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A Guide To Camping At Snowdonia- 10 Amazing Things To Know

You can enjoy camping at Snowdonia National Park or Eryri in Welsh, home to a widely diversified scenery that includes rocky mountains, raging rivers, cascading falls, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes.

The park is full of things to offer, and setting up a tent in a remote area is the only way to appreciate this distinctive terrain properly.

There are numerous choices for camping in Snowdonia. We’ve chosen a few popular ones, which are typically “low impact” campgrounds that avoid hard standing and electric hookups intended for motorhomes and caravans in favor of a more serene and unspoiled outdoor experience.

Nevertheless, we’ve also highlighted a few “glamping” choices for those seeking a little more luxury, giving you a chance to have a unique and unforgettable stay in Snowdonia.

For instance, you may spend the night in a cozy yurt and camping pod that comes with a fire pit and a wood-fired hot tub.

Of course, you can go wild camping if you want to be even more daring.

It can be difficult to plan and get ready for a first night inside the great outdoors if you’ve never done it before.

Before spotlighting some of our favorite parts of the National Park, we’ve highlighted several important aspects to take into account.

These are fantastic spots to set up camp for the night and take in some amazing mountain views.

Camping at snowdonia
By Roman Grac/Pixabay. Copyright 2016

Although many people wild camp inside the national park without running into any problems, it should be noted that wild camping within Snowdonia is not legally authorized without the landowner’s consent.

In essence, you must feel at ease with the fact that you’re trespassing in order to set up your tent. If you are requested to leave, respect the landowners’ rights and leave the area as soon as possible.

1. Excellent Natural Camping Locations In Snowdonia

Planning a lengthy, multi-day mountain hike with a few wild camps along the way is one of the greatest ways to explore Snowdonia.

The following are some of the top highland regions to consider for such an adventure:

1.1. Glyderau

The Glyderau range in Snowdonia features some of the most breathtaking views.

A lunar landscape of boulder-strewn ground and broken, jagged rock formations can be found in the vicinity of the craggy peaks of Glyder Fach & Glyder Fawr.

Although it’s not the easiest site to set up a tent, it’s an excellent place to bivvy.

Despite the occasionally soggy terrain, there are several grassy spots that provide breathtaking views of the towering Tryfan.

1.2. Carneddau

Carneddau is the perfect place to set up a tent and spend a night in relative isolation because it is frequently quieter than its neighbor, the Glyderau.

Ponies run wild across the range, giving the area a wild character. There will undoubtedly be a place to set up camp wherever you go, but well-liked locations include the Llyn Dulyn and Melynllyn reservoir coasts.

1.3. Rhinogydd

A frequently overlooked area of the national park is the rough and isolated Rhinogydd.

If you’re looking for stunning solitude, travel to these hills since these heather-covered slopes are as wild as Snowdonia gets. Enjoy it by Camping at Snowdonia.

Camping at snowdonia
By Joanna Rycerz/Pixabay. Copyright 2016

The most well-liked location to set up camp is at Llyn Du, which is accessible from Cwm Bychan by way of an old packhorse track and is located at the base of Rhinog Fawr.

Nevertheless, if you travel further north, in the direction of Moel Ysgyfarnogod, you have a far better chance of having the hills to yourself, and there are several little mountain lakes that are perfect for wild camping.

There is a fantastic “almost wild” campsite at Cwm Bychan if you aren’t quite courageous enough to wild camp.

This simple campsite is hardly more than a field and lacks amenities.

However, it has lots of parking and various fire circles, so if you bring some fuel, you may enjoy a roaring bonfire in the evening.

Although there are no restrooms or running water, you can collect water from boiling or filtering here because a river borders the field.

1.4. Idris Cadair

Southern Snowdonia should not be disregarded even if the majority of tourists visit Snowdon and the surrounding area.

After all, it is the location of the magnificent Cadair Idris, Penygader, which is only slightly lower than 3,000 feet.

This area’s scenery is equally stunning as that in northern Snowdonia, complete with glacial lakes, rough mountains, and deep gorges.

Camping enthusiasts are advised to exercise caution because it is said that anybody who spends the night alone on Cadair Idris will either awaken a madman or a poet.

Llyn Cau is a photogenic glacial lake beneath the peak that’s perfect for setting up camp and getting some truly great photographs.

One alternative is to stay the night in Llyn y Gadair, which is a similarly lovely location at the base of the mountain’s northern slopes.

