The best campsites near Betws-y-Coed with horseback riding

The first railway stop in Eyri (Snowdonia) National Park south from Conwy is the important park gateway village of Betws-y-Coed. The “prayer house in the woods,” as the village name translates from Welsh, is made up of a bunch of grey Victorian houses at the confluence of rivers Conwy and Llugwy, but the surrounding area is the most popular part of Snowdonia for camping. Despite being small, Betws-y-Coed has become a big outdoor hub, with the long-distance Snowdonia Slate Trail passing through and Zip World Fforest offering ziplines and other woodland adrenaline rushes nearby. From its proximity to Mount Snowdon to its easy access to the Gwydyr Forest and the rest of the county, Betws y Coed is the perfect place to camp if you want to make the most of North Wales.

In Betws-y-Coed, there’s the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with its miniature railway.
If you fancy a ride on a full-sized railway, there are plenty to choose from. Try the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which chugs away from Llanberis (16 miles away), or the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, which sets off from Blaenau Ffestiniog, 11 miles south of Betws-y-Coed.
The Swallow Falls cascade on the River Llugwy can be reached on foot from town.
Just a few miles south of town is the Gwydyr Forest Park, but if walking among the trees is too tame, head instead for another of the area’s most-visited attractions, Zip World Fforest.

99% (331) • 140 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Betws-y-Coed

Eden's Nook

1. Eden's Nook

100%

(38)

47km from Betws-y-Coed · 6 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

The most welcoming camping park in the heart of the Welsh Countryside. Forest View is situated 9 miles from the Town of Llanfyllin and 3 miles from Lake Vyrnwy. We are nestled next to the Dyfnant Forest and offer superb views and access to the Welsh countryside Eden's Kitchen Serves Breakfast 8am to 11am

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£15

/ night

Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes

2. Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes

98%

(275)

43km from Betws-y-Coed · 33 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Succumb to the tranquil hills of Graig Wen. Smart, sustainable and quite simply, lush.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£22

/ night

Penylan Cider Farm

3. Penylan Cider Farm

96%

(24)

143km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Motorhomes, Glamping

Pitches and tiny home glamping on a cider farm in Herefordshire

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£20

/ night

Stanford Farm

4. Stanford Farm

71km from Betws-y-Coed · 4 units · Glamping

Glamping on a farm that doubles up as award-winning wedding venue

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£75

/ night

The White Lodge

5. The White Lodge

90%

(55)

125km from Betws-y-Coed · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£18

/ night

Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

6. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

97%

(55)

125km from Betws-y-Coed · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£10

/ night

RHC & Glamping

7. RHC & Glamping

100%

(7)

127km from Betws-y-Coed · 6 units · Glamping

Hi Hipcampers, We are a 15 acre site of hillsides and woodlands, with woodland paths a few beautiful ponds and a small river! We have fabulous views to of the hills to be enjoyed. Theres lots of wildlife here from deer to Canadian geese. We have some stone fire pits for our guests to use foc! We have a games room and lots of children swings and activities.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£81

/ night

Wild conTENTment

8. Wild conTENTment

99%

(65)

60km from Betws-y-Coed · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping

Wild-ish but family-friendly camping and glamping on a canalside farm on the English-Welsh border

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£25

/ night

Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

9. Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

99%

(52)

131km from Betws-y-Coed · 25 units · Tents, Glamping

Care-free Welsh camping with acres of space, excellent walks and a beautiful woodland on the doorstep

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£18

/ night

Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

10. Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

100%

(23)

