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Bwch yn Uchaf

96%

would recommend

Bala, Gwynedd, Wales

HIGHLY RATED

See all 24 photos

Bwch yn Uchaf is set in the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park and within a 30 minute walk of Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), making it a great base for outdoor adventures. With almost no light pollution, the site offers some amazing starry night skies and you can pitch where you like, even next to the river! Little ones will love the play park, splashing in the River Twrch and the charming chug of Bala Lake Railway next door. Dog friendly too.

Why you'll love it at Bwch yn Uchaf


Overall winner of Best Budget Friendly Campsite in our 2024 Camping and Glamping Awards

Featured in our 2024 Outstanding Sites list of reliably excellent camping, glamping, and touring sites

Set in Snowdonia National Park with stunning mountain views and no light pollution for stargazing

Peaceful, family friendly site with the River Twrch running alongside for paddling and a play park

Set next to a steam railway and just five minutes from Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)

About the site


This simple, riverside campsite is the perfect spot for your family getaway to the great outdoors, set in the heart of Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park you'll have starry night skies and ideally located for walks, cycle rides and exploring! Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) is just a five minute drive away and the Bala Lake Steam Railway is just next door! Pitches are unmarked (unless stated otherwise), so you can choose where to pitch, whether you want space and privacy or an idyllic spot beside the River Twrch. Pitches are suitable for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes, and all are without electric. There are also some pitches allocated to members of the Camping and Caravanning Club in a separate area of the campsite. The River Twrch runs alongside the campsite and makes for some lovely onsite walks, or a great spot for paddling and splashing to cool off! If you're bringing the little ones to join the fun, there is a play park onsite for them to let off some steam if the day of adventures haven't tired them already! There is virtually no light pollution here so you can camp underneath the stars and with the sounds of the river, sheep and the steam train chugging past four times daily! Wave to the passengers from your pitch, or why not hop on and take a scenic ride through the area? Fires are allowed, as long as they are raised from the ground to not cause damage. You can hire a fire pit from the campsite and there are bags of wood/kindling available to purchase. The site is dog friendly with up to five permitted per pitch, there is even an enclosed walk for letting them run off lead. Please note that the site does not accept groups (even when booked separately).

"Clean, tidy, and really scenic, and has everything you need for a quiet stay in the heart of Wales"

Carole M

"On a clear night, the stars are so bright and getting to choose your own pitch is a real bonus!"

Maisie L

"Stayed in many campsites this year and this is up there as the best"

Owen S

"The owners are wonderful people, they were so helpful and everything was so clean"

Beverley T

"We loved this campsite as soon as we arrived"

Sarah D

"Location is stunning - high hills, pasture, running river, wildlife and a local steam train station"

Rose C

"We loved the fact there was the sound of the stream to fall asleep to and the views were stunning"

Elliot W

"Wonderful value for money! ... We wouldn't stay anywhere else now when we visit Bala Lake"

Dee H

"We have been coming to Bwch Yn Uchaf for 6 years, it never disappoints!"

Emma G

Bwch yn Uchaf is open from 28/03 to 30/10.

Best Budget Friendly CampsiteBest Family CampsiteTripadvisor cert. of ExcellenceDuke of Edinburgh

Facilities and amenities

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

Dog exercise area

Electric hookups

Fires allowed

Fishing

Kids playground

Laundry

Near pub

RV pitches

Watersports

Site facilities include a facilities block with ladies' and gents' toilets and showers, disabled facilities, a washing up area with a fridge, a washing machine, and a tumble dryer (coin-operated). There is also a small toilet block at the end of the campsite. Waterpoints are located throughout parts of the site.

There is a play area for the children with a football pitch too plus an enclosed dog walk for walking your pup off lead.

It's just a ten minute walk from the local pub Yr Eagles. Bala is a ten minute drive away and has a Co-op and Spar for food and supplies.


Map and address

Park address

Bwch yn Uchaf,

Llanuwchllyn, Bala, Gwynedd, Wales, LL23 7DD

Coordinates

52.8564, -3.6639 | SH 87 30

View on Google Maps

Bwch yn Uchaf is ideal for...

Couples

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet

Young children


There are 52 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

40 x Non Electric Grass Pitches

Max 6 people

All grass pitches are unmarked so you can pitch when you like! Pitches are near the river. No electric.


4 x Electric Grass Pitches (Members Only)

Electric grass certificated site pitches for Camping and Caravanning Club members only pitches with electric, next door to the Bala Lake Railway.

8 x Electric Hardstanding Pitches (Members Only)

Certificated site pitches for Camping and Caravanning Club members only. Hardstanding pitches with electric, next door to the Bala Lake Railway.


Bwch yn Uchaf reviews

4.85 /5

54 reviews

96%

would recommend

Overall
4.85
Location
4.96
Value for money
4.96
Service
4.8
Facilities
4.69
Cleanliness
4.83

Nice campsite

Sandra K

0

0

Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesMay 2025

Lovely, quiet area with a mountain view. Helpful landlord, and a nice and clean place.

Awesome, as always

Emma G

0

0

May 2025

We are into our eighth year of camping trips to Bwch yn Uchaf. This trip was with a group of families, the weather was dire, however the campsite was fabulous. Gareth as always was lovely (I didn’t see Bethan this trip) the site is very well maintained and the facilities cleaned regularly. We will continue to come back regularly, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway and a longer stay. Although is now much busier than it was back in 2017!

Spotless with the view

Maciej P

0

0

Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesMay 2025

We have had one of the best holidays ever ! Thanks !

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FAQ

Check-in is between 1pm-8pm and you must vacate your tent or touring pitch by 10:30am on your final day.

BBQs (including disposable BBQs) are permitted provided they are kept raised off the ground, and fire pits are also welcome - open campfires are not permitted.

Yes, the site welcomes up to five dogs per pitch, and they must be kept on a lead unless they're in the dog run onsite.

Don't miss a ride aboard the Bala Lake Railway, situated next door, where you can take in the scenery en route to this picturesque Welsh gem. Stop by the lake and hire a canoe or kayak for a day on the water. Grab your hiking boots and enjoy a trek along miles of nearby footpaths, including the route to the Arran Fawddy mountain starting just five minutes from the site. A 45 minute drive will take you to the sands at Barmouth Beach.

Guests are welcome to bring one of each free of charge. Pup tents must only be used for storage.


Things to do on site and in the Bala area

Bala Lake Railway is right next door to the site which takes you on a scenic route over to pretty Bala. You'll pass Bala Lake itself which is gorgeous and there are canoes and kayaks for hire available, so you can really enjoy it. There's fishing, too, but a permit is needed.

Many walking paths surround you here including the Arran Fawddwy mountain, whose start is only a five minute walk from the site. To take on some of the most breathtaking walks, Snowdonia is about an hour's drive. Plus if you fancy a day at the coast, Barmouth Beach is only a 45 minute drive away.

Other attractions nearby:

  • National White Water Centre (15 minutes)
  • Llyn Maes y Clawdd nature reserve (20 minutes)
  • Rhiwagor Waterfall (30 minutes)
  • Corris Mine Explorers (35 minutes)
  • Snowdonia Zipworld (45 minutes)
The listing for Bwch yn Uchaf was last updated on June 9th, 2025 at 12:11 AM

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