Pembrokeshire National Park camping is one of the best ways to experience scenic coastal Wales. As the second national park established in Wales, it is also the only national park in the UK that consists of mostly coastal landscapes. Visitors can camp in tents, caravans and motor homes in designated areas. Find out more about the geography of this national park and discover campsite locations along with activity recommendations for camping trips to coastal Pembrokeshire.
The Basics of Pembrokeshire National Park Camping
Pembrokeshire National Park, which was established in 1952, is one of three UK national parks located in Wales. The total area of this park is 243 square miles (629 square kilometres), and it is divided into four sections:
- South Pembrokeshire Coast
- Daugleddau estuary
- St. Brides Bay coast
- Preseli Hills
The South Pembrokeshire Coast is a 40-mile coast from Caldey Island, near Tenby, to Angle Bay in the Milford Haven estuary. The Western and Eastern Cleddau rivers, Carew River and Cresswell River come together in the Daugleddau estuary. The St. Brides Bay Heritage Coast runs for 5 miles along the open shore between the headlands of St. David's and Marloes. The Preseli Hills or Mountains are a range that reaches from Newport in the west to Crymych in the east and are mostly within the park.
Pembrokeshire National Park offers visitors a choice of sandy beaches, windswept cliffs, moorland, wooded estuaries or inland hills and valleys. These areas also offer unique options for Pembrokeshire National Park camping in
family tents or caravans. Most visitors remark on the beauty of the coastal and inland scenery and the well-kept condition of the park lands and campsites.
There are over 600 miles of public footpaths and bridleways in Pembrokeshire National Park, including more than 200 web or circular walks. Be aware that fog can obscure views of the bay, so you may want to check the weather forecast in advance of a Pembrokeshire National Park camping trip if looking at coastal scenery tops your to-do list.
Caravan Parks and Campsites in Pembrokeshire National Park
No matter your budget and what equipment you already own, there is an approach to Pembrokeshire National Park camping that can fit your budget. Plan whether you will arrive in your own camper van or motor home and stay at a site with hook-ups and facilities. You can also choose a leisure park or campsite that offers modern conveniences to visitors as well as vacation accommodations.
You can choose the right option for camping in Pembrokeshire National Park by considering the gear that you already own or plan to purchase prior to an excursion. If you have camped in your own touring caravan at other national parks, you may already know what you will need to bring and the types of caravan parks and campsites to look for in Pembrokeshire. Visitors should factor in the location, facilities and costs of caravan parks and campsites on park lands.
Shop a full selection of tents by type to accommodate anywhere from two to more than eight campers. Many of the most scenic Pembrokeshire National Park camping locations are accessible to visitors who plan to camp in tents, such as the Caerfai Farm Campsite, which boasts magnificent views across St. Brides Bay and opens directly onto the Coast Path. Leisureshopdirect also offers a wide selection of camper van equipment to ensure safe travels to caravan parks and a comfortable stay after you arrive.
Accommodations for Pembrokeshire National Park Camping
Search camping and caravan accommodations at Pembrokeshire National Park to find the right camping locations for your trip. Choose from sites such as the Caerfai Bay Caravan and Tent Park, which has panoramic sea views from every pitch, or the Caerfai Farm Campsite. Static options include B&Bs, bungalows, chalets, cottages, leisure parks and yurts located on park land.
Select the type of Pembrokeshire National Park camping accommodations you are seeking and specify a location. You can also specify grading and whether locations welcome walkers and cyclists or are dog friendly. When you find a suitable location, you are ready to check dates, book pitches and start planning your itinerary. Keep in mind that camping in unauthorised occasions, such as car parks and lay-bys, can put you at risk of fines.