96km from Betws-y-Coed · 38 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Eco Campsite with an emphasis on sustainability. Elevated open views over the Shropshire Hills AONB. Red Kites, Buzzards and Kestrels soaring overhead and Sparrow Hawks flashing by. Wild Deer, Pheasants, Rabbits and Hares, all regular visitors to the camp fields. Nature is very close here if you are quiet and watch. We are in a "Dark Skies" zone so star watching is a must. Bring binoculars. ** NEW luxury heated ladies and gents hot showers and modern toilets. Communal wash-up sink with Hot water. Disposal for Elsan chemicals and Grey water. Fresh water and Solar Eco Generated Solar EH points around the field. FREE WiFi covers the site. Shelter POD Free for all to use in bad weather with Phone charging point and reading lights. Free communal fridge/freezer for all campers. We offer Pre-Booked options of early arrival from 11am on your first day and extended stay on your last day to 6pm. A small "Eco Friendly Site" with a low carbon target. Camping with modern touches. Power is generated from Solar-PV and all pitches have access to Hookup should you need it. The camp has open plan pitches to enhance the views (Pls book hardstanding in wet weather) All Weather 365 Hardstanding pitches. Great for winter or bad weather. If the weather turns bad you can upgrade after arrival (subject to availability) ** Some seasonal hardstanding pitches, please enquire. Approved Fire-Pits, available for hire may be used at the pitch. Check-in is between 3pm and 7.30pm unless early arrival is pre-booked. If you are late please telephone reception. For your security, a time locked access gate operates after 7.30pm. Pass code provided after check-in for 24/7 access.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£28

/ night

Woodman's Huts

11. Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

139km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Glamping

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£115

/ night

Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

12. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

145km from Betws-y-Coed · 2 units · Glamping

A secluded, riverside bell tent in the heart of The Black Mountains

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£40

/ night

Tyn Y Ffridd Farm

13. Tyn Y Ffridd Farm

94%

(87)

