Pembrokeshire Campsites
Pembrokeshire boasts some of Wales' most jaw-dropping landscapes, making it a paradise for camping and outdoor enthusiasts. Over 350 miles of magnificent coastline frames this county, with towering cliffs, secluded coves, sweeping sandy bays, offshore islands and a national coastal walking path tracing it all. Inland, rolling green fields and wooded hills create a bucolic backdrop for rural campsites.
Given its wealth of natural beauty and variety of terrain, it's easy to understand Pembrokeshire's huge appeal for campers. Whether seeking an adventurous coastal campsite with clifftop views, a sheltered woodland clearing to pitch a tent, or a family-friendly farm with glamping pods, Pembrokeshire has it covered. Add a mild climate, outstanding water quality for activities like swimming, surfing and kayaking plus wonderfully dark skies for stargazing, and this Welsh haven entices over 1.5 million visitors annually.
Myriad Campsites Scattered Across Pembrokeshire
With so many stunning landscapes to explore, Pembrokeshire offers an abundance of wonderful places to camp across the region. There are campsites dotted throughout from the plunging cliffs of St David's peninsula in the north down through the wilderness of the Preseli Hills, along the indented St Bride's Bay coastline, all the way south to the islands and beaches of the south coast.
Options range from basic, inexpensive farmer's fields for back-to-basics breaks to 5-star sites with pre-pitched bell tents, cottages and glamping structures that come with creature comforts like ensuite bathrooms. Many sites also focus on excellent eco credentials, carrying awards like Green Tourism gold status as recognition for efforts in environmental preservation and sustainability.
Something for Every Camping Style in Pembrokeshire
Crucially for families, there are lots of campsites providing amenities specially catered towards groups with younger children in Pembrokeshire. These offer playgrounds, indoor pools and games rooms for rainy days along with organised kids' clubs and entertainment during school holidays. Then for those wanting to reconnect with nature, sites allow woodland camping with campfires for rustic evenings under the stars. Solo travellers, couples, adventure seekers and those wanting a comfortable glamping getaway are all extremely well served with campsites too. Pembrokeshire truly offers something to satisfy every camping style and budget.
Woodland Camping Experiences in North Pembrokeshire
Pockets of Ancient Woodland Offer Seclusion
In the northernmost part of Pembrokeshire, the Preseli Hills hold pockets of native broadleaf and evergreen woodlands that remain relatively untouched with an abundance of biodiversity. These isolated wooded areas create the perfect peaceful spots to pitch a tent within the trees and experience true seclusion surrounded completely by nature. Sites like Cilgwyn Caravan Park near Newport and Penrallt Forest Campsite by Pontfaen incorporate small designated woodland camping zones.
During spring, a sea of bluebells carpets the forest floor while the overhead canopy comes alive with bird song. For the autumn months, the kaleidoscope of russet, amber and gold leaf colours prove an iconic seasonal spectacle. Back-to-basics campers will love firing up a camp stove, sitting on logs around the flickering glow of a campfire in these woodlands while toasting marshmallows under a star-scattered night sky.
Conifer Plantations Sheltered from Coastal Winds
Further west, Pembrokeshire has sections of commercial conifer plantations making up parts of the Preseli forest. These dense evergreen woods create nicely sheltered clearings, often on south-facing slopes out the path of prevailing winds. The natural protection helps when pitching tents or parking campervans. Sites neighbouring the forests like Hillend Campsite near St David's sensitively incorporate small designated camping zones adjacent to the trees.
The landscape undulates here with the ancient volcanic geography of Carn Ingli and Carn Meini nearby. Campers can set out on foot to explore remnants of an Iron Age hill fort at Foel Drygarn while enjoying the rhythmic sound of the trees swaying overhead back at their wooded pitch. The songbird melodies here include chaffinches, willow warblers and chiffchaffs.
Idyllic Wooded Havens Rich in Wildlife
Lower down the Landsker Borderlands in north Pembrokeshire, secret pockets of ancient woodland have remained undisturbed for centuries creating idyllic havens for wildlife to thrive. In spring carpets of wood anemones, wild garlic and bluebells hint at the biodiversity. Sites like Meadow House Farm on the Eastern Cleddau allow a handful of tents to camp in a private three acre woodland that supports everything from red squirrels and bats to badgers and buzzards.
Waking up to birdsong or spotting deer grazing peacefully among the trees makes the wooded camping experience here truly special. Kids will love looking out for animals or simply playing hide and seek around tree trunks while adults can find peaceful spots for reading or journaling. When the sun sets, owls can often be heard as other nocturnal creatures emerge under a black velvet night sky bright with stars.
