Campsites in West Wales: fresh air and fab attractions
West is best, say certain folk – and in the case of campsites in west Wales, well, you’d certainly be able to see their point of view in such a discussion. For this is a part of the world that even ardent admirers of other areas would have to admit is supremely pretty.
Sweeping sandy beaches, a cracking coast path, gorgeous green rural views, ancient castles, watersports, marine life… and you can add into those alfresco attractions some splendid outdoor stays at the campsites and holiday parks of west Wales. Sea views, quiet woodland corners, fishing lakes, farmland surroundings – whatever sort of outdoorsy thing you’re after, you’re likely to find it while camping in west Wales.
But before you pack your bikes and beach kit and set the compass to west, check out our mini guide to finding the best campsites and caravan parks in west Wales… and explore a bunch of alternatives too.
West Wales camping for tent-dwellers and other types
Wander along the coastlines of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire and you’ll find a whole load of different landscapes, from sandy beaches stretching out for miles to little craggy coves, from surf waves to shallow paddling spots. And along with that variety comes a wide range of different places to stay (and a fair amount of choice) so it’s worth spending a little bit of time getting it just right.
First step, of course, is to decide what sort of stay you’ll be up for – there are tons of tent pitches to pick from for those choosing classic camping, and an equally fine collection of motorhome pitches and touring caravan sites in west Wales for folk aiming to park their own wheels somewhere scenic (and with various amenities including electric and water hookups, laundry facilities and chemical disposal to make life as straightforward as possible).
No need to go rushing off to the shops for a tent though if you don’t already have one… you can easily sort a roof over your head here too – often with much of the kit you need thrown in too. If there’s a whole bunch of you, check out spacious statics at west Wales caravan parks or try something different and sleep under canvas by picking from our fab collection of tipis, wigwams, yurts, bell tents and the like.
Travelling in a smaller party? Have a look at west Wales camping pods or cuddle up in cabins or shepherd’s huts. These can be fab options for hols outside of the main season too – they’re cosy enough to cope with some less-than-fine weather, and some are even open all year round for intrepid types heading out for a winter break.
Picking the west Wales camping site that’s just right for you
Variety is the spice of life, so the saying goes… and that goes for west Wales campsites too. Each one has its own range of features and selling points, so take your time to have a look through the various options to find the one that suits your own personal requirements.
Bringing the kids along? Look for west Wales campsites near the beach or with access to the area’s family attractions (castles, farm parks, activity centres and the like) and check out on-site facilities like play areas and games rooms for the downtime in between. Easy eats for all ages can be sorted by picking a place with a cafe or restaurant on site (and you may also like to throw in handy tipples for the grownups at an on-site bar…)
If you’re not doing family hols, you may like to consider ensuring peaceful times and access to scenic walks by filtering for remote locations, wild camping, wildlife havens… maybe even adults-only sites.
What else might make a place perfect for you? Perhaps you’ll want to bring a dog; or maybe it’s all about being to build a campfire at the end of the day. Maybe you’re seeking a budget break to keep things as affordable as possible; or splashing out to treat yourself to a little bit of luxury. Single-sex groups will want to make sure they’re welcome at their chosen site (while that same filter can be used for those who aim to avoid such things).
Top attractions for stays at west Wales campsites
Gosh, you could happily fill many days/weeks/months pottering around Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, finding your own blend of time out in nature, heritage visits and adrenaline-packed active days.
If it’s all about the open air, you’ve come to the right place: west Wales has beaches galore, from family-friendly Tenby to the huge sweep of Cefn Sidan to the splendidly scenic Barafundle Bay. Walks along the Wales Coast Path are most rewarding whichever stretch you pick, and there’s plenty of scope for watersports along the way too (surfing at Newgale, perhaps, or kayaking around Marloes, or coasteering and sea safaris from St Davids).
The coast steals a lot of the glory (rightly so, of course) but heading inland opens up a whole load of treasures too, whether your style is green-fingered visits to the National Botanic Garden of Wales, steps to the past at Carew Castle & Tidal Mill or hikes up into the western reaches of the Brecon Beacons in search of waterfalls and spectacular views.
Kids in tow? Keep them amused come rain or shine by noting the presence of such things as Folly Farm Adventure Park & Zoo, Oakwood Theme Park, the Dolaucothi Gold Mines and the WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre (don’t worry if you forget any of these, no doubt the nippers will remind you… possibly many times…)
Aiming to see more of the fab country of Cymru? Check all our options for campsites and holiday parks in north Wales, mid Wales and south Wales.