Campsites in Wales: our pick of the best

Reasons to go camping in Wales

Wales is famous for its wild and rugged coastline, along with a diverse landscape of rolling hills, ancient woodland, lush valleys and majestic mountains. Wales is home to three National Parks, some of the UK’s oldest – Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire Coast. One contains the country’s highest mountain, another is mostly coastal with nowhere more than 10 miles from the sea. Then there’s the many historic castles, the scenic railways, a World Heritage Site viaduct and the beautiful beaches of the Isle of Anglesey … the list of attractions is endless!

With wild camping being legal in Scotland, you might be wondering, ‘can I camp anywhere in Wales?’. For camping in Wales you need to stay on an official campsite, but luckily the country has over 500 campsites spanning all the way from the isle of Anglesey in north Wales to the southwest corner where you’ll find the UK’s smallest city, St Davids.

From family campsites in Wales near the beach, to rural campsites in Snowdonia providing a more off-grid experience, there is a campsite for everyone in Wales.

There’s so much to offer on a camping holiday in Wales that we’ve split the country down into north Wales, mid Wales and south Wales and selected a handful of the best campsites in each of those areas. Also popular are campsites in Snowdonia and campsites in the Brecon Beacons so we’ve included those, too.

Campsites in north Wales

Head to the north of Wales if you want a choice of expansive coastline and unique locations. Black Rock Sands in Gwynedd is a vast beach that you can actually drive onto, or venture over the Menai Bridge onto the Isle of Anglesey for hidden coves and beaches backed by pine woods.

While in the north you should also visit the famous Portmeirion – a private village, resort and gardens with romantic Italianate architecture featuring brightly coloured buildings.

The north of Wales is also home to many a castle. Three worthy of mention include Penrhyn, near Bangor, a nineteenth century fantasy castle with opulent interiors, Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey, and the intimadating Caernarfon on the banks of the River Seiont.

Rhyd y Galen is set in 20 acres of farmland and offers visitors a tranquil getaway, whilst being easily accessible and close to the many local attractions. The Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Path is just six miles away and the campsite is only just over a mile from the Wales Coast Path. Zip World and Ynys Môn (Anglesey) are a short drive away.

The campsite has very spacious pitches, with a choice of standard grass non-electric, or grass with electric, plus grass or all-weather super pitches with water, drainage and electric hook-up. All the electric pitches are 16A. Seasonal pitches are also available on the campsite.

Find out more: Rhyd Y Galen Caravan & Camping Park 

Set a few miles away from the harbour town of Porthmadog, this high-quality campsite, set in over 50 acres, caters for motorhomes and caravans and is a few minutes’ drive from the superb beach at Black Rock Sands. All the caravan and motorhome pitches are set on hardstandings and have electric hook-ups or full-service facilities.

There are three toilet blocks with family washrooms and accessible facilities, plus a laundry room. The shop sells a range of food and drink, plus accessories and gifts. You can directly access many of the mountain footpaths from the campsite, so pack your walking boots.

Find out more: Tyddyn Llwyn Touring Park 

Islawrffordd is about three miles north of Barmouth, along the coast road, on the north side of the Mawddach Estuary. Barmouth is a refined resort with a long beach, a harbour, cafés and restaurants. Steep steps and paths lead up to Old Barmouth, also known as The Rock.

Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park has fully serviced, gravelled hardstanding pitches with some super pitches. Facilities are comprehensive, with an indoor swimming pool, a shop, a fine dining restaurant, a play area, a launderette and luxury bathroom suites. Beautiful beaches stretch both to the north and south of the campsite, making for a perfect coastal base.

Find out more: Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park 

About five miles south of Wrexham lies a site with a character all of its own. The Plassey is more like a miniature inland resort, with its own retail village housed in converted farm buildings and home to more than 20 independent traders. There's also a restaurant, fishing lakes, a nature trail, plus a nine-hole golf course. There’s so much to entertain you at Plassey that you probably won’t want to venture away from the site. But, if you do, we’d recommend making for Llangollen Wharf, where you can journey along the Llangollen Canal network on a horse-drawn barge.

For touring guests in their caravan, motorhome, or tent, every one of the 60 pitches on the campsite are all-weather hardstanding with the full suite of services.

Find out more: Plassey Holiday Park 

Bron-Y-Wendon’s main attraction is that most of its pitches have views of the sea. The campsite is high up on the cliffs, with hardstanding and grass pitches set out on terraces, all with hook-ups. Facilities include toilets and showers in three heated buildings. The campsite is immaculately kept, with flower borders and shrubs. There’s a late-arrivals area with hook-up facility.

A trip into nearby Llandudno and a stroll along its grand promenade is recommended. You can also take an alpine cable car or San Fransisco-style tramway to the summit of the Great Orme Country Park.

