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- Riverside RV
Riverside caravan parks near Monmouth
98% (658) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Monmouth
Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
1. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
96%
(13)
18km from Monmouth · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£135
/ night
Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp
2. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp
97%
(55)
41km from Monmouth · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Pytingwyn Woods
3. Pytingwyn Woods
97%
(139)
51km from Monmouth · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost-wild camping on the banks of the River Honddu, edging the Brecon Beacons
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£13
/ night
Panpwnton Campsite
4. Panpwnton Campsite
99%
(169)
64km from Monmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A riverside campsite on Offa’s Dyke Path near Knighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
5. Little Eden Riverside Campsite
98%
(61)
70km from Monmouth · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history!
We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette.
Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes.
*DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps
Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles.
Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists.
Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields.
Big Adventures and Little Moments
Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
6. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
82km from Monmouth · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Glynmarch Farm Camping
7. Glynmarch Farm Camping
99%
(54)
93km from Monmouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A quiet, relaxed, riverside campsite with acres of Carmarthenshire countryside to explore
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
8. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
100km from Monmouth · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Buckland Farm Camping
9. Buckland Farm Camping
95%
(21)
100km from Monmouth · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Gwersyllt Rhos y Gallt Campsite
10. Gwersyllt Rhos y Gallt Campsite
94%
(56)
108km from Monmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Guests to Rhos y Gallt describe the campsite as a little gem of a site - small, quite and tranquil with wonderful sunsets. The site can accommodate up to 5 caravans and 10 tents situated on a level 2 acre site within the beautiful rolling hills of Montgomeryshire in Mid Wales.
There are hard standing pitches with electric hook-up as well as grass pitches with and without electric hook-up. There is also a field bordering a river which is used for wild camping - but you'll have to share it with the sheep!
The toilet block has a family wet room with shower, toilet, wash hand basin and baby changing unit, a separate toilet, shower and kitchen area with freezer.
The site borders a river meadow where visitors can wonder down and take a walk down with the river bank, relax by the water edge, throw a few skimmers, do a spot of fishing or even go wild water swimming (at your own risk!).
Well behaved dogs are welcome (maximum 2 per unit).
We were delighted to receive a nomination for The Camping and Caravanning Club Best Hideaway Site in 2021 and grateful to our wonderful guests for the nomination.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
Aldridge Mill
11. Aldridge Mill
95%
(22)
112km from Monmouth · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Wild conTENTment
12. Wild conTENTment
99%
(65)
112km from Monmouth · 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
Eden's Nook
13. Eden's Nook
100%
(38)
114km from Monmouth · 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
The White Lodge
14. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
119km from Monmouth · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Great Haywood Canalside Campsite
15. Great Haywood Canalside Campsite
96%
(57)
120km from Monmouth · 8 units
The simplest of canalside campsites with narrowboats chugging past and an award-winning farm shop over the road
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Snelling Farm Campsite
16. Snelling Farm Campsite
99%
(140)
128km from Monmouth · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Bwch Yn Uchaf
17. Bwch Yn Uchaf
98%
(161)
132km from Monmouth · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Narrow-gauge steam railway station, countryside views, gorgeous riverside setting. What's not to love?!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes
18. Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes
98%
(275)
133km from Monmouth · 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
Cilrath Wood Camping
19. Cilrath Wood Camping
100%
(42)
140km from Monmouth · 15 units
Off-grid eco camping with campfires in a patch of Pembrokeshire that time forgot
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£21
/ night
Baldwins Brook Glamping
20. Baldwins Brook Glamping
100%
(7)
24km from Monmouth · 6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn
Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal
Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn
Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill.
This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock.
From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal.
When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
98% (658) • 53 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Monmouth
Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
1. Swallow Barn Woodland Campsite
96%
(13)
18km from Monmouth · 1 unit · Tent, Motorhome
An exclusive-hire nearly-wild woodland campsite for up to 20 people
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£135
/ night
Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp
2. Pentwyn Dingle and Lodge Field Camp
97%
(55)
41km from Monmouth · 30 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost wild camping with good views, near the River Wye and Brecon Beacons
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Pytingwyn Woods
3. Pytingwyn Woods
97%
(139)
51km from Monmouth · 8 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Almost-wild camping on the banks of the River Honddu, edging the Brecon Beacons
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from
£13
/ night
Panpwnton Campsite
4. Panpwnton Campsite
99%
(169)
64km from Monmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A riverside campsite on Offa’s Dyke Path near Knighton
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Little Eden Riverside Campsite
5. Little Eden Riverside Campsite
98%
(61)
70km from Monmouth · 27 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A very warm welcome to our guests at Little Eden, a restful and relaxing, riverside campsite for tents and campervans with grass pitches. We’re in a great spot if you love fishing, kayaking, gorge walking, cycling, seasides, fossil hunting, wild swimming, fell running, bird watching, archaeology or even Viking history!
