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94%

would recommend

Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, Wales

HIGHLY RATED

+ 26 photos

Cefn Coed, or 'back of the woods', is a charming, historical Welsh farm estate with roots dating back as far as the 16th century. Fancy a break from the fast pace and stress of the modern world? Offering both immersive woodland and picturesque field pitches, you're ideally situated to experience the idyllic beauty of Snowdonia, with both tent and campervan pitches available.

Why you'll love it at Cefn Coed


Secluded site surrounded by stunning woodland with an onsite shop and food truck/bar in high season

Perfect base for exploring Snowdonia, close to Cadair Idris and Cregennan Lakes

Just five minutes from the idyllic Mawddach estuary and riverside walks

About the site


You'll find heaps of character here, with nothing but the dramatic mountainous landscape for miles around. Tucked away along the famed Mawddach Estuary, the farm enjoys a woodland setting halfway between Dolgellau and Fairbourne, with Barmouth just over the other side of the water. The ideal base for experiencing the wonders of Snowdonia National Park, with so much to explore on your doorstep, from the staggering beauty of Cregennan Lakes to the towering peak of Cader Idris. Looking for a more relaxed stay? Simply kicking back and taking in your surroundings is just as rewarding, with stunning views all round and forest bathing at its best. Tent and campervan pitches are available in both field and woodland settings, making for a truly magical and unforgettable visit. The woodland pitches are secluded clearings within the site's own oak forest. The fields offer a communal experience, sunny with fantastic views all round. Also available are wooded campervan pull-ins, individual plots along the borders of the wood. All pitches are non-electric, as it's all about getting back to nature here! There's a reason guests come back here again and again. If you're looking for a wilder campsite with unique character and an experience to cherish, this is the place for you - make your trip a truly memorable one. Please note that this site is a part of the Greener Camping Club, and at least one person in each party must be a member. Membership is £12 for the year.

Cefn Coed is open from 01/03 to 31/10.


Facilities and amenities

Adult only

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant

Disabled facilities

Drinking water

Family friendly

Fires allowed

Shop

Showers

Toilet

WiFi

Bike hire

Glamping

Near beach

Near pub

Open year round

Peaceful

W.C. disposal

Facilities include toilets and showers, and there are a number of fresh mountain spring drinking water taps located around the site. There is an onsite shop stocked with essentials, along with an onsite bar and catering truck offering local ales, cocktails and wood-fired pizza during high season.

The site also runs regular events throughout the season including guided walks and mountain climbs, forest sound baths, bushcraft retreats and foraging walks.

The Mawddach estuary is just five minutes from the site, and Dolgellau town is a short walk or bike ride away.


A note from the site themselves...

I couldn't put it any better than the words of one of our guests, "there is something magical about Cefn Coed" and another quoting an old Welsh saying "Lle i enaid gael llonydd."....a place for the soul to find peace.

In a place steeped in so much history, there is a real sense of being a custodian rather than the owner. We don't try to manicure or improve on the perfection that nature creates without the need for human interference. Cefn Coed is a place to disconnect and take pleasure in simple but life-affirming things.

Rest and recharge by the light of a flickering campfire among the stillness of Ancient Oaks. Gaze in wonder at nights of a billion stars where the silence is broken only by the hooting of owls.

Walk down by the meandering River Gwynant and absorb the astounding views of the glorious Mawddach estuary, follow its course along the bank to watch the sunset over the ocean or maybe you would be tempted by the shorter walk to the George III for a different kind of refreshment!

For the adventurous, right on the doorstep, there is Cader Idris to conquer, often snow-capped in winter, as well as nearby enchanting lakes and waterfalls to explore. This is the place where we are fortunate enough to live and work, although we do say that we feel like we are on holiday every day!

Nothing brings us greater pleasure than to share our home and see the effect when our guests also feel the magic of Cefn Coed.


Map and address

Park address

Cefn Coed,

Ponderosa Ranch, Penmaenpool, Gwynedd, Wales, LL40 1YF

Coordinates

52.7363, -3.9723 | SH 66 17

View on Google Maps

Cefn Coed is ideal for...

Couples

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Older children (13+)

Peace and quiet


There are 56 accommodation options on-site

Bookable pitches and accommodation options

30 x Non Electric Grass Pitches

Max 5 people

Grass field pitches suitable for tents, roof tents and small campervans (under 6m).

