Camping in North Wales: 10 Best Campsites in North Wales

Camping in the North Wales provides adventure lovers and seekers of the natural world with an experience like no other. Wales has much to offer campers, including stunning scenery, various species, and tranquil settings.

The North Wales countryside has plenty to offer everyone, whether you're a classic camper with a tent or someone who enjoys extra comfort through glamping. We'll discuss the ten best campsites in North Wales on this page, particularly emphasising the Brecon Beacons and famous locations like the Cwmdu Campsite.   

In our pursuit of eco-conscious travel experiences, we may discover ourselves in remote, off-grid destinations. Nonetheless, using electricity to charge your phone, work remotely, or even relish an outdoor BBQ remains feasible. We suggest using a Jackery Solar Generator, a portable solar system, to provide renewable energy for your appliances.

Is North Wales Good for Camping? 

North Wales is a treasure trove of adventure just waiting to be discovered; it's not simply another place to visit. With its untamed mountains of Snowdonia and the tranquil beaches of Anglesey, the area has plenty of opportunities for exciting outdoor activities and restful getaways. Lone travellers may immerse themselves in a complete and immersive travel experience in this region, which is well-known for its natural beauty, cultural legacy, and unique Welsh friendliness.

Scenic Beauty & Outdoor Adventures

Take in all that North Wales's magnificent scenery has to offer. The area is well-known for providing various outdoor activities, including mountains, beaches, and woods. North Wales offers an incredible playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers, with activities like trekking in Snowdonia National Park and touring the castles in Criccieth.

Rich Cultural Heritage

Discover the richness of Welsh customs and culture in North Wales. The region is rich in history, with old castles, customs, and celebrations. Historic sites and cultural activities abound in towns like Llandudno and Criccieth, which provide insights into the dynamic Welsh way of life.

Great Family Living

North Wales offers families a stimulating environment highlighted by its top-notch schools, secure neighbourhoods, and plenty of family-friendly events. Families may enjoy festivals and activities in Llandudno and Criccieth, which promote community cohesion and help people make enduring memories. It's the perfect location for a happy and balanced family life because many parks, beaches, and natural beauty are nearby, along with a reduced cost of living.

What Is The Best Time to Camp in North Wales? 

The ideal time to camp in North Wales is usually in the summer, particularly in July and August. The warmest temperatures, longer days, and drier weather make these months quite enjoyable compared to the rest of the year. There are a few things to keep in mind when planning a camping trip to North Wales:

Do You Need A License for Camping in North Wales? 

The two primary authorisations required to open a campground in most of the UK are planning permission and a camping or caravan site licence.

It's essential to remember that a licence will only be issued for a location that has been granted planning permission. Therefore, you should wait to submit your licensing application until your planning approval has been approved. More information on requesting planning approval may be found here.

Generally speaking, the application procedure for a camping or caravan site licence is more straightforward than a planning permit application. Therefore, the details you provided to obtain planning clearance will be helpful in the form required to apply for a licence. Obtain this form from the licensing department of your municipality; it may typically be completed online. It will need the address, acreage, and site plan of the location you intend to utilise.

The application process could cost money; however, it's free for areas reserved only for tents in many places. The final license may include conditions on the number of pitches, spacing, restrooms, showers, and other amenities.

North Wales Camping Essentials 

Having all the equipment is necessary before heading out to your chosen campground. That way, you save time searching for supplies around the local towns. Are you unsure about what to bring for your camping in North Wales? Regardless of the campsites in Wales you choose, I strongly advise you to pack these essentials. Follow this camping checklist, and you won't forget a thing.

Even without your usual kitchen, you can still cook up a storm with the right equipment. A gas stove or portable BBQ will do the trick, and investing in one won't break the bank. You can pick up a gas cylinder and stove attachment.

You can get away with bringing a couple of pairs of breezy cargo trousers or shorts, cosy T-shirts and some fresh knickers and socks if you visit Wales in the summer. But, because Welsh weather can be erratic, bringing along a few warmer clothing items might also be a good idea. 

