Smugglers Cove Boatyard

View prices & book 9.7 53 reviews
View from the foreshore in front of Dyfi, looking east towards the Dyfi Osprey Project
View from the foreshore in front of Dyfi, looking east towards the Dyfi Osprey Project
Last pitch along path, Angell. A soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs
The deck
Part of the pathway, alongside the camping pitches (looking back)
The first pitch on path, Dyfi. A soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs
Angell pitch and coastline up river
Dyfi pitch and path towards other 2 pitches
Dyfi pitch
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Last pitch along path, Angell. A soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs
The deck
Part of the pathway, alongside the camping pitches (looking back)

  • Small peaceful site on the Dyfi estuary, seven miles from Machynlleth
  • A 10-minute drive from the beach at Aberdyfi
  • Riverside firepits, with wood available to buy on site
Evenings spent by the water’s edge, cosied up round the firepit and watching the sun set over the river? Simply blissful, and a regular happening for those who make their way to Smugglers Cove Boatyard, a properly peaceful place down on the Dyfi estuary three miles from Aberdyfi and seven from Machynlleth. The views by day from here are pretty special too, looking out over the river towards Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve and Borth Bog National Nature Reserve. When the tide’s out, a little beach appears for paddling; when the water’s higher, it’s possible to swim or launch canoes or boats from the slipway (bring them along to use the boatyard’s storage facilities if you wish). Adding to the chilled vibe is the lack of cars down by the river’s edge – wheelbarrows are provided to help you transport your kit along the 100-metre stretch between the parking area and pitches, which travels through the traditional working boatyard and along part of the coastal path. This path has uneven ground, as it's between the river and the tree-line, and beneath the embankment of a raised coastal road. If you can tear yourself away from gazing out over the water, there’s plenty of wholesome activity to be had nearby, including boating, beaches and birdwatching. The Cambrian railway line runs through the property along a raised embankment and disappears into a tunnel deep in the hill behind the foreshore and pitches, and the coastal A493 also runs above the property; most of the guests don't seem to mind this, but the owners want you to be aware. Smuggler's Cove is a working boatyard, and therefore, there will possibly be some noise, such as clanking rigging and people working on their boats.

Site type

Tent pitches 4
Lodges, cabins, pods or huts 4
Open all year
Opens
Please note

Admission

  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Dogs

  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

General

  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

Hired accommodation

  • Guests must bring their own duvets, pillows, sheets and towels when staying in rental accommodation. You will not be allowed to stay if you do not bring these items.

Safety

  • Fires, barbecues and/or firepits will not be permitted in dry, windy and/or hot weather conditions.
  • The pitches are 190 metres from the car park, accessed via a path through the working boatyard and a rugged coastal path, so please be aware of uneven ground along the route. Wheelbarrows are provided. The site is working boatyard and there may be some associated noise.

Languages spoken

English

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Accommodation

Tent pitchesTouring caravan pitchesMotorhome pitchesLodges, cabins, pods or hutsCaravans for hireRent a tent
Choose your dates
2 adults
0 children
0 dogs

Reviews

9.7

Overall rating from 53 Pitchup.com customers

  • 86%
    10
  • 1%
    9
  • 9%
    8
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    7
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    6
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    5
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    1
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 8
Spectacular sceneryPeaceful

100% would recommend this site to a friend

100% would stay here again

What customers say

This campsite offers stunning estuary views and a peaceful, natural escape. Visitors praise the well-maintained, clean facilities, comfortable pitches, and the unique, quirky charm of the site. Options include camping, unique boat stays, and holiday cottages. Wildlife spotting and wild swimming are popular activities. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some mention occasional road noise or the need to carry equipment to pitches. Some guests noted the showers could be inconsistent.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews. Last updated 08/09/2026

Filter by topic

Reviews page 1 of 6
Arrival date (latest first)

It's a double edged sword, I…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 1
 Ade C. 1 review

Angell non-electric mixed tent pitch (XL)

Liked It's a double edged sword, I want to sing their praises from the stars but I also want to keep it a secret and keep it to myself. Just simply wonderful. A simplicity that no longer seems to exist.