Find out more: Bron-Y-Wendon Touring Park 

Campsites in Snowdonia

Snowdon is Wales’ highest mountain and the Snowdonia landscape offers soaring peaks and deep valleys. Snowdonia offers plenty for the outdoor enthusiast. Walking in the area will reward you with stunning views from on high and picturesque villages scattered down below. Whether you want to conquer the 1,085m peak of Snowdon on foot or take a leisurely train ride to the summit, the weather can change quickly here and no two days (or views) are ever the same.

With a host of walks of different levels and taking several hours, you can spend many a full day here exploring and still stumble upon something new each time. If leisurely walks are more your pace then stay closer to the ground and wander the pretty villages and towns, browsing the shops and watching the world go by from the many cafés.

Located at the foot of Snowdon in the Snowdonia National Park, this campsite boasts stunning views and is ideally located to visit the nearby mountains and the coast. The campsite facilities are immaculate, including toilet and shower blocks, parent and child room, family bathroom, accessible shower and toilet, launderette, well-equipped shop, and off licence and free WiFi.

Families won’t be short of activities, with a games room, mini-golf, play area and a designated area for ball games. There is plenty to explore further afield, including the beach. Fishing is free on the River Gwyrfai that borders the campsite and this is also a relaxing and pretty place for an evening walk.

Find out more: Bryn Gloch 

Bron Derw is close to the market town of Llanrwst in the Conwy Valley, five miles from Betws-y-Coed and 10 miles from Llandudno. It’s an ideal base for exploring Snowdonia and the north Wales coast. Beaches, castles, gardens and railway fascination are all around you here. Bodnant Garden is a few miles away, with 80 acres in two areas and plants from many parts of the world.

The main family touring campsite has 20 multi-serviced pitches with 16A hook-ups. There is a toilet and shower block with disabled suite, utility room and WiFi. The second touring campsite is for adults only, with 23 multi-service pitches, a toilet/shower block and utility room. The third area is a Caravan & Motorhome Club CL with just five pitches for members only.

Find out more: Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park 

In the very heart of the Snowdonia National Park lies Beddgelert – a magnificent site set among 70 hectares of lavish woodland in the beautiful Beddgelert Forest, within walking distance of Snowdon. Those wishing to catch a glimpse of nature at its best will be enchanted by the Colwyn River, which runs through the campsite and is home to species of otter and trout. You can see lots of wildlife, attracted by the variety of plants in the forest.

Beddgelert campsite is dog friendly and suitable for all campers, with facilities including toilets, showers, dishwashing, a laundry room, a children’s play area and more. For those looking to explore local pubs, a bistro, a café and craft shops, Beddgelert village is just a mile from the campsite.

Find out more: Beddgelert Campsite 

Campsites in central Wales

Visitors to mid Wales can enjoy many an activity, including walking along national trails, fishing and golf. Pretty market towns and villages are also an attraction, including Welshpool with its Georgian buildings and Powis Castle, and Devil’s Bridge – a small village 12 miles from Aberystwyth famous for its waterfall and three stacked bridges. It is also the terminus of the scenic Vale of Rheidol Railway.

In mid Wales, other notable places include Glansevern Hall Gardens set on the banks of the River Severn, the Red Kite Feeding Centre, and Clywedog Lake – a huge man-made reservoir with trails, viewing points and a host of wildlife to be seen around the shoreline and in the surrounding woods.

Located on a working hill farm, Fforest Fields is in a beautiful, rural location with two lakes; one can be used for swimming and kayaking. There are plenty of walks direct from the campsite through woodland and up to open moors.

There are two areas to the campsite. The original campsite, with a small mountain stream, has an intimate feel with pitches tucked away and a lot of natural planting. The other field is more open, with spectacular views down the valley to the hills beyond. A carbon neutral and award-winning facility provides showers, toilets, family rooms, washing up and drying rooms in a central courtyard area, along with a seasonal café and outdoor seating.

Find out more: Fforest Fields Caravan & Camping Site 

An adults-only campsite with views across the valley, ideal for exploring the Clywedog Reservoir, Hafren Forest and the Elan Valley. Positioned on a gently sloping, south-facing campsite, Red Kite Touring Park is laid out into four terraces/areas, with fully serviced hardstanding pitches with dog walking areas and a separate fenced-off dog training area. There is also an underfloor heated toilet block, a disabled wet room, a launderette and dog wash room.

There are nice walks from the campsite into Llanidloes town or along the River Clywedog, and the Severn Way skirts the park. Close to the campsite is Clywedog Dam and the Red Kite Feeding Centre is only a 20-minute drive.

Find out more: Red Kite Touring Park 

Located near the market town of Rhayader, the campsite offers spacious hardstanding or grass pitches (some fully serviced) with an on-site shower block, laundry room and shop. There is also a large camping field accommodating all sizes of tent.

The region is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling. Fishing is also available on the nearby rivers and lakes. The stunning Elan Valley is on the doorstep, along with the impressive Craig Goch Dam.