We are 9 miles from the mystical Glastonbury Abbey and Tor and directly on a Sustrans 33 cycle path route. The River Brue runs alongside the campsite with damsel flies fluttering by and kingfishers darting back and forth. We are on the Somerset levels so the sunsets are amazing as well as night time stargazing. We have a private, wooden jetty where you can launch your own paddle board. It’s a perfect get away for campers and nature lovers. Bring your own raised BBQs and logs or buy firewood on site. A family run campsite around 30 miles south of Bristol on the banks of the River Brue, it has a relaxed vibe and we try to keep things simple and straight forward. It’s ideal for doing some day trips nearby, then lighting the BBQ and playing Frisbee (games box you are most welcome to use). Shower and toilet, drinking water, washing-up sink in garden kitchenette.
Our big sister site is just 4 miles away, and the café bar at 'Wall Eden Farm' serves fantastic coffee, cake, and family-made Somerset cider. If looking for classic countryside pub meal The Duck at Burtle and The Bird at Westhay are local favourites, be sure to book! Burnham on Sea close by has great fish and chips, a sandy beach, a pier and promenade if you like salty fingers and sandy toes.
*DIRECTIONS* Little Eden Adventures is on Goole Maps
Postcode takes you within 200 meters of campsite, look for white house with flagpole on stone bridge over river. What3words master.musical.titles.
Our grandmother and her 5 sisters grew up milking cattle on the land. It’s steeped in history and archaeology. Bring your fishing rod as there are bream and roach in the River Brue. The site is a dream for cyclists.
Electric vehicle charging at Wall Eden Farm with a Farmshop stocked with essential supplies, Moonshine and sweet treats. Sorry no pets as livestock in neighbouring fields.
Big Adventures and Little Moments
Warmest Wishes, Team Little Eden
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
6. Cotswolds Camping at Holycombe
95%
(148)
82km from Monmouth · 14 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Think Countryfile meets Time Team. Camping in six-acres of unspoiled Cotswold countryside, built in the grounds of a Norman castle.
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£14
/ night
Glynmarch Farm Camping
7. Glynmarch Farm Camping
99%
(54)
93km from Monmouth · 15 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A quiet, relaxed, riverside campsite with acres of Carmarthenshire countryside to explore
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£12
/ night
The Pig Place Campsite
8. The Pig Place Campsite
92%
(93)
100km from Monmouth · 45 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Canal-side camping for adults on a rustic Oxfordshire pig farm
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£10
/ night
Buckland Farm Camping
9. Buckland Farm Camping
95%
(21)
100km from Monmouth · 12 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
Dog-friendly camping on the edge of the Blackdown Hills
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£22
/ night
Gwersyllt Rhos y Gallt Campsite
10. Gwersyllt Rhos y Gallt Campsite
94%
(56)
108km from Monmouth · 10 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Guests to Rhos y Gallt describe the campsite as a little gem of a site - small, quite and tranquil with wonderful sunsets. The site can accommodate up to 5 caravans and 10 tents situated on a level 2 acre site within the beautiful rolling hills of Montgomeryshire in Mid Wales.
There are hard standing pitches with electric hook-up as well as grass pitches with and without electric hook-up. There is also a field bordering a river which is used for wild camping - but you'll have to share it with the sheep!
The toilet block has a family wet room with shower, toilet, wash hand basin and baby changing unit, a separate toilet, shower and kitchen area with freezer.
The site borders a river meadow where visitors can wonder down and take a walk down with the river bank, relax by the water edge, throw a few skimmers, do a spot of fishing or even go wild water swimming (at your own risk!).
Well behaved dogs are welcome (maximum 2 per unit).
We were delighted to receive a nomination for The Camping and Caravanning Club Best Hideaway Site in 2021 and grateful to our wonderful guests for the nomination.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
Aldridge Mill
11. Aldridge Mill
95%
(22)
112km from Monmouth · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping
A yurt, a gypsy wagon, and wild camping pitches in a Devon valley.
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Wild conTENTment
12. Wild conTENTment
99%
(65)
112km from Monmouth · 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
Eden's Nook
13. Eden's Nook
100%
(38)
114km from Monmouth · 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
The White Lodge
14. The White Lodge
90%
(55)
119km from Monmouth · 5 units · Tents, Motorhomes
A traditional campsite close to Staffordshire’s canals, river, and stately homes.