Disliked Going home

Recommend to friends Visit again

Brilliant…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 3
 Vincent B. 1 review

The Boy John 1 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked Brilliant

Recommend to friends Visit again

Quite, peaceful, cosy place

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked Peaceful, remote place. All facilities worked as they should. Very cosy accommodation(boat). 15 min drive to 2 nearest towns for food shopping. Wild swimming option after hot, long days. Beautiful view from window.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great and super clean facilities. Fantastic…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Dyfi non-electric mixed tent pitch

Liked Great and super clean facilities. Fantastic pitches, really private with an absolutely beautiful view. A great location too.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent stay. No complaints.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Colin W. 1 review

The Boy John 1 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked The space in the Boy John. The facilities on site. The management of the site. The kitchen equipment on the boat.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic place, loved it.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 No rating
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Caroline W. 9 reviews

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked The boat has kept most of its original interior which the kids loved. Well equipped with cooking equipment. The location is fantastic, about 10 yards from the water and the beach pretty much to ourselves most of the time. The boats are positioned so that you aren't overlooking each other and it feels quite private, the camping is a little away from the boats. The lady running the site and the lady who helps cleaning were really friendly and happy to chat if you wanted to but were happy for you to keep to yourself if you wanted, just the right balance. The site is clean, wasn't too keen on composting toilet but it was only a very short stroll to the normal flushing toilet (was near where you park so usually combined a trip to fetch something aswel). The feel of the whole place was so relaxed, we just loved it. Lots of little things had been provided that just make your holiday easier, such as a fridge at the boat and a shared freezer, wheelbarrows to take stuff to the boat, some wood and fire lighters provided and more available to buy, running water in the boat for washing up, blankets for in the evening andlotsofother things. You get the feeling alot of thought and care has been given to providing you with what you need for a good stay. Will definitely be returning (would have been again this year if we could have). Just fantastic.

Disliked Not a dislike but a consideration. There's quite a big step into one of the bedrooms, its all part of the character of the boat and wasn't a problem for us but for older and less able people it may have been difficult. Also the door is quite low so you need to stoop to get in and out, the kids loved it but could cause problems for very tall people.

Recommend to friends Visit again

The location is beautiful! Staying on…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Charlie S. 2 reviews

Dulas non-electric mixed tent pitch

Liked The location is beautiful! Staying on the waters edge surrounded by wildlife and nature if exactly what we needed for a break away from everyday life. The facilities were so clean and Sophie was very friendly and welcoming. Would definitely recommend this campsite and stay here again.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing location,the pitch is spacious and…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 9
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Giancarlo S. 10 reviews

Angell non-electric mixed tent pitch (XL)

Liked Amazing location,the pitch is spacious and right on the estuary, huge amount of wildlife (we so curlers,oystercatcher, herons and more. Even Ospreys ). Very friendly and helpful host. Clean facilities.

Disliked Nothing.

Recommend to friends Visit again

It’s cozy. A beautiful location and…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 No rating
Rebecca M. 1 review

The Boy John 1 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked It’s cozy. A beautiful location and quirky accommodation. Everything is practical, straight forward and easy.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing location, beautiful scenery, friendly welcoming…

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Facilities / Activities
 10
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 10
Anonymous

Dyfi non-electric mixed tent pitch

Liked Amazing location, beautiful scenery, friendly welcoming staff, lovely facilities.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on site

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Games room Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Play area TV room Take away Tennis Watersports Wild swimming

Amenities on site

Bath available Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Launderette Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Public telephone Shower available Toilet block Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

D. of E. welcome Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided Barbecues allowed Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Chemical disposal Communal freezer Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Accessibility

Uneven terrain; gravel or loose mud

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horse riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Smugglers Cove Boatyard

Fron Goch

Aberdovey

Gwynedd

Wales

LL35 0RG

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

52.55674°N
3.97305°W

Route directions

For accurate directions, please use what3words (rucksack.blaze.warp) or the pin location above. If you use the postcode, you may be incorrectly directed to Nyth Robin or Aberdovey Luxury Lodges. The entrance is on the estuary side of the road, on the opposite side of the road to the signs for Aberdovey Luxury Lodges. Look out for the boats in the yard and a distinctive metal tower.

Nearest transport

Coach
10.4 mi University Campus Penglais
10.5 mi Penllwyn PO
10.5 mi Penllwyn PO
Rail
2.1 mi Dovey Junction Rail Station
2.7 mi Penhelig Rail Station
3.6 mi Aberdovey Rail Station
Ferry
11.4 mi Porth Penrhyn Ferry Landing
11.7 mi Barmouth Ferry Landing

