How much does it cost to stay at Smugglers Cove Boatyard?

From $26.61 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.

Smugglers Cove Boatyard

View prices & book Last booked one day ago 9.8 22 reviews

View from the foreshore in front of Dyfi, looking east towards the Dyfi Osprey Project

Last pitch along path, angell. a soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs

Part of the pathway, alongside the camping pitches

The first pitch on path, dyfi. a soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs

The middle pitch, dulas. a soft wood chip patch for tent and surrounded by grass and shrubs

View to the east towards the dyfi osprey project

View from the boatyard slipway towards ynys-hir rspb reserve

Small peaceful site on the Dyfi estuary, seven miles from Machynlleth
A 10-minute drive from the beach at Aberdyfi
Riverside firepits, with wood available to buy on site

Evenings spent by the water’s edge, cosied up round the firepit and watching the sun set over the river? Simply blissful, and a regular happening for those who make their way to Smugglers Cove Boatyard, a properly peaceful place down on the Dyfi estuary three miles from Aberdyfi and seven from Machynlleth. The views by day from here are pretty special too, looking out over the river towards Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve and Borth Bog National Nature Reserve. When the tide’s out a little beach appears for paddling; when the water’s higher it’s possible to swim or launch canoes or boats from the slipway (bring them along to use the boatyard’s storage facilities if you wish). Adding to the chilled vibe is the lack of cars down by the river’s edge – wheelbarrows are provided to help you transport your kit along the 100-metre stretch between the parking area and pitches, which travels through the traditional working boatyard and along part of the coastal path. This path has uneven ground, as it's between the river and the tree-line, and beneath the embankment of a raised coastal road. If you can tear yourself away from gazing out over the water, there’s plenty of wholesome activity to be had nearby, including boating, beaches and birdwatching. The Cambrian railway line runs through the property along a raised embankment and disappears into a tunnel deep in the hill behind the foreshore and pitches, and the coastal A493 also runs above the property; most of the guests don't seem to mind this, but the owners want you to be aware. Smuggler's Cove is a working boatyard and therefore there will possibly be some noise such as clanking rigging and people working on their boats.

Campground type

Open all year

Please note

Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.
Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
Guests are advised to bring a good quality flashlight with them as parts of the park are unlit.
Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.

The pitches are 190 metres from the car park, accessed via a path through the working boatyard and a rugged coastal path, so please be aware of uneven ground along the route. Wheelbarrows are provided. The site is working boatyard and there may be some associated noise.

Languages spoken

English

Campsite types & availability

Reviews

would recommend this campground to a friend

would stay here again

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Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

Lovely log burner inside hannah the boat to keep you warm

The location is amazing the views the sounds of the birds and…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Nicki B. Apr 2025

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked: The location is amazing the views the sounds of the birds and also ideally placed to get out and about in the area.
Hosts were welcoming and thought of lots of little extras to make the stay even better. Facilities were great very clean and always well stocked.

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Extraordinary glamping

Overall	10/10
Location	8
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Anonymous Feb 2025

The Boy John 1 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked: Everything. Boy John is perfect. The place is close to the main road but you won't feel it which is great and easy to go there for a day trip. Highly recommended

Disliked: We discovered our dog is afraid of trains.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Quirky and scenic

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	No rating
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	No rating

Sarah G. Sep 2024

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked: Absolutely idyllic spot the views across the estuary in the sunset were stunning. Boat is very well equipped ( I stayed in Hannah) and it had everything I needed to cook and store food plus ample sleeping areas. Interior is quirky as you would expect with a boat conversion and do have to be mindful of ceiling height! It's in an easy to find location off a decent road with a number of beaches and towns within easy driving distance. Log burner for a cosy evening though I was blessed with really good weather so didn't use it much. Shower block and compost loos only a few metres away. Definitely recommend for a complete get away from every day hustle and hustle.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Well worth it ! Will be back again soon!!

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Scott P. Sep 2024

Dulas primitive mixed tent campsite

Liked: INCREDIBLE VIEWS !

The owner was very nice and helped with any issues we had! Toilets and showers were very clean and well looked after.

Was so good tried to book an extra few days but was too late 😞 gutted to leave so soon !

Recommend to friends Visit again

The view is amazing, the whole ambience of the site is unspoilt…

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	4
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Sash A. Sep 2024

Angell primitive mixed tent campsite (XL)

Liked: The view is amazing, the whole ambience of the site is unspoilt and quirky, the washing facilities are very clean and eco friendly. Lovely that the firepit is included, only one change, and that would be the addition of a picnic bench and table in the camping bays. Overall the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature

Disliked: Nothing

Recommend to friends Visit again

Unique adventure spot

Overall	8/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	8
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	8
Cleanliness	8
Wifi	No rating

Joel B. Sep 2024

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked: Stayed in the Hannah boat, was a really unique and cool experience. Our little one loved it pretending to be a pirate captain. Great location and was quiet when we went.