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£18
/ night
Great Haywood Canalside Campsite
15. Great Haywood Canalside Campsite
96%
(57)
120km from Monmouth · 8 units
The simplest of canalside campsites with narrowboats chugging past and an award-winning farm shop over the road
Pets
Campfires
Potable water
from
£20
/ night
Snelling Farm Campsite
16. Snelling Farm Campsite
99%
(140)
128km from Monmouth · 70 units · Tents, Motorhomes
An amazingly green, natural feel and care-free atmosphere near the Dorset coast
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£20
/ night
Bwch Yn Uchaf
17. Bwch Yn Uchaf
98%
(161)
132km from Monmouth · 20 units · Tents, Motorhomes
Narrow-gauge steam railway station, countryside views, gorgeous riverside setting. What's not to love?!
Pets
Campfires
Showers
from
£12
/ night
Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes
18. Graig Wen - Wild Snowdonia Escapes
98%
(275)
133km from Monmouth · 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
Cilrath Wood Camping
19. Cilrath Wood Camping
100%
(42)
140km from Monmouth · 15 units
Off-grid eco camping with campfires in a patch of Pembrokeshire that time forgot
Campfires
Showers
Potable water
from
£21
/ night
Baldwins Brook Glamping
20. Baldwins Brook Glamping
100%
(7)
24km from Monmouth · 6 units · Motorhomes, Glamping
Small dog-friendly site on the banks of the river Severn
Adjacent to the Severn Way and half an hour’s walk from the canal
Wildlife haven within walking distance of pubs and Frampton on Severn
Craving a peaceful time filled with wildlife watching, long walks and relaxing by the water? On the banks of the River Severn, Baldwin’s Brook Glamping in Gloucestershire fits the bill.
This small site is a wildlife haven adjacent to the Severn Way, a long-distance trail which traces the river downstream. Birdwatching prospects are excellent here, and there’s plenty of peace if you’d rather sit and relax by a firepit or check out the stunning views and sunsets. The site is part of a working family farm with lots of livestock.
From the farm, it’s a 45-minute walk to Frampton on Severn, which is home to the longest village green in England and the lively Frampton Country Fair (think funfair… and 400 stalls full of good stuff). Baldwin’s Brook Glamping is also half an hour’s walk away from the Cotswold Canal Trust Visitor Centre by The Gloucester and Sharpness Canal if you’d like to grab a spot on a boat trip or sip a coffee by the canal.
When you'd rather have a chilled beer, two pubs are within half a mile of the site (only 10 minutes’ walk away). Strike up a conversation with a local about the next Severn Bore, the huge tidal wave which races for 25 miles from Awre to Gloucester down the estuary just a handful of times per year.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from
£30
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Anthony
1 week ago
6 m pop-up camper
Fantastic hosts who met us on arrival, very helpful friendly and informative. We were lucky enough to have the pick of where we wanted to set up and we chose a lovely spot with a short walk to the facilities. The facilities were well kept, clean and tidy and had everything you would need for a comfortable stay. We were lucky enough to be greeted by the geese when we woke up today, although we weren’t as lucky with the fishing! Our hosts were kind enough to tell us about their farm shop and cafe where activities such as air rifle shooting and axe throwing were available which we will definitely look at doing next time🙂 Our hosts were so accommodating and even cooked us a delicious breakfast when their cafe was usually closed(Mondays) From start to finish a fantastic stay we were well looked after and cannot recommend this place enough. They also have some impressive looking glamping pods and log cabins-some have hot tubs which is something we will be considering for our next visit. Thank you again Andy, Allie and staff x
See more
C
Chris
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
Great location, just outside of town.
This was our second time staying here and we definitely plan to stay again.
See moreZ
Zohreh
2 weeks ago
Tent
Great site, really nice space. Loved the sound of the river and was nice at this time of year to be alone in nature!
Facilities are good and its well maintained.
Thank you!
See more
P
Paul
December 2025
Tent
Group trip
This campsite is fantastic. We attend once a year in November. It has a somewhere to park, compost toilet and the great outdoors. The owner is a perfect gentleman. Always helpful, happy and accommodating.
We will be back next year. Thank you!
See more
A
Andrea
November 2025
Tent
Easy to get on the pitches by ourselves and had the whole site for us, not surprising as it’s late November! Very quiet and loved it! We will be back again for the 3rd time
See more
P
Paul
November 2025
4 m Class B
I only stayed two night on my own but will definitely come back.
