Campsites near Hay on Wye

Woodsy riverside charm or the Black Mountains' stark uplands: Hay-on-Wye camping options run the gamut.

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99% (1550 reviews)

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
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Campsites near Hay on Wye guide

Overview

Hay-on-Wye is known beyond all else as Wales' book town. With umpteen bookshops, the nation's major literary festival and countless cultural extravaganzas, it is a well-read place, but proximity to lush countryside makes it an outdoorsy favourite too. Immediate environs are gently rural, with the River Wye and the long-distance Wye Valley Path winding through town and then the green pastures and woods beyond. Great camping and glamping sites can be found in Hay-on-Wye itself, but wilder terrain awaits. The Vale of Ewyas is paradisiacal for pitching up with serious mountain views, as is the Eastern Brecon Beacons with its bunch of serene, small-scale campsites.

Where to go

River Wye

The River Wye bends through emerald-green pastureland and pretty bands of woodland close to the town centre and along the border with England. With the riverside paths and kayaking possibilities, the camping and glamping is excellent. Hay-on-Wye's popularity with tourists ensures there is plenty of choice, too, and the competition pushes standards up.

Vale of Ewyas and Black Mountains

A long, narrow, winding road south of Hay-on-Wye leads into the Vale of Ewyas, reaching its prettiest around romantically ruined Llanthony Priory. It's a brilliant access point for the Black Mountains, the massif sculpting the eastern edge of Brecon Beacon National Park. Camping alongside the priory makes a great first base for tackling the summits.

Eastern Brecon Beacons

Between the central (and most popular) band of Brecon Beacons National Park and the Black Mountains is this flurry of hills hiding the largest natural lake in Mid or South Wales: Llangorse Lake. The area is great for activities from hiking to kayaking, and camping is readily available at both small-scale sites and larger ones with multiple activities.

When to go

Hay-on-Wye has many indoor attractions—its famous bookshops and festivals notwithstanding—which make the tourist season stretch longer than the typical Easter-to-September season most of Mid Wales has. Even if many campsites are closed out-of-season, several glamping sites are open year-round. Late spring, summer, and early autumn get the best weather out in those hills, but this is a notoriously wet part of a wet country—rain can descend at any time.

Know before you go

  • Hay-on-Wye is served by bus, most straightforwardly from Hereford in England and Brecon.
  • Visitors can pick up camping supplies in Hay-on-Wye or in Brecon, 15 miles southwest.
  • Besides conventional camping, this area offers permanently pitched yurts and safari tents, and, in the Black Mountains, bothy overnights (rudimentary shelter accessible by foot only).
  • If you are trying wild camping in Wales, the Brecon Beacons National Park (including the Black Mountains and Eastern Brecon Beacons) may be the place. Wild camping needs landowners' consent, but park authorities publish a list of landowners that permit it, making camp planning easier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hay on Wye offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, and camping. The area is great for camping with small-scale and larger sites available, as well as multiple activities. You can also explore different options for camping near Hay on Wye on Hipcamp.

Hay on Wye is known for its famous bookshops, festivals, and cultural events. The town is also popular for its proximity to lush countryside, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. The camping and glamping options are excellent, with plenty of choices due to the town's popularity with tourists. You can also explore different options for camping near Hay on Wye on Hipcamp.

Hay on Wye is served by bus, with direct routes from Hereford in England and Brecon. Visitors can pick up camping supplies in Hay on Wye or in Brecon, which is 15 miles southwest of the town. Besides conventional camping, the area also offers permanently pitched yurts, safari tents, and bothy overnights. If you are interested in wild camping, the Brecon Beacons National Park may be the place. You can also explore different options for camping near Hay on Wye on Hipcamp.

Hay on Wye offers great camping and glamping sites within the town itself, as well as wilder terrain in the surrounding areas. The Vale of Ewyas and the Eastern Brecon Beacons are paradisiacal for camping with serious mountain views. Additionally, there are options for wild camping in the Brecon Beacons National Park, including the Black Mountains and Eastern Brecon Beacons, with the consent of landowners. You can also explore different options for camping near Hay on Wye on Hipcamp.

The River Wye bends through emerald-green pastureland and pretty bands of woodland close to the town centre and along the border with England, offering riverside paths and kayaking possibilities. The area is excellent for camping and glamping, with plenty of choices due to the town's popularity with tourists. The competition pushes standards up, ensuring a great camping experience. You can also explore different options for camping near Hay on Wye on Hipcamp.

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