Cliff-top Coastal Campsites with Sea Views
Northern Peninsula Campsites with Epic Seascapes
In the far north of Pembrokeshire, the jagged St David's Peninsula presents some of the most rugged and windswept clifftop terrain, sculpted over millennia by the relentlessly pounding waves. Several sensitively designed campsites here make the most of the epic views over inlets like Whitesands Bay towards offshore islands like Ramsey and Bishops. Caerfai Farm offers grassy meadows to pitch tents on the cliffs while Caerhys has eco-pods gazing due west for phenomenal sunsets over the Irish Sea.
This stretch of National Park coastline sees dolphins and grey seals swimming in clear waters, choughs wheeling overhead on updrafts, and the iconic tower of St David's Cathedral standing tall over Britain’s smallest city. Thanks to the lack of light pollution, stargazing is world-class with shooting stars often visible overhead. Coastal path walks offer non-stop vistas while hardy swimmers can take daily dips right from the clifftop campsites if they please.
St Bride's Bay Campsites Overlooking Islands
Travelling south, the 71 square mile expanse of St Bride's Bay presents a softer scenic option backed by rich farmland and sandy beaches, but still with impressive views over the RAMSAR protected wetlands and wildlife reserves offshore. Campsites like Dale Fort and Pointz Castle sit atop the cliffs dotted with orange gorse overlooking gatekeeper butterflies. Ready-pitched bell tents at both sites take in the vista across the waves towards Skomer, Skokholm and Gateholm Islands.
A real charm comes with staying on these north-facing grassy sites, watching the sunset paint the sky pink before settling in around a campfire as the stars slowly reveal themselves on cloudless nights. Days offer adventures walking along the coast visiting Medieval castles or taking wildlife trips to see Atlantic grey seals, puffins and porpoises thriving out in the rich feeding grounds of the Bay.
South Coast Meadows with Rugged Cliff Views
Along the undulating coastal stretch from Amroth down to Manorbier, south Pembrokeshire has its fair share of elevated meadow campsites boasting spectacular outlooks over jagged cliffs to the Bristol Channel and even as far as Gower on clear days. Pastel-coloured bell tents at Celtic Camping come with sea views from their front flaps. Nearby Heatherton offers retro VW camper vans to hire with panoramic vista windows pointing towards the Worm's Head peninsula.
The dynamic landscape here has wild ponies grazing coastal slopes while choughs perform aerial acrobatics on the updrafts. From the tents and campervans, steps lead down to secluded coves like Colby Woodland Garden and Lamphey Bishop’s Palace ruins. The views transform come sunset when the clifftops glow gold as the fiery skies reflect in the rippled sea far below. Turning inland, rolling fields then meet wooded ridges cloaked in bluebells during spring.
Diverse Landscapes and Adventures in South Pembrokeshire
Coastal Beauty and Island Getaways
From the iconic arched cave of Green Bridge of Wales in the west to the pristine expanse of Barafundle Bay in the east, south Pembrokeshire coastal scenery delivers adventure in abundance. Offshore, boat trips run to Caldey Island with its seals, seabirds and historic monastery. Back on the mainland, Manorbier Beach overlooked by a Medieval castle keeps families entertained for hours. Tenby’s postcard-perfect multi-coloured townhouses line sand stretching towards Giltar Point.
Kayaking, snorkelling, surfing and standup paddleboarding (SUP) can all be enjoyed along this shoreline while walkers traverse the hilly Pembrokeshire Coast Path soaking up ever-changing maritime vistas. Inland campsites like Celtic Camping place tents on meadows edged by woods down to secret coves. Luxury options like Warren Farm Glamping offer a front row seat to remarkable sunrises over rugged headlands jutting out into the Celtic Sea.
Historic Sites and Seaside Villages
Venturing east from the shoreline, south Pembrokeshire presents a softer landscape of fertile rolling fields grazed by cattle herds and studded with Iron Age hill forts and Medieval castles. Carew Castle provides a majestic sight spreading down to the tidal mill pond while East Llanstadwell’s parish church impresses with ornate stone carvings. The picturesque seaside village of Saundersfoot bursts with pastel-fronted cottages, galleries and places to sample fresh seafood.
Woodland campsites like Great Barrow Fold Farm or those neighbouring Carew Castle immerse visitors in this rich history with tents pitched under leafy canopies filled with bluebells during springtime. Kids learning archery near Celtic Camping will feel like junior Robin Hoods while caring for orphaned lambs at farms like Beech Estate adds educational hands-on fun between adventures to Pembrokeshire's southern delights by the water.
Foodie Explorations and Activities Galore
While south Pembrokeshire scenery entices outdoorsy pursuits like coasteering, blokarting and horse riding along beaches, the county has also become quite a foodie destination. Artisan ice cream parlours can be found in picturesque St Florence and Swiss Valley. Vineyards now produce award-winning Welsh wines to enjoy. Across Manorbier, Freshwater East and Tenby, beachside cafes whip up crab, lobster and perfectly barbecued locally caught sea bass.
