Wales
Van Life Campsites in Powys
Powys is Wales's largest county and one of its wildest. The Brecon Beacons National Park covers the county's south, with the Black Mountains on the English border, the Beacons themselves around Pen y Fan, and the wild Fforest Fawr geopark to the west. Farm camping here is excellent and affordable, with many sites within walking distance of the main peaks.
The Cambrian Mountains — the "Green Desert of Wales" — cover the county's centre and north. This is truly remote country: blanket bog, ancient drovers' roads, and red kite country around the RSPB's Gigrin Farm. Wild camping is not a legal right in Wales, but many landowners tolerate respectful overnight visitors.
The Elan Valley in the west — a spectacular series of Victorian reservoirs in a glacial valley — is a favourite of road cyclists and van lifers alike. The Estate road is cycled by thousands of visitors a year, and farm sites nearby make an excellent base.
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The Beacons are popular at weekends — plan to arrive Friday or early Saturday morning for the best spots. The Cambrian Mountains have very limited phone signal; download offline maps before heading into the interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wild camping legal in the Brecon Beacons in a van?
Wild camping is not a legal right in Wales (unlike Scotland). However, many landowners in Powys tolerate respectful overnight van stays. Always use listed sites or seek explicit permission. Backpack camping is generally tolerated on the open hill.
What are the best van life spots in Powys?
Farm sites around Brecon, Hay-on-Wye, and in the Usk Valley have the best access to the Beacons peaks. The Elan Valley has good access from the B4518 and several sites nearby.