Camping in Pembrokeshire offers an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, unwind, and explore one of the most beautiful corners of Wales. With its stunning coastlines, rolling hills, and vibrant wildlife, Pembrokeshire attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. However, to preserve this natural beauty for future generations, it’s essential to camp responsibly.
This guide will provide you with the key principles and tips on how to camp responsibly in Pembrokeshire’s natural areas. We’ll also highlight Rhosson Ganol as the best campsite for those looking to experience Pembrokeshire while practicing eco-friendly camping habits.
1. Follow Leave No Trace Principles
One of the most important guidelines for responsible camping is to follow the Leave No Trace principles. This set of outdoor ethics promotes minimizing your environmental impact during your Pembrokeshire Camping trip. Here’s how you can follow these principles when camping in Pembrokeshire:
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Research your campsite: Whether you’re staying at Rhosson Ganol or opting for a more remote camping spot, make sure you know the rules and regulations of the area. Understanding the local wildlife, weather conditions, and camping restrictions will help you prepare for a responsible trip.
- Pack smart: Bring reusable items such as water bottles, utensils, and food containers to reduce waste. Avoid bringing single-use plastics and make sure your gear is durable enough to withstand Pembrokeshire’s sometimes unpredictable weather.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- Pack it in, pack it out: Everything you bring with you should leave with you. This includes all trash, leftover food, and litter. Campsites like Rhosson Ganol provide waste disposal bins, so take advantage of these facilities.
- Dispose of human waste responsibly: If you’re wild camping, be sure to bury human waste at least 6 inches deep and 200 feet away from any water sources. Use biodegradable toilet paper or carry out your waste in a portable toilet system if necessary.
Leave What You Find
- Preserve nature: When hiking or exploring, resist the urge to pick plants, collect rocks, or disturb wildlife. Pembrokeshire is home to rare plant species and sensitive ecosystems that need protection.
- Stick to trails: To avoid damaging delicate vegetation, always stay on marked paths and trails.
Minimize Campfire Impact
- Use a camp stove: While a roaring campfire might seem like an essential part of camping, it can cause significant harm to the environment if not done properly. In many parts of Pembrokeshire, especially in protected areas like the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, campfires are discouraged. Opt for a portable stove for cooking instead.
- Be fire-smart: If fires are allowed, use established fire rings, and ensure you keep the fire small and controlled. Make sure to extinguish the fire completely before leaving your campsite.
Respect Wildlife
- Observe from a distance: Pembrokeshire is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, seabirds, and foxes. Observe these animals from a distance and never attempt to feed them, as human food can be harmful to wildlife.
- Secure your food: To prevent animals from rummaging through your campsite, store all food in airtight containers and never leave food scraps lying around. This will protect both you and the wildlife.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- Respect noise levels: Pembrokeshire is a haven for tranquility, so avoid loud noises and disturbances, especially at night. Campsites like Rhosson Ganol often have quiet hours in place, and adhering to these guidelines helps maintain the peaceful atmosphere that many campers seek.
- Yield to other visitors: Whether you’re on a hike, cycling, or exploring the coast, be mindful of others around you. Step aside to let others pass on narrow trails and greet fellow adventurers respectfully.
2. Choose the Right Campsite for a Responsible Experience
Choosing the right campsite plays a major role in camping responsibly in Pembrokeshire. While wild camping can offer a more rugged experience, staying at established campsites like Rhosson Ganol ensures that you’re camping in a way that minimizes environmental impact and supports sustainable tourism.
Why Choose Rhosson Ganol?
Rhosson Ganol is one of Pembrokeshire’s best campsites, located near St. David’s, and is an excellent option for responsible campers. The campsite offers a beautiful, serene setting with plenty of space, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the outdoors without overcrowding or overburdening the environment.
- Eco-friendly facilities: Rhosson Ganol provides eco-friendly waste disposal, recycling bins, and encourages visitors to respect the surrounding nature.
- Family- and pet-friendly: The campsite welcomes families and pets, making it ideal for those who want to introduce their children to responsible camping practices or travel with their dogs.
- Proximity to nature: With easy access to the Pembrokeshire Coast Path and nearby beaches, Rhosson Ganol allows you to explore the area’s natural beauty while staying at an environmentally-conscious site.
3. Respect Pembrokeshire’s Protected Areas
Much of Pembrokeshire falls within protected zones, including the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, one of the UK’s most stunning national parks. When camping in or near these areas, it’s important to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the protection of the environment.
Avoid Disturbing Wildlife Habitats
- Stay on trails: The Pembrokeshire Coast Path is a popular hiking route, but it’s important to stay on the marked paths. Walking off-trail can disturb sensitive habitats, including nesting birds and coastal vegetation.
- Don’t disturb seals: Pembrokeshire’s coastline is famous for its seal colonies. During pupping season (late summer and autumn), it’s especially important to avoid getting too close to seals, as disturbance can cause mothers to abandon their pups.
Know Where Wild Camping is Allowed
Wild camping is restricted in most of Pembrokeshire, especially in the national park. If you plan on wild camping, make sure to do so in areas where it’s permitted, and always obtain permission from landowners if camping on private land.
4. Campfire and Cooking Safety
In Pembrokeshire, where winds can change quickly and dry conditions can lead to fire hazards, it’s crucial to be mindful of fire safety. Established campsites like Rhosson Ganol often have designated cooking areas or allow portable stoves, which are a safer option for cooking.
- Check fire regulations: Always check with your campsite or local authorities for any fire bans in place, especially during dry months.
- Use portable stoves: Portable stoves are a great eco-friendly alternative to open fires, and they minimize the risk of wildfires.
- Never leave a fire unattended: If campfires are allowed, never leave them unattended, and always make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving the campsite.
5. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint
Camping responsibly also means being conscious of your carbon footprint. Pembrokeshire is a fragile ecosystem, and by reducing your energy use and travel impact, you can help preserve it for future visitors.
Travel Green
- Carpool: If traveling with friends or family, carpool to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This helps minimize emissions and reduces parking congestion at popular sites.
- Use public transport: Pembrokeshire offers public transport options, including buses that connect to popular hiking trails and attractions. Consider using these options to lower your environmental impact.
Sustainable Camping Gear
- Use eco-friendly products: Choose biodegradable soaps, sunscreens, and toiletries to minimize your impact on water sources and soil. Bring reusable water bottles and avoid single-use plastic items.
- Solar-powered devices: If you need electricity for charging devices, opt for solar-powered chargers instead of traditional battery-powered gear.
6. Supporting Local Communities
Pembrokeshire is home to small, local communities that depend on tourism. Being a responsible camper means supporting these communities in a sustainable way.
Buy Local
Purchase food, supplies, and camping gear from local businesses. This helps the local economy thrive and reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods from afar.
Respect Local Customs
Be respectful of the local culture and customs. Pembrokeshire is known for its warm hospitality, and showing courtesy towards locals and fellow campers is a key aspect of responsible tourism.
Conclusion
Camping responsibly in Pembrokeshire’s natural areas is about more than just following rules—it’s about respecting the environment, wildlife, and local communities. Whether you’re exploring the rugged coastline, enjoying the serenity of Rhosson Ganol, or hiking through the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, being mindful of your impact ensures that these stunning landscapes remain preserved for generations to come. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a memorable camping experience while contributing to the conservation of Pembrokeshire’s unique natural beauty.