Camping and glamping in Mid Wales
Summer is camping season in Mid Wales, and there are few better places to pitch a tent. The combination of dark skies, quiet countryside and easy access to beaches, mountains and outdoor activities makes this part of Wales ideal for a camping or glamping holiday.
Tent camping
Traditional campsite camping is alive and well across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Eryri (Southern Snowdonia). You will find sites ranging from basic farmers' fields with a tap and a toilet to well-equipped sites with shower blocks, play areas and on-site cafes. Many coastal sites near Barmouth, Aberdyfi and Aberystwyth are within walking distance of the beach.
Inland, there are excellent sites in the Elan Valley, around Rhayader, in the Dyfi Valley near Machynlleth, and in the Brecon Beacons. Mid Wales has some of the darkest skies in Britain, and camping under a properly dark sky, with the Milky Way visible overhead, is something you do not forget easily.
Glamping
If you like the idea of being outdoors but prefer a proper bed, glamping has grown hugely across Mid Wales. Options include shepherd's huts with wood burners, canvas bell tents with rugs and fairy lights, geodesic domes, converted horse boxes and treehouses. Most glamping sites provide bedding, cooking facilities and a private fire pit.
Glamping pods are the most common option: insulated wooden pods with electricity, heating and often a small kitchenette. They are warm, dry and comfortable even when the weather is not cooperating. Yurts offer more space and a different atmosphere, with their circular shape and central skylight.
What to look for
The best camping and glamping sites in Mid Wales share a few things: good views, quiet surroundings, clean facilities and enough space between pitches that you are not on top of your neighbours. Some sites are adults-only; others are specifically family-friendly with play areas and organised activities.
Peak season runs from late May to early September, with July and August the busiest. Book well ahead for school holiday weeks, especially for glamping and coastal sites. Shoulder season camping in May, June and September can be lovely, with warmer-than-expected weather and much emptier sites.
What to do nearby
The beauty of camping in Mid Wales is the access to everything else. Walk the coast path from your tent. Cycle the Mawddach Trail. Watch red kites at Gigrin Farm. Take a steam train from Aberystwyth to Devils Bridge. Swim in the sea at Barmouth or the reservoir at Elan Valley. Then come back to your tent or pod, light a fire, and watch the stars come out.
Browse our camping and glamping listings to find your pitch.