Motorhome travel: 15 campsites for exploring Wales

With epic coastlines, countless castles and dramatic mountains, Wales is a motorhomer's dream. We reveal our top 15 campsites for exploring these Welsh wonders...

Daisy Bank Touring Caravan Park

Montgomery, Powys SY15 6EB
01588 620471
All year 

Daisy Bank is an adults-only site set in seven acres of countryside between Bishops Castle, Shropshire and Welshpool. Five-star facilities include two award-winning heated amenities buildings with luxury wetrooms and a disabled suite. The site is laid out into four areas with pitches consisting of gravel or concrete hardstanding and all having electric, TV hook-up, fresh water and waste water connections. There’s also free WiFi and a shop at reception.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at Daisy Bank and there’s a large, fully fenced dog walk along the lower campsite boundary, where you can let your dog off the lead. In the information hut opposite reception you’ll find a guide to walks around the local area and the Shropshire Hills. These heather-clad hills rise behind the Daisy Bank onto plateaus and crags offering views of the Shropshire plain and plenty of wildlife habitats. There are also many pretty, rural towns and villages nestled in the nearby valleys, such as Bishop’s Castle, Clun and Church Stretton.

Bryn Gloch Caravan & Camping Park

Betws Garmon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 7YY
01286 650216
2 January – 21 December

As a previous winner of the AA Best Campsite in Wales title, Bryn Gloch is set in the Snowdonia National Park on the banks of the River Gwyrfai. Mountains and lakes are on the doorstep and the coast is a short drive away, as are Caernarfon Castle and Portmeirion. There are seven separate pitching areas with views of the surrounding mountains. There are large grass and hardstanding, all-weather super pitches with water, drainage and electric hook-up.

Bryn Gloch handily offers a late stay option where, for an extra £5, you can stay on your pitch on departure day until 5pm, space permitting. Site facilities include toilets and showers, a laundry, shop, games room, mini golf and table tennis.

Conwy Holiday Park

Llanwrst Road, Conwy LL32 8HZ
01492 592856
23 March – 29 September

This site enjoys glorious views of the Conwy Estuary and the Snowdonia mountain range in a quiet and relaxing location. There are a selection of pitches including large hardstandings with electric. Each area is individually separated by natural landscaping and woodlands. The site is a haven for wildlife and, on a clear day, you may see buzzards circling in the sky and even red kites.

Site facilities include large toilet and shower blocks, a laundry, two outdoor play areas, plus an indoor play area and a games room. There’s also a clubhouse and bar for socialising in the evenings and enjoying seasonal entertainment.

The site is dog friendly and many of the local beaches are open to dogs. The north Wales coastal path is also perfect for longer walks against the backdrop of the Irish Sea. The coastal resort of Llandudno is just six miles away where you can take a walk along the prom, enjoy the vintage Great Orme Tramway or enjoy a Victorian-style afternoon tea.

Cardiff Caravan & Camping Park

Pontcanna Fields, Cardiff CF11 9XR
02920 398362
All year

Within Wales’ capital city you’ll find a mixture of unique attractions, culture, entertainment and quality shopping – all this within half-a-mile of Cardiff Caravan & Camping Park. So where do you start? There’s the Millennium Stadium, an iconic sporting/concert venue and, at the heart of the city, the impressive castle. There are also many museums. Head to Cardiff Bay for waterfront restaurants and bars, where you’ll also find the Millennium Centre with a programme of events such as operas, theatre productions and comedy.

The campsite has 43 grasscrete pitches, each with their own water supply and 16A electric, along with 20 pitches on soft-standing areas. Facilities include toilets and showers, a laundry, free WiFi and cycle hire.

Hendre Mynach

Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1YR
01341 280262
1 March – 9 January

Hendre Mynach is located just 100 metres from the beach, while dog-friendly Barmouth, with its shops and cafés, is a 20-minute walk along the promenade. A small land train runs along the promenade and boat trips can be arranged at the harbour. There are plenty of walks to enjoy, from gentle strolls along the prom, to something more challenging like climbing the local mountain, Cadair Idris.

The campsite provides hardstanding pitches with electric. Facilities include toilets and showers, a motorhome waste point, shop and play area. There are also extra-large pitches available for bigger units.