If you're travelling to North Wales in the winter, you must bring warm, snuggly gear to remain warm. Consider wearing fleeces or jumpers made of wool, jogging bottoms or jeans, and many layers. Whichever season you camp in North Wales, you will always need a lightweight, water-resistant jacket or raincoat.

Besides GPS devices, radios, maps, and car tools, power is also essential in your camping activities. Although many campsites offer electrical hook-ups, many individuals value the experience of camping without electricity. While camping signifies a return to nature for some, others establish their campsites to work remotely or relax with modern conveniences. Consider the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus or the 1000 v2.

Camping may be a journey back to nature, but that doesn't imply you need to compromise on personal hygiene. Indeed, appropriate toiletries can significantly enhance your comfort and overall experience. Maintaining good hygiene is essential for stopping the spread of illness, particularly in shared camping environments.

10 Best Campsites in North Wales 

North Wales has a vast number of campgrounds. Therefore, we've selected ten of the greatest ones for you to pick from.

1. Llyn Gwynant Campsite

Location: 3X2M+W3, Nant Gwynant, Caernarfon LL55 4NW (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1766 890302

Website: Llyn Gwynant Campsite

Facilities: Reception, limited WiFi, laundry, boat hire, first aid cabinet, carpark, rubbish bins, drinking water, fire points, hot showers, toilets

Activities: Boating, walking, boat launching, climbing, swimming, camping

This campground, tucked away on Llyn Gwynant's banks, provides stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. For exploring Snowdon and the nearby hiking routes, it's the perfect starting point.

This is the perfect campground if you're seeking lakefront camping in Snowdonia. A campground called Llyn Gwynant is located in the centre of Snowdonia National Park.  Campers in the Llyn Gwynant Lake can launch boats, a stand-up paddleboard (see our comprehensive review here), a kayak, or a canoe. Additionally, you may swim in the river and lake.

2. Shell Island Campsite

Location: Shell Island, Llanbedr LL45 2PJ (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1341 241453

Website: Shell Island Campsite

Facilities: Toilets, showers, shops, tavern bar, snack bar, battery charging, water supply, washing dishes, security, rubbish bins, post box, games room, fire extinguisher points, sports room  

Activities: Camping, fishing, bird watching, crabbing, sightseeing, beach sports

Shell Island, a large campground with breathtaking coastline views and Snowdonia National Park, is close to Harlech. It provides a range of camping spaces, such as pitches along the beach, dunes, and fields. Shell Island is one of the largest campgrounds in the UK, with almost 300 acres set aside for camping. There are no designated pitches here, so feel free to explore and choose the perfect spot for you, whether tucked away in the forest or just next to the ocean!

3. Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite

Location: Cefn Uchaf, Llanbedr LL45 2PL (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1341 241209

Website: Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite

Facilities: Electric hook-ups, WiFi, washrooms, showers, toilets, disabled facilities, launderette, dishwashing area, campfire allowed, Glamping pods

Activities: Camping, sightseeing, beach sports, hiking, biking, bird watching

Nestled at the base of the craggy Rhinog mountain range and only a few kilometres from golden sandy beaches, Nantcol Waterfalls Campsite is a family-friendly campground offering a unique Snowdonia camping experience.

The campground is a charming, remote location that offers easy access to the river and waterfalls. Large pitches are available, and camping is allowed on seven acres of level land. You can hear the soothing sounds of the waterfalls from wherever you are pitching. Both dogs and campfires are permitted at this campground.

