The best campsites near Cardiff with horseback riding

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Wales’ capital has fashioned itself into a thriving international city in recent decades. Its compelling Victorian heritage and architecture, raised by the riches of what was once the world’s biggest coal industry, is showcased in lavish buildings like Cardiff Castle, and sits alongside compelling museums and truly excellent places to eat and drink. But the surrounding scenery is a massive part of Cardiff’s appeal too. The revamped Cardiff Bay waterfront and gorgeous green riverside space of Bute Park bestow great outdoor playgrounds upon the city itself, while the beaches and history-rich towns of the Vale of Glamorgan and the woodsy trail-laced hills around Caerphilly beckon campers just beyond.

98% (637)

Top-rated campgrounds

Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

1. Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

100%
(22)
127km from Cardiff · 38 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shrewsbury, England
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 now open. Large 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 now offer Pre-Booked options of early arrival from 11am on your day of arrival and extended stay on your last day up 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 (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) 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. Fo your security a time locked access gate operates after 7.30pm. Pass code provided after check-in for 24/7 access.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Shetland ponies wandering around

9. Waunbayvil Camping

100%
(7)
124km from Cardiff · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Crymych, Wales
Waunbayvil wild camping. A teeny pop up campsite for private groups. Come alone or bring friends and family. Just 10 mins drive from the sea at Ceibwr on the Pembrokeshire coast. The space Waunbayvil camping is set in its own secluded spot on 40 acres of private wildland and woodlands in the Pembrokeshire national Park, with a pond and views of the stunning landscape. It is the perfect getaway, a place to re-connect with nature and your loved ones in the most peaceful place away from it all. This is not a big campsite with lots of other people, you can book the whole campsite for a private group, or otherwise, only 2 or 3 families very spread out at a time. The pitches are set out with plenty of space in between. There is parking for cars or campervans, and the camping area itself is not accessible for vehicles, making it a lovely car free space with nothing but nature all around you. You will need to carry tents and equipment up to the camping area., only around 100m from the parking area. (We have a wheel barrow for you to use)We also have a small hard standing area for campervan. There is a compost loo, a washing up area, and an off grid shower shack. It is set in the most beautiful surroundings, teaming with wild life and filled with wild orchids and many different species of grasses and wildflowers. It is unique and a treat for people who love natural habitat. The sea is about two miles away where there are spectacular cliff walks for many miles on the Pembrokeshire coast path, and beautiful beaches for swimming. Bring logs and kindling with you. (Can be bought from any garage) If you bring a cool box we can top you up with frozen ice packs. Just ask. NO LOUD PARTIES Guest access Acres of land and woodland, kitchen shack, compost loo, shower hut, pond. Other things to note 40 acres of meadows, wildlife habitat and woods which guests are welcome to roam. You can walk down the track and visit the artists gallery and shop in the big blue barn. "A great site for those who like to be on their own in the wilds but with all essential facilities provided and well designed. Great way to enjoy easy access to some of the best coast line in Britain . Amazing art work too!" Jenny
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£48
 / night
Red Sky at Night Campsite

20. Red Sky at Night Campsite

99%
(35)
47km from Cardiff · 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night

Wales’ capital has fashioned itself into a thriving international city in recent decades. Its compelling Victorian heritage and architecture, raised by the riches of what was once the world’s biggest coal industry, is showcased in lavish buildings like Cardiff Castle, and sits alongside compelling museums and truly excellent places to eat and drink. But the surrounding scenery is a massive part of Cardiff’s appeal too. The revamped Cardiff Bay waterfront and gorgeous green riverside space of Bute Park bestow great outdoor playgrounds upon the city itself, while the beaches and history-rich towns of the Vale of Glamorgan and the woodsy trail-laced hills around Caerphilly beckon campers just beyond.

