In this Symonds Yat camping guide, I’ll list the best campsites in the area. As well as some of the top things to do in and around Symonds Yat to make planning your camping trip a breeze.

Symonds Yat is a Wye Valley village close to the Welsh border. I return to the Forest of Dean and this Area of Outstanding Beauty year after year, not able to resist the beautiful Forest of Dean woodlands, majestic Wye River and the multiple activities on offer in the area.

There are two settlements on either side of the river – Symonds Yat West and East – linked by a footbridge and passenger ferries. You should note that there is no motor bridge between the two, so crossing the river in a car is a long detour. The village is perhaps best known for Symonds Yat Rock, which offers the best view of the Wye Valley. It really is stunning.

There are also tons of hiking and biking trails, quaint pubs and cosy cafes. Symonds Yat really is a great camping destination!

Best things to do in and around Symonds Yat

• Visit the famous Symonds Yat Rock – take in the views and keep your eyes peeled for Peregrine Falcons.
• Hire a bike for the day and follow one of the many brilliant cycle routes in the area. The Peregrine Path is one of the best!
• Go for a walk on one of the many Symonds Yat hiking trails.
• Get lost in the nearby Jubilee Maze hedge maze before visiting the butterfly park.
• The Wye Valley is one of the best rivers in the UK for canoeing, kayaking and SUP. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even do a multi-day paddling and camping adventure.
• If paddling is too much effort, jump on one of the River Cruises to learn about the area and for some wildlife viewing.

Can you wild camp at Symonds Yat?

Wild camping is not legal in England (sadly), although the practice is generally tolerated if done correctly and with respect. It is possible to wild camp in the Wye Valley, although it wouldn’t be as tolerated as if you were in a large National Park.

For more information, read my guide to Wild Camping in the UK. Or, to be the most discreet wild camping in Symonds Yat, try bivvy bag camping.

How to get to Symonds Yat?

Because of its remote location, Symonds Yat is difficult to get to by public transport. The easiest option is to catch a train to Swansea (which has direct links to multiple cities) and get a half an hour taxi from here. This will cost around £40.

Alternatively, you can look into bus routes. But with few in the area, you’d need to combine this with a walk to reach the village.

For this reason, most visitors to the area choose to drive. And actually, driving to Symonds Yat is an experience in itself. The roads are winding, and you often end up being slowed down behind cyclists. But you won’t feel any road rage here because the roads are fantastic and cut straight through the Wye Valley with glimpses of the valley along the way.

XX Best Symonds Yat Camping Sites

Below, I’ve listed the best campsites in and near Symonds Yat. These campsites offer great facilities and a fair price for what they are offering. Staying in one of these will guarantee a great Symonds Yat camping adventure!

1. Doward Park Campsite

Website
Distance from Symonds Yat: 10 minutes
Dog friendly? Yes
Note: only open April – September
For: Tents and caravans
Price from: £26 (pitch a tent)

Doward Park is a small family campsite located near Symonds Yat. The site is in a secluded wooded location and is small in size; you can look forward to a tranquil and relaxing stay. Charcoal or gas BBQs are permitted (open fires aren’t). And well-behaved dogs are welcome.

New facilities include a pot washing area and child-friendly toilets. And an adventure playground. This small family-run campsite is perfect for a Symonds Yat camping trip.

2. Huntsham Bridge Camping (UPDATE: CLOSED)

Website
Distance from Symonds Yat: 5 minutes
Dog friendly? No
Note: only open May – September
For: Tents and small campervans
Price from: £12.50 per person

The Huntsham Bridge Camping site is a great option for a relaxing, back-to-basics camping trip. It boasts a beautiful location right on the banks of the River Wye. This makes it an excellent base for anyone wanting to participate in adventure and outdoor activities.

This stunning and peaceful campsite makes you feel like you are in the heart of this Area of Outstanding Beauty. Although facilities are basic, they are clean and organised, and the sunsets and river views are next to none.

3. River Wye Camping Caravan Park

Website
Distance from Symonds Yat: in Symonds Yat!
Dog friendly? Yes
For: Tents, campervans and motorhomes
Price from: £11 per person

This site is much bigger than the others on this camping sites list, with 60 non-electric tent pitches available, plus additional fields with electric hookups for vans and motorhomes. This is the only campsite directly in Symonds Yat. The views and surrounding countryside are stunning, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Facilities on-site include an excellent toilet and shower block, a small cafe and a reception.

4. YHA Wye Valley

Website
Distance from Symonds Yat: 12 minutes
Dog friendly? Yes
For: Tents or you can stay in their bell tents, pods or hostel
Price from: £10 per person

YHA Wye Valley would suit campers who might appreciate the extra facilities on-site and having indoor space to relax in should the weather turn against you. Pitch up on a large field close to the River Wye, with its own canoe and kayak launch jetty.

On the camping fields, you’ll have access to a dedicated fire and BBQ area, bathrooms, a self-catering kitchen and a lounge. The YHA Wye Valley has a restaurant and occasionally runs BBQ nights. You can also access on-site activities, from family fun nights to archery. This is one of my favourite options when camping in Symonds Yat.

I hope you’ve found this Symonds Yat camping guide helpful! And I hope you have a wonderful camping adventure in the Forest of Dean 🙂

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