If you want to explore Wales or haven’t been camping before, you must wonder what are the best campsites in Wales for families. Wales has scenic countryside, beautiful national parks, over 600 castles, and much more.
Camping is a beautiful activity you can do with your family, because it helps you connect and strengthen your bonds, while relaxing and having fun. You can explore the area, or stay at one place for several days, and do whatever feels suitable for your family at the moment. Camping allows you to have your own pace.
What Are the Best Campsites in Wales for Families?
Since wild camping in Wales is not allowed and there are no exceptions to the rule, you should learn about the best campsites in Wales for families before your next camping trip. Decide on the campsite based on location, amenities, and price. Here are the best options you can choose from today:
1. Tyn-yr-Onnen Farm
Location: Caernarfon, Gwynedd, Wales
Tyn-yr-Onnen Farm is the place for you if you love the outdoors, want to camp in the mountains, yearn to breathe clean air, and sip spring water. Discover the charming Surf Snowdonia, Welsh Highland Steam Railway, Zip World, and the surrounding beaches. At Beaumaris Castle or Caernarfon, immerse yourself in Welsh history while getting up close to some adorable farm animals. This is the ideal location for Snowdonia National Park.
On-site amenities include a family shower area, modern restroom buildings with free hot showers, and baby changing stations. A small on-site store that sells hot and cold drinks, some basic foods, and sweets is located near the playground, which has swings and roundabouts. There is free WiFi, a room with washing machines, a tumble drier, and also a fridge, and a freezer.
2. Bwlchgwyn Farm
Location: Fairbourne, Gwynedd, Wales
On the outskirts of Snowdonia National Park is Bwlchgwyn Farm and Pony Trekking. This rustic campground has views of the Mawddach Estuary and the Welsh shoreline. This tranquil farm and horse facility features cosy glamping pods in addition to a variety of camping and RV sites. It's a wonderful base because it's close to the beautiful beaches and situated alongside the Mawddach Trail. A trail even connects to the magnificent Blue Lake.
Private, individual restrooms with free hot water and showers are offered in two contemporary shower buildings on site. Additionally, there are two covered washing areas with three big sinks and drainers each, a coin-operated washing machine, and a tumble drier. Kiln-dried wood and kindling can be bought from the property, and fire pits and barbecues are permitted. The nearby village of Fairbourne, where you can find a pub, a post office, takeaways, and shops, meets all requirements and is five minutes away by car or 20 minutes away by foot.
3. Cwmdu
Location: Crickhowell, Powys, Wales
Cwmdu in Crickhowell is one of the best campsites in Wales for families located in the centre of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Its fantastic location allows you to access hiking trails in the Black Mountains and Beacons. Abergavenny is 15 minutes away, as is the charming market village of Crickhowell, as well as the Greenman Festival, from the location. Dogs are allowed, and campfires in raised fire pits are encouraged.
The campground's amenities include spotless restrooms, free hot water showers, a laundry area, sinks for washing dishes, and a well-stocked store with camping necessities like snacks, drinks, and food staples. A microwave and a covered picnic spot are available to campers. On-site high-speed Wi-Fi is accessible. A fantastic neighbourhood café with the finest home-cooked breakfast for miles and takeout pizzas can be found within a few minutes. Close to the campsite is also The Farmers Arms, a charming neighbourhood pub.
4. Nantcol Waterfalls
Location: Llanbedr, Gwynedd, Wales
From this ideal location, you can take advantage of a campfire, wild swimming, a day at Shell Island's shore, or any number of other breathtaking activities in the Snowdonia National Park. The pitches at Nantcol Waterfalls benefit from the nearby river's gentle babbling and are located in the heart of waterfall country as you might imagine. Create some wonderful family moments while sleeping in your camper, outside, or even inside a charming glamping pod or bell tent. On-site fishing is also an option.
