Gypsy Castle Camping

No availability at present on Pitchup.com 8.9 40 reviews
Visitor image of the sunset from their pitch
Visitor image of the sunset from their pitch
Visitor image of their pitch
Pitching field
Local residents
Close to major cycle routes
River wye
River wye
In the pretty powys countryside
1/29
Visitor image of their pitch
Pitching field
Local residents

  • Semi-wild site on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park
  • Central Hay-on-Wye 15 minutes' walk away; Hereford 25 minutes by car
  • Small-scale site with ample space; well-behaved dogs welcome
It's a small, simple site, but Gypsy Castle Camping ticks an awful lot of boxes. Firstly, it's on the outskirts of the brilliant Powys town of Hay-on-Wye. And then there's the fact that it's in the Brecon Beacons National Park, a short stroll away from refreshing River Wye scenery. Given the above, it's clear how this prime patch could be just the job for those on the hunt for self-sustained breaks. In need of some holiday reading? In Hay-on-Wye's bookshop-lined streets you'll be able to pick up material on pretty much every conceivable subject. In town, there are also pubs, restaurants and a nice number of independent shops. The Warren, a gorgeous common on the Wye, is a few minutes' walk away. In keeping with its peaceful farmland surrounds, the facilities at Gypsy Castle Camping are kept to a minimum: there's a hot shower in a converted horsebox, a couple of portable toilets (with toilet roll provided), some washing-up sinks and that's pretty much it. While it's not the place for posh pampered holidays, it has to be said that there's something deeply satisfying about waking up surrounded by wildlife and views of the Black Mountains… Well-behaved dogs can be brought here, but please keep them on a lead and properly supervised – there's livestock about. When questions about site etiquette or the local area come up, just ask the manager who drops by to touch base at regular intervals.

Site type

Tent sites 12
RV sites 3
Opens
Please note
  • Your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro) and/or any of the following: Staffordshire bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Rottweiler, any Mastiff or Tosa.
  • No bachelor/bachelorette parties permitted via Pitchup.com.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.

Languages spoken

English

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Pitch types & availability

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Accommodation

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2 adults
0 children

Reviews

8.9

Overall rating from 40 Pitchup.com customers

  • 52%
    10
  • 12%
    9
  • 20%
    8
  • 7%
    7
  • 5%
    6
  • 2%
    5
  • 0%
    4
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    3
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    2
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    1
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 9
Facilities / Activities
 8
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 9
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 7
Peaceful

95% would recommend this site to a friend

93% would stay here again

What customers say

This well-kept, quiet, friendly site offers stunning views and an easy walk to Hay-on-Wye. Guests praise owner Colin's helpfulness, clean facilities (showers in horse boxes!), and the peaceful rural vibe. Basic amenities are noted, but location, views, and value are highlights.

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 4
Arrival date (latest first)

The description of this site is…

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked The description of this site is exactly what it says! It claims to be basic…yes it is but it’s a very good basic. Drinking water tap, always a bonus. EHU, I didn’t need it but there were plenty of points for those that did. Portaloos, a dislike on a previous review baffled me when it is clearly stated in the description that is what you get. What do you expect for £10 per night with restrictions on the length of time the site can open!! They were kept very clean with plenty of toilet roll, hand sanitizer and air freshener. Shower, not a luxury bathroom but a little bit of a novelty in a horsebox. Hot shower with a decent amount of pressure and an area to change/dry yourself. Elsan point, a disposal area and a tap/hose that does what is needed. Colin the land owner was on site often and checks in on everyone to make sure all is ok. He was helpful and also informative of the area if you want to explore. Hay on Wye is a short walk away and so is the river Wye which is also a lovely walk. It is a campsite in a beautiful area with such a relaxing atmosphere and friendly people. To the lovely 3 young ladies pitched next to me, thank you again for going out of your way buying my dog such lovely treats. You were entertaining and such good neighbours.

Disliked The restrictions set by the Welsh Government on the duration of opening of this campsite each year.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks for your glowing review ,I think it must rate as my number one review I hope it all works out for you ,also I hope it all goes well at the vets .Hope to see u next year if everything is the same as this year
Many thanks Colin

Very nice stay. Basic facilities but a beautiful campsite.

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Extremely friendly and helpful owner, beautiful views, access to river, easy walk into Hay.

Disliked N/A

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for the positive comments ,its always good to know that what I am doing is appreciated, hope the kids slept well when u got home 🏡 Colin

Overall tidy spot at a good rate would return again

Overall

7 out of 10
Location
 No rating
Value for money
 7
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 5
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 No rating
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Very friendly owner Colin campsite was quiet and nearby walk to the river & town

Disliked Porta-loos could be cleaner

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your comments ,I'm afraid the portoloos r my one negitive but with only 28 days opening I font have any other choice . COLIN

Loved the rustic setting, fab views…

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Loved the rustic setting, fab views and Colin who owns is an absolute star.
Easy walk to town but you see the sun rise and set from where you stay. Good for the soul to experience this environment.