23km from Betws-y-Coed · 10 units · Tents

Dog-friendly camping with mountain views between Anglesey and Snowdonia

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£23

/ night

Shirleywich farm holidays camping

14. Shirleywich farm holidays camping

124km from Betws-y-Coed · 26 units · Tents, Motorhomes

7 acre private field for hire, great access from main road, ideal for campers, Motorhome or caravans, set in an additional 17acres, with stream, and access to the Trent and Mersey canal towe path walks with fishing access. Parking on site, private hire or shared separate plots, Maximum 3 caravans or Motorhomes at one time, with additional tents. Prices start from £19 per day, for Upto 1 structures 4 guests max or Motorhomes, pop up camping or Motorhome, toilet hire included, lots of local amenities. Minimum 1 day stay. Extra car £5 Extra pup tent pet £5 Extra awning £5 Wood bags £10 Free fire pit Rachael 07837654508 We are pleased to offer our pop up camping Motorhome and caravan field set in the beautiful fields of 7.5 acres with access and parking from the main road, set in our 17.5 acre private site, Bring your own tent! Or Motorhome - pop up / no frills camping optional barn hire at Shirleywich holidays fully- booked until September! We are pleased to offer for rental our 7 acre pop up camping field adjacent to our restored barn Complex, Dating back to 1604 set in 17 acres with canal and country field views. our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres land which runs to the canal and with ample, riding, our spot has many attractions, and offers a beautiful setting for private camping or teepees, caravans and motorhomes. we welcome any type of structures, and offer field only Private rental tents, Motorhome Or caravans towed. We offer a special rate for weekly or fortnightly as well as for monthly longer stays. We offer a low key private no frills site, with the option to have On site chemical toilet No shower or water facilities Bottled water provided Pit fires provided Optional wood purchase available Parking gates fenced over looking horse fields with canal access for fishing, canoe launch or kayak. Pets welcome On site fire pit, Attraction pack, gardening boxes, hamper can be included. In high demand new for 2024 Large groups welcome for private hire Locally sourced hamper Free fishing at canal access and pets at £5 per pet Please pick up any dog mess Please take your rubbish with you if the waste bins are full. Green and blue bins provided There's certainly ample space for family stays at Shirleywich Farm Holidays, where seven out of the site's 17 acres have been turned over to folks looking to pitch up – that's about 41% of the total, or just over five football pitches if sporting analogies speak to you more than figures do. Whichever way you run the numbers, this easily accessed site equals one stonkingly good spot for varied Staffordshire stints. Shirleywich Farm Holidays is a secure site, accessed via a lockable gate, and is just off the A51. These grounds are kept in tiptop shape by the site crew, who ensure the hedgerows are neat and the field in good condition. Also around are five old barns and a handsome farmhouse dating back to the 1600s. Pets large (horses) and less large (dogs) are welcome here, with lots of bridleways and pup-friendly paths on hand in the nearby Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The facilities here are on the low-key end of the spectrum: there's a gravel amenities area with a portable toilet, toiletry supplies and a chemical disposal point. Bring bikes, canoes and fishing rods along to Shirleywich Farm Holidays – the adjacent Trent and Mersey canal towpath and the river Trent, a few metres further away, should sort you out with bags of opportunities to put all three to use. Heading south along the water's edge, you'll soon reach Great Haywood, a village a couple of miles downstream where there's an independent café and small supermarket (five minutes' drive). Please see below more information on our site and barns, we currently have 5 star reviews and are super host status. We have the Stables sleeps 6-8 please see other listing and below THE SMITHY, Dating back to 1604 , history buffs can research the property and see the local sign at the rear of the site by the canal, which tells of the life of shirleywich farm over its many decades, our beautiful complex is nested in a conservation area and consists of a large double fronted Georgian farm house, 5 beautiful barn conversions, set in 17.5 acres of our own private land which runs to the Trent and mersey canal at the rear, and with ample, epic safe riding and hacking galore, our spot has many attractions, for anyone who wants to bring a horse or 2, with grazing and stabling available, pets are welcome as we are a farm with horses and dogs of our own. you are welcome to bring fishing, bikes, canoes etc,,, to take advantage of the spot and the canal at the rear, or a short trip to the river Trent down the wonderful private Trent drive which leads to ingestre and one of the worlds top riding stables, a short walk further brings you to the ingestre golf club, and then off onto the delights of shugborough hall, and Cannock chase, national heritage forest. Ideal for walkers, bikers, riders, or anyone who wants a break away in the beautiful English countryside, we are surrounded with fields, and countryside so you will not be disserpointed, excellent road connections to many neighbouring towns and heres just a few of the local attractions listed below, so if you are wanting a break away to relax or an adrenaline fun filled adventure holiday theres plenty to fill your boots with, from fine dining and spas, to zip wires and hardcore mountain bike trails, horse riding to hot air balloons, narrowboat trips to family days out, you will not be board unless you decide to, and appreciate the calm tranquility of our unique complex.

Pets

Campfires

from

£15

/ night

White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

15. White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

91%

(93)

141km from Betws-y-Coed · 61 units · Tents, Motorhomes

What a little Derbyshire gem: back to basics Whitehouse Farm Campsite is a simple site in a most scenic setting five minutes’ drive from the pretty village of Tideswell. The site’s central location in the Peak District National Park means it’s a top spot for those who want to ramble or ride bikes – several circular trails leave from Tideswell and the traffic-free Monsal Trail is a five-minute drive away. And there’s plenty more activity if you require it too, as activity centres nearby can sort you out days of horse riding, abseiling, climbing and caving. All this activity isn’t mandatory, of course – this is an equally fine location for days pottering off to local pubs, pigging out on pudding in Bakewell or taking a leisurely stroll around the Chatsworth Estate, 20 minutes away. And if even that’s too much, you’d be welcome to spend some time loafing about on site: there’s heaps of space here, and as facilities have been kept quite minimal (just showers and toilets) there should be a good serving of peace and quiet to go with it all. Guests are welcome to light up a barbecue or campfire for cookouts and keeping warm; Tideswell’s the place for supermarket supplies, and it’s also handily got a fish and chip shop and a couple of pubs for days when your firelighting skills aren't up to much.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£24

/ night

Capel Cathy

16. Capel Cathy

100%

(5)

104km from Betws-y-Coed · 1 unit · Glamping

Capel Cathy is a unique and tranquil sanctuary up in the hills on the border of England and Wales. It is bespoke traditionally built timber framed cabin on wheels with stunning views, set in a beautiful, wild garden surrounded by coppice and wildlife. With a big veranda, outdoor bathroom equipped with large bath and woodturning stove to keep you cosy, you will easily deeply relax underneath the starry skies, waking up to the beautiful birdsong and sunrises - the views are magnificent.