15 x Non Electric Woodland Tent Pitches

Max 5 people

Secluded clearings hidden away in the site's oak woodland, for tents only. Maximum tent size 5m x 4m.

9 x Non Electric Wooded Campervan Pitches

Max 5 people

Wooded campervan pull-in pitches surrounded by trees. For campervans 6m and under.


Woodmans Hut

Max 2 people

Off grid, back to basics accommodation for two people, with a sofa bed and small kitchenette. Outside your own fire pit. Shared facilities nearby. Pets welcome.

Romany Vardo Living Caravan

Max 2 people

Off grid, back to basics gypsy caravan for two with private camp kitchen shed, and small double bed. Pets welcome. Access to shared facilities nearby.


Cefn Coed reviews

94%

would recommend

Overall
4.72
Location
4.91
Value for money
4.68
Service
4.81
Facilities
4.49
Cleanliness
4.68

"What an amazing location! A great step into nature"

Sam K - Aug 2024

"We were incredibly spoilt with the views and even caught the stars one clear night"

Verity H - Aug 2024

"The camp is so central to beautiful, majestic mountains, forests and lakes"

Alina C - Aug 2024

"A fantastic little get away, the owners were wonderful, helpful people"

Paul S - Jul 2024

"Would definitely recommend, we've found our new special place"

Chloe D - May 2024

"Amazing place! The view of the mountains from our tent was incredible!"

Louise S - Aug 2023

"The views and walks around the site are breathtaking"

Daniel B - Jul 2023

"Unique set-up in the woodland pitches, felt like we could have been miles away from anyone at times"

Taylor P - May 2023


Location

Abbey H

0

0

VW-Type Campervan - Non Electric Wooded Campervan PitchesMar 2025

Amazing campsite will be back!

Return trip

Peter S

0

0

Small Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesSep 2024

Firstly, as a returning guest to Cefn Coed, I was gutted to find out that the Thai menu was no longer available.... it was so nice and such an unusual feature, possibly the best way to end a day's hillwalking ever. Anyway, with the bad news out of the way, my second visit just reconfirmed what a cracking site this is. Every aspect from the owners to the location to the facilities are great. Will definitely become an annual event.

Amaxing

Sam K

0

0

Small Tent - Non Electric Woodland Tent PitchesAug 2024

What an amazing location! A great step into nature with a fantastic forest ambience. Well sited for the trails. Compliments to Alex, Sophie and Lawrence you made our stay perfect, going above and beyond to help and always welcoming. We will be booking again.

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FAQ

Check-in is between 2pm and 8pm and you must vacate your pitch by 10:30am on your day of departure.

Yes, up to two dogs are welcome per pitch provided they are kept on a lead whilst at the site. The Mawddach Estuary nearby is ideal for dog walks too.

BBQs are welcome, provided they are kept raised off the ground. Fire pits are available to hire from the site, they must be raised off the ground too.

Ask us a question



A casual walk around the campsite and through the forest is a beautiful experience in itself, with a whole host of natural sights and diverse wildlife including glow worms, badgers, and owls.

From the campsite, you can head down to the Mawddach estuary within just 5 minutes, with fabulous views en route. The local pub is only a 30 minute stroll down the trail where you can enjoy food and drink whilst taking in the scenery over the estuary!

You can walk or cycle to the historical market town of Dolgellau, the coastal village of Fairbourne and even the famed town of Barmouth.

There is also a lovely mild circular walk right above the farmhouse, passing above and around the estuary for fabulous landscape scenes.

Fantastic walks such as the Panorama, the Precipice and the New Precipice are all within a short drive as is the famous Cader Idris, the second highest peak in Wales after Snowdon (which itself is only an hour's drive away).

Creggenan Lakes deserves a special mention, a renowned beauty spot with unparalleled views over the lakes and coast with walks all around. Other water based gems include Arthog Falls, the Blue Lagoon and Bala Lake.

If cycling is your thing, Coed Y Brenin Mountain Biking Centre has world class trails as well as a visitor centre, cafe and walking paths too! Road biking is also very popular with long, winding smooth roads all throughout the mountains.

The listing for Cefn Coed was last updated on March 10th, 2025 at 9:31 AM

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