There are restrooms, men's and women's showers, and accessible amenities on the property. A dishwashing station, freezer, phone charging, and WiFi are also available for a small fee. During the summer, a small store offers camping supplies, soft drinks, and ice cream. During the warmer months, a delicious pizza stand stops by the location. A few miles away, in Llanbedr, are shops and pubs.
5. Torrent Walk
Location: Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales
Torrent Walk, which is tucked between hills and mountains, is the best campsite in Wales for families exploring Snowdonia National Park. Visitors can anticipate a relaxed, welcoming environment with views of the impressive Cader Idris. It is ideally situated just off the A470, making it simple to reach nearby sites like the Coed Y Brenin Bike Centre, Zip World, Torrent Walk, and water sports in Bala or Barmouth.
There is a sizable restroom complex on site with strong, hot showers. A microwave, kettle, refrigerator, and freezer, are all shared. The washroom, which has coin-operated laundry machines and tumble dryers, is also available to visitors. Fire pits can be rented at the front desk. Essentials are available at the nearby gas station, and the market town of Dolgellau, which has stores and restaurants, is five minutes away by car.
6. Cefn Coed
Location: Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, Wales
Cefn Coed, which translates to "back of the woods," is a charming, old-world Welsh farm estate with origins that go back to the sixteenth century. With both tent and campervan pitches available, you're in a prime location to take in Snowdonia's idyllic scenery. The campground offers both picturesque fields and immersive forest pitches.
There are restrooms and showers as well as several water faucets scattered throughout the area. The Mawddach estuary is just five minutes distant, and Dolgellau town is reachable on foot or by bicycle.
7. Celtic Camping
Location: St David's, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Enjoy one of the best campsites, Celtic Camping in Wales for families which is spread out over several camping areas and offers stunning views of the coast. Campfires are permitted, and animals are accepted in this lovely setting. All of this is incredibly near to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, making it possible to walk in half an hour to the Blue Lagoon and Abereiddy. The magnificent beaches of Whitesands and Newgale as well as Britain's tiniest city St. Davids are only a brief drive away.
A big indoor dining hall with fridges, freezers, kettles, and toasters is one of the facilities. There is also a laundry with washers and dryers. The entire location offers Wi-Fi for a small fee. The communal barn, which offers a place for campers to cook, dine, and wash up if the weather makes doing so outside difficult, contributes to the site's distinctiveness. Only a short walk away you will find pubs and cafes, including the amazing Sloop Inn pub.
What Camping Essentials Do You Need for Family Camping?
When you decide to go camping you have to choose between a camper and a tent first. If you have a camper, which is a more expensive but more comfortable option, you will already have certain amenities installed. On the other hand, with a tent you can go to more remote locations, it is cheaper, it is more exciting and gives you a better connection to nature.
Whatever your choice, here are the essentials you should always have with you when camping:
Tent
If your choice is tent camping, you must not forget to bring a tent. Choose a durable tent that can fit your family, or have two smaller tents if your family is larger and you want some privacy from ther people. Lightweight tents are the best option because you do not want to carry a heavy tent or overload your car.
Sleeping Bags
The easiest way to feel comfortable at night is to have a sleeping bag. With a good sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere, and it is cosy and warm even in a tent. Sleeping bags should be used for camping regardless of time of the year, because nights can get cold even in summer. If traveling with a partner, you can get two sleeping bags that zip together which will help you stay extra warm.
Portable Power Station
A portable power station can make your trip so much more enjoyable, and also much longer because you won’t depend on the grid to charge your devices or cook. You can power small appliances or charge your phone and your laptop, or use it for a space heater and refrigerator.
First Aid Kit
This is essential for any trip, shorter or longer. Accidents can happen and you can get hurt while hiking or cooking, so having some bandages until you get medical help is very important. You can fill your kit with sterile gloves, safety pins, plasters, etc, or you can buy pre-packed ones.
Bug Spray
We all know why this is so important. There are so many little creatures that can bite us and cause allergies or just annoying itching that our happiness depends on it. Never go on a camping trip without bug repellent.