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£101

/ night

Logfire Holidays

17. Logfire Holidays

100%

(2)

37km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Glamping

Emily Rose and Finch are set in our field garden, surrounded by farm land, high in the Clwydian range. Our hilltop setting affords far-reaching valley views and access to fabulous walks along Offa's Dyke from the doorstep. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers, star gazers and those wanting peace. The North Wales countryside and coastlines are waiting to be explored - think castles and beaches. Snowdonia and Liverpool can be reached in under an hour so why not add city sights and adrenaline fuelled mountain adventures to your holiday activity list, then return to laze in a hammock, picnic under the apple trees, and enjoy evenings around the fire-pit.

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

from

£68

/ night

Sweet Knoll camping

18. Sweet Knoll camping

100%

(8)

135km from Betws-y-Coed · 50 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Sweet Knoll Farm, with six acres of flat land, is ideal for camping with breathtaking views in the Peak District . It is great for walking, cycling, horse riding and caving. Next to a working farm, it is surrounded by sheep grazing and is next to the Pennine Bridle Way. Castleton a short drive away is famous for its caverns blue john and speedwell. The campsite has toilets and showers,washing up facilities indoor and outdoor.Fresh drinking water and picnic tables.

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

£25

/ night

Hazel Mount Fellside

19. Hazel Mount Fellside

98%

(49)

136km from Betws-y-Coed · 5 units · Tents

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

£25

/ night

Peak Glamping Hideaway

20. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%

(12)

127km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Glamping

Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

from

£100

/ night

In Betws-y-Coed, there’s the Conwy Valley Railway Museum with its miniature railway.
If you fancy a ride on a full-sized railway, there are plenty to choose from. Try the scenic Snowdon Mountain Railway, which chugs away from Llanberis (16 miles away), or the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, which sets off from Blaenau Ffestiniog, 11 miles south of Betws-y-Coed.
The Swallow Falls cascade on the River Llugwy can be reached on foot from town.
Just a few miles south of town is the Gwydyr Forest Park, but if walking among the trees is too tame, head instead for another of the area’s most-visited attractions, Zip World Fforest.

99% (331) • 140 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Betws-y-Coed

Eden's Nook

71km from Betws-y-Coed · 4 units · Glamping

Glamping on a farm that doubles up as award-winning wedding venue

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£75

/ night

The White Lodge

5. The White Lodge

90%

(55)

125km from Betws-y-Coed · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes

A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£18

/ night

Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

6. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp

97%

(55)

125km from Betws-y-Coed · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£10

/ night

RHC & Glamping

100%

(23)

96km from Betws-y-Coed · 38 units · Tents, Motorhomes

Pets

Electrical hookup

Campfires

from

£28

/ night

Woodman's Huts

11. Woodman's Huts

99%

(58)

139km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Glamping

Beautiful handmade shepherd's huts in the heart of the picturesque South Lakes

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£115

/ night

Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

12. Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

100%

(14)

145km from Betws-y-Coed · 2 units · Glamping

A secluded, riverside bell tent in the heart of The Black Mountains

Pets

Showers

Campfires

from

£40

/ night

Tyn Y Ffridd Farm

13. Tyn Y Ffridd Farm

94%

(87)

23km from Betws-y-Coed · 10 units · Tents

Dog-friendly camping with mountain views between Anglesey and Snowdonia

Pets

Campfires

Showers

from

£23

98%

(49)

