Mountain campsites near New Quay

Not to be confused with Newquay in Cornwall, the seaside town of New Quay (Cei Bach) is situated on the Ceredigion Coast Path in Cardigan Bay. Both a stand-alone destination and a base for exploring the length of the West Wales coast, New Quay is sandwiched between the St David’s Peninsula to the south, the Coed y Brenin Forest Park to the north, and the Brecon Beacons to the east. Campers and adventurers are spoilt for choice too, thanks to several nearby full-service caravan parks, holiday parks, and glamping grounds with bell tents, as well as proximity to Welsh countryside and water-based activities.

Where to go

Coed y Brenin Forest Park

At the northern extreme of Cardigan Bay sits the Coed y Brenin Forest Park, a hub of mountain biking paths, well-signposted hiking routes, and geocaching trails with on-site facilities and children's play areas. Routes are sometimes disrupted due to tree felling and although there are no camping facilities within the park itself, there are several nearby family-friendly caravan parks, private campgrounds, and holiday villages to enjoy.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Just 35 minutes south of New Quay is the town of St Dogmaels, also known as the official gateway to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, an expanse of striking coastline with sandy beaches and a coastal path that takes 12 to 14 days to complete in its entirety. From canoeing and surfing, to hiking and biking, there’s plenty to keep adventurers occupied, while campers are also well-catered for by full-service caravan sites with sea views, campgrounds suitable for campervans, and en-suite glamping options.

Brecon Beacons National Park

Inland, the Brecon Beacons National Park with its stunning views, mountains, and Llangorse Lake, a watersports hotspot, is easily accessible from New Quay in just over an hour and a half. Hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking are activities available throughout the park, while stargazers can set up camp in the country’s only International Dark Sky Reserve. Choose from glamping yurts or static caravan sites suitable for the colder winter months and campgrounds with motorhome hook-ups where you can also pitch your tent.

When to go

A year-round destination on the West Wales coast, New Quay enjoys peak season (and the warmest weather) between June and September. However, the spring and early-autumn months are also pleasant. Just keep in mind that Wales is a wet country and plan for unexpected rainfall throughout the year. New Quay holds an annual music festival during late-July/ early-August, so book accommodation in advance if you happen to be in town that weekend.

Know before you go

Bottlenose dolphins are common in the waters off New Quay and boat trips can help you get even closer to the action. You can also view them from the pier, within walking distance of the town centre.
Once the home of poet Dylan Thomas, New Quay now has a Dylan Thomas trail which can be enjoyed year-round, although parts of it are only accessible at low tide.
Thanks to the particularly scenic coastal roads in this area of Wales, it’s worth taking advantage of the Cardi Bach shuttle which runs between Cardigan and New Quay throughout the year, with reduced hours in winter.
New Quay is small but well-stocked when it comes to camping supplies, so don’t panic if you’ve forgotten anything.