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Bring your binoculars if you’re into birdwatching, for there’s much twitching activity nearby – geese and wading birds fish just by the site, and there are nesting ospreys along the river at the Dyfi Osprey Project. More spotting, along with super views towards Snowdonia, can be had from Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve (home to the BBC's Springwatch programme for several seasons), which is around a 20-minute drive away. If it’s beaches you seek, your nearest is the wide sandy stretch in Aberdyfi, 10 minutes away – also a good spot for a round of golf, a bit of fishing or watersports including sailing, canoeing and kitesurfing. For a bit of town time, head into Machynlleth, 10 minutes’ drive away, for independent shops, a leisure centre and concerts or exhibitions at the MOMA Machynlleth performing arts centre. Cultured types might also like to pay a visit to the renovated 1920s Magic Lantern Cinema 15 minutes away in Tywyn.
(within 6.2 mi)
Castle, Aquarium, Theme park and Zoo (within 10 mi)

Food and drink

  • Ynyshir Restaurant 1.4 mi
  • Y Domen-Las Restaurant 2.5 mi
  • Penhelig Arms Hotel Pub 2.8 mi
  • The Britannia Pub 3.1 mi
  • The Wildfowler Restaurant 3.1 mi
  • The Dovey Inn Pub 3.1 mi
  • Coast Deli & Dining Restaurant 3.1 mi
  • Sea Breeze Restaurant 3.3 mi
  • Black Lion Inn Pub 3.7 mi
  • The White Lion Pub 5 mi

Groceries

  • Spar 5.4 mi
  • Co-op 5.4 mi
  • The Co-operative Food 5.8 mi

Parks and play

  • Penhelig Park 2.7 mi
  • Talybont Play Area Playground 4.8 mi
  • Pendre Park 5 mi
  • Bryn Paderau Memorial Park 5 mi
  • Tywyn Sheep Tourist Display park 5.1 mi
  • Tywyn Recreation Ground park 5.3 mi
  • Tywyn Fruit Tree Conservation Park 5.3 mi
  • Railway Adventure Playground 5.7 mi
  • Borth Community Playground 6.1 mi

Family days out

  • Glandyfi Castle 1.8 mi
  • Petrified Forest Visitor attraction 5 mi
  • Machynlleth Town Clock Visitor attraction 5.6 mi
  • Borth Animalarium Zoo 5.8 mi
  • Castell Y Bere Castle 7 mi
  • Ystrad Peithyll Castle 9.2 mi
  • Amusement Park Theme park 9.6 mi

Public transport

  • Brynheulog Lane 1.8 mi
  • Plas Einion 1.9 mi
  • Glandyfi, Garreg Farm 2 mi
  • Llyfnant, Cors Dyfi 2.6 mi
  • Derwen Las, Morben Isaf 2.8 mi
  • Cenetaph 3.1 mi
  • Chapel Street 3.6 mi
  • Taliesin 3.7 mi
  • Derwen Las, Black Lion 3.8 mi
  • Ynyslas Turn 4.6 mi

Beaches

  • Borth Sands 4 mi
  • Aberdovey Bar 4.7 mi
  • Ynyslas Beach 5.8 mi

Other nearby

  • Aberdyfi Golf Club 4.1 mi
  • Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club 4.7 mi
  • Machynlleth Golf Club 6.1 mi

Local services

  • Thomas & Co Medical Hall Pharmacy 3.2 mi
  • Cashzone Cashpoint 3.2 mi
  • murco Fuel station 4.9 mi
  • Tywyn Hospital 4.9 mi
  • Rowlands Pharmacy 5.3 mi
  • Barclays Cashpoint 5.3 mi
  • Valero Fuel station 5.4 mi
  • Rowlands Pharmacy 5.5 mi
  • Texaco Fuel station 5.6 mi
  • ChargePoint Charging station 5.6 mi

© OpenStreetMap contributors

Must see

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway 5.2 mi

MOMA Wales - Y Tabernacl 5.5 mi

Vale of Rheidol Railway (Aberystwyth) 11 mi

CADW - Harlech Castle 21.6 mi

Portmeirion Gardens 25.2 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

YNYS-HIR (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 20/04/2000) 1.6 mi

Abergynolwyn - Foel Y Geifr - Abergynolwyn 6.1 mi

Esgair Fochnant - Glaslyn - Bugeilyn 9.1 mi

Fairbourne to Barmouth 10.1 mi

Cadair Idris 11.4 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Gwynedd?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Smugglers Cove Boatyard have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Smugglers Cove Boatyard dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Smugglers Cove Boatyard? Bring your binoculars if you’re into birdwatching, for there’s much twitching activity nearby – geese and wading birds fish just by the site, and there are nesting ospreys along the river at … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Smugglers Cove Boatyard?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  12 p.m. –  Anytime
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    On-site accommodation
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  Anytime
    Depart by:  11 a.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Smugglers Cove Boatyard? From £25 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.