Wales doesn’t do 'boring'. One minute you’re scrambling up Snowdon, the next you’re exploring a stunning wild swimming spot, running along a clifftop path or chilling out on a windswept beach.
From breathtaking national parks to serene coastal corners, this little country packs a proper punch when it comes to adventure potential (remember to pack your boots, a waterproof jacket, and your best camera!).
And the best way to soak it all in? Camping, of course. Pitching your tent (or parking the van) means swapping stonky hotel bills for campfire breakfasts, early starts on the trail, and front-row sunset seats (complete with sundowners, obvs).
From sea-view pitches to sheltered mountain meadows, we've uncovered some of the best campsites in Wales - the perfect places for folks who like their adventures on the wild side...
- Best for Hikers: Cwmrhwyddfor Campsite, Tal Y Llyn, Gwynedd
- Best for Trail Runners: Trellyn Woodland Camping, Abercastle, Pembrokeshire
- Best for Climbers: Bryn Tyrch Farm Campsite, Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed
- Best for Families: Pencarnan Farm Campsite, St David’s, Pembrokeshire
- Best for Dog Owners: Graig Wen, Dolgellau, Snowdonia
- Best for Sea Kayakers & SUP: Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park, St David’s, Pembrokeshire
- Best for Epic Sunsets: Aberafon Campsite, Caernarfon, Llŷn Peninsula
- Best for Glamping: The Red Kite Tree Tents, Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys
- Best for Wilderness & Isolation: Wild Camping at Ty’n Cornel Hostel, Cambrian Mountains
- Best for Multi-Activity Adventurers: Dolgam Campsite, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
Best for Hikers: Cwmrhwyddfor Campsite, Tal Y Llyn, Gwynedd
Looking for a basecamp for a hike up the iconic Cadair Idris - on our list of Amazing Things to do in Snowdonia? Cwmrhwyddfor is just about as close as you can get without wild camping (technically not allowed in Wales anyway).
Family-run and wonderfully quiet, this campsite sits at the base of the mountain’s southern flank, offering a direct gateway to the Pony Path.
Highlight: Watch the morning mist curl off Cadair Idris while you prep for the day's adventure.
Book: Call 01654 761286 / 01654 761380 or pitch up — old-school charm, card machines not guaranteed!
Best for Trail Runners: Trellyn Woodland Camping, Abercastle, Pembrokeshire
A peaceful, low-impact campsite hidden in a sheltered Pembrokeshire woodland, Trellyn is a dream base for trail runners who like their miles served with sea views. From here, you can lace up your kicks and hit the Pembrokeshire Coast Path or explore inland woodland loops.
When you’re not clocking up the kilometres, there’s campfires, swimming and stargazing to ease those tired legs.
Highlight: With only 8/9 pitches, it's a really special, intimate campsite - plus there's free firewood for campfires
Book: trellyn.co.uk
Best for Climbers: Bryn Tyrch Farm Campsite, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdon
Perfectly placed for easy access to Snowdonia’s infamous mountain routes, Bryn Tyrch Farm is a no-frills, all-thrills basecamp for climbers. Within minutes, you can be racking up at North Wales classic trad venues like Tryfan, the Glyders, and Llanberis Pass or pulling on your boots ready to take on the highest mountain in Wales (we've got you covered with everything you need to know before climbing Snowdon).
The family-run campsite is simple but perfectly placed, with warm showers and unbeatable mountain views, where you can soak up the post-climb glory with a brew in hand.
Highlight: Check out the next day’s objective from your tent door.
Book: Direct via their website or call ahead — it's refreshingly old-school.
Best Family-Friendly: Pencarnan Farm Campsite, St David’s, Pembrokeshire
A laid-back, family-friendly site perched on the Pembrokeshire coastline, Pencarnan Farm has a real back-to-nature feel. Kids will love the beach access, tractor rides and safe open spaces, while grown-ups can soak up the stunning views and occasional dolphin sighting.
With direct access to the Coastal Path and other amazing walks in the Pembrokeshire National Park, it’s the perfect base for memorable family hikes.
Highlight: The on-site café/bar serving up wood-fired pizzas, craft beer and homemade cakes
Book: pencarnanfarm.co.uk
Best Dog-Friendly: Graig Wen, Dolgellau, Snowdonia
Well behaved dogs are always welcome at Graig Wen, a gorgeous campsite with easy access to the Mawddach Trail and woodland walks galore. The site offers both tent pitches and glamping options, with plenty of sniff-worthy terrain for four-legged pals.
There’s even dog-washing facilities to clean up muddy paws post-adventure.
Highlight: Walk from your pitch straight onto the scenic Mawddach Estuary trail where dogs can run safely off-lead (as long as they're under control).
Book: graigwen.co.uk
Best for Sea Kayakers & SUP: Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park, St David’s, Pembrokeshire
Perched atop the cliffs with views for days, Caerfai Bay is a paddler’s paradise. Launch your kayak or paddleboard directly from Caerfai beach - just 300 yards below the site - or explore further afield along Pembrokeshire’s rugged, wildlife-rich coastline.
Add in sunsets that will stop you mid-paddle, and you’ve got the ultimate waterside wild escape. Aaaanndd relax.....
Highlight: A morning paddle with curious seals for company, then back to the site for a coffee....
Book: caerfaibay.co.uk
Best for Epic Sunsets: Aberafon Campsite, Caernarfon, Llŷn Peninsula
Pitch up just metres from the water’s edge at Aberafon, and settle in for nature’s best nightly light show.
The sunsets here over the Irish Sea are legendary, painting the sky in fiery pinks and oranges as the day winds down. On calmer days, the bay is perfect for swimming or SUP, too.
Highlight: Falling asleep to the sound of waves, then waking to incredible sunrises and sparkly seas.
Book: aberafon.co.uk
Best for Glamping: The Red Kite Tree Tents, Newbridge-on-Wye, Powys
For a wilder kind of luxury, Red Kite Tree Tents offers insulated, globe-shaped, suspended tree tents strung up in remote Welsh woodland.
Featured on George Glarke's Amazing Spaces, this is a super special spot where you’ll wake to birdsong and red kite fly-bys, fall asleep under the stars, and enjoy some much-needed R&R in between. It’s a proper off-grid adventure — just with extra-comfy bedding.
Highlight: Waking up cocooned in a treetop pod like a woodland hobbit.
Book: redkitetreetents.com
Best for Wilderness & Isolation: Wild Camping at Ty’n Cornel Hostel, Cambrian Mountains
If you like your camping wild, remote, and phone-signal free, Ty’n Cornel is a dream. This former drovers’ hostel offers wild camping pitches in a landscape of rolling moors, crags and star-filled dark skies.
It’s as close as you can get to solitude, short of moving in with the sheep!
Highlight: No roads, no reception, no noise — just pure Welsh wilderness.
Book: elenydd-hostels.co.uk
Best for Multi-Activity Adventurers: Dolgam Campsite, Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia
Located right in the heart of Snowdonia’s outdoor playground, Dolgam is perfectly placed whether you're climbing, hiking, biking, or paddling.
The campsite offers easy access to rivers, peaks, forests, and trails — with Betws-y-Coed’s pubs and shops just down the road for those well-earned pints.
Highlight: One basecamp, endless adventure options.
Book: dolgam-snowdonia.co.uk
