Top 12+ glorious places to stay in the UK’s cheapest county for camping

Latest figures from Pitchup.com, the search and booking platform for camping and glamping stays show that West Wales is the place to go for the best value outdoor trips this summer.

Home to the only coastal national park in the UK, Pembrokeshire also has more Blue Flag beaches than any other county in the country.

Compared with Cornwall to the south – which was the most popular UK county for campsite arrivals on Pitchup.com last month, with 33,000 arrivals exploring its coves, coast and countryside – Pembrokeshire offers a quieter, more cost effective alternative across the Bristol Channel.

With 186 miles of Coast Path to walk, coasteering and kayaking to brave and wildlife including dolphins, seals and puffins to spot, there’s plenty to keep lovers of the great outdoors (and their wallets) happy.

All sites chosen have been rated at least 9.9 out of 10 for value for money by Pitchup.com’s customers so far this year.

Prices are per night, including two adults.

Rhosson Campsite

Spanning two large fields in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park near St David’s, this site is ideal for those keen to see the sea from their tent.

Take a short walk to St Justinian’s for guided tours of the lifeboat station, access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, fishing trips and boats to Ramsey Island.

Facilities are basic, extending to revitalisingly cold showers, loos and a washing up point.

However, there’s also a large barn housing picnic benches and a pool table, fridge-freezer and charging points for devices. It’s also a good option for larger groups with up to 10 people allowed per pitch.

Non-electric grass tent or motorhome pitch and 2 adults £16 per night

Rhosson Campsite, Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park, Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Keeston Camping, Celtic Camping, The Begelly Arms, Glan-Y-Mor Camping, Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping, Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite, Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, New Park Landshipping, Broadway Campsite

Rhosson campsite overlooks the Celtic Sea (Photo: Pitchup.com)

Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park

Twenty minutes from Pembroke and within easy reach of breathtaking beaches at Tenby, Saundersfoot and Barafundle Bay, as well as the creeks of the Daugleddau Estuary, campers at Oaklea have all they need for a comfortable stay. There are modern and accessible washing facilities, a washing-up area, microwaves, charging points and Wi-Fi, as well as a shepherd’s hut.

There’s also a dog exercise area, games room with ping pong and table football, as well as a football field.

Non-electric 10m x 10m grass tent or trailer tent pitch and 2 adults £25 per night

Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park

This site on a working farm has modern facilities and spectacular views across to Ramsey Island that never get old, especially at sunset.

There are spacious shower and toilet blocks (although depending on pitch location, these can be quite a walk away), as well as laundry and washing up facilities.

It’s also close to St Davids – 10 minutes by car, or hop on the community-run minibus that stops at the site entrance.

Non-electric grass pitch for tent, touring caravan or motorhome £28 (electric £35, two-night minimum stay)

Keeston Camping

The small number of pitches at this adults-only working farm site are all fully-serviced hardstandings for motorhomes and campervans, and with only two people allowed per booking it’s perfect for a quiet couple’s retreat.

Enjoy views across open countryside, access to luxurious washroom facilities housed in a modern log cabin, close proximity to the coast (sandy Newgale beach is five miles away) and cycling – there’s a UK National Cycle Network path that runs directly past the site entrance.

Fully serviced hardstanding motorhome pitch £33

Celtic Camping

For a wild escape, head to this site on a National Trust farm close to St Davids. Parts of the farm are designated SSSI due to the diverse range of flora and fauna that proliferate, and it’s less than two miles from the Blue Lagoon at Abereiddy Bay, a favourite with wild swimmers.

The pebbly cove at Aber Pwll is even closer, just five minutes’ walk away for paddling and open water swimming. And within five miles are pretty fishing villages such as Abercastle and Porthgain, where you’ll find The Shed Fish and Chip Bistro, as well as Neolithic burial chamber Carreg Samson.

Back at base, there are well-maintained washing facilities, with a restaurant, shop and weekly live music during high season.

Non-electric grass pitch £28 (also available with electric £35)

Rhosson Campsite, Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park, Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Keeston Camping, Celtic Camping, The Begelly Arms, Glan-Y-Mor Camping, Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping, Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite, Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, New Park Landshipping, Broadway Campsite

Celtic Camping is on a 250-acre National Trust farm (Photo: Pitchup.com)

The Begelly Arms

Pitch up at this pub site with a serviced hardstanding and grass pitch for beers and home-cooked meals on tap.