Red Kite Touring Park

Van Road, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6NG
01686 412122
1 March – 3 January

Located just one mile from the historic town of Llanidloes, Red Kite is an adults-only, five-star campsite set in 20 acres on a south-facing site, just 40 minutes’ drive to the coast. The site features fully serviced pitches laid out into four terraces. The pitches are gravel hardstanding with 16-amp electric, fresh water connection, grey and brown water disposal, free WiFi and piped TV. The award-winning facilities are state of the art, with underfloor heating, toilets, showers, two shower rooms, a wetroom, laundry, dog wash with dryer and there’s also a motorhome waste point.

Red Kite boasts large grounds with nature ponds, walking routes and a dog walk area. There are also lawned areas and pretty wildflower sections. The site is in an ideal location for exploring the Clywedog Reservoir, Hafren Forest and the Elan Valley or further afield the Snowdonia National Park.

Trench Farm Fisheries & Touring Park

Red Hall Lane, Penley, Wrexham LL13 0NA
01978 710098
1 April – 31 October

Trench Farm provides touring pitches alongside excellent fishing opportunities. There are three main pools and a nature reserve and it’s only 20 minutes’ drive to Wrexham. The pools are stocked with carp, rudd, roach and tench. Fishing for two people is included in the pitch price and, even if you’re not into fishing, the location is a great tranquil spot for a peaceful stay. The fisheries have the luxury of being set in 150 acres of farm and woodland, with plenty of wildlife to be seen such as owls, badgers and water voles.

Maps of walks through the countryside are made available to guests and a popular choice is along the Shropshire Union Canal. The National Trust’s Chirk Castle is 10 miles away, set on an outcrop above the meeting point of the Dee and Ceiriog rivers. There are 5.5 acres of manicured lawns, rose and rock gardens, with a terrace giving views over the Cheshire and Salop plains.

Fforest Fields

Hundred House, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5RT
01982 570406
All year

There’s nothing like a traditional campsite holiday, whether that be on your own or with grandchildren in tow, enjoying the great outdoors and with plenty of things to do. Add to that all the comforts of home and you’re on to a winner. Fforest Fields is a secluded 12-acre rural site, a few miles from the market town of Builth Wells in mid-Wales. It was awarded the top accolade of AA Campsite of the Year for Wales 2017.

With all mod cons, such as an award-winning shower block, a disabled wetroom, laundry, shop, hardstanding pitches and electric hook-ups, you’ll be right at home on this campsite. Fforest Fields is all about holidays as they used to be – there’s no clubhouse here, but there are two lakes for paddling, swimming and canoeing, a mountain stream and ponds, and woods and hilly areas to explore.

Islawrffordd Luxury Holiday Park

Talybont, Barmouth, Gwynedd LL43 2AQ
01341 247269
All year

Family owned since 1957, Islawrffordd is a luxury coastal campsite in the village of Talybont, at the southern end of the Snowdonia National Park. The touring area consists of fully serviced hardstanding super pitches with electric, lighting, fresh water, waste water, Elsan point and digital TV connection. As well as a stunning location the site benefits from the best facilities. These include a toilet block with underfloor heating, a games arcade, playground, coffee shop and laundry. There’s also a superb restaurant and bar – Nineteen57, offering both formal and relaxed areas for enjoying locally sourced food.

For leisure time there is an indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, along with a private slipway and access to miles of sandy beach. Islawrffordd is situated on the coast between Barmouth and Harlech, with views of Cardigan Bay. There are plenty of walking and cycle trails in the area and you are just over four miles from Barmouth.

Bron-Y-Wendon Touring Park

Wern Road, Llanddulas, Conwy LL22 8HG
01492 512903
All year

If you’d rather have a view of the sea from your pitch and be just a few minutes’ walk from the sand, then Bron-Y-Wendon is the campsite for you. Located near Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, the site is easily accessible being just off the main A55. And, once on site, there is of course the beach and a great cycle/footpath along the seafront. The site has 130 pitches all with sea views thanks to terracing, set in small groups, with electric hook-up and hardstandings available. On site there is a laundry and two heated shower blocks.

If you fancy exploring further afield then Snowdonia, Llandudno and Chester are all within easy reach. There’s a handy bus stop half-a-mile away in the village.

