100% (247) • 180 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Rhayader
68 Degrees West
1. 68 Degrees West
99%
(99)
40km from Rhayader · 10 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pod glamping and family camping on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, with a handy location near Brecon town and sunrises you'll never forget.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Cwmllwyd Getaways
2. Cwmllwyd Getaways
97%
(78)
29km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Welsh valley glamping with panoramic views and hot tubs
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£117
/ night
The T Barn
3. The T Barn
99%
(90)
134km from Rhayader · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.
4. Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.
100%
(1)
74km from Rhayader · 1 unit · Glamping
A vintage Airstream caravan in its own little meadow in the Herefordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£72
/ night
Penylan Cider Farm
5. Penylan Cider Farm
96%
(24)
65km from Rhayader · 3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Treflach Farm
6. Treflach Farm
99%
(46)
68km from Rhayader · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Bell tents and a yurt on a regenerative farm in Shropshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Westland Farm
7. Westland Farm
100%
(140)
129km from Rhayader · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
8. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
92km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Belan Bluebell Woods
9. Belan Bluebell Woods
100%
(4)
14km from Rhayader · 4 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small family farm site hidden in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, near the lovely town of Llanidloes. Our easy to find, just off A470 location makes a stay with us convenient yet once you wind up to our drive you are on top of the world with spectacular views both day and night - we are a recognised Dark Skies Wales area for outstanding stargazing due to our lofty 1300ft height and un-light polluted sky.
With over 60 acres to explore space and quite is guaranteed. Choose from secluded Idris the Shepherds hut with repurposed horsebox shower and woodfired outdoor bath, family glamping geo-domes Willow & Oak and Daisy bell tent each with covered camp kitchens or wild meadow camping plus a campervan spot.
Our mission is to rewild the farm, manage the ancient woodland, support the abundant wildlife & finally protect its 5 acre peat-bog (peat bogs are as environmentally important as rain forests – peat holds more carbon than the combined forests of Britain, France and Germany!)
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Upper House Farm Glamping
10. Upper House Farm Glamping
96%
(14)
53km from Rhayader · 8 units · Glamping
Our glamping site is set on our family farm in the rural Welsh Border in Herefordshire and we are a dog friendly site. We have just 3 tents in 2.5acres, we want our guests to enjoy the peace and privacy of a rural getaway but have the luxuries of a comfy bed, toilets and showers, a kitchenette and a private fire pit.
We are nestled between family farms and surrounded by sheep, cattle and footpaths, so an adventure is at your doorstep.
If you're looking for a peaceful, secluded and romantic place to unwind then our site is ideal.
We have gorgeous views over the Black Mountains and are close to the towns of Hay-on-Wye and Hereford.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£70
/ night
Apple Camping - The Jewel of Tenby
11. Apple Camping - The Jewel of Tenby
94%
(57)
103km from Rhayader · 14 units · Glamping
Yurts and quirks in a Pembrokeshire meadow, where there's a couple of aeroplanes, a UFO and a giant PacMan-themed glamping pod to discover
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Peake's Retreats
12. Peake's Retreats
100%
(13)
142km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Luxury yurt glamping near the Peak District where, from the tiny-toiletries to the family-sized hot tub, every single detail is covered
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£190
/ night
Glamping Pods Wales
13. Glamping Pods Wales
100%
(29)
43km from Rhayader · 2 units · Glamping
Cosy modern glamping pods with private hot tubs, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£150
/ night
Cowpots Camping
14. Cowpots Camping
100%
(71)
88km from Rhayader · 22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping with 'en-pitch' facilities on a working farm that produces the finest homemade ice-cream for miles
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£53
/ night
Nant Bach Retreat
15. Nant Bach Retreat
100%
(27)
91km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Nantbach Retreat offers you the opportunity to step off the conveyor belt of life, reconnect with those most important to you and more importantly yourself.
Nestled in our forest with far reaching views over rolling Welsh hills let your attention be focused on the beauty of nature that surrounds you.
