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Camping in Wales? Whether you’ll be pitching up at a designated camp site, enjoying a spot of wild camping or campervanning, or perhaps even glamping in Wales, here’s what to pack to make the most of your Welsh camping trip.
With its lush green hills and valleys, magnificent snow-capped mountains, rushing rivers and waterfalls, and postcard-perfect coastal landscapes, the natural beauty of Wales makes it a prime choice for a UK camping trip. Throw in the fact that Wales is often considerably cheaper to visit than other popular UK holiday destinations, and camping in Wales is a no-brainer.
Some of the top spots for a camping holiday in Wales include Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in west Wales, and Snowdonia National Park (or “Eryri” National Park) in north-west Wales.
However, Wales is notorious for being a little wet and grey in comparison to the likes of England and Northern Ireland (although not nearly as much as Scotland!). With this in mind, it pays to read up on what to pack to go camping in Wales, if you really want to get the most out of the experience. While Wales can – and does – enjoy lots of sunny days in the summer, it gets around 600mm more average rainfall each year than England. So, don’t leave packing until the last minute – get clued up on what you’ll need to take with you in advance, and allow yourself plenty of time to shop for essentials.
Camping in Wales: the ultimate outfit guide
Wondering what to pack to wear on your camping trip in Wales? Here are all the essential items of clothing I recommend bringing with you, regardless of which campsites in Wales you’ll be staying at.
Clothing
Camping in Wales is no different to camping anywhere else in the world, in the sense that you’ll need to adapt your travel wardrobe and bring suitable, weather-appropriate clothing with you.
If you’ll be travelling to Wales during the summer months, you can probably get away with packing a few pairs of lightweight cargo pants or shorts, comfy T-shirts, and some clean underwear and socks. However, as the Welsh weather is a little temperamental, it might be worth packing a couple of warmer outfits, too.
Visiting Wales in the winter, you’ll need to pack comfortable, warm clothing to stay cosy during colder climes. Think jeans or jogging bottoms, woollen jumpers or fleeces, and lots of layers.
Regardless of which time of year you’ll be camping in Wales, a light, waterproof raincoat or jacket is an absolute must. Even during the peak of summer, rainy showers and downpours remain a regular occurrence. So, go prepared, and you won’t get caught out in the rain!
And don’t forget to pack a couple of formal outfits too, just in case you fancy treating yourself to a meal-out at a local restaurant, or perhaps a few cocktails in a nearby bar.
Pyjamas
On the subject of clothing, don’t forget to pack your pyjamas. This is the item of clothing I’m most likely to forget when I travel anywhere, yet it’s often what I end up missing wearing the most!
Whether you’ll be camping in Wales in the summer or the winter, you’ll definitely benefit from bringing a couple of pairs of comfortable pyjamas with you. While evening temperatures are relatively mild during the warmer months, it can get a little chilly at times and, if you’ll be camping during the winter, temperatures could drop below freezing.
Pack a lightweight pair of pyjamas to go camping in Wales in the summer – like a vest or blouse, and shorts – or a thicker, long-sleeved shirt and trouser pyjama combo, for the winter months.
Suitable footwear
Choosing sensible footwear is one of the most important things to consider when packing to go camping in Wales.
Regardless of the season, equip yourself with a trusty pair of trainers, with decent grip on the soles. Trainers make for a comfy choice of footwear, while also ensuring you don’t slip while out walking, especially if it gets wet. If you opt for a waterproof pair, your feet will stay dry even when it rains, too.
Alternatively, if you’re a keen hiker or rambler, you might feel more comfortable bringing a pair of purpose-built walking shoes or boots with you instead (and don’t forget your walking socks, too!) Similarly, if you can see yourself indulging in a spot of wild swimming, or enjoying a day out at the beach while in Wales, don’t leave home without a pair of water shoes. These relatively affordable, lightweight shoes are designed to be worn in water, protecting your feet from any sharp stones or jagged edges hiding underneath the water.
Camping in Wales during the summer months, it’s also wise to pack a pair of comfortable sandals or flip-flops that won’t cause you any discomfort during wear. This way, you’ll be able to let your feet breathe whenever you get a little downtime, or if the temperature gets too hot for trainers.
You might also wish to pack a pair of smart, formal shoes which you can change into for an evening-out in a fancy restaurant or local bar, for example.
Swimwear and/or wetsuit
It’s always a good idea to pack a swim suit, trunks or bikini into your suitcase or backpack before going camping in Wales.
Whether you dip your toes in at one of Wales’ most popular wild swimming spots, or swim at a public pool like the Lido Ponty in Ynysangharad Park in Pontypridd, south Wales; or the Blue Lagoon at Bluestone resort in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, a comfy swimsuit is bound to come in handy during your trip.
If you plan on swimming in icy waters or participating in any water sports, you may also wish to pack a wetsuit, neoprene gloves and boots, and a changing robe.
A hat
Whether you need to protect your scalp from scorching sunlight, keep your head dry during a wet spell, or perhaps just keep your head and ears warm during cold weather, it’s a great idea to bring a comfortable cap, beanie hat, or even a pair of ear muffs with you when camping in Wales.
Download my printable packing checklist for camping in Wales
So, there you have it – my guide to what essential clothing to bring, and which outfits to wear, while camping in Wales.
Now, download my printable outfit packing checklist below, to make sure you don’t forget to pack a thing while preparing for your camping trip to Wales!
Can you think of any other essential outfits or items of clothing you might need while camping in Wales? Let me know by leaving a comment, and I might add your suggestion to my list!
This is a sponsored post.