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks for your glowing comments ,it makes me know that I am doing things right .But there is always room for improvement I will have a think over the winter thanks Colin

Basic campsite, great value for money…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
 7
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 6
Customer service
 9
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 9
Wifi
 No rating
Maxine B.

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Basic campsite, great value for money and I had the place to myself.

Good communication with Colin.

Shower was amazing!

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks for your positive feedback Colin

Stunning location, had a great sunset…

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
 8
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 No rating
Cleanliness
 7
Wifi
 No rating
Anonymous

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Stunning location, had a great sunset the night we stayed. River to the bottom of the site. Owner friendly and relaxed.

Disliked Would be nice to Gabi g flushing toilets rather than portaloos, but the site did what it needed to do and was good value.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with clean facilities and colin was very helpful.

Overall

10 out of 10
Location
 10
Value for money
 10
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 7
Customer service
 10
Child friendliness
 10
Cleanliness
 10
Wifi
 5
hayley T.

Power optional grass tent or trailer tent campsite

Liked loved my stay at gipsy castle definitely give off the gipsy style with the showers would definitely book again and colin the owner was very friendly and helpful.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks for your lovely comments Colin

Beautiful views and very quiet site.…

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
Elynn G.

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Beautiful views and very quiet site. Colin messaged me to tell me where the EHU’s are and to choose where to park. He came round twice a day to say hello and to clean the toilets etc . I will definitely stay here again .

Disliked Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you very much for all your positive views ,they r much appreciated Colin

Beautiful setting. Simple campsite, exactly as…

Overall

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

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Beautiful setting. Simple campsite, exactly as described. Close to town.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Many thanks for your positive comments, I do sometimes get despondent with some of the negative remarks it is what it is as described, thanks colin

Nice but very basic

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
 9
Value for money
 9
Accommodation
 No rating
Facilities / Activities
 3
Customer service
 7
Child friendliness
 5
Cleanliness
 2
Wifi
 5
Anonymous

Power optional grass tent or RV campsite

Liked Beautiful views, easy walk into Hay, red kites overhead. Lots of hot water in the shower. The owner is very nice and helpful.

Disliked Portaloos! No hot water at the sinks.

Recommend to friends Visit again

From the manager: Thank you for your positive points ,I refer u yo the info on pitch up "portoloos and basic facilities "it is not financially viable to invest when we r only allowed 28 days a year thak you Colin

Features

Portable toilet

Pop-up campground

Dogs allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

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

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Pop-up campground Small (11-25 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Horseback riding nearby Mountain biking nearby Sailing nearby Tennis nearby

Location

Gypsy Castle Camping

Gypsy Castle Lane

Hay-on-Wye

Powys

Wales

HR3 5PW

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

52.06963°N
3.14255°W

Nearest transport

Coach
21.6 km Interchange
22.9 km Telephone Exchange
29.1 km Bus Station
Rail
22.4 km Builth Road Rail Station
23.3 km Cilmeri Rail Station
25.1 km Llandrindod Rail Station

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

To fully take advantage of being so close to the Wye, you'll want to spend a generous portion of your holiday messing about by, in or on the water. Local coarse fishing opportunities are a five-minute drive away, while those looking to expend a bit more energy can head to Celtic Canoes (five minutes) to rent a riverworthy craft. Other, bigger bodies of water like Llangorse Lake (20 minutes) are also worth scouting out, particularly if you're into hiking – the lake and its surrounding villages have some of the loveliest walks around. If there's demand for further outdoor action, you can easily make the trip to Black Mountain Activities (10 minutes), where a range of land and water-based options are yours for the choosing. While 100% Welsh holidays certainly have appeal, travellers planning on staying here a bit longer might also like to look at what's over the border in England. The top three highlights? It's a tough call, but Neolithic Arthur's Stone (15 minutes), Hereford's Cider Museum (25 minutes) and Hampton Court Castle (45 minutes) are all strong contenders.

Must see

Blaenavon Ironworks 32.8 km

Big Pit: National Coal Museum 33.3 km

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre & Tourist Information Centre 33.3 km

Brecon Mountain Railway 33.9 km

Raglan Castle 38.9 km

National Trust

Cwmmau Farmhouse 10.6 km

The Weir 22.1 km

Skenfrith Castle 31.9 km

Croft Castle and Parkland 33 km

The Kymin 42.4 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Hay on Wye - Offa's Dyke Path - Penhenallt - Hay Common - Hay 0n Wye 1.2 km

St Mary's Church - Cusop Dingle - New Forest Farm 2.2 km

Cusop - New House Wood - Cusop Dingle - Cusop 2.2 km

Stone Circle - Hay Bluff - Black Hill - Monnow Valley Walk - Stone Circle 5 km

Near Ffynnon Gynydd - The Begwns - near Ffynnon Gynydd 5.9 km

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 Powys?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Gypsy Castle Camping have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Gypsy Castle Camping dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Gypsy Castle Camping? To fully take advantage of being so close to the Wye, you'll want to spend a generous portion of your holiday messing about by, in or on the water. Local coarse fishing … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Gypsy Castle Camping?
    RV, travel trailer and tent sites
    Arrive:  3 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more