Coed y Brenin is Welsh for King’s forest and we’re pretty sure you’ll understand why it earned this moniker when you’re here and basking in over 9,000 acres of glorious woodland.
This is a top destination for mountain bikers, with eight trails catering to both adventurous as well as cyclists who want a more relaxing two-wheeled experience. The trails range from 12 to 38km including one dual slalom course and there’s a great training zone for new bikers to help hone your skills before you head out on the slopes.
Hikers can access a number of well-marked walking trails varying from short and accessible to strenuous - all offering magnificent views. Those who opt for the more taxing Gain Waterfall Trail walk will be rewarded with vistas of the falls at the confluence of the Afon Gain and Afon Mawddach rivers.
Both adults and older children can enjoy four permanent orienteering routes and geocaching trails. Plus, there’s a puzzle trail and an all-ability play area to capture the imaginations of younger children.
If your thirst for adventure isn’t quenched, head north to Blaenau Ffestiniog, the former slate capital of the world. Here you can try out the world’s largest subterranean trampoline or zip-line into one of the abandoned mines. When you’ve finally worn yourself out, take a trip on the Ffestiniog Heritage Railway or just relax with a soothing beverage and take in the glorious Snowdonian vistas. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll no doubt be looking for the ideal campsite near Coed y Brenin. Let’s take a look at some great options.
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Cefn Coed campsite, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
About 20 minutes drive from Coed Y Brenin Forest Park, the Cefn Coed campsite offers nine campervan pitches for vehicles of 6m length and under, as well as a number of sites based in field settings. Each site is surrounded by ancient oak woodlands, making it clear why this tranquil gem’s name translates as ‘back of the woods’. This is a Coed y Brenin campsite where you can really get away from it all. It’s open all year round and welcomes campervanners with pets and those who want to enjoy a campfire.
Situated just a few miles from the beautiful market town of Dolgellau, this is a great base to explore Snowdonia and the North Wales coast. There’s plenty to do for those that aren’t inclined to take to the trails. There’s a farmers market selling delicious local produce as well as a number of sites for history buffs such as the Grade I listed St Mark’s church and the Dolgellau stone circle. Travellers who fancy venturing further afield can explore the fascinating and unique village of Portmeirion, some 40-minute drive away.
Ponderosa Ranch, Penmaenpool, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 1YF
52.7363, -3.9723 | SH 66 17
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Nantcol Waterfalls, Llanbedr, Gwynedd
Promising a unique camping experience, Nantcol Waterfalls is an award-winning Coed y Brenin campsite, ideal for travellers to the Snowdonia region. Nantcol Waterfalls offers 18 grass touring pitches with optional hookups and five electric hardstanding pitches. All are situated beneath the magnificent Rhinog mountain range. The entire site is based on flat ground and surrounded by rivers and waterfalls; the perfect soundtrack to your evening BBQ or to enjoy the tasty treats from the stone oven pizza stand that trades onsite during the summer holiday.
Guests can enjoy evening campfires after racing through the trails of Coed y Brenin or taking a trip to the golden beaches of Shell Island, just two miles away, or journeying to the majestic Harlech Castle.
Nantcol Waterfalls, Cefn Uchaf, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PL
52.8227, -4.0719 | SH 60 27
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Graig Wen, Arthog, Dolgellau, Gwynedd
Run by seasoned campervan holidaymakers, John and Sarah, Graig Wen offers a delightful Coed y Brenin forest park camping experience. Guests can choose from six sheltered hard-standing campervan sites, close to the washrooms. Dogs on leads are welcome and campfires are allowed at this friendly site. Sarah is an Ambassador for Snowdonia National Park and can advise on the best ways to enjoy this beautiful part of the world.
Nestled in the Snowdonia National Park, and ideally situated to explore the local castles, beaches and beauty spots such as bewitching Cader Idris, this is the perfect site for nature lovers who are looking for a waterside getaway.
Graig Wen, Arthog, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL39 1YP
52.7226, -3.9925 | SH 65 1
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Ynys Faig Camping and Caravan Site, Fairbourne, Gwynedd
A stone’s throw from the seaside village of Fairbourne, Ynys Faig is a modestly sized, peaceful Coed y Brenin campsite with electrical pitches available for three to eight people and electrical hardstanding pitches are available for tourers. The site is designed to give each party plenty of space, campfires are allowed and dogs are welcomed.
Ynys Faig is ideally placed for a variety of attractions that Gwynedd has to offer. These include Barmouth beach, Bala White Water Centre, and the Penygader trails. It’s also located near a number of good pubs and takeaways to keep you refuelled after your day’s adventures.
Ynys Faig Farm, Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL38 2HQ
52.6945, -4.0481 | SH 61 12
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Bwlchgwyn Farm Campsite and Pony Trekking Centre, Fairbourne, Gwynedd
As the name suggests, Bwlchgwyn Farm Campsite and Pony Trekking Centre offer both accommodations for campers and horse riding trips for holidaymakers. The views from this well-equipped site are breathtaking, encompassing the Mawddach Estuary, the Snowdonia mountain range and the Llyn Peninsula. Visitors can choose from a variety of different sized pitches with both non-electric and optional hookups - all with unhindered views. The larger sites accommodate up to ten people so this is a great option for larger groups or people who want to spread out a little.
Alongside the option of treks on our four hoofed friends, campervanners can access the local bike and walking trails, explore the Blue Flag beach, visit the Fairbourne Miniature Railway, or head to King Arthur’s Labyrinth where you can sail through a waterfall into the depths of the Snowdonian mountains.
Bwlchgwyn Farm Campsite and Pony Trekking Centre, Bwlchgwyn Farm, Coast Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd, LL39 1BX
52.7000, -4.0373 | SH 62 13
As you can see there is plenty to do in this fascinating and beautiful area of North Wales. As with all campervan holidays, it’s important to come prepared for every element, and Wales is no exception. Wet weather in this mountainous region can settle in for days at a time, making cycle and walking routes more difficult and dangerous. But that’s not to say the possibility of inclement weather should put you off - you just need to bring your sense of adventure!
When you are planning your trip include some ideas on contingency activities if the weather doesn’t play ball. King Arthur’s Labyrinth, for example, is a great one for entertaining restless kids and the braver among you might want to try out the world’s largest subterranean trampoline or one of the thrilling zip lines.
Dealing with changeable weather is considerably easier when you have the right shelter, which is one of the many advantages of travelling in your own motorhome. If you don’t have your own vehicle and would like the chance to travel in your ideal mobile home, take a look at our campervan hire in Wales. Then you can get started planning your perfect holiday to Coed y Brenin!
