The Beddgelert Campsite is nestled among the trees just outside the village of Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia – just a ten-minute drive to Mount Snowdon.

We love Snowdonia in Wales.
There are plenty of mountains, forests, and great places to camp. And for us, it’s not too far away either ๐
Despite staying under canvas in the area many times, we had never taken ‘Casper the Caravan’. So, as part of the #5CChallenge, we decided to take in this National Park. And while we were there, our Challenge was to climb Mount Snowdon.
Camping Among the Trees
The Beddgelert Campsite is a Camping in the Forest location – and yes, you do get to camp in the forest. At least you do if you are on the hard standing pitches.

Our hardstanding pitch under the trees
Arriving and Pitching
Unfortunately, we arrived just after 8 pm and so reception had closed, but a warden was still there to greet us.
You aren’t allocated a pitch. Instead, it’s up to you to find that perfect spot among the trees or in the fields.
Having arrived at dusk, reversing onto the pitch was a little difficult as it’s hard to see the rocks, so try and arrive in good time.
-
- One of the hardstanding pitches under the trees
-
- Grass pitches
-
- Our hardstanding pitch
-
- A wilder spot to pitch your tent
-
- One of the areas of grass pitches that are ideal for tents
Getting to the Beddgelert Campsite
We took the recommended route from Shrewsbury. This took us much longer than normal (and why we arrived late). Although we still had to tow the caravan up over the mountain pass, the route detours around a lot of the more difficult towing areas, which adds to the journey time.
The A498 from Porthmadog sounds like a decent enough road. However, it is actually single track in many places with tight beds, and warning signs saying unsuitable for long and wide vehicles.
At the end of the road, you’ll reach the village of Beddgelert. This has an old bridge with a sharp 90-degree bend that Camping in the Forest warns about in their directions.
Here are some pictures of the bridge at Beddgelert in case this is a concern to you.
-
- The width of the Beddgelert Bridge
-
- Side view of the bridge from the A4085
I found the bridge not that difficult as it is wide enough to take the corner and any cars approaching can see you are on the bridge.
On the way home, we instead took the route north along the A4095 to Caernarfon. From there it was almost dual carriageway all the way home. A slightly longer route, but less stressful ๐
Facilities at the Campsite
The facilities might look a little dated, but they are kept clean and working.
There’s also useful laundrette on-site, plus a shop where you can even order items from the on-site bakery (see picture below).
-
- The main shower block
-
- One of the smaller toilet blocks
-
- Items to order at the on-site bakery
-
- Inside the ‘facilities’
-
- The Laundrette
-
- Showers
-
- The showers
-
- Wash-up
-
- Washing facilities
At the campsite
Around the campsite are a few walks through the woodland. There’s plenty for kids to explore though you do need to watch the fast-flowing rivers. There’s also a play park.
-
- Lots of forest to explore
-
- A good place for a walk
-
- Some water is fast and deep
-
- One of the streams
-
- Exploring the forest
-
- Off on a walk
-
- The Play Park
The Railway
Proving a great base to explore the area, the campsite even has its own steam railway station.
This is the Welsh Highland Railway that runs from Porthmadog to Caernarfon.
-
- Follow the signs to the station
-
- The campsite’s train station
-
- Waiting for the train
-
- One of the trains passing the site
-
- Train timetable
-
- Watching the train pass by our pitch
When we visited Beddgelert Campsite it was run by the Camping and Caravanning Club. It is now managed by Forest Holidays.
Forest Holidays have added cabins in the woods and updated the facilities. You can still camp at Beddgelert Campsite.
There are hard standings with electric under the trees and a number of open grassed areas used for pitching tents.
Showers are free.
There are many EHU points. EHU is available on hardstanding and some grass pitches.
Here’s where you can find Beddgelert Campsite.
Browse the map below to find places near to Beddgelert Campsite. Remember, you can save any place to your Adventure Planner, helping you plan your trip.
Gav Grayston Contributor
Father to 3 kids, who loves getting out and about (hiking, running, camping, cycling, canoeing...) Co-founded Get Out With The Kids to help other parents enjoy the outdoors with their family.