It’s in a convenient spot close to two A-roads, within 10 minutes of a number of local attractions such as Carew Castle and the beaches of Tenby and Saundersfoot.

After a day of exploring, try out the pub’s Crossroads Restaurant for classics, or enjoy a drink in the beer garden. Guests can pre-book a cooked breakfast too.

Full serviced hardstanding motorhome pitch £15

Glan-Y-Mor Camping

Campers love spending evenings around the communal campfire at this small-scale woodland site – or firing up their own, as these are also allowed, as well as barbecues.

Leave the car at home and travel by train. There are two stations, both within less than half an hour’s walk from the site, along with supermarkets, shops, pubs and historic buildings.

Spend time exploring the private beech woodland or venture into the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park before making use of the modern washroom block back at base with powerful showers that are unrestricted by timers.

Non-electric grass tent pitch from £18

Rhosson Campsite, Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park, Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Keeston Camping, Celtic Camping, The Begelly Arms, Glan-Y-Mor Camping, Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping, Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite, Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, New Park Landshipping, Broadway Campsite

The communal campfire at Glan-Y-Mor (Photo: Pitchup.com)

Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping

The owners of this campsite, half an hour from Tenby, welcome campers, caravanners and glampers to their beautiful rural smallholding shared with friendly alpacas (also available for treks) and a handful of cheeky pygmy goats.

Balancing comfort with adventure, amenities are reliable and straightforward with miles of leisurely walks to enjoy on the doorstep, including the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

For this summer, the site has also created an outdoor cinema and games room, while any day of the week there is a lovely village pub within walking distance.

Non-electric grass tent or touring caravan pitch from £15

Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite

Holidays here will be packed full with archery, axe-throwing, fishing, bike hire, woodland walks and mountain bike trails all on the doorstep.

Head to the lakeside activity centre for kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding before refuelling at the cafe.

The site has everything needed for a comfortable stay, including hot showers and generously sized pitches. Overlooking a reservoir, the beautiful west-facing views showcase the best sunsets.

Non-electric grass tent pitch from £23

Rhosson Campsite, Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park, Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Keeston Camping, Celtic Camping, The Begelly Arms, Glan-Y-Mor Camping, Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping, Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite, Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, New Park Landshipping, Broadway Campsite

Llys-y-Fran family camping (Photo: Pitchup.com)

Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park

Ideal for families with primary school-aged children, this site is home to a busy farm park and has excellent facilities and amenities.

From pygmy goats to kune kune pigs, donkeys, ponies, rabbits and more, there are plenty of four-legged friends to keep children entertained as well as a timber adventure play area.

The well-stocked, licensed shop has all of the essentials and more, including local produce as well as camping extras and beach kit.

Modern washing facilities include two family/disabled units as well as free hairdryers.

Non-electric grass tent or trailer tent pitch from £20

Rhosson Campsite, Oaklea Camping and Glamping Park, Rhosson Ganol Caravan and Camping Park, Keeston Camping, Celtic Camping, The Begelly Arms, Glan-Y-Mor Camping, Grass Roots Caravan and Glamping, Llys-y-frân Lakeview Campsite, Lleithyr Farm Holiday Park, New Park Landshipping, Broadway Campsite

Lleithyr Farm (Photo: Pitchup.com)

New Park Landshipping

Bag a bargain at this new site exclusively for touring caravans, 15 minutes from Narberth, which is known for its antiques shops.

Surrounded by farmland and mature trees, it’s ideal for walking (including four-legged friends since dogs are welcome too), and fishing – Landshipping is a top spot for sea trout and salmon on the eastern arm of the River Cleddau.

The site has all of the essentials, including laundry and drying facilities, washing up area, toilet/shower block and chemical disposal.

Touring caravan pitch from £10

Broadway Campsite

This fuss-free site is a firm favourite with relaxed campers who enjoy the spacious surrounds, campfires, freedom to choose their own pitch and proximity to the beach. It’s an easy walk of less than a mile to Broad Haven – for essential supplies and a stop-off at the pub, as well as a beach.

Several other sandy stretches can be found within a 20-minute drive, including Newgale and Marloes Sands.

Back at base, wash the sand off in the pay-per-use hot showers, then admire the sun setting over the sea.

Non-electric grass pitch £17