1.5. Moelwynion

The Moelwynion is one of Snowdonia’s less-traveled mountain ranges.

The area’s peaks include the commanding Cnicht, known as the “Welsh Matterhorn,” and the two Moelwyn sisters, Moelwyn Mawr & Moelwyn Bach, all of which have a long history of slate mining in Snowdonia.

You can pitch your tent next to some of the abandoned quarry structures or take a short stroll from the tiny village of Croesor that leads to Cnicht.

The Ordnance Survey chart also shows the location of a little cave, which is simply a cozy rock shelter that makes for an interesting bivvy that can most sleep two people.

2. Snowdonia Campsites

There are a tonne of campgrounds to pick from if you’re not quite ready to venture out and camp in the wild.

2.1. Campground At Llyn Gwynant

Pitching here, directly on the lakeshore, is beautiful. It includes a lot of amenities, such as a restroom and shower building, a camp store, a laundry facility, and a washing area.

At the established fire pits, campfires are permitted, & wood can be purchased nearby.

Camping at snowdonia
By Lewis Peters/Pixabay. Copyright 2020

When camping in Snowdonia, you can stop at this campsite.

It’s a terrific starting point for exploring northern Snowdonia, and if you don’t feel like cooking over the campfire, Beddgelert’s pubs and cafes are a great alternative.

2.2. The Hafod Y Llan

This campground is a National Trust property and is situated in the breathtaking Nant Gwynant Valley.

The minimal amenities consist of a tiny toilet and shower. Yet, it is ideally situated for ascending Snowdon via the Watkin Way.

The campground, which allows fires and has a river running alongside it, is a great area to set up camp.

2.3. Gregory Wen

This exceptional campsite is found in the southwest section of the National Park and is surrounded by 45 acres of woods and meadows.

There are tent-only magnificent, remote pitches as well as glamping yurts, shepherd’s huts, and touring pitches.

2.4. Farm Tan Aeldroch

On a working sheep farm by the River Lledr, a few kilometers from Betws-y-Coed, you’ll find this simple camping.

No showers are available, but there are a few flushing toilets and a standpipe, and you can use the offered fire pits to explore much of the area.

These are some alternatives for camping in Snowdonia.

2.5. Campground At Gwern Gôf Isaf

This 750-acre National Trust farm’s campsite and bunkhouse has been designated one of the “50 Best Campsites inside the World” by a UK newspaper.

It is stunning and located halfway between the Capel Curig settlement and Llyn Ogwen ribbon lake. The Carneddau and the Glyderau mountain ranges of Snowdonia encircle it.

It is suggested as a fantastic starting point for families, climbers, and hikers. The eighth generation of the Williams family, who began the business in 1906, now runs it.

In addition to the camping area, which can accommodate camper vans with hookups and tents, there are two bunkhouses that can hold a total of 18 people.

Also, it is approximately three kilometers from the National Mountaineering Center in Plas-y-Brenin. But alas, no dogs.

The location is stunning outside of Capel Curig, and the site is surprisingly affordable, considering its year-round availability.

2.6. Caravan Park In Bodnant

This campground, which is close to Llanrwst, a tiny market town that calls itself the “capital” of the Conwy Valley, maybe a tad pricey for standard tent sites, but it is a fair-priced champion for caravans.

There are all 35 of the hard-standing, multi-utility caravan pitches. They provide unserviced conventional tent pitches as well as serviced sites with electric and cable TV hookups.

A Welsh-speaking farming family manages it and features vintage farm equipment.

Camping at snowdonia
By Allan Washbrook/Pixabay. Copyright 2015

Hayfever sufferers beware; it has been meticulously manicured after winning the “Wales in Bloom” Award for touring campgrounds more than 26 times in a row.

The location has a separate restroom building with amenities for the disabled and is level.

3. Activities To Do At Snowdonia National Park

With its scenic splendor, recreational activities, and historic towns and sites, Snowdonia National Park attracts tourists.

Although it includes attractions for people who aren’t as interested in outdoor sports, the park is highly regarded for hiking, cycling, and camping at Snowdonia.

Visit several castles, such as Castell y Bere and Castell Dolbadarn, or explore medieval towns like Harlech, Beddgelert, Ogwen, and Dolgellau.

Conwy is a great location for sightseeing, even if it isn’t exactly in Snowdonia.

