A family guide to top campsites for kids in Wales

Why do I love camping? The simple answer: the quality time you get as a family without the distractions of work, school, clubs… and technology! We have such a beautiful country, it’s an opportunity to explore different towns, villages, and beaches and there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your children outside in nature, trying new activities and letting their imaginations run wild – it’s heaven on a field! And the added bonus, it’s the cheapest way to holiday!

Like many families, 2020 was a summer of camping for us. We took several trips in our tent and explored some wonderful campsites across Wales. Choosing my favourite sites is harder than you think, there are so many weird and wonderful places to pitch up and soak up the atmosphere. If you have never tried camping, do it!

It would be easy to choose the more glamorous way of glamping in huts, cabins, and safari tents, but there’s something unique about a simple ‘old fashioned’ tent – it makes you slow down, enjoy the here and now and there’s no better connection to the outdoors; the sound and smell of your natural surroundings and a rare opportunity to disconnect from busy home life.

Pencelli Castle is a small and peaceful park in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, ideal for walking, cycling and to enjoy the peaceful tranquillity of the beautiful area. The campsite is set on the outskirts of Pencelli village and within walking distance of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) highest peaks.

The multi award winning park allows tents, caravans and motorhomes, with a field for each. The facilities a luxurious and spacious with heated shower blocks and family changing rooms. They have a washing machine, tumble dryer and even a dishwasher room. There is a park for children just outside the tent field and if you fancy a night off from cooking you can walk 150 yards to the Royal Oak Inn.

It’s worth taking your bikes as the Taf Trail route passes the entrance to the campsite – a quick and easy way to explore the area if walking far will be too much for little ones, and If you don’t have room for your bikes you can hire them on site!

If you are feeling energetic then a walk up Pen y Fan will not disappoint. We’ve been taking our daughters up there since they were about 4 years old – take plenty of water, snacks, comfortable trainers or walking boots, and extra layers for when you arrive at the top. The views are incredible.

Pencelli is at the heart of a wealth of wildlife and renowned landscape – you will not be disappointed!

Greenways Leisure Park is a 4-star campsite with wonderful views over Oxwich Bay. There are no designated pitches which means you can choose exactly where to set up home (as long as you are 5 metres from your neighbours).

The onsite facilities are great – family friendly lounge bar, adventure playground, eco-friendly shower and washrooms with under floor heating, shops, restaurants, the list is endless…they’ve even won a Platinum ‘loo of the year award’, impressive! The family run holiday park has been carefully designed and planned especially for those of us with young families. 

The Gower Peninsula offers such an historic charm with unspoilt sandy beaches. Oxwich beach is a firm favourite and only a few minutes’ drive away, and whether you want to bask in the sunshine or challenge yourself with water sports, there’s something for everyone. If you are a keen surfer, Llangennith Beach on Rhossili Bay is one of the UK’s top surfing spots. 

Swansea's promenade is worth a visit, spanning 5 miles of the bay, or why not learn about the rich history of legends and places it offers. If you are keen to try something new the generous menu on offer on Gower is never ending – rock climbing at Three Cliffs, kayaking at Oxwich, gorge walking in the Neath Valley. Get exploring!
 

Search for activities around Swansea.

Fforest Fields campsite is set in the beautiful surroundings of Mid Wales, near Builth Wells. Lakes, hills and woodlands surround the campsite in the rural valley. With 500 acres to play with there’s walking trails in every direction.

The site has excellent facilities and a big plus for families - they have dedicated family bathrooms which is great if you have little children. The facilities expand to a laundry and drying room, a small shop and a camper’s kitchen with fridges and freezers (even a microwave).

There’s plenty to keep the children occupied, the site has its own boating lake with canoes and paddles. We’ll be taking our paddleboard next time!

There’s also a number of mountain bike trails on the farm, a great way to explore the area. There are many places you can visit if you want to explore further afield – from a visit to Llandrindod Wells, which is a little town 7 miles from the campsite, venture up the Black Mountains or visit Llangorse Multi Activity Centre if it’s action you are after – horse riding to caving and assault courses to BMX tracks. It’s all here!

Little Haven Retreat campsite is a back to nature beautiful eco campsite in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Just half a mile away are the stunning beaches of Little Haven and Broad Haven, where you’ll also find access to join the Pembrokeshire Coast Path Trail. 

The site benefits easy access to lots of amazing beaches and is only a 20 minute drive to the boat for Skomer Island. Each pitch has lots of space and privacy and allow campfires in raised metal fire pits which they provide to use during your stay.

If going back to basics on a camping trip isn’t your thing, or you're worried that you’ll struggle to keep your children entertained, then Tŷ Mawr Holiday Park is the all-singing / all-dancing site that might suit you better. Tŷ Mawr is a lively park with activities for all ages located near Abergele, at the foot of a mountain.

The facilities and activities are endless – water flume, sports dome, high ropes, dens and evening entertainment to name a few. You’ll have access to all the washing and cleaning facilities as well as a selection of bars and restaurants.

Whilst the park is self-contained with its colourful and vibrant atmosphere, I would recommend exploring the surrounding area too. Abergele is a pretty market town with plenty of history, and a walk alongside the river is definitely worth the visit.

There’s a range of beautiful beaches nearby and an array of historical castles, one of which is Gwrych Castle, which played host to the ITV series I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020 and 2021.

Little Kings is a small, 5-star family run holiday park for tourers, campers and holiday homes alike. The have a host of onsite activities as well as being very close to some of the best attractions in Pembrokeshire. The views overlooking Carmarthen Bay from the park are incredible. 

On site facilities include an indoor heated swimming pool, a welcoming pub with a cosy fire, games room and children`s play area, and a shop selling groceries, daily papers and freshly baked bread. 

Local attractions include Folly Farm, Colby Woodland Garden, Pembroke Castle, Oakwood and Heatherton World of Activities. 

Heritage Coast Campsite is in the idyllic coastal location of Monknash, Vale of Glamorgan, close to the Glamorgan Heritage Coastal Path. This runs from Cardiff Bay’s waterfront through to Porthcawl, spanning 35 miles with spectacular scenery. The campsite has space for 30 pitches spread across two paddocks with uninterrupted views of the Bristol Channel. The facilities are very impressive, and there’s even a fully licenced café where you can have your morning coffee or sample a local beer in the evening.

Adjoining the campsite is Brook Paddock and is exclusively used by guests at Heritage Coast – you can enjoy a BBQ or picnic overlooking the breath-taking views across the 4 acres, leaving ample room for children to play games, cycle…and just have fun.

The facilities cater for everyone – ladies and gents’ facilities, unisex disabled bathroom, baby changing facilities, freezers, lockers, fire pits and BBQs. 

This is the perfect campsite to use as a base to explore South Wales and then return to relax by the cosy campfire under the stars. The campsite is within easy reach of well known beaches across the Vale of Glamorgan – Southerndown, Barry Island, Ogmore and Monknash beach is within a 15-minute walk. The local towns of Llantwit Major, Bridgend and Cowbridge are only a few minutes away and if it’s the Capital city you are after, Cardiff is only half an hour away! 

Pack up and book a relaxing break at this campsite and explore beaches, woodlands, valleys and waterfalls.

Camping is for everyone; it’s just finding what suits you as a family.