98% (637)

Top-rated campgrounds

Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

1. Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp

100%
(22)
127km from Cardiff · 38 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Shrewsbury, England
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 now open. Large 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 now offer Pre-Booked options of early arrival from 11am on your day of arrival and extended stay on your last day up 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 (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) 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. Fo your security a time locked access gate operates after 7.30pm. Pass code provided after check-in for 24/7 access.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£25
 / night
Shetland ponies wandering around

9. Waunbayvil Camping

100%
(7)
124km from Cardiff · 29 units · Tents, Motorhomes, Glamping · Crymych, Wales
Waunbayvil wild camping. A teeny pop up campsite for private groups. Come alone or bring friends and family. Just 10 mins drive from the sea at Ceibwr on the Pembrokeshire coast. The space Waunbayvil camping is set in its own secluded spot on 40 acres of private wildland and woodlands in the Pembrokeshire national Park, with a pond and views of the stunning landscape. It is the perfect getaway, a place to re-connect with nature and your loved ones in the most peaceful place away from it all. This is not a big campsite with lots of other people, you can book the whole campsite for a private group, or otherwise, only 2 or 3 families very spread out at a time. The pitches are set out with plenty of space in between. There is parking for cars or campervans, and the camping area itself is not accessible for vehicles, making it a lovely car free space with nothing but nature all around you. You will need to carry tents and equipment up to the camping area., only around 100m from the parking area. (We have a wheel barrow for you to use)We also have a small hard standing area for campervan. There is a compost loo, a washing up area, and an off grid shower shack. It is set in the most beautiful surroundings, teaming with wild life and filled with wild orchids and many different species of grasses and wildflowers. It is unique and a treat for people who love natural habitat. The sea is about two miles away where there are spectacular cliff walks for many miles on the Pembrokeshire coast path, and beautiful beaches for swimming. Bring logs and kindling with you. (Can be bought from any garage) If you bring a cool box we can top you up with frozen ice packs. Just ask. NO LOUD PARTIES Guest access Acres of land and woodland, kitchen shack, compost loo, shower hut, pond. Other things to note 40 acres of meadows, wildlife habitat and woods which guests are welcome to roam. You can walk down the track and visit the artists gallery and shop in the big blue barn. "A great site for those who like to be on their own in the wilds but with all essential facilities provided and well designed. Great way to enjoy easy access to some of the best coast line in Britain . Amazing art work too!" Jenny
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£48
 / night
Red Sky at Night Campsite

20. Red Sky at Night Campsite

99%
(35)
47km from Cardiff · 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
Potable water
Campfires
from 
£13
 / night

Camper favorites near Cardiff

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The best campsites near Cardiff with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Bute Park

Right in central Cardiff, Bute Park, flanked by Cardiff Castle, is the beginning of Cardiff’s green corridor out of the city and is a lovely, leafy place to base yourself to enjoy both city sights and nearby countryside. You’ll find caravan and camping parks nearby, close to the River Taff and the long-distance Taff Trail and Cambrian Way.

Vale of Glamorgan

Just west across Cardiff Bay is the Vale of Glamorgan, kicking off with Penarth, a laid-back beach town accessible from the city via Cardiff Bay Barrage. Here the countryside replaces the suburbs surprisingly quickly, giving way to sandy coastline and rolling inland hills full of ancient history. Historic Llantwit Major has tranquil camping nearby, some of which puts you in touch of lovely beaches like Dunraven Bay.

Caerphilly & Around

Delightful wooded hills soar up to the north of Cardiff, separating the city from the Caerphilly region. Caerphilly is best-known for sporting one of Wales’ hugest and handsomest castles, but the rural landscapes around hide some fine camping spots. Secluded Under the Oak Glamping, with its mix of safari tents and railway carriages to sleep out in, has an enviable location in tree-dotted meadows just outside Caerphilly.

When to go

Cardiff is a buzzing, year-round destination and fittingly, campsites like the one in Pontcanna Fields are also open year-round. This is Wales, however, famous for its wet weather and the mud that it brings: April through October gives you a far-better chance of pitching under fair skies and over less soggy ground. July and August are filled with vibrant Cardiff festivals celebrating food, theatre and music—though big events also mean campsites are more crowded.

Top towns near Cardiff