Visit Snowdonia’s Porthdinllaen or Llanbedrog if you want to go on further seashore excursions.

4. Best Trails And Hikes

All nine of the plotted paths to the summits of Snowdon & Cader Idris are classified as “tough” mountain hikes.

Videos of ascents and descents are available on the Snowdonia National Park website so that hikers can assess their difficulty level.

Go on one of the several more accessible walking paths around the park if you don’t want to climb any peaks.

There are wheelchair-accessible walks in Snowdonia as well as other access routes. In order to have a GPS-guided map of the routes, download the Snowdon Walks app beforehand.

The most well-known tourist hiking route up Snowdon Peak is Llanberis Trail. The 9-mile trail leads you up Snowdon’s summit in a gentle ascent.

Only experienced to skilled hikers should attempt this hike.

4.1. Ranger Way To Snowdon:

Snowdon Ranger Way, the shortest ascent option, is an 8-mile round-trip journey.

The track is appropriate for intermediate hikers because you can expect a number of switchbacks and rocky terrain as you get closer to the summit while camping at Snowdonia.

Pony Trail: A 6-mile round-trip climb up Cader Idris, the Pony Path starts in Ty Nant.

The intermediate trail has some steep sections, has stairs to help with the ascent, and requires rock scrambling at the summit. Enjoy the vistas of Bala and Lake Llyn Tegid from the top.

4.2. Crimpiau:

Without climbing any peaks, Crimpiau leads tourists through the highlands of Snowdonia.

This 3.5-mile, somewhat easy circular walking path travels via Lake Llyn Crafnant, Mymbyr Valley, and Ogwen Valley.

You are not required to complete the loop; you are free to proceed as far as you like before turning back.

Waun-oer Ridge: Through uneven, grassy terrain, Waun-oer Ridge ascends from Dinas Mawddwy hamlet.

The Maesglasau Valley is reached after a moderate 9-mile hike that crosses the barren Maesglase, Cribin Fawr, & Waun-oer mountains.

5. Biking

A wonderful way to discover Snowdonia National Park is by mountain riding. For cyclists, there are several routes available, from long-distance hills to beautiful rides along the shore.

If you need to hire a bike and equipment, search the neighborhood for numerous rental businesses. Enjoy it while Camping in Snowdonia.

Sir David Brailsford was honored with the name Ffordd Brailsford Way. Downhill mountain riding is well-known to be popular in Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Take the Antur Stiniog upward lift, then choose from six blue- and black-rated descents.

Two loops make up this road cycling route, one measuring 50 miles and the other 75. There are signs that make it simple to follow this route, which begins at Pen y Pass.

Recreational Trails in Gwynedd: Instead of being geared at avid cyclists, the seven paths that make up the Gwynedd Recreational Routes are easy nature trails for families & leisure cyclists.

The trails are a mixture of tarmac and dirt that meander along an old railroad line. Make sure to give way to pedestrians when bicycling this path.

Forest Park In Coed y Brenin: This park has a robust visitors center with refreshments as well as a complex network of routes for mountain bikers.

6. Fishing

Snowdonia offers a variety of possibilities for those seeking a tranquil fishing location.

Check out the casting locations on the Mawddach River, Bala’s Llyn Tegid, its largest natural lake in Wales, and Llyn Cwellyn, a reserve in the park’s northern region.

The park’s several fishing shops and fisheries sell the necessary fishing licenses.

7. Beautiful Drives

Since Snowdonia is a sizable park, why not explore it by going on a beautiful drive in the car?

A number of highways weave through the park, such as the A470; it traverses Snowdonia from north to south, crosses the A5, diverges to the north, and afterward follows the Afon Llugwy River.

The park’s west side is bordered by the A494 (which runs from Dolgellau to Bala) and the A487 (which travels to Porthmadog and Caernarvon).

To get to the neighboring beaches, take the A493 and A496.

The roads are normally peaceful, and driving is easy, but pay attention because you occasionally share the road with sheep, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Roads surrounding Betwys-y-Coed can be congested during the summer, on holidays, and the weekends.

This park has a robust visitors center with refreshments as well as a complex network of routes for mountain bikers.

8. Escape To The Hills

This is situated between Harlech and Barmouth.

Whatever type of lodging you select, nestled in the Rhinogydd, there is an amazing backdrop, with wild and rocky walking right from the campsite and lovely beaches around.

