Snowdonia National Park covers 823 square miles of mountains, lakes, forests, and coast. It contains fifteen peaks over 900 metres, more than a thousand recorded archaeological sites, and the highest mountain in Wales. It is also, quietly, one of the best destinations for vanlife in Britain.

Getting There

From London, Snowdonia is approximately four hours — or six if you take the A470 through mid-Wales rather than the motorway, which you should, because the A470 is the finest road in Britain and deserves your time. The park is surrounded by the A55 coastal express way in the north and the A470 in the east; most of the best spots are accessed by narrow mountain lanes that require care and a willingness to reverse for sheep.

Wild Camping

Wild camping in Snowdonia is technically only legal with landowner permission, but the park authority takes a pragmatic approach to low-impact overnighting on the open hill. Above the tree line, off designated footpaths, arriving late and leaving early — you will rarely have trouble. The Ogwen Valley, the Rhinogydd hills, and the area around Cadair Idris are particularly good. Avoid the Snowdon summit car park on weekends unless you enjoy company.

Best Time to Visit

May and September are our recommendations. The light is extraordinary, the heather is purple in September, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived or have already left. July and August are busy and the weather — contrary to expectation — is often no better than shoulder season. Winter is dramatic and almost entirely empty, but requires competent cold-weather preparation.