The Pembrokeshire Coast is a national park located in southwest Wales. It is the only U.K. national park with wild and maritime landscapes. That is why camping in Pembrokeshire is the most picturesque experience in the U.K.
This gorgeous area is a great weekend getaway for those living near. Those who come far away will be smitten by our hosts’ stunning beaches, exceptional wildlife, and warm welcome. This rugged coastline is home to cliffs, beaches, and estuaries, just waiting for new visitors to explore them.
Is it Legal to Camp on Pembrokeshire Coast?
Technically, wild camping is illegal in most parts of the U.K., and the list includes England, Wales, and South Ireland. It’s considered a civil offense if you break this law. On the other hand, camping in England’s national parks is tolerated, and some parks even have designated wild camping areas.
According to local law, once the landowner or police ask you to leave, you must do so. If you do not oblige, you could see a fine of up to £2,500 or even imprisonment.
Wild Camping in Pembrokeshire
Wild camping is not allowed when discussing our park of interest, the Pembrokeshire Coast National park. Most visitors still do it, and they encourage asking for permission from the landowner before pitching a tent.
The Pembrokeshire national park runs part of the Pembrokeshire Coastal path. This is a national trail that winds from Amroth to St. Dogmaels. Most people walking this trail also wild camp, even though there are numerous established campsites right around the corner.
“Wild camping is fine as long as you are discrete – set up just before dark, be gone by the time it gets light, and stay up high (>500m). ” and “You pretty much have to be discrete camping where I go, so that won’t be a problem. I usually try and carry all my food with me, so I can avoid going into the city at all, if possible,” say Reddit users.
Weather in Pembrokeshire Coast and South West Wales
In Wales, the summers are short and offer a glimpse of sunlight and more comfortable weather. Winters are long and cold, especially in the coastal region. Snow is rarely seen on the shoreline but very often on higher elevations.
The Pembrokeshire coast has enormous amounts of precipitation per year, one of the highest measurements in Wales. The coast can get up to 1500 mm or 60 inches of precipitation yearly. If you’re not scared of a little rain, the Pembrokeshire coast will welcome you throughout the year.
Keep in mind that when camping in Pembrokeshire, you must bring all the rain gear you have. Generally speaking, the climate here is humid and cool.
When to Camp in Pembrokeshire?
When camping in Pembrokeshire, you want to look for sunny patches in summer and late spring or early fall. The best camping days are during the sunny months, or from June to September. This is the mildest, calmest, and sunniest part of the year. If you’re looking for sunny weather, you need to know that summer is the height of the season in this national park. Springtime should do the trick for a quiet and warm period to camp.
In winter, the coast’s temperature drops to -6°C or 23 °F. While in summer, the highest temperatures never exceed 30 °C or 86 °F. Therefore, you will have a cool winter stay and a mild summer for camping. In terms of other conditions for the Pembrokeshire coast, it is also known for its winds due to the open exposition. The sea can be very harsh and high during these months.
Tips for Camping in Pembrokeshire
When camping, don’t forget to bring these pieces of gear with you:
- Rain jacket
- Poncho
- Rain pants
- Two-layer tent
- Extra insulation layers (like a down jacket)
Here are some tips if you plan on camping in Pembrokeshire during the colder months:
- Most campsites in Pembrokeshire work throughout the year, so finding accommodation will be easy.
- Expect snow in the inland hills, especially if you are taking the Pembrokeshire coast path.
- Bring a below-zero winter sleeping bag. Windchill can give you hypothermia even if the air temperature isn’t low.
- Always have enough food and water when heading to the hills or coastal path, and restock if needed in the nearby villages.
- Unexpected heavy rains happen, so always have a tent that can withstand this and your rain gear.
Where to Camp in Pembrokeshire?
A few official campsites in Pembrokeshire include:
- St Davids Camping and Caravanning Club Site – A clean facility with no phone reception but includes running water and electricity. It’s only a mile from the beach and a 20 min walk from the Blue Lagoon, which has enough space for kids to play.
- Little Haven Campsite -This is one of the most popular campsites in the whole national park. You will need your tent to visit this campsite, which is very close to the village. Therefore, reception, water, and power are all accessible.
- Gupton Farm Campsite – This remote campsite offers water, energy, and Wi-Fi. Nature lovers will appreciate it since it has easy access to Freshwater West Beach.
Wild Camping Tips and Gear
If you’re thinking of wild camping in Pembrokeshire, here are some of our tips for making it happen:
- All locals taking the Pembrokeshire Coast path say they have wild camped on the trail.
- Ask for permission before setting up camp or arriving late and leaving early if there is no landowner.
- If you’re lucky, you will get a glimpse at dolphins, seals, or orcas. You will mostly encounter birds on the trail, so there is no need to worry about the wildlife situation.
- Always be prepared for rain; Pembrokeshire is known for heavy rainfall, even during the summer.
- Choose springtime to visit Pembrokeshire if you like birdwatching, and summer for good weather and a calm sea.
- Always bury human waste and go to an outdoor toilet at least 50 m or 150 ft away from running water.