Campsites boasting their own excellent eateries include Lamphey Park with quality pub cuisine or Caerfai Farm with hearty breakfasts using fresh farm produce. Adrenalin activities like ziplining high across the Canaston Woods or skydiving above Giltar Point can work up holiday hunger perfectly before enjoying Pembrokeshire’s coastal gourmet delights back on dry land when camping.
Family-Friendly Campsites Across the Region
North Pembrokeshire Havens for Families
In north Pembrokeshire, Celtic Camping uses its elevated position close to the sweeping sands of Newgale beach to create a family-dedicated haven. Multi-room canvas lodges allow privacy while kids can burn energy in the indoor play zones even on rainy days. Nearby there's a local riding school for pony trekking adventures.
Similarly set up to entertain families, Preseli Venture balances coastal scenery with amenities. An outdoor heated pool, horse riding, surfing lessons and nature trails down to the beach all help kids enjoy the rugged beauty of this St Bride's Bay location. Indoors, wet weather games, table tennis and a movie snug ensure groups have back up entertainment if summer showers fall.
Mid Pembrokeshire Farms Geared for Families
Across the Landsker Borderlands of mid-Pembrokeshire, farms often open up fields for tent camping while also laying on extra activities for kids onsite. Golden Hill Farm maintains an adventure playground with swings, wooden forts, ziplines and treehouses set across a wooded hillside adjoining idyllic Freshwater East beach famous for sea glass hunting. Their supervised kids' club allows parents relaxation time too.
Similarly, at Beech Estate lamb feeding, tennis courts and rowing boats on a large pond next to the campsite keep youngsters smiling. A huge communal campfire creates atmospheric evenings toasting marshmallows and singing songs before retreated to bell tents with cosy mattresses, lanterns and optional breakfast hampers delivered. Proximity to sandy beaches at Freshwater West and Manorbier make for easy-access summer holiday fun.
South Coast Sites with Family Extras
Across south Pembrokeshire, campsites neighbouring popular Blue Flag family beaches often provide extra amenities tailored towards groups with kids. Pentlepoir has an indoor heated pool, games room and outdoor playground all set across lawns leading straight down to Saundersfoot Beach's honey-coloured sands. The location allows for kayaking, fishing trips and coastal walks along with independence for teenagers to venture into the bustling seaside village.
Similarly laid out with families in mind, Meadow House Farm camping adjoins Angle Bay, a gently shelving southwest-facing beach perfect for swimming. Kids can help feed resident animals like goats and ponies on the farm while getting back to nature in a private woodland camping area full of treehouses and dens to spark adventures. With an onsite café using produce from the farm, parents get relaxation time too.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Campsites
North Pembrokeshire Sites with Eco Focus
In North Pembrokeshire, Caerhys Organic Community Farm Campsite has won awards for sustainability thanks to initiatives like harvesting rainwater, using renewable energy sources and growing organic produce in market gardens and polytunnels. Compost toilets, wildlife habitats and dark sky preservation complete their green credentials.
Visitors stay in low impact vintage trucks, bell tents and eco-pods with running water and electricity. Onsite there’s a vegetarian wholefood café and honesty shop selling organic cakes, tea, coffee and fresh seasonal vegetables. With sweeping rural views to the Preseli Hills and out to St Bride’s Bay, this site balances ethics and aesthetics beautifully.
Eco Practice at Preseli Foothills Sites
Set back in the foothills of the ancient Preseli mountain range, a cluster of exceptionally sustainable smallholdings welcome campers seeking green getaways. Living Willow runs nature awareness kids clubs teaching traditional skills like den building and fire lighting in forests littered with geological oddities. Nearby, Nazareth village’s Fecci Farm is a veganic set up using organic practice and renewable energy.
Both sites have micro bakeries and veggies for sale alongside lovingly converted barns and outbuildings to host visitors in. Further north, Penrallt Eco Camping offers “off-grid” wilderness camping with just borehole spring water, composting loo and campfires for facilities while overlooking wooded hills designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest thanks to rare lichens and ancient woodland.
South Pembrokeshire Farms with Sustainable Ethics
Across south Pembrokeshire, several livestock farms opening up meadows for tent camping uniquely fuse excellent green credentials with comfortable camping options. Carew Castle Camping’s eco efforts span conserving endangered bats, owl nestboxes, renewable energy in the farmhouse, ground source heating and wildflower meadow regeneration providing pollinator habitats.
Their traditional stone cottages and converted stables use sustainable materials while the organic veg garden feeds an award-winning onsite café. Nearby Cleddau Fawr Eco Campsite has solar showers, compost loo and canvas bell tents made from natural, chemical-free cotton and linen offering guilt-free luxury. A shared campfire circle provides rustic community atmosphere to match the ancient wooded river valley location. With panoramic views of Carew tidal mill pond, this site balances ethics and aesthetics in a truly special location steeped in nature.