Find out more: Elan Oaks 

Nestled in the rolling hills of mid Wales, just one mile from the market town of Llanidloes and set between oak woodland and the River Severn. Walking is and cycling are good activities here with easy access to the Glyndŵr's Way, the Severn Way and National Cycle Route 81.

Campers can choose to camp down by the river in a secluded area or pitch nearer to the facilities. Caravans and motorhomes can pitch in a separate area where hardstandings with electric are available. There are toilets, showers, a washing-up area, campers' kitchen and children's play area.

Find out more: Dol Llys Farm 

Campsites in south Wales

Home to the UK's smallest city, St Davids, and a coastal national park, the Pembrokeshire Coast, south Wales has plenty of attractions. There are a choice of picturesque beaches and seaside resorts, too. One is the National Trust's Barafundle Bay. Only accessible on foot, this beach is an undiscovered gem and out of peak times you could be the only one there to enjoy it. Another great coastal location is the walled town of Tenby, iconic thanks to the little boats moored in the harbour against a backdrop of pastel-painted houses.

South Wales also contains the country's capital city, Cardiff. Perfect for year-round breaks, explore the castle, museum and lively waterfront bay area.

South Wales Touring Park is situated in Llangennech near Llanelli. The campsite is one mile from junction 48 of the M4, centrally located to visit any attraction in south and west Wales, from Cardiff and the valleys to the east and Pembrokeshire to the west.

Motorhomes and caravans are accepted on the campsite. All pitches are hardstanding, and all have a view. There are spacious heated shower rooms, toilets, dishwashing facilities and laundry facilities. The campsite also has ten serviced pitches.

Find out more: South Wales Touring Park 

Located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Caerfai Bay offers panoramic sea views from every pitch. The campsite is a tranquil haven, perfect for walkers, families, couples, wildlife lovers and stargazers. Caerfai Bay sandy bathing beach, only a five-minute walk, is accessed via a designated footpath.

Enjoy exploring St Davids, Britain’s smallest city, with its magnificent cathedral and Bishop's Palace, alongside a wealth of independent tea shops, restaurants, pubs and shops. Facilities on the campsite include a modern amenity block with underfloor heating, alongside showers and family rooms.

Find out more: Caerfai Bay Caravan & Tent Park 

An open-all-year council-run campsite in the heart of the city, in a delightful park setting just a short walk from all attractions. A short riverside walk along the Taff Trail, or over the bridge into Bute Park, brings you into Cardiff centre.

Grass pitches are non-electric and service pitches (electric, fresh water tap and waste drain) have concrete blocks under grass. Two heated toilet blocks have showers and washbasins, one houses the reception and a laundry room. As the campsite is close to the Millennium Stadium you’ll need to book well in advance for major sporting events.

Find out more: Cardiff Caravan Park 

Campsites in the Brecon Beacons

Possibly the most famous landscape in south Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park – or Bannau Brycheiniog, as it has been renamed – is the great outdoors at its finest. Walk, cycle, run, horse ride or nature watch – the choice is yours. On days when you feel more adventurous, how about paragliding, rafting or abseiling? You can also take your activities underground with caving. Whatever you choose to do, there are mountains, moorland, waterfalls and standing stones all waiting to be discovered.

Erwlon Caravan and Camping Park is located within walking distance of the pretty Welsh town of Llandovery, with its shops, pubs, and takeaways. Erwlon is a peaceful and well-maintained campsite offering high-quality facilities. The loos and showers are particularly well-appointed, with family rooms and accessible facilities.

Fishing, pony riding, and mountain boarding are all practised nearby, and the dramatic scenery of the Brecon Beacons is on the doorstep. This is a great area for walkers and cyclists to explore. Erwlon is just off the A40, but well screened from road noise, and within a short walk of buses to Brecon and Carmarthen. The campsite also offers bike hire to enable you to make the most of discovering the area.

Find out more: Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park 

Located centrally in the Brecon Beacons at the eastern edge of the Black Mountains, with the local award-winning town, Crickhowell, just four miles away. The local area has numerous pubs, restaurants and shops.

There are 49 electric hook-up points, and a choice of grass or hardstading pitches. The campsite is dog friendly and facilities include modern toilets, showers, dishwashing, a laundry room, play area and a shop.

Find out more: Cwmdu Caravan & Camping Site 

Pyscodlyn Farm is easy to find – being just off the A40 near Abergavenny – and is a family-run campsite that offers flat, grassed touring pitches, some with electric hook-up. The campsite is very neat and tidy, being bordered by mature trees and having a great view of the hills in the background. There is a separate field for camping only. Facilities include toilets, showers and laundry room and dishwashing area.

The campsite is situated in the Usk Valley, with the boundaries of the Brecon Beacons, so it’s an ideal base for exploring the national park on foot or mountain bike. Abergavenny is the nearest town, two miles away, and is well worth a visit for its museum and castle. It is also just a short walk to the River Usk.

Find out more: Pyscodlyn Farm