The best campsites in Wales for alternative adventures
Because the country is well known for its coastline, with many coastal campsites in Wales near a beach, finding the best options for alternative adventures can be challenging.
So from Wales’ best natural attractions to fun family days out, this article will give you a rundown of the best places to visit. All within easy reach of some of the best campsites in Wales the Caravan and Motorhome Club or Camping and Caravanning Club have to offer.
Remember at times when COVID-19 restrictions are in place to check what will apply to you before you book and travel.
Some of the best campsites in Wales
The Caravan and Motorhome Club
Riverside Touring Park
Old Church Road, Betws-y-Coed, Conwy, LL24 0AL
- Golf on site
- Bike hire on site
- Disabled facilities
Aberban Club Campsite
Aberbran, Brecon, Powys, LD3 9NH
- Dog walk on site
- WIFI available
- Wide range of pitch types available
Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite
Chirk, Wrexham, Wrexham, LL14 5AA, Wales
- Disabled facilities
- Baby changing facilities
- Dog walk from the site
Pandy Club Campsite
Pandy, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8DR, Wales
- Dishwashing area
- Dog walk from the site
- Disabled facilities
Gaer Hyfryd Caravan Club Site
Corwen, Denbighshire, LL21 0EW, Wales
- Dog walk on site
- Disabled facilities
- Wide variety of pitch styles
The Camping and Caravanning Club
St. Davids Campsite
Dwr Cwmwdig, St Davids, Haverfordwest SA62 6DW
- Pets welcome
- Showers, wash basins, toilets
- Mix of pitches including grass and hard standing service pitches
Wyeside Campsite
Rhayader LD6 5LB
- Shop onsite
- Pets welcome
- Motorhome service point
Cardigan Bay Campsite
Llwynhelyg, Cross Inn, Llandysul SA44 6LW
- Designated dog walk
- Shop onsite
- Toilets, showers and wash basins on site
See more of the best campsites in Wales
Both the Camping and Caravanning Club and Caravan and Motorhome Club have useful campsite finder features on their websites that make it easy for you to filter by the type of campsite you want (e.g. family-run, dog-friendly, family-friendly etc.) and the kinds of features you want it to have (e.g. swimming pools, camping pods, hard standing camping pitches, dog walk, play area etc.).
Find more information on campsites in Wales from the Caravanning and Camping Club here and the Caravan and Motorhome Club here.
Family Friendly Attractions
Many families love getting away in their caravan or motorhome for a holiday of exploration, but it can sometimes be difficult to find attractions that are suitable for all ages.
Fortunately, many of Wales’ caravan parks are family run and the country has many family-friendly fun days out that appeal just as much to parents as their children.
Bounce Below
Bounce Below is a play park with a twist. Located within Snowdonia National Park, this play park is set deep underground in an abandoned mine.
An enormous netted play area featuring bouncing nets, rope climbing and slides, it allows anyone from the age of seven and up to climb, dangle, slip and jump to their heart’s content.
For those who prefer to let others do the playing, there’s also a cafe on-site that offers refreshments.
Zip World Velocity 2
In the corner of North West Wales, you’ll find Velocity 2, the world’s fastest zip line.
Hanging above Penrhyn Quarry, visitors can reach speeds of 100mph as they plummet 1555m to the bottom. Suitable for those aged 10+, it’s well worth the visit if you can handle the height!
However, for those who’d rather stay on solid ground, you can watch from the viewing platform, take the Penrhyn Quarry tour or visit the on-site restaurant.
British Bird of Prey Centre
Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons near Llandeilo, the centre offers you the chance to watch some of the world’s fastest birds.
See Golden Eagles, Red Kites and Peregrine Falcons in action with aerial displays or see the birds up close in their specially built aviaries.
What’s more, every ticket sold helps the conservation efforts for some of the UK’s most threatened raptor species.
Welsh Mountain Zoo
Found at Colwyn Bay, North Wales, the award-winning Welsh Mountain Zoo welcomes visitors of all ages to see the rare and endangered species it’s helping to conserve.
With zones dedicated to mammals, reptiles, amphibians and big cats, among others, expect to see snow leopards, Burmese pythons, flamingos and many more species.
Natural Attractions
Wales is famous for having some of the most beautiful and rural scenery within the UK. So whether you’re holidaying alone, with your family or friends, the breath-taking natural scenery offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Snowdonia National Park
The tallest mountain in Wales, Mt. Snowdon, is well worth a day trip.
With the option to hike to the top or take the Snowdon Mountain Railway train, the summit is accessible to all and offers views across Snowdonia National Park.
Also, be sure to visit Llanberis at the foot of the mountain, home to a great many shops, cafes and companies offering outdoor activities.
Brecon Beacons
A huge National Park in Southern Wales famous for its black mountains, woodland walks, dairy farms, miniature waterfalls and ancient castles.
Of its many natural attractions, Llangorse Lake is a highlight. It offers views of the surrounding valley and hosts family-friendly activities, including kayak and pedalo hire and a cafe.
The Fairy Glen
A small gorge that runs off the side of the Conwy River, The Fairy Glen is the home of much Celtic folklore.
With its mossy covered boulders and gnarled trees jutting out into the water’s flow, it’s a must-visit place for photographers.
You just have to be careful during the narrow and slippery descent to view it.
Glyder Fawr
In Northeast Wales in Snowdonia National Park, Glyder Fawr is the tallest peak of the Gryderau mountain range.
Considered a more challenging climb than Snowdon and not recommended for children, once conquered, the peak offers the strange and mysterious sight of vertical jagged rocks.
Where to find some of the best campsites in Wales close to the fun
All of the attractions in the following list are located within a short walk or drive distance of campsites owned or affiliated with at least one of the two UK’s major leisure vehicle clubs: The Caravan and Motorhome Club or the Camping and Caravanning Club.
Each club has an easy-to-use site finder that allows you to filter campsites by location, facilities and price.
To get the full benefit from either club, it’s worth signing up as a member for a small annual fee.
Membership gives you access to their full range of approved sites and other member benefits, such as deals on insurance and entry vouchers for attractions.
View the Caravan and Motorhome Club site finder here
View the Camping and Caravanning Club site finder here
Two of the most scenic areas of Wales also offer many attractions nearby.
By staying in campsites in Snowdonia National Park in the North of the country or campsites in the Brecon Beacons National Park in the South, you give yourself a great base to explore their respective surrounding areas.
When camping in Wales on a club site in your Bailey caravan or motorhome, there is a wealth of places to explore away from the coast.
Whether you decide to stay in one of the best campsites North Wales has to offer to explore the area around Snowdonia or go South around the Brecon Beacons, many attractions are waiting to be discovered.
The only question left is which to visit first?