Highly Rated Favourite Campsites in Pembrokeshire
North Pembrokeshire Favourites with Sea Views
In North Pembrokeshire, Caerfai Farm consistently ranks as a county favourite thanks to its panoramic clifftop views over St David’s Peninsula matched with private woodland camping areas sheltered from winds. 25 acres of organically managed farmland unfold down to cliffs where grey seals bask. Visitors return annually to relax into the big open skies at night illuminated by the Milky Way arc overhead.
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts sit comfortably on the coastal slopes surrounded by bright gorse bushes. Sunsets over nearby inlets like Porthclais turn the sea pink and gold. Owners Adam and Emma have fine-tuned the campsite for over 10 years to master the atmosphere. The farmhouse offers hearty breakfasts using eggs from the chickens adding quality and character.
Mid Pembrokeshire Winners with Luxury Options
Across the Landsker Border into central Pembrokeshire, Castlewood Caravan and Camping Park emerges as a consistent favourite for delivering views over sandy Freshwater East beach framed by rolling countryside. The facilities prove top class with onsite shop, cafe and even restaurant. Glamping options span cosy huts, Shepherd’s huts and bell tents furnished with mattresses and wood stoves for comfort.
Next door, winner Beech Estate lets guests get hands on with farm tasks like egg collecting and there’s a tennis court and boating lake on site. Kids adore their supervised activities including lamb feeding in spring. Five star campsite reviews praise the premium feel through both standard tent pitching and luxury ready set up options in spacious zip-linked safari lodges. Location and service excel in equal measures.
South Pembrokeshire Gems with Ancient Woodlands
Tucked away in south Pembrokeshire, serene Hawkstone Campsite enjoys rave reviews as a hidden gem nestled under ancient woodland canopy. Just a 10 minute walk from sandy Marros sands, the site strikes a beautiful balance between facilities and wilderness appeal with campfires permitted and nature literally on the doorstep.
Through the woods, otters play along the Cleddau river while deer graze fields peppered with Iron Age hillforts. Kids adore adventures to the half-mile tunnel beneath Llawhaden castle while parents unwind soaking under starry night skies uninterrupted by light pollution. On-site Carrig glamping pods bring comforts without compromising the immersion in nature that Hawkstone executes so perfectly.
Pembrokeshire Delivers for Campers
Land of Diverse Coastal Landscapes
There is no doubt, with over 350 miles of glorious coastline framing ragged cliffs, secluded coves, sweeping bays and offshore islands that Pembrokeshire remains first-class camping country. From north to south, vast swathes of mixed terrains mean it would take several summers to fully explore everything this region holds for those who cherish the great outdoors.
Seaside villages bursting with galleries, cafes and life add cultural charm. Inland hills cloaked in magical ancient woodlands and meadows ripe with wildlife promise adventures too. And linking Pembrokeshire together is the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, Britain’s only National Trail hugging every twist and turn of shoreline, offering incredible constant views as it winds past cliffs, beaches, harbours, and coves. Pure hiking heaven and campsites lie dotted all along it.
Campsites to Suit Every Style and Budget
With such diverse landscapes to pitch up in, Pembrokeshire holds campsites suited to every style and budget. Choose between back to basics tents in remote fields or eco-pod glamping with creature comforts. Enjoy a working farmstay helping feed lambs or oceanfront bell tents watching dolphins leap from the waves. Quiet woodland clearings, clifftop meadows, hilltop hideaways - whatever experience is wished for, you can usually discover it across Pembrokeshire, supported by friendly hosts dedicated to delivering quality holidays and preserving this precious environment.
Famously Glorious Beaches and Bays
It is the sheer volume and exceptional quality of beaches that truly sets Pembrokeshire campsites apart and enhances any coastal break. The region claims no less than 68 BLUE FLAG and Seaside Awards, the highest density in Britain. From the immense expanse of Newgale under the Preseli Hills, through St Bride's Bay favourites like Druidston Haven and Broad Haven South with rock pools and ice creams, all the way south to Tenby's castle-backed multi-hued Georgian sands and turtle-like Giltar Point, you find beaches and bays galore fringing Pembrokeshire. Some campsites practically roll into the sand. And thanks to the Gulf Stream bringing mild weather plus excellent water quality, all prove family friendly for paddling, snorkelling, or surfing.
Pembrokeshire beaches deliver bucket and spade holidays beautifully. In the haven of Pembrokeshire with its sparkling seas, cream-coloured sands and postcard views around every corner; camping holidays take on an idyllic quality. With famously glorious beaches, undulating forests carpeted in wild bluebells each springtime and an unspoiled coastline that just keeps giving around every bend, memories get created here in the wild beauty of Wales' magical western edge. Small wonder that even the Vikings wrote home about this place over 1000 years ago, captivated as so many visitors still are today.
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