The 6 Best Campsites in Snowdonia National Park
Dramatic landscapes, lashings of Welsh culture, the sweeping sands of Harlech beach, the highest mountain in England and Wales – you name it, Snowdonia National Park has it. Thanks to historic glacial activity, Snowdonia boasts breathtaking scenery and perfect features for all kinds of walker – and there’s also opportunities for wild swimming, mountain biking and trail running too.
If you’re planning your next camping trip to Wales, it’s likely that you’re looking for the best campsites in Snowdonia. Thankfully, we’ve done the work for you, summarising our top camping sites in the National Park. That way you can hit the tracks and trails of the great outdoors without the worry of your tent weighing you down – literally or metaphorically!
Wild camping
Whilst wild camping brings its own rewards, be aware that it is not allowed anywhere in Snowdonia National Park. Camping on roadside verges or in car parks is not permitted either. The National Park Authority aims to ensure the conservation of the wildlife and cultural heritage of the park, looking after the biodiversity of its wildlife and inhabitants. It’s for this reason that camping outside of a campsite’s boundaries isn’t allowed.
With that in mind, read on for our comprehensive list of the best Snowdonia National Park camping sites.
Beddgelert campsite
Located just minutes away from the village which it shares its name, Beddgelert campsite is one of the most popular camping sites in Snowdonia National Park. From your tent spot, you’ll be able to admire the snow-capped mountains and sit by the riverside, taking in the surrounding conifer and broadleaf forest. It’s the perfect place for relaxing and getting away from it all – but there’s also complimentary Wi-fi if you’re keen to stay somewhat attached to the outside world.
Facilities include:
- 59 ‘hard standing’ pitches with electric hook-up & 29 grass camping pitches
- Dog-friendly camping available
- Coin operated washing and drying facilities
- Female, male, baby-changing and accessible toilets and showers
- Bakehouse and Forest Retreat offering some food and drink options, including local produce and basic camping essentials
- Train stations on-location, with direct access to the Welsh Highland Railway
Aberafon
Nestled between the mountains on the Llyn Peninsula beside a beautiful beach, Aberafon campsite is 10 miles south of Caernarfon. It scores top marks for those looking to escape the bustle and bask in the joys of the sea. Brave visitors can go wild swimming – there’s even a slipway from which to launch a sailing boat if you have one – or try canoeing, kayaking, or wakeboarding at nearby Glasfryn Park.
The ‘Beach Field’ is a grassy patch on which to pitch your tent that quite literally overlooks the waves, or there are alternative pitches at other locations. Kids will love rock-pooling or scrambling around the coastline, and dogs are welcome too.
Facilities include:
- Clean, basic facilities including a shower and toilet block
- Laundry facilities and dishwasher
- Onsite shop for essentials
- TV and pool room
Dolgam campsite
If stunning mountain views are what you’re after, you can enjoy surveying Moel Siabod from Dolgam campsite. Located between Betws-y-Coed and Capel Curig in Snowdonia National Park, electric hook ups are available and there’s plenty of space for tents, campervans and motor homes too. Be aware there’s a strict ‘no noise’ policy in the evening in order to maximise the tranquillity of the campsite.
Facilities include:
- Hard-standings for motorhomes
- Electric hook-up available
- Hot showers, toilet facilities and a washing room
- BBQ available
Graig Wen
Graig Wen frequently tops the list of the best campsites in Snowdonia, and it’s easy to see why. Situated in the south-west of the National Park, the campsite is located in 45 acres of meadows and woodland. It’s therefore a hotspot for wildlife, as well as offering great views over the Mawddach Estuary.
If you’re after a unique experience, you can book one of the two yurts made from ash trees or the quirky shepherd’s hut. Tent campers will love the range of pitch sites available, including the spacious family field.
Facilities include:
- Unisex showers and spotlessly clean facilities
- Electric hook-ups
- Campfires allowed on lower fields
- Dogs welcome
- 10+ metres between camping pitches
Tyn Cornel Riverside Camping & Caravan Park
Only four miles from Bala, Tyn Cornel is situated on the banks of the River Tryweryn, offering majestic views of the Arenig Mountains. There are separate areas for caravans and tents in this site, to cater for a variety of different needs.
For water sport enthusiasts, this is the place to be, as the National Whitewater Centre is only a five-minute walk away. Wi-fi is free, dogs are welcome and there are even glamping facilities should that be your preference.
Facilities include:
- Two large glamping tents with beds and cooking equipment
- Electric hook-up available
- Hot showers, washing up sinks and picnic tables
- Laundry facilities and a shop on site for essentials
- Playing field and dog walk area
Llyn Gwynant Campsite
For campers who enjoy freedom, Llyn Gwynant is the site – there are no reservations required for groups of fewer than 20 people. Radios aren’t allowed on site for maximum quiet, and there are walking trails, adventure activities and swimming opportunities galore. Plus you can walk right up Snowdon from the campsite itself, and there’s even the option to do some yoga.
If sitting and marvelling at the sights is more your thing, however, this campsite is located in Nantgwynant valley, known for being one of the most beautiful locations in the National Park.
Facilities include:
- Laundry room and washing-up facilities
- Unisex hot showers and separate toilet facilities
- Bays and unallocated pitches for tents, some hard-standing vehicle bays
- Rubbish and recycling facilities
Yet to find your dream campsite? Discover some of Wales’ top coastal camping sites and luxury glamping options in our Places to Stay section.
