Snowdonia Permit Areas for Wild Camping
Wild camping in Snowdonia is complicated — some areas require permits, others are banned, and some are tolerated. Here is the breakdown.
The General Rule
Wild camping is NOT a legal right in Snowdonia (unlike Scotland and Dartmoor). Camping on common land or the open mountain is technically trespass. However, the National Park Authority tolerates discreet, responsible wild camping in high mountain areas if you:
- Camp above 300m (away from roads and farms)
- Arrive after 6pm, leave before 9am
- Use a tent (not a campervan on the mountain)
- Leave no trace
- No fires
Permit Areas
Snowdonia introduced a permit system for certain popular wild camping zones to prevent overcrowding and environmental damage.
Permit Required Zones
- Cwm Idwal (Glyderau): The most popular wild camping area. A permit is required for overnight camping between April and October. Free — apply on the Snowdonia website up to 24 hours in advance. Limit of 2 nights.
- Nantlle Ridge: Restricted zone. Permit required for camping on the ridge. Free, online application.
- Moel Siabod: No permit required but camping is restricted to the summit area (above 450m).
Zones Where Camping Is Banned
- Llanberis Path (Snowdon): No camping anywhere on the Snowdon massif between the car parks and the summit. Penalty: £75 fine.
- Aberglaslyn Pass: No camping in the gorge or the woods.
- Bedgelert: The valley floor is restricted to protect farmland.
- Ogwen Valley: The area between the A5 and the lake is no-camping.
Campervan Overnight Parking
Most Snowdonia car parks are run by the National Park Authority or Gwynedd Council. The rules vary:
- Pen-y-Pass (Snowdon start): £15 overnight. The only official overnight parking on the Snowdon massif. Very popular — book ahead.
- Llanberis car park: £5/day. Overnight not officially allowed but rarely enforced in the far corner.
- Capel Curig: The Pinnacle car park (opposite the hotel) is free and quiet overnight.
- Beddgelert: The main car park has a 2m height barrier. Park on the A498 verges (several wide spots).
- Dolwyddelan: Free car park near the castle. Quiet overnight.
- Nant Gwynant: The Watkin Path car park. Free, quiet, beautiful — but very small (4-5 vans max).
Best Van Spots
- Nant Gwynant Valley: The A498 between Beddgelert and Capel Curig has several wide laybys with river views. The best wild camping van spots in Snowdonia.
- Cwm Penmachno: A narrow road off the A5. Several flat spots near the river. Totally quiet at night.
- Rhinogydd: The B4391 near Trawsfynydd has three wide laybys with mountain views. No facilities, total solitude.
Amenities
- Betws-y-Coed: Tesco, Co-op, independent shops, pub, fuel. The main hub for van supplies.
- Blaenau Ffestiniog: Smaller shops, fuel (expensive), launderette.
- Water: Fill up at Betws-y-Coed services or the car park tap at Capel Curig.
Verdict
Snowdonia is not a wild camping free-for-all. The permit system for Cwm Idwal is easy (free, online, 24 hours in advance). The van parking spots in the Nant Gwynant valley are excellent. Do not try to wild camp in the Snowdon massif — the £75 fine is enforced.