136km from Betws-y-Coed · 5 units · Tents

Nearly wild camping on the western edge of the Lake District overlooking the Duddon Estuary

Pets

Campfires

Potable water

from

£25

/ night

Peak Glamping Hideaway

20. Peak Glamping Hideaway

100%

(12)

127km from Betws-y-Coed · 3 units · Glamping

Glamping literally reaches new heights in the Peak District National Park

Showers

Campfires

Wifi

from

£100

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Matthew

5 days ago

With pets

Weekend Trip to Capel Cathy

Wonderful little cabin tucked away from the hum-drum perfect for relaxing and walking. Kind and sweet caring family make sure everything is all ready and in order. Cozy and warm with brilliant dark skies at night.

Richard

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Eden's Nook

Second visit. It will not be my last visit. Great welcome

Amy

September 2025

4 m Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Wild conTENTment

Susie and her family are lovely. They have thought of everything for a fab, relaxing stay. Thank you so much for everything. We loved it!

Duco

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We loved camping at Hazel Mount Fellside. The view was stunning and it felt more like a piece of nature with some scattered campsites than the opposite, which you most often find. Ruth was a very nice and welcoming host.

Keith

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to The White Lodge

Really good staff, and pleasant location. Only stayed a couple of nights, but was really pleased with the conditions.

Ashik

September 2025

2 nights at Cuddfan - The Hiding Place

Thanks Mark for the lovely stay! The area is secluded and picturesque, which really gave us the feeling of living a nomadic life with just the basic amenities. A few tips for future visitors: Bring a hanging light or headlamp, as it gets very dark and there’s no lighting provided. There’s a gas stove and cooking area, but you’ll need to bring your own utensils. Pack warm duvets and thick jackets if you’re visiting in autumn, as nights can get very cold. 🚗 Important: Do not drive your car down to the tent. Park just after entering the gate and walk down instead. I missed the host’s message about this, got stuck trying to drive back up, and had to be rescued by a farmer with his tractor (thankfully the host responded quickly and was super helpful!). Despite that little adventure, I absolutely loved the stay and would highly recommend it if you’re looking for a unique experience without the hassle of putting up a tent yourself.

These are the only 3 pitches on our tent camping fields which you can park one car next to.

Timothy

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes

the camp site is brilliant nice and tidy. toilet and shower facilities are good and clean. would defo recommend this site for anyone

Filip

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to White House Farm Campsite, Wardlow

Really nice camping site. Very tidy toilets and showers. Highly recommended.

Sarah

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

Lovely, well appointed camp! Great facilities and hidden gems to discover once you are there! Pizzas are delicious and a truly magical spot looking towards the Priselli hills. Spa was delightful, pigs are friendly and the hay bale barn was a big hit with the kids! Highly recommend.

Nova

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Hazel Mount Fellside

We were lucky enough to get the site for ourselves for this trip and it was absolutely magical. the land and its views are so beautiful, it’s the first campsite i’ve been to that felt connected to the land it was on :’) ruth’s passion for the place shone, and all of the animals are so cute and special and it was so peaceful being there

Nicky

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes

Having a secluded pitch with fabulous views was just perfect after a busy week at work! Perfect to wind down and just sit listening to the birdsong.

Stryczek

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Loved camping at snowdrop. Easy to park up and the pitch was ready for us on arrival. Very quiet and peaceful. Would highly recommend!

Emily

August 2025

3 m travel trailer

2 nights at The White Lodge

It was our first time camping with our new teardrop camper and we definitely chose the right place! David was so lovely and helped me to reverse it onto the pitch. Due to bad reviews I expected the facilities to be dirty but they were far from it! Very clean and plenty of toilet roll! As for the location, it’s amazing for people who love walking, we had a few hours walk down the canal and I definitely recommend walking across the road to the Riverside cafe for some lunch. Other than that there’s not much to do unless you want to drive into Stafford Centre but perfect for a quiet chilled couple of nights!