See moreC
Chris
November 2025
Tent
Lovely little basic campsite, nice and close to Brecon town. Will definitely be staying here again in the near future
See more
R
Richard
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Second visit. It will not be my last visit. Great welcome
See moreJ
James
October 2025
5 m Class B
A really beautiful little spot for the night.
Lots of places to pitch and the river flowing through provides a really nice backdrop.
See more
H
Heidi
October 2025
7 m Class B
With pets
We have just come back from a campervan 2 night trip to Panpwnton Campsite. We had a lovely time, it was very quiet as we were the only ones staying…. Probably due to the weather!
This meant we got a great spot right next to the river which was perfect.
The facilities were good. The location was great. We did a walk straight from the site on to part of Offa Dykes path and along to the Knuclas viaduct, great views along the way. We had thought we might get the train back just for fun, but they don’t run very often (would have been a 2hr wait) so walked back instead.
Site also easy walking distance to the local pub for an evening meal which was good too.
Very Dark walk back that evening meant for some great star gazing:-)
See moreP
Paul
October 2025
Tent
We had a great time during our stay at the site. We chose to camp by the small river that runs through the property and it was beautiful, almost like in the wild. Highly recommend!
See moreJ
Jonpaul
October 2025
Tent
I was really impressed with the location and secondly the peace and quiet at the time of my camp. With the lovely sound of the river nearby it was an excellent stay. A great find.
See moreJ
James
October 2025
4 m pop-up camper
We had a great stay. We stayed for one night and used it as a base to cycle to Glastonbury and back. We were left to ourselves and trusted by the owner which we loved. Sites like this are the reason we bought out camper van. Thanks for a great stay.
See more
L
Louise
October 2025
3 m Class B
With pets
Panpwnton Farm is a lovely campsite. Very clean toilets and wash up facilities. I didn't use the showers as I only stayed a couple of nights, however they were spacious.
I will definitely be returning for a longer stay.
It's a lovely walk from the campsite to Knighton, alongside the river.
Trains do pass right along the side of the site but it didn't bother me or my dog. Easy access to Offa's Dyke.
See moreJ
James
September 2025
4 m Class B
Lovely site, friendly hosts great facilities - easy access and site directions
See more
F
Finty
September 2025
Tent
We loved our stay at Aldridge Mill! It was so peaceful and lots of lovely walking spots near by :)
It was so refreshing having space for ourselves and our dogs - We arrived at the end of September so was very quiet and spacious.
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L
Lee
September 2025
Tent
With pets
What a lovely clean site, everything you need, great views and peaceful, loved just sitting by the river with a brew and chilling
See more
Rickie
September 2025
1 m travel trailer
With pets
The site is really lovely close enough to town to walk in and great location by the stream with walking paths for our dog. The toilets and showers were clean and maintained and Roxanne was very friendly.
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K
Keith
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Really good staff, and pleasant location. Only stayed a couple of nights, but was really pleased with the conditions.
See more
D
Dana
September 2025
Tent
Thank you. Place was amazing , we enjoyed this country side 💟
See more
Riverside caravan parks near Monmouth guide
Where to go
Wye Valley AONB
Back in the 18th century, the Wye Valley became the birthplace of modern UK tourism, when people flocked to the picturesque landscapes described in William Gilpin’s influential work Observations on the River Wye. This steep-sided woodsy AONB straddling the Wales-England border remains popular today with a wide mix of full-facility camping complexes and small farm campsites, plus fantastic hiking that includes paths like the long-distance Wye Valley Way.
Black Mountains
The Black Mountains fall within the Brecon Beacons National Park, a dark, brooding wedge of hills running from Abergavenny to Hay-on-Wye, beginning about 15 miles northwest of Monmouth. The long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path trundles across the range, but hiking opportunities are limitless. The main access for campers is the Vale of Ewyas, with its Abergavenny-Hay-on-Wye road bisecting remote countryside below the ridges. Sites are simple and small-scale.
Eastern Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons is a national park of four parts. Its eastern area lies west of the Black Mountains, south of Brecon and north of Merthyr Tydfil. It is the park's most-visited area, with the highest peak (the 2,907-foot Pen y Fan) and easy access from the region’s bigger towns, including Monmouth, about 20 miles southeast. Campsites in this rugged expanse are typically in the verdant valleys around the edge.
When to go
Being close to major population centres means Monmouth and the Wye Valley AONB’s tourist season extends a little beyond the conventional Easter-September window, with March and October also seeing many visitor facilities open, and weather mild enough to camp out. Sites near Monmouth often open year-round. In the Brecon Beacons National Park, though, sites are shut outside Easter-September. April and May are delightful, uncrowded camping months in the Wye Valley.