Choose to stay in either our 2 person bunkhouse with private camp kitchen and shower room, 4 person Landpod with retractable sides located in our forest or our new edition 3 person Pod Father located at the front of Nant overlooking open countryside.
Truly unwind with a soak in the 2 person wood fired hot tub looking out to Madryn Garn to the left and Boduan Garn to the right, bookable with the hosts at no extra charge.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars
16. Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars
100%
(4)
20km from Rhayader · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars. Luxury Stargazing Glamping in the heart of mid-Wales, find your peace beneath the starlit sky.
Set in a peaceful wildflower meadow with trees surrounding the pitches are our self-catering echo Glamping Stargazers.
Our dark skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities for guests.
If you love to explore nature, but also enjoy the comforts of home when on holiday, our luxury Stargazing tent combines the best of both worlds. The Stargazer is nestled into the corner of the meadow with wildflowers and landscaping ensuring your privacy.
With close proximity to nature, we offer everything guests desire, from a fully equipped kitchen, luxurious private bathrooms, even the beds and lounges are a step up from basic camping, comfort is key.
Our Stargazers have 360 degrees of transparent roof panels giving the best view of the sky, so guests can enjoy all the luxury of the Stargazer whilst in view of the stars.
*Any pictures of the Stargazing Tents are from Lotus Belle and are representative of the accommodation you will be booking.*
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Melin Mabes
17. Melin Mabes
95%
(21)
97km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Otherworldly glamping, including a jaunty treehouse and a family-friendly UFO, all a short drive from Saundersfoot Beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£140
/ night
Glamping West Midlands
18. Glamping West Midlands
100%
(27)
95km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Head here for an authentic glamping getaway in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£135
/ night
Glangwdi Glamping
19. Glangwdi Glamping
100%
(9)
44km from Rhayader · 6 units · Glamping
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
Potable water
from
£122
/ night
Tipsy Tree Glamping
20. Tipsy Tree Glamping
100%
(17)
119km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
100% (247) • 180 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Rhayader
68 Degrees West
1. 68 Degrees West
99%
(99)
40km from Rhayader · 10 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pod glamping and family camping on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, with a handy location near Brecon town and sunrises you'll never forget.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Cwmllwyd Getaways
2. Cwmllwyd Getaways
97%
(78)
29km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Welsh valley glamping with panoramic views and hot tubs
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£117
/ night
The T Barn
3. The T Barn
99%
(90)
134km from Rhayader · 17 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Bell tents and shepherd’s huts with hot tubs on a picturesque Cotswolds farm near Cirencester
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£29
/ night
Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.
4. Marilyn Meadows- Vintage Airstream.
100%
(1)
74km from Rhayader · 1 unit · Glamping
A vintage Airstream caravan in its own little meadow in the Herefordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£72
/ night
Penylan Cider Farm
5. Penylan Cider Farm
96%
(24)
65km from Rhayader · 3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Treflach Farm
6. Treflach Farm
99%
(46)
68km from Rhayader · 8 units · Tents, Glamping
Bell tents and a yurt on a regenerative farm in Shropshire
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Westland Farm
7. Westland Farm
100%
(140)
129km from Rhayader · 21 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping and glamping on a working farm, with yurts, huts with hot tubs, and simple, spacious, sociable camping pitches
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£13
/ night
Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
8. Hideaway Hut, Camping cabin.
99%
(85)
92km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Magical, secluded glamping in the Wye Valley, yards from the Offas Dyke trail
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£137
/ night
Belan Bluebell Woods
9. Belan Bluebell Woods
100%
(4)
14km from Rhayader · 4 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
We are a small family farm site hidden in the Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales, near the lovely town of Llanidloes. Our easy to find, just off A470 location makes a stay with us convenient yet once you wind up to our drive you are on top of the world with spectacular views both day and night - we are a recognised Dark Skies Wales area for outstanding stargazing due to our lofty 1300ft height and un-light polluted sky.
