Why visit south Wales?
Mountain escapes
Zoom towards the Brecon Beacons for hillside holidays at some of the best campsites in south Wales. This 519-square-mile national park is just the ticket for adventure-focused breaks trekking up to the tallest peak in the region – the 886-metre Pen y Fan – or gorge walking, kayaking and climbing. It was also the nation’s first International Dark-Sky Reserve, so you can survey the stars while camping here.
South-western sands
Some of the prettiest parts of south Wales’ coastline brush up against the country’s west in the Gower Peninsula near Swansea and the Mumbles. Sunbathe on the soft sands of Llangennith, then admire the striking scenery from a clifftop overlooking Rhossili and the Worm's Head Tidal Island. Gavin and Stacey fans can skip the Gower and recreate scenes from the sitcom at the kitsch seaside resort of Barry Island.
A cool capital
Find campsites or caravan parks near Cardiff and venture to the Victorian shopping arcades and bar-lined bay area of Wales’ biggest city. The perfectly preserved castle – a medieval masterpiece with wacky Gothic touches – is a highlight here. Look out for the statues of mythical creatures on the outer walls as you walk towards the sprawling greenery of Bute Park. Just outside the city centre is St Fagans, one of Britain’s best open-air museums. Learn about Welsh history while wandering around the expertly restored buildings plucked from across the country.
The best attractions in south Wales
* Explore 10 miles’ worth of underground passages at the Dan yr Ogof showcaves
* Wander around 'Waterfall Country' on the fantastic Four Falls Walk in the Brecon Beacons
* Try whiskey and craft gin made with Welsh water at the Penderyn Distillery
* Go surfing with the seals at super-scenic Oxwich Bay near a camping site in the Gower
* Catch a game of rugby – the much-loved national sport – in Cardiff’s Principality Stadium
Unexplored south Wales
The Wye Valley
The Wye Valley in Monmouthshire is a perfect pick for holidays near the English border. Canoe and paddleboard on the rushing River Wye before touring the atmospheric ruins of Tintern Abbey or snapping the view from Symonds Yat (recently immortalised in the Netflix series Sex Education). It’s also worth checking out a couple of the cute market towns around here, like Monmouth and Chepstow – the latter of which has an 11th-century castle to tour.
Off-the-beaten-path beaches
Parts of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, such as Ogmore and Southerndown near Bridgend, are lesser known by tourists than those in the west – fab if you’re wanting quieter campsites or caravan parks in south Wales near a beach. For a bit more bustle, go camping in Porthcawl, just past the Merthyr Mawr sand dunes, and have fun at the fairground on Coney Beach.
Industrial heritage in the Valleys
Venture to the Valleys, perhaps during a stay near the pretty Pontsticill reservoir outside Merthyr Tydfil, for a historical holiday. While here, investigate the region’s industrial past at Cyfarthfa Castle, the former mansion of the Crawshay family of ironmasters. Further east, bed down by Big Pit and learn all about Wales’ coal-mining heritage during interactive underground tours led by former workers.
Here’s how
Whether you’re staying local or journeying from further away, we've got plenty of sites to browse for camping in south Wales.
Pick from tent and motorhome pitches overlooking vast valleys, find a happy medium by booking a berth at a caravan park in the mountains, or splash out on a lush lodge at the coast. It’s always a bright idea to consider swapping a bring-your-own tent break for a glamping trip in South Wales in a kitted-out pod or spacious yurt, too.
Busting to break the tent out? You’ll need a simple site – but if you have a motorhome or campervan and are dead set on staying connected to the grid, look for campsites in south Wales with electric hook-ups.
None of those for you? Choose from these top options instead:
* Family camping in south Wales
* Camping in south Wales that’s dog-friendly
* Campsites in south Wales with clubhouses or bars
* Camping in south Wales with fires allowed
If you’re more into mid-Wales – or think west is best – browse our campsites and holiday parks across the whole of the country.
But before you do that, scroll through our camping guide for tips on everything from buying a tent to glamping on a budget.
