Camping in Porthmadog

The countryside around Porthmadog, from the foothills of Eryri to the dunes behind Black Rock Sands, offers some of the most scenic camping in North Wales, but as everywhere in Wales, wild camping remains illegal without the explicit permission of the landowner, so it is worth sticking to established sites unless you have arranged access directly. Fortunately there is no shortage of choice: campsites cluster along the coast towards Criccieth and Morfa Bychan, inland towards Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass, and up around the Vale of Ffestiniog, many of them making the most of views towards Snowdon, Cnicht or the Moelwyn range.

Coastal sites near Black Rock Sands and Morfa Bychan suit families who want easy beach access alongside pitches for tents, campervans and caravans, with several offering direct or near-direct access onto the sand. Inland, sites around Beddgelert and the Aberglaslyn Pass put walkers within easy striking distance of Snowdon's quieter southern approaches, as well as the wooded riverside paths through the pass itself, one of the most attractive short walks in the area. The terrain here is a genuine mix, from flat, sheltered estuary-side pitches to more exposed hillside fields with big mountain views, so it is worth checking a site's setting carefully if shelter or a view matters to you.

Spring through early autumn is the most reliable camping season, with long daylight hours in June and July making the most of the steam railways and mountain walks, though North Wales weather can turn quickly at any time of year, so a good waterproof tent or awning is essential. For those who would rather skip the tent-pitching, glamping options in the area range from simple wooden pods and shepherd's huts to fully-equipped safari tents, many positioned to catch sunset views over the Glaslyn estuary or towards the peaks. Whichever way you choose to camp, Porthmadog's harbour, railways and beaches are rarely more than a short drive away.