With over 60 acres to explore space and quite is guaranteed. Choose from secluded Idris the Shepherds hut with repurposed horsebox shower and woodfired outdoor bath, family glamping geo-domes Willow & Oak and Daisy bell tent each with covered camp kitchens or wild meadow camping plus a campervan spot.
Our mission is to rewild the farm, manage the ancient woodland, support the abundant wildlife & finally protect its 5 acre peat-bog (peat bogs are as environmentally important as rain forests – peat holds more carbon than the combined forests of Britain, France and Germany!)
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£35
/ night
Upper House Farm Glamping
10. Upper House Farm Glamping
96%
(14)
53km from Rhayader · 8 units · Glamping
Our glamping site is set on our family farm in the rural Welsh Border in Herefordshire and we are a dog friendly site. We have just 3 tents in 2.5acres, we want our guests to enjoy the peace and privacy of a rural getaway but have the luxuries of a comfy bed, toilets and showers, a kitchenette and a private fire pit.
We are nestled between family farms and surrounded by sheep, cattle and footpaths, so an adventure is at your doorstep.
If you're looking for a peaceful, secluded and romantic place to unwind then our site is ideal.
We have gorgeous views over the Black Mountains and are close to the towns of Hay-on-Wye and Hereford.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£70
/ night
Apple Camping - The Jewel of Tenby
11. Apple Camping - The Jewel of Tenby
94%
(57)
103km from Rhayader · 14 units · Glamping
Yurts and quirks in a Pembrokeshire meadow, where there's a couple of aeroplanes, a UFO and a giant PacMan-themed glamping pod to discover
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Peake's Retreats
12. Peake's Retreats
100%
(13)
142km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Luxury yurt glamping near the Peak District where, from the tiny-toiletries to the family-sized hot tub, every single detail is covered
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£190
/ night
Glamping Pods Wales
13. Glamping Pods Wales
100%
(29)
43km from Rhayader · 2 units · Glamping
Cosy modern glamping pods with private hot tubs, located in the Brecon Beacons National Park
Showers
Wifi
Potable water
from
£150
/ night
Cowpots Camping
14. Cowpots Camping
100%
(71)
88km from Rhayader · 22 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Camping with 'en-pitch' facilities on a working farm that produces the finest homemade ice-cream for miles
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£53
/ night
Nant Bach Retreat
15. Nant Bach Retreat
100%
(27)
91km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Nantbach Retreat offers you the opportunity to step off the conveyor belt of life, reconnect with those most important to you and more importantly yourself.
Nestled in our forest with far reaching views over rolling Welsh hills let your attention be focused on the beauty of nature that surrounds you.
Choose to stay in either our 2 person bunkhouse with private camp kitchen and shower room, 4 person Landpod with retractable sides located in our forest or our new edition 3 person Pod Father located at the front of Nant overlooking open countryside.
Truly unwind with a soak in the 2 person wood fired hot tub looking out to Madryn Garn to the left and Boduan Garn to the right, bookable with the hosts at no extra charge.
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£100
/ night
Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars
16. Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars
100%
(4)
20km from Rhayader · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dan Y Ser Glamping Under The Stars. Luxury Stargazing Glamping in the heart of mid-Wales, find your peace beneath the starlit sky.
Set in a peaceful wildflower meadow with trees surrounding the pitches are our self-catering echo Glamping Stargazers.
Our dark skies offer incredible stargazing opportunities for guests.
If you love to explore nature, but also enjoy the comforts of home when on holiday, our luxury Stargazing tent combines the best of both worlds. The Stargazer is nestled into the corner of the meadow with wildflowers and landscaping ensuring your privacy.
With close proximity to nature, we offer everything guests desire, from a fully equipped kitchen, luxurious private bathrooms, even the beds and lounges are a step up from basic camping, comfort is key.
Our Stargazers have 360 degrees of transparent roof panels giving the best view of the sky, so guests can enjoy all the luxury of the Stargazer whilst in view of the stars.
