bay
95% (449) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
1. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 168 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
from
£25
/ night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping
2. 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
from
£15
/ night
The Secret Garden
3. The Secret Garden
100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
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
from
£30
/ night
Elmar's Place
4. Elmar's Place
60%
(5)
Bude, England · 2 units
Nearly wild camping on the border of Devon and Cornwall
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
95% (449) • 9 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds in Watergate Bay
Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
1. Cornish Tipi Holidays & Camping
97%
(147)
St Kew, England · 168 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
from
£25
/ night
Pleasant Streams Farm Camping
2. 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
from
£15
/ night
The Secret Garden
3. The Secret Garden
100%
(5)
Newquay · 3 units
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
from
£30
/ night
Elmar's Place
4. Elmar's Place
60%
(5)
Bude, England · 2 units
Nearly wild camping on the border of Devon and Cornwall
Campfires
Potable water
from
£10
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
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!
See more
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.
See more
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.
See moreC
Callum
July 2025
Tent
With kids
The lake was amazing - even better than the pictures. Beautiful private wooded sites running down the hill and a lovely set of open pitches at the top. The site staff were really friendly and helpful, with an excellent on site cafe for brunch and dinner. My daughter says her caramel cookie was the best she had ever eaten - high praise!
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L
Luke
April 2025
1 m pop-up camper
A perfect little hideaway – ideal to stay whilst cycling, surfing & recharging!
I stayed here as part of a bikepacking trip and couldn’t have asked for a better spot. The location is peaceful and secluded, surrounded by greenery with a lovely fire pit, hot outdoor shower, and plenty of space to relax. It’s just a 15-minute cycle to Newquay and Fistral Beach, which made it ideal for surfing and exploring the coast.
The host, Sheryl, was incredibly welcoming and helpful. She provided super clear directions with photos, was quick to respond to questions, and even left out firewood and matches. On top of that, there were friendly chickens roaming about, a couple of chilled cats, and paddleboards available too.
She also gave great local recommendations and was very flexible on request. The price is very reasonable for what you get – this place is a hidden gem.
I was also really grateful to be able to book on the same day — something quite rare / almost impossible with the campsites in the area.
Would absolutely stay again – thanks Sheryl!
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Waterside camping 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.