Snowdon and Crib Goch from Llyn Llydaw
Wild camping, whilst rewarding, is not actually permitted in the Snowdonia National Park (Eryri) – or indeed anywhere in Wales – under current legislation, unless you have prior permission from the relevant landowner.
Note also that camping in car parks or on roadside verges is also not permitted.
If you want to camp, then we suggest that you book a designated campsite where you will have access to facilities. There are numerous official campsites near Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), some very close to the mountain, where you will be welcomed.
Regarding fires and barbecues, the National Park Authority says: “You should avoid using barbecues and lighting fires if you can. Additionally, most of the National Park’s land is privately-owned. You will need to get the permission of the landowner before lighting any barbecue or fire.”
You are not likely to get landowner permission to wild camp on Snowdon itself, but if you should choose to do so, it is imperative that you follow the standard guidelines so that no one will know you have been there, namely:
- Pitch in a remote location away from any paths.
- Pitch late and leave early; stay for one night only.
- Use unobtrusively coloured tents that blend in subtly with the scenery.
- Camp with just one or two tents; no groups.
- Choose your pitch carefully and avoid digging ditches, trampling plants and moving rocks just to accommodate your tent.
- Do not light any open fires or use disposable barbecues.
- Toileting should be at least 30m away from any water source or path, and waste buried at least 15cm deep and covered over. Carry paper and any sanitary items away with you.
- Keep quiet.
- Leave no litter; take away all rubbish and all organic food scraps with you.
- Leave not a single trace afterwards.
- Move on respectively without argument if asked to do so by the landowner or wardens.
You can read more about the National Park’s guidance on official camping and the Snowdonia Wild Camping Code here.
A sign on Snowdon