Nantcol Waterfalls, a picturesque campsite near Llanbedr in north Wales, has been named one of the 150 Outstanding Sites in the UK by Campsites.co.uk for 2026. The dog-friendly site, described as 'out of this world', sits on a working farm in the Rhinog Mountains and boasts a 97% guest recommendation rate.
Location and Setting
The campsite is situated beside the Afon Nantcol river, just 100 metres from the cascading waterfall that gives it its name. Guests can camp on seven acres of flat ground, listening to the soothing sound of water tumbling over rocks. The site is also a stone's throw from Shell Island, named a regional winner in The Times' Best UK Beaches guide for 2025.
Awards and Recognition
Nantcol Waterfalls previously won Best Campsite North Wales in the Campsites.co.uk 2025 Camping and Glamping Awards. Its consistent excellence has been recognised for nearly two decades, but 2026 marks its first inclusion in the UK-wide Outstanding Sites list. The list is compiled using performance metrics, verified guest reviews, and editorial debate.
Guest Feedback
One satisfied camper shared: 'This is our third time at Nantcol and it didn't disappoint. The site is absolutely beautiful and spotless and the location is out of this world.' The site welcomes tents, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and RVs, with both non-electric and 16-amp electric grass pitches available.
Facilities and Amenities
Guests have access to clean washrooms, showers, toilets with disabled-access facilities, a dishwashing area, changing facilities, and a launderette with coin-operated machines. During peak season, a visiting pizza van serves authentic hand-stretched Neapolitan pizzas. Reception offers freezer-packing and mobile phone charging, plus teas, coffees, and soft drinks. Glamping pods feature TVs, firepits, and underfloor heating, and WiFi is available.
Activities and Nearby Attractions
The site offers a Nature Trail and Riverside Walk, taking about an hour past two waterfalls into enclosed woodland. The viewpoint at the top of the main falls overlooks Cardigan Bay and the Llyn Peninsula, regularly described as 'Heaven on Earth'. Serious hikers can climb the Rhinog Mountains, nearly 2000ft high, with views of freshwater lakes, Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the Pembrokeshire coast, and even the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland on clear days. Shell Island, a regional winner in The Times' 2025 Best UK Beaches guide, is a short hop away. Chief travel writer Chris Haslam noted: 'The beachcombing is astonishing: perfect scallops, fragile tusks and razors, unblemished turitellas and, most prized by conchologists, tiny cowries.'
Practical Information
The campsite is open from 1st April to 31st October. Dogs are welcome but must be on leads and under control. 2026 prices: adults £14.50 per night (£12.50 low season), children (4-16) £6.00 per night (£5.00 low season). Location: Cefn Uchaf, Llanbedr, Gwynedd, LL45 2PL. Contact: info@nantcolwaterfalls.co.uk. Book via Campsites.co.uk.
