Campsites in Betws Y Coed, Conwy

36 bookable campsites within 15 miles of Betws Y Coed Sorted by distance

Why visit Betws-y-Coed?

Forest walks and mountain hikes

Known as the gateway to Snowdonia National Park, Betws-y-Coed is surrounded by wooded hills that are just begging to be explored. From the village, following the rugged banks of the River Llugwy takes you past the stepped wooden Miners Bridge to the cascades at Swallow Falls; or you can venture into Gwydyr Forest, scrambling on narrow paths through fir trees to Llyn Elsi lake, high above Betws-y-Coed (at an elevation of about 700 feet). Of course, the ultimate prize is Snowdon itself, Wales’s highest mountain, from the top of which (on a clear day) you can see as far as the Irish coast.  

Snowdonia activities

In addition to almost 1,500 miles of paths weaving through dense woodland, past gushing waterfalls and up rugged hills and mountains like Moel Siabod, Snowdonia National Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. If you prefer two wheels to two legs, there are plenty of cycle routes – from recreational trails for family excursions to Antur Stiniog’s thrilling mountain-biking tracks. The craggy landscape around Llanberis Pass is popular for bouldering and rock climbing, and with Snowdonia also encompassing both freshwater lakes like Llyn Tegid and a good stretch of coast, you’ll be able to give your paddleboard or canoe a bit of a workout, too. 

Historic castles

In the Middle Ages, this mountainous region was heavily disputed between Welsh princes and English kings, and as a result, defensive fortresses dot the landscape. Both Dolwyddelan and Dolbadarn castles (now in ruins) were built by Llywelyn the Great to protect strategic routes in Snowdonia. These days, with no need to keep a watchful eye on enemy incursions, you can visit simply to soak up the history and take in far-reaching views of the mountains. After annexing Wales in the late 13th century, King Edward I also built a handful of strongholds in the area. Four of them – Caernarfon, Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech (all within an hour’s drive of Betws-y-Coed) are such excellent examples of medieval military architecture that they are collectively recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

North Wales coast

Watching the sunrise at North Shore Beach and the sunset at West Shore – now that’s how you bookend a day in the pretty seaside resort of Llandudno. And there’s plenty to do in between, too, starting with traditional attractions like the rides on the long Victorian pier and Punch and Judy shows. You can ride the cable car to the top of the Great Orme peninsula (perhaps returning by tramway in order to stop at the Bronze Age copper mines), or take a boat trip past the Little Orme bird sanctuary, where you might also come face to face with a seal colony. Families who are after shallow swimming waters can head a little further east, to Colwyn Bay’s sandy Porth Eirias beach or to Rhyl.

Essential things to do around Betws-y-Coed 

  • Experience the powerful voices of the Welsh male choir Cantorion during one of their rehearsals at Saint Mary’s Church Hall

  • Explore subterranean landscapes on foot, by boat and by zipwire with Go Below Underground Adventures 

  • Take a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway to reach the summit without breaking a sweat

  • Sample traditional Welsh rarebit or a slice of spiced bara brith at Ty Hyll (The Ugly House), a stone cottage with a pollinator garden

  • Have a leisurely stroll around the Italianate village of Portmeirion, with its pastel-coloured buildings and subtropical gardens

  • Hurtle down a mountain, weaving between trees, on a toboggan-style roller coaster at Zip World Fforest 

Unexplored Betws-y-Coed

Extreme watersports

If you’ve ever thought about white-water rafting, you’ve come to the right place. The National White Water Centre runs taster sessions on the thrilling rapids of the Tryweryn river, as well as family-friendly safaris in (slightly) less churning waters. And if you want to crank it up a notch or three, have a go at canyoning, which combines swimming, climbing and ziplining your way along a river in a dramatic gorge.

Mining heritage

Nearby Blaenau Ffestiniog was a thriving slate mining hub in the 1800s. Large quarries still encircle the town, but these days they mostly have alternative uses, like the mountain-biking centre at Antur Stiniog or the activity centre at Llechwedd, with ziplines, underground adventure courses and subterranean trampolines – plus, for those who are not into adrenaline-fuelled rides, a guided tour of the mines. For a deeper insight into the area’s rich industrial past, head to the National Slate Museum, with interactive displays in miners’ cottages and Victorian workshops, plus talks and demonstrations.

Stargazing

You should have no trouble locating the stars that make up the Plough or Orion’s Belt round these parts, because Snowdonia is an International Dark Sky Reserve. The area’s exceptional levels of low light pollution also mean that it's a haven for plenty of nocturnal creatures, such as bats and owls – you might catch their flying silhouettes as you look up at the heavens. If you’re new to stargazing, Pitchup’s guide to dark sky camping has plenty of useful tips. 

Here’s how

With so much to do in and around Betws-y-Coed, you'll certainly want to find the right camping accommodation for a good rest in between your activities – and Pitchup is designed to make that process as easy as can be.

Do you dream of sitting by a firepit, gazing up at Snowdonia’s immense dark sky? Check out our list of Betws-y-Coed campsites with campfires allowed. Or, if you like hiking with your dog in tow, have a look at the area’s dog-friendly campsites

Pitchup's tick-box filters mean that you can select the amenities that matter to you and find the right Betws-y-Coed accommodation for your stay – perhaps you’re after a campsite with a play area for a family holiday or a fishing lake for a quiet rural break?

Some of our popular camping options in Betws-y-Coed include:

Betws-y-Coed campsites with electricity

Glamping near Betws-y-Coed

Family-friendly Betws-y-Coed campsites 

Betws-y-Coed campsites open all year

Camping pods near Betws-y-Coed

Once you've explored Snowdonia, wht not cast your net a little further in Wales and look for campsites in Anglesey, along the Pembrokeshire coast or in the Brecon Beacons? You could also cross the border into England and go camping in Shropshire.

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