*Any pictures of the Stargazing Tents are from Lotus Belle and are representative of the accommodation you will be booking.*
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£30
/ night
Melin Mabes
17. Melin Mabes
95%
(21)
97km from Rhayader · 3 units · Glamping
Otherworldly glamping, including a jaunty treehouse and a family-friendly UFO, all a short drive from Saundersfoot Beach
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£140
/ night
Glamping West Midlands
18. Glamping West Midlands
100%
(27)
95km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Head here for an authentic glamping getaway in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside
Showers
Campfires
Wifi
from
£135
/ night
Glangwdi Glamping
19. Glangwdi Glamping
100%
(9)
44km from Rhayader · 6 units · Glamping
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
Potable water
from
£122
/ night
Tipsy Tree Glamping
20. Tipsy Tree Glamping
100%
(17)
119km from Rhayader · 4 units · Glamping
Quirky eco-friendly glamping ideal for a rural road-trip
Pets
Showers
Campfires
from
£120
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
J
Julie
November 2025
With pets
Wish we had longer! We loved the cosy and comfortable airstream caravan.
We hope to visit again one day.
See more
D
Damian
October 2025
With pets
Such a unique experience. Cosy and unusual. A lovely bolthole, especially with the woodburning stove lit.
See more
N
Niome
October 2025
With kids
brilliant place to stay, very relaxed there but if you need anything they was there. me and my partner stayed here with our 2 daughters and our dog and it was 100% one of the best places we have been to, great veiws, great facilities. all in all will 100% be staying again and maybe try the other cabins.
See morec
claudia
September 2025
1 night at Nant Bach Retreat
Beautiful location, very peaceful, loved the hot tub. Great host, very easy to communicate with
See more
J
Julian
September 2025
With pets
This was a super last-minute booking, despite knowing that it was going to be pretty wet all weekend. Despite the rain, this was a magical place and my son and I had a special time together. The rain maybe made it even more special.
Anna is lovely and very helpful and their dog spent quite a lot of time with us because he realised we would continue to throw a stick for it until we went to sleep. Which was bliss!
See more
j
juliette lena
August 2025
Group trip
John was very hospitable, the campsite was very convenient and comfortable. Lovely areas to drive and walk around nearby, I highly recommend :)
See more
L
Lois
August 2025
Weekend Trip to Cwmllwyd Getaways
Carriage was well equipped with everything you need.
Very peaceful and the hot tub is a great attraction.
See moreH
Hedley
August 2025
4 nights at Nant Bach Retreat
Lovely spot on the Lynn peninsula. Close to Nefyn with a nice beach and some other amazing beaches close by. The cabin was spacious for 3 and having the BBQ and fire was amazing. Thank you John.
See more
A
Amanda
August 2025
With pets
We loved our stay in the yurt. The hot tub was great and we loved being able to watch the cows while sitting in the sun. Really peaceful location with everything you need for a relaxing stay.
See more
L
Laura
August 2025
2 nights at Cwmllwyd Getaways
Great spot to stop! Lovely and secluded with beautiful views. Clean pod and easy check in on arrival.
See more
A
Andrew
August 2025
With kids
We booked a weekend stay with our daughter and it was lovely, very peaceful and calm. She loved feeding the pigs! The hot tub stays hot for a long time once you’ve got it going so worth firing it up nice abs early. The site owners were always around and really helpful too.
See more
Hayley
August 2025
With pets
We absolutly would recommend a stay in the Yurt, it had everything we needed for the perfect stay. The location is ideal for a quiet, reflective break in nature. Listening to the owls and nightjars calls from the woods of an evening was a particular highlight. If you need a detox from the hectic world to relax and restore its the perfect space to do so.
The salad, steak and cheese hamper was amazing value, and the coffee and pancake stuff provided made us feel so welcome.
