Family camping in Wye River

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Flowing down from the Welsh mountains and winding along the border of England and Wales, the Wye River is the centrepiece of the Wye Valley AONB. Hike between ancient woodlands and rugged gorges along the Wye Valley Walk, stop for lunch at riverside pubs, and pitch your tent at waterfront camping grounds. Getting on the water is a must, so perhaps admire the views on a boat cruise and hop off to explore historical sites such as Tintern Abbey or Goodrich castle. Water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, are also popular, or you could paddle between riverside villages in a canoe or kayak.

99% (753) 183 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wye River

5. Red Sky at Night Campsite

99%
(35)
11 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Monmouth, Wales
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see at least one of the amazing sunsets at Red Sky at Night Campsite near Monmouth – but if you don’t, there’s mighty compensation in the shape of the spectacular views from just about everywhere on the site. And of course, on clear nights, the night skies are diamond-bright with stars - we are under one of Wales' Dark Sky Reserves! This family-run camping field on a livestock farm is managed on very laidback lines. Pitch up wherever you like and feel free to park by your tent (weather permitting). Raised campfires are allowed and you can hire firepits and grills (the owners sell local eggs & sausages) and buy bags of wood & kindling. You can bring your dogs too (take them for walks in the adjoining woods) but just be sure to keep them on a lead. Kids are certainly carefully looked after here. Get a fact sheet on arrival and join mini-campers in wildlife hunts through the trees, looking out all the while for buzzards and red kites. Round and about the site, your offspring can entertain themselves on rope swings, making dens and following a mini-tractor course across the camping field. There’s also a football pitch. Wild camping this may be (there’s no electricity on site, please note) but there are two nicely designed compost loos and a covered sink areas with fresh water tap. So bring your guitar, light that fire, break out the barbecue and enjoy the chilled vibe.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night

10. Glangwdi Glamping

100%
(9)
6 units · Glamping · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales
Glangwdi Glamping offers furnished bell tents in sight of Pen y Fan, the Brecon Beacon’s highest peak. For some, that alone will be reason enough to book but for others there are further temptations. The site is 2.5 acres. Take, for example, Glangwdi’s pygmy goats. There’s a daily opportunity to meet these little farmyard friends and there are ducks and chickens too. And, as if that’s not enough, this flat field in the foothills is just five miles from bustling Brecon and a short walk from woods, waterfalls and wild swimming. The bell tents themselves are yet another attraction. There are six; each pitched around the edge of a neat field on a family farm. Woven hazel fencing ensures a little privacy for each camping couple or family – this place is equally suited to both. Children will love the cute pygmy goats and adults… well let’s face it, they will love the pygmy goats too. But they’ll also love the fact that you can hike straight from site to the top of 886-metre Pen y Fan and its twin peak Corn Du. And who wouldn’t enjoy a campfire under the stars, in the shadow of the Beacons? The five and six metre bell tents are each kitted out with beds, bedding and log-burning stoves. Outside, each has the off-ground fire pit and outdoor seating regular glampers will have come to expect but there’s an added extra too: a private camp kitchen, that’s also canvas covered. It provides a sheltered place to cook and dine when the weather’s wet and welcome shade when this open field is bathed in summer sun. On such days, this is just the kind of scenic spot that could tempt you to stay on site all day but if you’re feeling adventurous the mountains will soon lure you away. Hiking, biking and wild swimming (try Llyn Cwm Llwch on way up top) are all on offer here. Closer by, Held Wood is a local favourite for walks with a series of small waterfalls within it. The Taff Trail offers well-signposted routes – towards the peaks in one direction or along country lanes to the market town of Brecon in the other.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£122
 / night

Flowing down from the Welsh mountains and winding along the border of England and Wales, the Wye River is the centrepiece of the Wye Valley AONB. Hike between ancient woodlands and rugged gorges along the Wye Valley Walk, stop for lunch at riverside pubs, and pitch your tent at waterfront camping grounds. Getting on the water is a must, so perhaps admire the views on a boat cruise and hop off to explore historical sites such as Tintern Abbey or Goodrich castle. Water sports, including stand-up paddleboarding, are also popular, or you could paddle between riverside villages in a canoe or kayak.