4. Crugan Farm Llanbedrog

Location: Llanbedrog, Pwllheli LL53 7NL (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1758 740273

Website: Crugan Farm Llanbedrog

Facilities: Farm shop, vending machine, local pubs, toilet, laundry, washing up area, free WiFi, kid playing area, storage area for boats & jet skis

Activities: Coastline sightseeing, hiking, camping, museums, surfing, beach sports, golf  

Beautiful Crugan Farm Touring Site provides a great starting point for exploring the Llŷn Peninsula. The campground has significant, level, hard-standing spaces with metered mains, water and power that are ideal for touring caravans, campers, and motorhomes.

The campground is situated halfway between Pwllheli and Abersoch. It's a short walk from the campground to Llanbedrog beach, so bring the paddleboards. An enclosed kids' play area, free WiFi throughout the campground, and a contemporary lavatory and laundry facility exist.        

5. Pant Yr Onnen

Location: Pant Yr Onnen, Lakeside Campsite, Llangower, Bala LL23 7BT (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 7946 374173

Website: Pant Yr Onnen 

Facilities: Public toilets, disabled toilets, shower block, washing-up facilities, electric hook-ups, shallow lake shore, boat lunch sites, refuse disposal point, Elsan point

Activities: Walking, hiking, fishing, water sports, cycling, Spa, motorsports, local attractions

On the southern bank of Bala Lake (Llyn Tegid), Pant-Yr-Onnen is a family-friendly lakeside campground that provides camping close to Bala. One of our other fave campsites with paddleboard access is this one, which offers easy access to Bala Lake for launching SUPs, inflatable kayaks, and canoes or trying out sailing or wild swimming.   

6. Tyddyn Isaf

Location: Lligwy Bay, Dulas, Amlwch LL70 9PQ (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1248 410203

Website: Tyddyn Isaf 

Facilities: Kids playground, business centre, laundry room, EV charging point

Activities: Beach, marketplace, grazing ground, gym, hiking, climbing, camping

We have visited our favourite campground, Tyddyn Isaf, twice in the past two years. Known as one of our top coastal campsites in the UK, this well-maintained, family-friendly campground has easy access to Lligwy Beach. The beach and campground are ideal for water activities and are dog-friendly.                         

7. Abbey Farm Campsite

Location: Abbey Farm, Llangollen LL20 8DD (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1978 861297

Website: Abbey Farm Campsite

Facilities: Pitches, holiday cottages, Bistro, laundry service, toilets, shower blocks, utility area, chemical toilet disposal points, water points, CCTV, farm shop

Activities: Rafting, mountain biking, valle cruise abbey, boating, museum, walking, fishing

Situated in the undulating hills of the North Wales countryside, Abbey Farm is a working farm only a mile from the charming town of Llangollen. It takes around 1.5 hours to reach all major tourist destinations in Snowdonia and North Wales. The camping area is next to the Abbey ruins, and there is a little creek across the field's back, making it a serene spot ideal for kids wearing wellies!      

8. Aberafon Campsite

Location: Gyrn Goch, Caernarfon LL54 5PN (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1286 660295

Website: Aberafon Campsite

Facilities: 15 acres of valley grounds, level pitches, toilets, showers, shaving points, water points, electric hook-ups, chemical disposal points, laundry & dishwashing facilities, bungalow rent

Activities: Zip wire, Conwy Castle, gallery, Bodnant gardens, zoo, climbing, karts

Aberafon is a well-liked caravan and camping area on the Llyn Peninsula in North Wales. There is easy access for boat launches from the campground, which borders a private beach. Five of the fifteen acres of valley grounds include flat, shaded pitches.

The views and landscape are beautiful, with beautiful seascapes and sweeping views that make for a peaceful place for kids to relax and play. You can fish well in the sea and rivers nearby and go for great walks in the mountains and along the coast. The spot is near the Yr Eifl mountains, which tower over the valley and lead to the sea. Gyrn Goch is a 1,500-foot mountain that is close by.