Ben

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes

It great place for camping I really enjoyed and it is beautiful view on my tents site to view in morning have sit coffee with view love it. Also lots nice walk round.

Our Nature Domes are set in their own wildflower meadows with stunning views of the Pembrokeshire National Park

Ann

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Top Of The Woods Camping & Glamping

Absolutely loved staying at Top of the woods, wished we could have stayed longer. The perfect mix of off grid and creature comforts. Gorgeous setting.

Howie

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Eden's Nook

Excellent campsite and the option to have breakfast on site was a nice luxury. Will return when in North Wales.

Kaety

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Eden's Nook

We had a wonderful time at Eden’s Nook. Jayne helped us to feel so welcome and went above and beyond in the hot weather to make sure we had what we needed. The site is really clean and very peaceful. We saw lots of butterflies and birds. A gorgeous stay! Thank you.

Kate

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Capel Cathy

Wonderful bespoke cabin with lots of charm. It’s handmade and beautiful, and really clean and comfy! We loved our stay. The bath was a huge treat. The water from the spring was delicious. We found amazing walks in the area- long and fabulous views and woodland. We loved Daphne’s in Prestiegne- delicious supper. Highly recommend - the children (10 and 7) loved the bedroom in rafters. A real gem!

Jessica

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Hazel Mount Fellside

Lovely campsite! The pitches are extremely spacious - it felt like we were wild camping. Ruth is extremely welcoming. She’s built something special. Would definitely recommend!

Trudi

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The White Lodge

Clean washrooms and toilet amenities. On site bar and entertainment was excellent. Short walk to town, shops and pubs. Highly recommend.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best campsites near Betws-y-Coed with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Eyri (Snowdonia) National Park

Snowdonia National Park is home to mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and forests—with some of the best of them in this northern part of the park. The best way to explore is often under your own steam by walking, cycling, climbing, or kayaking. The options are almost limitless, and the Snowdonia National Park Authority’s information centre in Betws-y-Coed is a good place to learn about the available adventures. Top of the list for many campers is hiking Wales’ highest mountain, the 1,085-metre Snowdon. From Betws-y-Coed and the campsites around it, the most logical place to begin an ascent is the Pen-y-Pass car park. Two well-trodden routes to the top start here: The Miner’s Track and The Pyg Track.

Dyffryn Conwy

Meandering north from Betws-y-Coed toward castle-crowned Conwy is Dyffryn Conwy, the verdant valley the River Conwy carves out. This wood-carpeted area promises excellent campsites at pretty spots like Caerhun and Trefriw, while Snowdonia (Eyri) National Park’s big peaks dominate off to the west. Active highlights include scenic walking, the world’s only artificial lagoon surfing at Adventure Parc Snowdonia, and the woodland adrenaline rushes at Zip World Fforest.

The Glyderau

Ten miles northwest of Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia’s most drama-charged mountain range (yes, more so than the Snowdon massif) rears up. The Glyderau, and especially the mountain chain’s eastern peaks of Glyder Fach and Tryfan, are picturesquely packed with striking rock formations with top-notch climbing, scrambling and hillwalking. Gain good access from Llyn Ogwen, 10 miles northwest of Betws-y-Coed.

Blaenau Ffestiniog

A 30-minute railway ride or an 11-mile drive southwest of Betws-y-Coed, this once-deprived ex-slate mining town is now a sterling adventure sports destination. Old slate quarries have become some of Europe’s most iconic zip lines and phenomenal downhill mountain biking routes. You can also tour the fascinating Llechwedd Slate Caverns—the town’s only campsite is on the road to the caverns.

When to go

It often rains in Betws-y-Coed, though April through July are the driest months, with around three inches of rain on average. The Betws-y-Coed camping season lasts from Easter to the end of September, but given hillwalking and climbing are best done dry, April and May—before the July/August high season—make for the best overall time to go camping.