Disliked: Showers a bit hit or miss but they do know this

Recommend to friends Visit again

A quirky, well thought out and beautiful setting.

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	8
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	6

Anonymous Sep 2024

Dulas primitive mixed tent campsite

Liked: Stunning views and a comfortable pitch set up really well to be able to cook over the fire and enjoy the view.

Disliked: Occasional road noise but a minor issue.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent 👍 very clean , awesome team 👏

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	No rating

Anonymous Aug 2024

Hannah 2 bedroom marina berth, slip, mooring

Liked: Smugglers cove Amazing small secluded site choice of stays included boat stay ,holiday cottage or camping , We stopped in Hannah a gentleman's 1950's pleasure boat , wonderful original interior with lovely touches & great little seating kitchen area , sleeps 4 .Great log burner for those cold nights.Great seating area outside to enjoy a glass of wine & enjoy those amazing sunsets over the estuary & sea. Fire pit outside to cook on or toast your marshmallow on.Outstanding mountain back drop & nature in abundance. Very quiet at night just sounds of nature.Great walks by the estuary.Sandy beach to enjoy swimming or to dip your toes in .One thing is for sure you will never forget your stay at smugglers cove.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Amazing

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	10
Accommodation	10
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	10
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

Matthew M. Aug 2024

Angell primitive mixed tent campsite (XL)

Liked: Amazing! Great location, amazing views. All the amenities and facilities you could need! We will be back.

Disliked: Nope

Recommend to friends Visit again

Peaceful, sounds of nature and perfect clean facilities.

Overall	10/10
Location	10
Value for money	8
Accommodation	8
Facilities / Activities	10
Customer service	8
Child friendliness	10
Cleanliness	10
Wifi	10

fiona r. Jul 2024

Dyfi primitive mixed tent campsite

Liked: Gorgeous place. Sensational views and the facilities are so well kept. They’ve thought of everything and it’s all so organised yet you feel completely left alone. The pitches although secluded are actually right next to neighbouring pitches - separated only by shrubbery - which is fine unless you have neighbours like mine who watched tv all evening. I booked this for the sights and sounds of nature so it was slightly annoying having to listen to tv dronage (I considered asking them to unplug but it wasn’t loud and they turned off by 10pm thankfully) I just would have preferred the gorgeous sounds of egrets, herons, curlews and geese! The estuary is amazing to swim in but watch the currents - very strong. So pick your swimming times wisely! Also - although secluded and all your own space the three tent pitches are adjacent so to get to each you have to walk right through the first two - privacy not so much! But the peace and quiet, the beauty and the quaintness of the boatyard is unsurpassed. Lovely place and Sophie is a lovely helpful lady who clearly works very hard!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Features

Dogs allowed

Campfires allowed

Leisure on park

Bar or club house Cycle hire Evening entertainment Fishing Fitness centre Indoor swimming pool Kids' club On-site restaurant/cafe Outdoor swimming pool Playground Recreation room/arcade TV room Takeout Tennis Watersports

Amenities on park

Bath available Car parking by site/unit Composting toilet Dog park Drying room Free wifi Grocery store Ice pack freezing Internet access Laundromat Parent & baby washroom Payphone Pick-up from public transport Portable toilet Pub toilets Restrooms Shower available Washing-up area Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly Motorcycle friendly Scouts welcome Single-sex groups welcome Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue grills allowed Barbecue provided Campfires allowed Commercial vehicles allowed Dogs allowed Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Budget/backpacker Spectacular scenery Wild camping Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities Communal freezer Dump station Electric car charging point(s) Propane/gas cylinders available Recycling available Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby Dog walk nearby Public transportation nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 sites)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby Climbing nearby Cycling nearby Fishing nearby Golf nearby Horseback riding nearby Indoor pool nearby Mountain biking nearby Restaurant nearby Sailing nearby Watersports nearby

Location

Smugglers Cove Boatyard

Fron Goch

Aberdovey

Gwynedd

Wales

LL35 0RG

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London +0100 (GMT+01:00)

GPS

52.55674°N
-3.97305°W

Route directions

Using the postcode on satnav may redirect to Aberdovey Luxury Lodges. When you're close, ignore the directions and stay on the A493 until you see the entrance to the boatyard, on the river side of the road (left if coming from Machynlleth, right from Aberdyfi). Park up and walk up the path to the right of the curved building and under the railway bridge. The Boy John is on your right, Hannah just beyond. For the pitches, go down the slipway, turning left along the path below the sea wall.

