Snowdonia campsites: making the best of north Wales' natural scenery
Camping in Snowdonia – that’s just for hardcore hikers, right? The sort of person that pitches on the side of a mountain with just a sleeping bag and a woolly hat between them and the elements?
In short, the answer to that is: no. Of course, it’s possible to do that sort of wild camping in Snowdonia (although if you’re not trained and experienced in survival skills we’d recommend at least starting out with one of our wild camping sites to make sure you’re in a safe spot on the right side of the law).
But beyond such escapades are plenty more options for everything from family holidays to couples’ escapes – and a whole collection of camping sites in Snowdonia (or nearby) that range in style from the simple to the frankly rather swanky. All ready to hit the trails of north Wales? Before you head off, have a little read of our guide to finding the best campsites in Snowdonia.
Camping in Snowdonia: simple stays or something fancier?
This is the kind of gorgeous landscape that draws folk back again and again (you’d have to stick around for quite some time to see and do even half of what’s on offer…) And that means that it’s a part of the world that’s well set up for those heading here with their own accommodation of some sort.
If you’re after a tent pitch, we’ve got plenty of those to pick from: choose something simple on a farm or forested area, or ramp up the facilities by using our tick boxes to choose the ones you’re keen to have access to. The same goes for motorhome pitches and touring caravan sites in Snowdonia: take your pick from laidback grass pitches or parks that have fully-serviced hardstanding pitches and extra leisure facilities.
Seeking a stay that doesn’t involve either of these? No problem – given the area’s reputation for having something of a, shall we say, changeable climate it’s little surprise to find that there’s a fair demand for such things as lodges and log cabins in Snowdonia. If being able to retreat to a cosy wooden lodge at the end of an outdoorsy day sounds like the kind of thing you need to motivate you up a mountain and back again, take a look at things like shepherd’s huts for two or larger lodges or static caravans for the whole brood.
If you’re heading over in the summer, then glamping in Snowdonia is a fine idea: stays under canvas in a bell tent, wigwam, tipi or yurt are both comfy and practical, because they mean much of the kit you need is ready and waiting for you (although you’ll want to double-check details before setting off, to make sure you’re not the one that leaves something vital behind). In cooler months, or if you’re just after something solid but basic, have a think about staying in a camping pod instead.
Pared-back or plenty of kit: picking facilities for camping in Snowdonia
In among all these options are more choices to make: will you want just some open space with little more than a toilet, or are you rather more in the market for the sort of Snowdonia holiday park that has a bit more to it?
Detailed descriptions of each site should help you assess whether it’s the one for you, but you can narrow down your choices by searching for particular themes (remote location or walkers’ paradise might seem sensible here) or facilities – perhaps a play area or games room to keep the kids happy while you chill out with a drink, or somewhere that has fishing on site? You can even find Snowdonia campsites with a hot tub for that little touch of post-hike luxury.
Those of you looking out for glampsites and lodges in Snowdonia can use the same filters to pick themes and facilities (and essential aspects like whether dogs are allowed) and also read details of exactly what’s provided. With these sorts of places it’s really worth having a good read: some places provide everything down to a corkscrew, tea bags and toiletries, while others are emptier spaces for you to fill with whatever kind of kit you want to bring along.
Where to go and what to do on a Snowdonia camping trip
It might sound a bit obvious but, yes, walks of some description should be on your schedule, whether you’re in the market for gentle strolls or intrepid mountain ascents. Those in the first camp might like to home in on Beddgelert or Betws-y-Coed, or look out for watery trails around Aber Falls, Llyn Ogwen or Cwm Idwal. Snowdon might seem the top choice for mountain trails but it can get busy so if you’re searching for more peaceful peaks aim for Carnedd Llewelyn, Crib Goch or Tryfan.
In between all that are heaps of other activities: mountain biking at the Coed y Brenin forest park, watersports at Lake Bala, lake surfing at Adventure Parc Snowdonia and zipwires or underground trampolining at the various ZipWorld sites. And various local outfits can cater for folk who fancy horse riding, canyoning, climbing, canoeing… or pretty much any other outdoor antics you care to think of.
Feeling a tad worn out? It’s perfectly possible to take it easy around here too: check out the likes of Conwy Castle, potter around pretty Portmeirion, explore the magical world of King Arthur's Labyrinth, or take your seat for a ride on the Snowdon Mountain Railway or the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.
It shouldn’t take long to trade mountain scenery for coastal views, either: depending on where you settled within Snowdonia, have a look at getting out to Anglesey, the Llŷn Peninsula or beaches like Aberdyfi to the south or Llandudno to the north.
Keen to see more of the stunning Welsh scenery? Browse all our campsites and holiday parks in Wales for further inspiration.