9. Llanberis Camping Trip

This campground offers simple camping as well as four opulent yurts named Eilio, Elidir, Glyder, and Wyddfa.

The wooden deck outside of the yurts offers breathtaking views of Snowdon’s northwestern face and the other mountains; the property is a thriving hill farm.

The location is excellent for the Llanberis route up to Snowdon, and Llanberis’ amenities are only half a mile away.

10. Snowdonia’s Budget-Friendly Accommodations

10.1. Bunkhouse Maentwrog

You’ll find this cozy bunkhouse on the friendly Jones family’s active sheep and cow farm.

The recently refurbished farm building can easily support a family of four, a group of friends, or lone travelers and is the ideal location to discover Snowdonia without bothering about drying up tents or windy nights on the slopes.

It has a contemporary shower room and a kitchen/dining area that is fully furnished.

It is close to Maentwrog, a charming village with two well-liked taverns and lots of scenic local hikes right outside the door.

11. Things To Keep In Mind

1. Quick Steps

Like any natural camp, observing the leave-no-trace guidelines is crucial. The following are the seven main tenets of leaving no trace:

  •  Make Plans And Get Ready

Before leaving, research appropriate locations to set up camp so you can be sure the site you choose won’t already be occupied. Leave early and arrive late.

To ensure that you are ready for inclement weather, risks, and emergencies, pack the appropriate supplies and arm yourself with the necessary information and abilities.

Preparing ahead also entails taking into account things like repackaging the food to avoid having a lot of trash to dispose of.

  • Camp And Travel On Stable Ground

Don’t camp in areas where you’re likely to disrupt wildlife or delicate or sensitive plants or pitch your tent there.

Choose a camping location where there are no signs of prior habitation or erosion.

The idea is that after putting your tent away, beyond a little patch of slightly flattened grass, you shouldn’t see anything that doesn’t seem natural.

  • Get Rid Of The Trash Properly

To put it another way, take anything you brought with you. Dig a hole that is at least 15 cm deep and more than 30 meters away from any water if nature calls.

Bury your waste and take a sturdy ziplock bag with you to carry the old toilet paper.

Use a collapsible bucket to transport water 200 feet away to streams or lakes when washing yourself or the camping gear, and use modest amounts of biodegradable soap. This keeps water sources clean.

  • Reduce The Effects Of Campfires

Avoiding the start of a campfire is the simplest approach to lessen its effects.

If you’re high in the Snowdonia mountains, the smoke will draw attention, and there won’t be enough fuel anyhow.

Instead, bring a small, light camping stove so you may have a hot breakfast and a full camp supper.

  • Do Not Keep What You Find

According to the proverb, “Take just photographs, leave only footprints.”

You don’t need to save that summit rock as a memento. The same is true for stacking a lot of stones on top of one another for aesthetic purposes.

Simply enjoy it while camping in Snowdonia.

  • Consider Wildlife

Enjoy watching such animals, but don’t harass, feed, follow, or contaminate their habitat.

Take extra care throughout the breeding and nesting seasons.

Camping at snowdonia
By Karen Purcell/Pixabay. Copyright 2014
  • Show Courtesy To Other Guests

Be kind to your fellow visitors to the park. Keep in mind that Snowdonia is a living, working landscape in addition to being a popular tourist destination.

So, avoid camping near busy trails, keep the volume down while listening to music, and bring the smallest tent you can, preferably in a neutral color.

The goal is to be unseen by others and not to mar the landscape.

12. Final Note

Due to the park’s lakes, rivers, and coastline, it is very common to go camping at Snowdonia, fish, and participate in water sports there.

Golf is another popular pastime, particularly at the St. David’s Golf Club in Harlech, where the course boasts breathtaking views.

If you require a guide, get in touch with an outdoor adventure business like Plas y Brenin. There are many things to do while camping in Snowdonia, like Visiting the North Wales Coast, glamping sites, wild camping sites, the Welsh Highland Railway, Brenin forest park, the National Nature Reserve, Snowdon mountain railway, touring caravans, Sandy Beaches, and so on.

Visits to the Copper Mine, the Centre for Welsh Folk Music, T Siamas, or Llechwedd Slate Caverns are other opportunities to learn about Welsh culture.

King Arthur’s Labyrinth is great for young children and features activities themed on King Arthur, while GreenWood Forest Park provides families with an eco-friendly adventure park location.

Read more here.

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