Gwern Gof Isaf Campsite
Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0EU, UK
View on Google MapsA campsite near Betws Y Coed
About Gwern Gof Isaf Campsite
'Legendary' isn't a word often used to describe a place to rest your head for a night or two, but it's worth making an exception for Gwern Gof Isaf, a spot in Snowdonia National Park that first opened in 1906 and served as Sir John Hunt's training base before his successful 1953 Everest expedition. Now run by the eighth generation of the Williams family, this no-frills site sits beneath dramatic views of Tryfan peak, with trails to the Glyders and Carneddau starting from a half-hour walk away.
The campsite has a wonderfully functional feel – clean toilets and hot showers, washing machines, and an indoor washing-up area keep things comfortable without unnecessary fuss. Climbing and abseiling are available on-site, and long-distance cyclists and walkers will appreciate being right on the Sustrans trail and Cambrian Way. While the service can occasionally feel a touch unhelpful, the excellent value and sheer access to world-class hiking more than compensate. Stock up on supplies before arriving, as the nearest large supermarkets lie outside the national park.
Photos
Photos via Google
Visitors say this campsite offers easy access to hiking trails and peaks, with clean toilets, showers, and useful amenities like washing machines and dryers. They also highlight the friendly staff, excellent value, and stunning views.
Some reviews mention the service can be unhelpful.
Summary via Google
Can I bring...?
Hook-up
No electric hook-up listed — worth confirming directly if you're bringing a caravan or motorhome.
Facilities
Takeaway & food delivery
Handy if you fancy a night off cooking — here's what delivers near this site.
Deliveroo — 1 restaurant nearby
Shirins
Checked 26 Aug 2026 — always confirm on deliveroo.co.uk before ordering, as coverage can change.
Nearest supermarkets
Handy if you're self-catering or need to stock up on arrival.
- Co-op, Llanrwst 7.1 miles
- Tesco, Bangor 9.7 miles
- Aldi 9.8 miles
- Lidl, Bangor 9.8 miles
- Asda, Bangor 9.9 miles
- Morrisons 10 miles
Straight-line distances — the drive will be longer. Store data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
What visitors say
We had a fantastic stay here over the bank holiday. The views are lovely and the staff were incredibly friendly. A quick heads-up: the showers operate on a 50p token for 5 minutes. While some might find that unusual, the site is very transparent about it on their website. If you’re here to camp and explore, it’s a non-issue! The location is perfect for hikers, with some brilliant walks right on the doorstep. It’s also conveniently located just a 20-minute drive from local shops if you need to restock on food or toiletries. **Highlights:** * **The Coffee Hut:** A great little spot (run separately) serving excellent coffee, crepes, and toasties—exactly what you need after a long hike. * **Facilities:** Includes a washing machine and tumble dryer, which is a massive bonus for longer trips If you are looking for a solid base that covers the basics so you can focus on outdoor adventures, this is the place for you. Pitch a tent, enjoy the scenery, and have an adventure—you won't regret it. Definitely planning on coming back!
2 months ago · via Google
A last minute booking to go camping with my youngest prior to walking up Pen yr Ole Wen on the Saturday. A great location and good facilities. This is not a 5* Beach Campsite with pool, sauna etc but this is a 5* Hikers Campsite that has everything you need. Diolch-Iwan
a month ago · via Google
This campsite is not worth the £22 my partner paid. When we arrived at 4:00 PM, we rang the bell for help, someone came at the window of there frount door then walk away, and then saw a 'we aren’t in' sign. Since no pitches were labeled, we had to guess where to go. The facilities were mostly broken: the kettle, toaster, washer, dryer, and the token machine were all out of order. Even if the token machine worked, the system is poorly designed. You have to buy a token to use in the bathroom, which triggers a 5-minute timer immediately. If you run out of water, you would have to leave the shower potentially wrapped in only a towel in a unisex block to go back to the machine to add more. As a woman, the idea of having to step out into a shared space with strangers just to finish a shower is incredibly uncomfortable and a major privacy concern. Between the lack of hot water for dishes and my partner accidentally walking in on a woman changing due to the poor layout, this was a very stressful stay. We weren't even able to ask for help because no one would answer the door
4 months ago · via Google
No warm water, the zinks were not even attached, the toilet area dirty, and small. Cold showers. No internet, no service whatsoever. We’ve had better better campsites on all criteria’s, for cheaper.
2 months ago · via Google
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