Thanks Anna, i am sure we will be back again, Hayley, Andy & Greta doggo 🐶
See more
S
Sean
July 2025
Group trip
We loved the glamping experiance yurt was nice and cosy and had everything we needed inside from pots and pans glasses to camp stove and kettle . Hot tub was fantastic stayed warm for hours. Farm animals are loverly and we enjoyed feeding them. Farm dog alfie is the cutest little dog ever. Christian is a fantastic host and we felt very relaxed. X
See more
R
Rhys
July 2025
Group trip
Good host, beautiful views, well thought out campsite in a good location. Any issues were solved very quickly and we had an amazing time! Loved the hot tub
See more
L
Leigh
July 2025
Weekend Trip to 68 Degrees West
We loved our stay here, well equipped and beautiful surroundings. The facilities were also exceptionally clean.
See moreC
Cat
July 2025
3 nights at Nant Bach Retreat
Beautiful location, really lovely little barn with all basic amenities. Only issue is it was a bit hard to find at first, though John was always happy to help with any queries we had. We were a little surprised to see it wasn’t as private as we expected - the barn is attached to the owner’s house and has family members regularly walking by. Absolutely fine of course, just would have been nice to know (particularly as there’s a window that looks right in to the bathroom!)
Overall we had a wonderful stay, and have absolutely fallen in love with North Wales.
See moreA
Amy
July 2025
With pets
The camping barn was perfect. Gorgeous view in a peaceful little idyll. John gave us some great local tips and we had the most wonderful weekend! Thank you
See more
L
Lauren
July 2025
With kids
Gorgeous cabin with rolling countryside views.
Private area with large garden.
Hot tub and sauna are a big plus.
Farm is quiet and very close to all North Devon has to offer.
Accommodation is actually very spacious. 4 fit easily in each room.
Highly recommended. We had a fabulous weekend, I could’ve stayed longer.
See more
Clarice
July 2025
C
Claire
June 2025
With pets
We loved this little funky stay, converted barn, kiln fired hot tub with the best view, lovely host's, everything we needed and 15 mins from a number of lovely beaches, restaurants and bars. Definitely recommend
See more
Glamping with hot tubs near Rhayader guide
Where to go
Elan Village area
Elan Village is at the beginning of the Elan Valley as you ascend from Rhayader and reach Caban Coch, the first of six dams creating the five vast reservoirs stretching away from here. One of the area's best campsites is just before the visitor centre, where deep valleys and lakes divide the bald hills. Fantastic hiking and biking trails thread it all together.
Teifi Pools and Teifi Forest
This rarely trodden upland west of Elan Valley is a series of small, spectacular natural lakes—together they form the source of the Teifi, the longest river in Wales. Below in the valley is one of Wales' loveliest ruined abbeys, Strata Florida, alongside the extensive Teifi Forest. In this remote country, you can camp in a bothy, a rudimentary shelter accessible only on foot, or on its grounds.
Pen Pumlumon Fawr
The highest point of the Cambrian Mountains (the spine of all Mid Wales) is at Pen Pumlumon Fawr. Many of the region's wildest hills and moors can be found here, where the nearest campsites are around Ponterwyd. Even still, tenters often wild camp high on the lonely slopes.
Along the River Wye
Rhayader is the first town on the winsome River Wye and near the start of the 136-mile Wye Valley Path, which traces the river from source to near the mouth. Campsites tend to occupy some of the flattest, greenest, and most sheltered ground around.
When to go
Easter through September is the busiest time for Rhayader camping. Outside of this season, many campsites and tourist facilities are closed due to the brunt of the year's bad weather. For the best weather and the fewest visitors, try pitching a tent in early spring or late summer. Even the warmest days rarely pass 20°C (68°F), while rain, strong winds, and below-freezing temperatures can arrive any time.
Know before you go
- On public transport, Rhayader is only accessible by bus, mainly from Llandrindod Wells and Aberystwyth.
- Rhayader is the only town with camping supply stores for a long way.
- Wales' official take on wild camping is that you must ask for landowner permission first. In practice, finding the landowner to ask can be tough. If you do camp, stay on moorland and out of cultivated land. Many areas, including Elan Valley Lakes, strictly prohibit wild camping.
- Shelter in the moorland around Rhayader is scant—come prepared with full, wet-weather gear.