Basecamp Wales

View prices & book 6.9 146 reviews
The view from base camp camping field
Motorhome pitches with/without an electric hook-up
Motorhome pitches
Layout of area and location of important facilities

  • Afan Forest Park site with bike hire and pretty Glamorgan views
  • Afan Bike Park 15 minutes’ drive; National Showcaves Centre 45 minutes
  • Licensed café and restaurant; bike wash and repair shop; playground
Seeking outdoor adventure in the Afan Valley? Basecamp Wales is calling you… tucked away in the sloping 5,564-acre Afan Forest Park, this site offers a winning combination of comfort and a back-to-nature vibe, with spectacular views overlooking the Glamorgan valleys. Cycling enthusiasts are in good company here, as Afan Forest Park is renowned for its biking experiences, with single tracks winding through the woods, exposed trails on the hills, and the thrilling jumps and short runs at Afan Bike Park (15 minutes’ drive). Bikers can relax knowing there’s also a bike-hire service, wash station and repair hub on site for their use. But this scenic forest spot isn’t just about the bikes. The park also has plenty of walking trails, a play area for the youngest guests, and the chance to learn more about local history at the South Wales Miners Museum (five minutes’ walk). And after a day of fun-filled activity or simply relaxing with a good book, you can refuel at Base Café, where good food and drinks are served, enjoy a barbecue or cosy up around your campfire under the stars – and with minimal light pollution in the area, clear nights will bring you dazzling starry skies. Easily accessible from the M4 and Port Talbot (15 minutes’ drive), the site has all essential amenities, from 24/7 showers (tokens are available from staff in the café) and accessible bathrooms to free parking.

Site type

Tent sites 10
Motorhome sites 6
Open all year
Opens
Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • The campground/park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dog Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • A charge of £1.50 ($3.34) applies for the use of the shower.
  • Continental touring caravans (caravans built with the passenger door on the right-hand side) are not permitted.
  • Reception is unmanned after 4 p.m.. Please inform the campground while on your way there should you expect to arrive after this time so that the team can provide information about your unit/site.
  • Extra cars may be brought but must be parked off-site; council-managed pay-and-display parking is available nearby.

Languages spoken

English

Welsh

No availability here for your search criteria

Pitch types & availability

Reviews

  • 29%
    10
  • 5%
    9
  • 21%
    8
  • 6%
    7
  • 8%
    6
  • 4%
    5
  • 5%
    4
  • 4%
    3
  • 6%
    2
  • 6%
    1
Location
8
Value for money
7
Accommodation
7
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
8
Child friendliness
7
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
5

73% would recommend this site to a friend

68% would stay here again

What customers say

Great spot for hiking/biking with direct trail access. Friendly staff and delicious cafe food are highlights. Clean facilities. Some electric pitches in the car park and sloped non-electric pitches are minor points. A top pick for outdoor lovers!

Summary AI-generated from Pitchup.com customer reviews

Reviews page 1 of 15
Arrival date (latest first)

All very simple but it did…

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
9
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
8
Customer service
No rating
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Paul B.

Powered gravel motorhome site

Liked All very simple but it did the job perfectly. Right at the start of the MTB trails that we were there for.

Disliked By an A road which was a bit noisy for my wife.

Recommend to friends Visit again

A great base camp for walkers or a weekend mountain biking.

Overall

9 out of 10
Location
9
Value for money
8
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
7
Customer service
8
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
10
Wifi
No rating
Stuart D.

Powered gravel motorhome site

Liked After reading some of the reviews I was a little dubious about spending time here but needed to get away for a few days.

I stayed for 2 days in a VW camper on the electric gravel pitch and was pleasantly surprised how large the pitches were. Only 3 available but ample room. The pitches was pretty much flat for this type of pitch with only a small levelling chock needed.

As a mountain biker the campsite could not be more accommodating with a great cafe supplying a great range of food, drinks and snacks. A wash facility and bike shop on site and the cleanest shower/toilet block I ever seen.

The site has a lot of character with a small museum and felt welcomed as soon as I drove on site.

I can see that if you are staying in a tent, then this may not be ideal as this part of the site is on a slope and may not be the most ideal. It is in a valley after all so to be expected.

There are many walking and bike trails right from the carpark and very well signposted. With lots of information to be had before you set off.

Will I be back, you bet I will.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Geen ontvangst, slecht aangegeven, zeer schuin…

Overall

5 out of 10
Location
7
Value for money
2
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
5
Customer service
1
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
2
Wifi
1
jan h.

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Geen ontvangst, slecht aangegeven, zeer schuin (te). Naast drukke baan , goed als je geen andere plaats hebt. Voor organisatie gemakkelijker geld verdienen. Dacht dat honden gratis waren heb toch moeten betalen . Het enige positieve was het museum met zeer goede gids

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely cafe and toilet shower facilities during the day.

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
10
Value for money
6
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
9
Customer service
6
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
8
Wifi
No rating
Mark N.

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Great proximity to the Afan Forest park facilities / cycling and walking trails. No faff / turn up / park up!

Disliked Limited access to showers, daytime only from what I could ascertain. Good to see free fill up and black water empty point for everyone to use.
Road noise, early evening and early morning, not too bad overnight

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing spot for mountain biking, clean…

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
Wayne G.

Powered gravel motorhome site

Liked Amazing spot for mountain biking, clean showers and toilets. The food at Base is incredible! Will definitely be back ❤️

Recommend to friends Visit again

Staff were lovely and toilet and…

Overall

7 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
Sarah P.

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Staff were lovely and toilet and showers were good. It is located through a car park but for the price it's great.