Nearest transport

Bus

10.4 mi University Campus Penglais

10.5 mi Penllwyn PO

Rail

2.1 mi Dovey Junction Rail Station

2.7 mi Penhelig Rail Station

3.6 mi Aberdovey Rail Station

Ferry

11.4 mi Porth Penrhyn Ferry Landing

11.7 mi Barmouth Ferry Landing

Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Bring your binoculars if you’re into birdwatching, for there’s much twitching activity nearby – geese and wading birds fish just by the site, and there are nesting ospreys along the river at the Dyfi Osprey Project. More spotting, along with super views towards Snowdonia, can be had from Ynys-Hir RSPB reserve (home to the BBC's Springwatch programme for several seasons), which is around a 20-minute drive away. If it’s beaches you seek, your nearest is the wide sandy stretch in Aberdyfi, 10 minutes away – also a good spot for a round of golf, a bit of fishing or watersports including sailing, canoeing and kitesurfing. For a bit of town time, head into Machynlleth, 10 minutes’ drive away, for independent shops, a leisure centre and concerts or exhibitions at the MOMA Machynlleth performing arts centre. Cultured types might also like to pay a visit to the renovated 1920s Magic Lantern Cinema 15 minutes away in Tywyn.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name	Distance	Type	2020	2019	2018	2017
Aberdyfi	3.6 mi	Estuary	Excellent	Good	Good	Good
Aberdyfi Rural	4.5 mi	Sea	Excellent	Excellent	Good	Good
Tywyn	5.7 mi	Sea	Good	Good	Good	Excellent
Borth	5.7 mi	Sea	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent
Clarach South	9.6 mi	Sea	Good	Good	Good	Good

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Rheilffordd Talyllyn Railway 5.2 mi

MOMA Wales - Y Tabernacl 5.5 mi

Vale of Rheidol Railway (Aberystwyth) 11 mi

CADW - Harlech Castle 21.6 mi

Portmeirion Gardens 25.2 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

YNYS-HIR (CURRENT BOUNDARY FROM 20/04/2000) 1.6 mi

Abergynolwyn - Foel Y Geifr - Abergynolwyn 6.1 mi

Esgair Fochnant - Glaslyn - Bugeilyn 9.1 mi

Fairbourne to Barmouth 10.1 mi

Cadair Idris 11.4 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Policies

Booking terms and conditions

Changes to your holiday

Bookings cannot be amended within 56 day(s) of arrival.

Admission

Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Arrivals and departures

No refunds/discounts for inclement weather, late arrivals or early departures.
The park will send you further check-in information 2 day(s) before your arrival.

Dogs

Dogs must be kept on leashes and supervised at all times.
The park does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Breed-specific legislation (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).

General

Bookings are nominative and non-transferable.
Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
In the event of a complaint, please speak to reception immediately. Complaints which are not brought to the management's attention during your stay cannot be dealt with once you have left the site.
Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
Quiet hours must be respected between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m..
Radio, music and TV players must be kept at a low volume. Car doors and trunks must be closed quietly.
Refunds within the indicated cancelation period are only possible if the park is able to relet your unit/site.
The management reserves the right to deny access or terminate the stay of those guests whose behavior is deemed unsuitable. No refunds will be offered.

Safety

Barbecues are permitted but must be raised off the ground and attended by an adult at all times.
Firearms are not permitted.
Guests are advised to bring a good quality flashlight with them as parts of the park are unlit.

Sites

You must follow management instructions when setting up your tent/rig and related equipment.

Taxes

This area is not subject to city tax.

Vehicles

No cars/motorcycles at the site. All cars must be parked in the designated area.

Payment terms

Offers

Conditions apply - see campsite type section for details

Nearest campgrounds

Unfortunately, we have no nearby bookable campgrounds.

Frequently asked questions

Does Smugglers Cove Boatyard have a swimming pool? No View all features
Is Smugglers Cove Boatyard dog friendly? Yes View all features
What attractions are near Smugglers Cove Boatyard? Bring your binoculars if you’re into birdwatching, for there’s much twitching activity nearby – geese and wading birds fish just by the site, and there are nesting ospreys along the river at … Read more

When can I check in and check out of Smugglers Cove Boatyard?

RV, travel trailer and tent sites
Arrive:	noon –	Anytime
Depart by:	11 a.m.
On-park accommodation
Arrive:	3 p.m. –	Anytime
Depart by:	11 a.m.

How much does it cost to stay at Smugglers Cove Boatyard? From $26.61 (for 1 night, 2 adults) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.