9. Beddgelert Campsite

Location: Beddgelert Campsite A4085, Gwynedd, Beddgelert LL55 4UU (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1766 890288

Website: Beddgelert Campsite

Facilities: Hygiene facilities, shower, toilet, hairdryer, wash basin, heated towel rail, hard-standing pitches, electric hook-ups, WiFi, limited car parking

Activities: Rock climbing, biking, hiking, zipping, pottery painting, sightseeing

Because of the enchanted atmosphere of the forest, this Beddgelert woodland camping is one of my favourite campgrounds in North Wales. There are still 26 grass camping sites and 59 hard-standing pitches at the location, and although Forest Holidays has just joined the property, they provide opulent log houses in the forest.

The log homes don't change the location's vibe. The "Bake House" on campus serves delicious pizza, burgers, and curries and is a terrific place to have breakfast. Onsite, 1085 trips provide guided trips in addition to bike rentals.

10. Bert's Kitchen Garden

Location: Morfa Farm, Trefor, Caernarfon LL54 5LD (Open with Google Maps)

Phone: +44 1286 660823

Website: Bert's Kitchen Garden

Facilities: Toilets, showers, water supply, communal fridge & freezer, limited WiFi, baby equipment, campfires, BBQs, recycling bins, dog-friendly

Activities: Yoga, water sports, kayaking, sightseeing, hiking, camping

Bert's Kitchen Garden is the ideal campsite in North Wales if you want to camp in a meadow filled with wildflowers, close to a bountiful kitchen garden, and only a short walk from the sea!

Get away from it all, re-establish a connection with the natural world, put down your phone, and savour the peace and beauty of the Llyn Peninsula at our campground. They have the capacity for campervans, two glamping tents, Otto the Schoolie, and Hank the converted camper, in addition to the eighteen tent pitches.  

Jackery Solar Generators for Camping

The lack of sound significantly improves camping, frequently associated with peace and a bond with the outdoors. Numerous animals exhibit sensitivity to noise and tend to be more visible or audible in tranquil settings. Experiencing a peaceful campsite together can deepen connections and forge unforgettable memories.

If you're looking for a generator with a lower noise level, we strongly recommend the Jackery Solar Generator. Compared to other fuel generators, it operates at a sound level as quiet as a human whisper, creating a serene and comfortable camping atmosphere.

Jackery Solar Panels can capture sunlight during the day, allowing you to store electricity in the Jackery Portable Power Station for nighttime or future use. You can also recharge it using wall outlets, camper outlets, or a carport. The increased capacity and multiple outputs guarantee you can charge appliances for several days.    

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus

The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus is a fantastic choice for your North Wales camping trip, providing impressive performance. This super versatile solar generator offers great capacity, making it an ideal all-in-one solution to power your adventures!  

• Satisfy Your Power Needs: This solar generator, boasting an impressive 1264Whcapacity and a robust 2000W output, is an excellent choice for keeping most of your caravan appliances powered up. If you ever need it, you can easily enhance the power capacity of the Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus to a fantastic 5kWh by adding extra battery packs!
• Refueling in Your Camper or Outdoor: This impressive IBC Technology enables the generator to be solar charged in about 5 hoursusing SolarSaga 100W solar panels. You can also charge it in just 1.7 hours using your caravan outlet or carport, making it even more convenient!  
• Don't Worry about Bother Anyone: Discover unparalleled serenitywith our silent, emission-free technology. The Jackery Solar Generator 1000 Plus core comprises LiFePO4 battery cells, renowned for their exceptional durability. This battery lasts up to 10 years or exceeds 4,000 charge cycles, rendering it an outstanding long-term investment.  

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2

Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 is the smallest and lightest 1 kWh solar generator for camping, which pairs the Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station with SolarSaga 100W solar panels. Compared to Solar Generator 2000 Plus, it is more suitable for charging your campervan, caravan, or 4WD vehicle appliances.

