Camping in Pembrokeshire: All you need to know

Surrounded by sea on three sides, Pembrokeshire is an area of outstanding natural beauty in Southwest Wales. The landscapes are often stunning sea views, with interesting rock formations waiting to be discovered with the turn of the tide.

It’s no surprise that Pembrokeshire camping is high up on lots of holiday maker’s lists. There’s plenty of things to do in Pembrokeshire itself, and even more if you venture into surrounding areas like Tenby, Saundersfoot or St Davids.

It’s a particularly special place to visit if you’re keen to taste the Pembrokeshire seafood, experience truly exhilarating water sports or explore the Pembrokeshire Coast Path.

Things to do in Pembrokeshire

1. Visit Tenby

There are lots of things to do in Tenby. A popular harbour town with 13th century town walls and stretches of stunning shoreline, not to mention Tenby Castle Beach. It’s postcard-pretty, especially the rows of pastel-coloured houses. If the weather is on your side you’ll be spoilt by the opportunities to explore. If you’re looking for rockpooling in Pembrokeshire,  head just two miles north to Monkstone Sands.  

1. Barafundle Bay

Pembrokeshire beaches are some of the most beautiful ways to enjoy the great outdoors, and Barafundle Bay is one of the best. Off the beaten track, it’s only accessible by a half mile walk from the nearest car park. Barafundle’s golden sand and crystal clear water could just as easily exist in the Caribbean and has been voted as one of the best beaches in Britain, and the world. It’s incredibly remote, with no facilities.  It’s the perfect place to pause, reflect and enjoy your surroundings.

1. Blue Lagoon Pembrokeshire

Abereiddi’s Blue Lagoon is maintained by the National Trust.  It’s a former slate quarry that is now a ring of rugged rocks surrounding a magical, blue lagoon. Its industrial past isn’t far away though, the slate gives the water its brilliant, aqua blue colour. For coasteering, cliff climbing or kayaking in Pembrokeshire, the Blue Lagoon is the perfect spot.

1. Tenby Castle beach

The spectacular ruins of Tenby Castle can be seen at the top of Castle Hill, overlooking the beach.  The beach itself is only 150m wide, and severely impacted by the changing tide so it’s even more special to catch it at the right time! The beach offers wonderful views and photo opportunities. Sadly, dogs aren’t allowed on this beach during peak season (1 May to 30 September) but there are plenty of other Pembrokeshire dog friendly beaches. 

Photo: Marcus Brown

1. Pembroke Castle

Pembroke castle is a huge, oval castle set within a beautiful mill pond. The walled town of Pembroke grew around the castle over the years, so contains several fascinating Norman buildings too. There’s plenty to explore within the castle grounds, it’s a great family day out in Pembroke too, within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in Pembrokeshire.

Camping in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire camping is a really popular holiday idea, but that’s not to say that all Pembrokeshire campsites are equal!

Newgale Campsite in Pembrokeshire was featured by The Guardian as one of the 10 best UK campsites and we can see why, it’s certainly one of the best campsites in Pembrokeshire. Newgale is nestled amongst the Pembrokeshire coastline, just over the road from a surfing and windsurfing beach, so it’s perfect for even the most adventurous types. The views from this Pembrokeshire campsite are second to none, too.  With a blissful sunset to enjoy over the water, there’s no better place to set up camp.  

We’d recommend making the most of the scenery, with the Entry Pack TT which combines a cosy tent for sleeping, but more importantly, a fantastic compact tarp to be used as shade or shelter for enjoying those oceanside, sunrise coffees, whatever the weather.

Camping in Tenby

If you’re looking for Tenby campsites or campsites near Tenby, the Campsites website offers a huge selection to browse.

Best places to eat in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Gastropub

A personal favourite is the Stackpole Inn, near Pembroke. The Stackpole Inn was most recently awarded The Best Food Experience Pembrokeshire, but was also awarded Best Food Experience Pembrokeshire and Best Gastropub in Wales.

Pembrokeshire seafood

Mrs Will the Fish is unbelievably, just a takeaway, but certainly some of the best seafood in Pembrokeshire. From locally caught and dressed crab, lobsters and seafood platters, this seafood spot is not to be missed. With takeaway food this good, it would be a waste not to take it back to camp and enjoy your food under the stars. With Snow Peak’s impressive range of cutlery and cooking gear, even a lobster seems manageable!