South Wales Touring Park – Llwynifan Farm

Llangennech, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire SA14 8AX
01554 820420
All year

The hardstanding pitches at adults-only Llwynifan Farm are beautifully landscaped on three tiers across the hillside to make the most of the countryside views. The pitches are a mixture of standard with electric hook-up and fully serviced pitches. All offer WiFi internet connection. The heated amenity building features individual shower rooms, washing-up sinks and a freezer. The site is dog-friendly, with a dedicated exercise area and a local circular river walk.

Located on the edge of Llangennech (one mile from the M4) and just 15 minutes’ drive from the lovely Carmarthen coast, Llwynifan Farm provides an excellent base to explore the Gower Peninsula and the Brecon Beacons, including Carreg Cennen Castle. The castle sits on a sharp hilltop, with views of Black Mountain and the rolling countryside. The Brecon Beacons National Park opens up all sorts of adventurous opportunities. There are walking routes for all abilities, cycle paths, and you can arrange to go canoeing, kayaking, caving and potholing.

Fishguard Bay Resort

Dinas Cross, Newport, Pembrokeshire SA65 9ET
01348 811415
March – January

Located within the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, this site has to offer one of the best views from a pitch ever. Set on the coastline there are a choice of hardstanding and grass touring pitches with electric. On-site facilities include toilets and showers, a laundry, play area, games room, shop and bakery.

Walkers and nature lovers can explore many paths and trails that are directly accessible from the site or you can simply sit back and enjoy the views. The coastal path runs directly through the site or there is also a gentle circular hour-long walk giving great views. There are several hidden coves and beaches in the area.

Two unique features of Fishguard Bay are the luxury hampers you can pre-order for your stay – there’s one that covers all things breakfast, or cheese and biscuits and a selection of Welsh goodies. The other on-site treat is the Pamper Pod where you can relax and enjoy a facial or a massage.

Erwlon Caravan & Camping Park

Brecon Road, Llandovery, Carmarthenshire SA20 0RD
01550 721021
All year

Near the pretty town of Llandovery and handy for exploring the Brecon Beacons, Erwlon is a tranquil and well-maintained site. There are 40 spacious pitches, including some full service super pitches, with a heated amenity block featuring family rooms. If relaxation is your thing, you can just sit outside on site and watch red kites fly overhead, spot kingfisher on the riverbank and keep an eye out for wild mink that have been spotted in this area.

For adrenaline junkies there is a full-scale mountain bike park in the south Wales valleys, a 45-minute drive away. Bike Park Wales offers a variety of trails from beginner to pro level, around Gethin Woods near Merthyr Tydfil. For those who prefer their bike rides more on the genteel side then the country lanes around Erwlon are ideal, with routes around the Towy Valley and through the Brecons. The campsite can even arrange bike hire, along with storage and cleaning.

Plassey Holiday Park

Eyton, Wrexham LL13 0SP
01978 780277
9 February – 4 November

Plassey is a little bit special – a luxurious campsite in private grounds and home to a retail village in converted Edwardian buildings. There are more the 20 independent boutiques and shops here, as well as an a la carte restaurant and coffee shop. Those staying on site have access to a nine-hole golf course, too. The site has hardstanding and super pitches with electric, with toilet and shower blocks, a games room and shop. There’s an indoor swimming pool, a play park, badminton, table tennis and fishing ponds.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the cycle paths and the miles of nature trails over 247 acres of farmland. If you decide to head off site then historic Chester and beautiful Llangollen are nearby. A 15-minute drive away is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain.

Dinlle Touring Park

Dinas Dinlle, near Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL54 5TW
01286 830324
1 March – 30 November

Just a stone’s throw away from an expanse of golden sandy beach, Dinlle is situated on the west coast of north Wales near Caernarfon. With views to the Snowdon mountain range and the top coastal location, this is the perfect site for walkers and photographers. It’s also a top site for those who like to have lots to do – there are plenty of leisure facilities here. These include an outdoor heated pool with sundeck, conservatory bar, family bar, play areas and games room. The site is split into various areas for tourers and statics. Pitches are available with electric hook-up and facilities include toilets, showers, a family room and a laundry.

Dinlle is a 20-minute drive from the town of Caernarfon, where you’ll also find a commanding and impressive castle, which is a World Heritage Site. Interesting to note are the polygonal towers instead of the usual round ones. If you don’t want to take the ’van into Caernarfon there is a cycle route from the site.

This feature was oroiginally published in the July 2018 issue of MMM magazine. Want to read more like it? Subscribe to MMM magazine here.