• Charging Several Appliances in Emergencies: The Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station provides a phenomenal 1500W output, 50% more than prior editions, to efficiently run high-demand needs, including refrigerators, ovens, portable air conditioners, etc. With USB-A/C connections and up to 100W dual PD charging, it can simultaneously charge several devices (phone, laptop), serving as the best companion for your North Wales camping.
• Multiple Recharging Options: The Emergency Charge Mode lets the Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station be wholly charged in less than an hour, providing vital power backup when your battery runs low. If you want to recharge it, it will take 5 hoursfor wall charging and 12 hours for car charging. Besides, a SolarSaga 100W solar panel will take 15 hours to recharge fully.  
• Higher Solar Conversion Rate: The Jackery SolarSaga 100W Solar Panel boasts a solar conversion rate of up to 25%; it is optimally designed for outdoor use and unforeseen power interruptions. The solar panel weighs about 8 lbs, is lightweight, foldable, and equipped with a convenient carry handle, enhancing its portability. 

Tips for Camping in North Wales

Here are some valuable suggestions to help you get the most out of your North Wales camping trip, whether you're tent camping or glamping:

Weather Preparedness

Wales may have erratic weather, so being ready for everything is essential. Bring lots of layers, sturdy shoes, and waterproof apparel to stay warm. Nighttime temperatures can drop considerably, even in the summer.

Leave No Trace

As with any wild camp, abiding by the leave-no-trace guidelines is crucial. This implies that nobody should be able to identify you when you break camp in the morning. The following are the main ideas of Leave No Trace:

Make preparations and advance plans before you go.

Look into potential locations to ensure your first choice won't be taken. Ensure you have the gear, know-how, and abilities to handle inclement weather, possible threats, and emergencies. Repackaging your food is one component to consider when planning to ensure you only have a little trash to carry out.

Go and set your tent on sturdy terrain.

Avoid setting up your tent on fragile or sensitive vegetation and locations where you might upset wildlife and ecosystems. Select a campsite that still needs signs of degradation or past usage. After you've packed up your tent, the only thing that seems out of place is a patch of slightly flattened grass.

Properly dispose of garbage.

It's as easy as packing it in and packing it out. Put another way, bring it with you if you got it. This covers all trash and food waste, such as orange peels and banana skins. If the need arises, dig a hole with a trowel at least 15 cm deep and more than 30 meters away from any bodies of water.

Bury your waste and bring used toilet paper in a strong ziplock bag when you go. When cleaning yourself or your camping cookware, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes in a collapsable bucket and use a small quantity of soap that decomposes naturally. By doing this, water sources are kept clean.

Reduce the effects of campfires.

Avoiding starting a campfire in the first place is the simplest method to reduce its effects. In all likelihood, a campfire is optional if you're going wild camping in North Wales. If you're up in the Snowdonia mountains, there won't be enough gasoline, and the smoke will draw attention. Instead, bring a small, light camping stove so you may have a hot cup of coffee and a filling camp dinner first thing in the morning.

North Wales Camping FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about camping in North Wales.

1. Can I wild camp in North Wales?

Wild camping is strictly prohibited in North Wales without the landowner's consent. There are no exceptions to this regulation. However, this does not preclude wild camping in Wales; rather, it only implies that to maintain legality, you must obtain permission from the landowners before setting up your tent.

2. What time of year is best to camp in Wales?

One of the greatest seasons to camp in Wales is the first part of the year, from March to June. Savour the combination of nice weather, blossoming scenery, and fewer people. Springtime usually brings cooler weather, making outdoor activities like riding, hiking, and nature exploration more enjoyable.

3. What is the coldest month in North Wales?

The 4.0-month chilly season runs from November 15 to March 14, with daily highs often below 49°F. At an average low of 35°F and high of 44°F, January is the coldest month of the year in Wales.

Final Thoughts

The pleasure of camping in North Wales is unmatched. Wales has much to offer every kind of camper, from the untamed splendour of the Brecon Beacons to the quaint Cwmdu Campsite and the opulent glamping possibilities. In one of the most breathtaking places on earth, embrace the experience, connect with the natural environment, and make lifelong memories.