99% (753) 183 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Wye River

5. Red Sky at Night Campsite

99%
(35)
11 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Monmouth, Wales
If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see at least one of the amazing sunsets at Red Sky at Night Campsite near Monmouth – but if you don’t, there’s mighty compensation in the shape of the spectacular views from just about everywhere on the site. And of course, on clear nights, the night skies are diamond-bright with stars - we are under one of Wales' Dark Sky Reserves! This family-run camping field on a livestock farm is managed on very laidback lines. Pitch up wherever you like and feel free to park by your tent (weather permitting). Raised campfires are allowed and you can hire firepits and grills (the owners sell local eggs & sausages) and buy bags of wood & kindling. You can bring your dogs too (take them for walks in the adjoining woods) but just be sure to keep them on a lead. Kids are certainly carefully looked after here. Get a fact sheet on arrival and join mini-campers in wildlife hunts through the trees, looking out all the while for buzzards and red kites. Round and about the site, your offspring can entertain themselves on rope swings, making dens and following a mini-tractor course across the camping field. There’s also a football pitch. Wild camping this may be (there’s no electricity on site, please note) but there are two nicely designed compost loos and a covered sink areas with fresh water tap. So bring your guitar, light that fire, break out the barbecue and enjoy the chilled vibe.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from 
£13
 / night

10. Glangwdi Glamping

100%
(9)
6 units · Glamping · Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales
Glangwdi Glamping offers furnished bell tents in sight of Pen y Fan, the Brecon Beacon’s highest peak. For some, that alone will be reason enough to book but for others there are further temptations. The site is 2.5 acres. Take, for example, Glangwdi’s pygmy goats. There’s a daily opportunity to meet these little farmyard friends and there are ducks and chickens too. And, as if that’s not enough, this flat field in the foothills is just five miles from bustling Brecon and a short walk from woods, waterfalls and wild swimming. The bell tents themselves are yet another attraction. There are six; each pitched around the edge of a neat field on a family farm. Woven hazel fencing ensures a little privacy for each camping couple or family – this place is equally suited to both. Children will love the cute pygmy goats and adults… well let’s face it, they will love the pygmy goats too. But they’ll also love the fact that you can hike straight from site to the top of 886-metre Pen y Fan and its twin peak Corn Du. And who wouldn’t enjoy a campfire under the stars, in the shadow of the Beacons? The five and six metre bell tents are each kitted out with beds, bedding and log-burning stoves. Outside, each has the off-ground fire pit and outdoor seating regular glampers will have come to expect but there’s an added extra too: a private camp kitchen, that’s also canvas covered. It provides a sheltered place to cook and dine when the weather’s wet and welcome shade when this open field is bathed in summer sun. On such days, this is just the kind of scenic spot that could tempt you to stay on site all day but if you’re feeling adventurous the mountains will soon lure you away. Hiking, biking and wild swimming (try Llyn Cwm Llwch on way up top) are all on offer here. Closer by, Held Wood is a local favourite for walks with a series of small waterfalls within it. The Taff Trail offers well-signposted routes – towards the peaks in one direction or along country lanes to the market town of Brecon in the other.
Showers
Campfires
Hot Tub
from 
£122
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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Family camping in Wye River guide

When to go

May through September is the most popular time for hiking, boat cruises, and water sports along the Wye River, but outdoor activities are possible year-round with the right gear. For the most impressive views, come in spring when colourful wildflowers bloom along the riverbanks or in fall when the forests cast off their autumn leaves. The biennial Wye Valley River Festival (May) brings a series of free events to towns throughout the Wye Valley.

Know before you go

  • The Wye River runs for about 250 kilometres, from Plynlimon in Wales to the Severn estuary. The main towns along the Wye include Chepstow, Monmouth, and Ross-on-Wye—hikes and boat cruises set out from all three.
  • Towns along the Wye Valley have various options for camping and restaurants. For camping gear or to stock up on supplies, Chepstow and Monmouth have the most choice. 
  • Most campsites require advance booking, and many ask for the full payment in advance. Be sure to check opening dates, as many close in the winter months.

Top towns in and near Wye River