Disliked More signs are needed with where to check in and exits in the cafe.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great service. Food is excellent. …

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
Samantha G.

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Great service. Food is excellent. We will be back.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Nice place to …

Overall

8 out of 10
Location
8
Value for money
7
Accommodation
No rating
Facilities / Activities
10
Customer service
9
Child friendliness
No rating
Cleanliness
9
Wifi
9
Mark A.

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Nice place to stay and very clean and tidy

Disliked Needs more electric point to hook up to

Recommend to friends Visit again

Really nice stay but only really if you have a bike.

Overall

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

Unpowered gravel motorhome site

Liked Location, perfect for access to the trails, either walking or cycling. The road is close but you don't notice it after seven. Nice cafe and all staff really friendly

Disliked Could do with a separate drinking water tap that can take a hose

Recommend to friends Visit again

Could be so much better.

Overall

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

Powered gravel motorhome site

Liked Loved the biking trails. Nice walks also .

Disliked Access for showers and toilets is confusing in the evening and shower temperature way too hot with no controls . I really dislike token and timers for showers. Lots of road noise as the pitches are right next to a busy road with no gates etc so campers with pets need to be extremely careful . The pitches are small with no private area to use. This site could be so much better.

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

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

Amenities on site

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Food shop Free wifi Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundry Parent & baby washroom Pick-up from public transport Picnic table 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

Camping 2.0

Jumbo tent sites

Themes

Budget/backpacker Bush Peaceful Remote location Spectacular scenery Walkers' paradise Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Dump point Electric car charging point(s) Gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Convenience store nearby Dog walk nearby Public transport nearby

Type

Small (11-25 sites)

Accessibility

Accessible parking at site Bathrooms: Large spacious shower Bathrooms: Large spacious toilet Bathrooms: Step-free access Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible shower Bathrooms: Wheelchair accessible toilet Bathrooms: Wide doorways (over 85 cm) Smooth, hard roads e.g. tarmac

Nearby leisure

Cycle hire nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby

Touring and motorhomes

Drainage hook-up points for caravans Motorhome service point

Location

Basecamp Wales

Afan Forest Park

Cynonville

Port Talbot

Glamorgan

Wales

SA13 3HG

Directions

Timezone

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

GPS

51.64164°N
3.70462°W

Route directions

What3words for reception: novels.glee.stew.

Nearest transport

Coach
7.4 km Railway Station
7.6 km Bus Station
15.2 km Sarn Odeon
Rail
4.9 km Maesteg Rail Station
5.6 km Maesteg (Ewenny Road) Rail Station
6.7 km Garth (Bridgend) Rail Station
Ferry
15.7 km Swansea Queens Dock Ferry Terminal
40.1 km Cardiff Castle Waterbus Stop
40.2 km Barry Waterfront Ferry Terminal
Airport
25.6 km Swansea Airport
37.1 km Cardiff International Airport

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

Afan Forest Park (accessed from the site) has a diverse range of bike trails suitable for all skill levels, from a beginner-friendly short loop to a challenging black trail that can take several hours to complete. If you’re after even more thrills, you can launch yourself off an old colliery tower on a speeding zipwire at Zip World Top (half an hour’s drive). Hiking enthusiasts have plenty to explore in Afan Forest Park, with scenic trails winding through the forest landscape. For more adventurous treks, venture into the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park (40 minutes) to tackle the hike up to Four Falls waterfall. The Gower Peninsula (45 minutes) serves up spectacular coastal walks, and if it’s a beach day you’re after, the sandy coastline at Aberavon is 20 minutes by car. For rainy days or a change of pace, the South Wales Miners Museum (five minutes’ walk) gives a fascinating glimpse into the area’s rich industrial heritage. Other handy indoor options include the exotic habitats at Plantasia Tropical Zoo (half an hour’s drive), or you can delve deep into underground wonders at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales (45 minutes).

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020201920182017
Aberafan 9.5 km Estuary N/AGoodGoodGood
Rest Bay Porthcawl 17.1 km Sea ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Swansea Bay 18 km Estuary GoodGoodN/AGood
Sandy Bay Porthcawl 18.2 km Sea ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent
Trecco Bay Porthcawl 18.4 km Sea ExcellentExcellentExcellentExcellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Aberdulais Falls 6.6 km

National Waterfront Museum 16.5 km

Penderyn Distillery Visitor Centre 18.6 km

National Showcaves of Wales 20.9 km

Carreg Cennen Castle 28.8 km

National Trust

Aberdulais Falls 6.6 km

Aberdeunant 33.6 km

Rhossili Visitor Centre and Shop 41.3 km

Watersmeet 47.1 km

Dolaucothi Gold Mines 48 km

Cycle routes

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

Other

Abercregan - Glyncorrwg - Abercregan 3.2 km

Abercregan - Coed Morgannwg Way - Pontrhydyfen 3.2 km

Treherbert to Aberdare 12.1 km

Kenfig Pool - Kenfig Burrows - Sker Beach 14.1 km

Pontneddfechan - Scwd Einion Gam Waterfall 14.9 km

Local events

  • Green Man Festival (Thursday, 20 August 2026 – Thursday, 20 August 2026)

    Crickhowell, Wales 44.2 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 Glamorgan?

Frequently asked questions

  • Does Basecamp Wales have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Basecamp Wales dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Basecamp Wales? Afan Forest Park (accessed from the site) has a diverse range of bike trails suitable for all skill levels, from a beginner-friendly short loop to a challenging black trail that can take … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Basecamp Wales?
    Camping and caravan
    Arrive:  noon –  Anytime
    Depart by:  noon
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Basecamp Wales? From $27.55 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.