It is also worth noting that Pembrokeshire National Park has single-track roads. You should be ready to stop and even reverse for oncoming traffic as you drive. Mobile caravans should always park in official Pembrokeshire National Park camping bays to leave roads clear for tractors and emergency services. Park authorities have also recently published The New Countryside Code, a new version of a booklet originally published in 1951, which includes up-to-date pointers for the safe use of
camping cookers and waste disposal in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Where To Go In Pembrokeshire National Park
Many visitors to Pembrokeshire National Park enjoy walking on beaches and beachside paths and exploring the open country. The award-winning beaches in Pembrokeshire have long been a popular destination, and a number of these beaches are rated as being environmentally sound tourist destinations.
The Access to Open Country or Countryside and Rights of Way Act offers visitors the right to roam, or wander freely within designated areas rather than sticking to the beaten path. Access Land only accounts for 10% of Pembrokeshire National Park, but this includes miles of down, heath, moor and mountain. Locations for Pembrokeshire National Park camping are available inland and on the coast.
While many visitors to Pembrokeshire National Park enjoy walking on unenclosed and uncultivated land, visitors should be aware that areas of Access Land may be temporarily closed and that access can be restricted. Nature conservation or land management initiatives or fire hazards are the most common limitations. Visitors should review any posted signs, which may occasionally limit access to designated areas to protect wildlife, such as ground-nesting birds, or livestock.
Activities To Do in Pembrokeshire National Park
A popular activity is the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, a designated national trail established in 1970. This walking path between Amroth and St. Dogmaels is 186 miles (299 km) long, and much of the path is at cliff-top level. The Coast Path has a total of 35,000 feet (11,000 metres) of ascent and descent.
Shorter circular web walks are ideal for shorter excursions. You can find easy-access walks, paths for gentle strolls and half-day routes. Some of the best short walks include Freshwater East, Garn Fawr, Newport and Porthgain, and there are also many wheelchair walks throughout the park. Visitors can also set out on their choice of numerous half-day routes, such as the Castlemartin Range Trail, Cresswell River, Golden Road, Sychpant/Caregog and Trefin Inland.
In addition to walking, visitors can pursue a wide range of outdoor activities during Pembrokeshire National Park camping trips. The National Park publishes information in Welsh and English on family-friendly activities, such as bird, bat or seal watching, pond dipping and rockpooling.
Wildlife in Pembrokeshire National Park
Wildlife watching is a popular activity for Pembrokeshire National Park camping. Seasonal coastal wildlife includes Atlantic grey seals, basking sharks, blue sharks, jellyfish, orcas, porpoises, sunfish, turtles and Risso's dolphins. The wildlife that passes through this park or calls the Welsh coast home draws many wildlife lovers.
The unspoiled coastal and inland landscapes of Pembrokeshire are home to a number of native species that have become less common in other parts of the UK. In addition to sea birds, it is possible to spy rare species such as choughs, skylarks and stonechat in the coastal heathlands. Learn more about the wildlife that can be found in Pembrokeshire from park authority publications.
Camping in Pembrokeshire National Park is one of the best ways to witness wildlife in this protected area. The New Countryside Code recommends that visitors care for nature and do not cause damage or disturbances during their visit. Dogs should be under control and in sight, and signs may be posted to keep pets from interfering with park wildlife during certain seasons.
Gear Up for Pembrokeshire National Park Camping
The equipment that visitors need to bring for camping in Pembrokeshire National Park varies based on their situations. If you plan to camp in a tent, select a tent of the right size or type, such as
beach tents. Camp beds, sleeping bags, furniture, BBQs and camping accessories can also make any trip more comfortable.
Selecting Pembrokeshire National Park camping areas or caravan parks is only the first step toward planning a successful trip. Visitors should also consider how to secure gear during excursions. Get current information from the new park authority mobile visitor centre at seaside locations and local events.
If you plan to drive your own motor caravan to Pembrokeshire, you can also shop an extensive selection of chassis components, stabilisers, towing equipment and trailer parts on Leisureshopdirect. No matter what your plans are for Pembrokeshire National Park camping, you can order all of the
camping accessories you need for a trip to coastal Wales.
