Shell Island Beach Camping

Shell Island is one of my favorite beach camping places to visit. I’m not sure if it falls into the ‘North Wales’ area? But it’s close and i’m adding it anyway, because it’s such a great spot!

It has become one of the largest campsites in Europe, over 450 acres, of which 300 acres are available for camping. Not only is it vast, but it sits alongside its own stretch of beach line. Prices are really good and staff are always helpful. Check out the price list here 

The beauty of Shell Island is the feeling of freedom when arriving, you report in and go find your own pitch. As long as you keep your recommend distance from another camper, you’re free to drive around and find that perfect spot.

On my last visit, I was lucky enough to get a camping pitch right next to the beach. I could literally climb out of my tent, walk down a small slope and I would be on the beach. Waking upto the sound of the surf is unbeatable and if you’re lucky to get a sunset of an evening, well it can be breathtaking.

Shell Island opening times and facilities

This year (2018) Shell Island opens fully opens from Friday 23rd March all the way till Wednesday 31st of October. So plenty of time to start planning your visit and claim your spot.

The facilities at Shell Island are really good, showers and toilets are kept clean and maintained to a high standard. There is onsite shops to stock up on food supplies or camping equipment. You can buy kindle and a fire bucket from the shop to have a fire by your tent. Obviously, make sure all fire are off the ground and extinguished correctly.

There is a tavern, which also shows sports, a restaurant, snack bars and also an arcade. Pretty much all camping needs are catered for, so it’s just down to you to have a great time!

Arriving at Shell Island – Tide Times

You need to time your arrival at Shell Island when the tide isn’t in, as you have to cross over onto the island, and at high tide this is not possible. To avoid any waiting around be sure to check tide times here > Shell Island Tide Times 2018

Get directions > Directions to Shell Island 

Things to do

If you get bored of the wonderful views, long beach walks or frequenting the tavern, you can venture further afield to some of the great surrounding coastal locations such as Barmouth, Harlech and Porthmadog.

🏕️ On‑Site Facilities

• Reception & Shop Complex: Includes reception, a mini-supermarket, off-licence, bait and camp shop, gift shop, laundrette, and games room.

• Food & Drink: Tavern bar and a snack restaurant offering pizzas, kebabs, sandwiches, breakfasts, and Sunday roasts.

• Toilets & Showers: Central block with additional satellite cabins. Showers are regularly cleaned.

• Water & Waste: Fresh-water taps and fire points are located throughout the site. Elsan chemical toilet disposal is available.

• Recreation: Children’s play area, football field, games and TV room. Crabbing and paddle-boarding are popular!

• Beach & Nature: Miles of beach, dunes, rock-pools, and over 200 types of shells. Dolphins and porpoises are sometimes seen offshore.

💷 Prices (2025 Estimate)

• Adult pitch: £7.25+ per night

• Children: £3.00+

• Dogs: £1–2 per dog

• Peak season family week: ~£125 for four people

• Extras: Charging stations, ice-packs, Wi-Fi, pub and snack bar meals (fees apply)

📅 How to Book

• Online Booking: Around 40% of the pitches can be booked online via Shell Island’s official website.

• Phone Booking: Call 01341 241453.

• Walk-In: The rest of the pitches are first-come, first-served—arrive early, especially during holidays.

📜 Camping Rules

• Spacing: Maintain 15–20 m between tents.

• Fires: Only allowed in raised bins or on the beach. Extinguish fully.

• Caravans: Not allowed. Only tents, motorhomes, and tourers permitted.

• Dogs: Max 2 per family, must be on leads.

• Noise: Keep radios low after 10 pm (or 11 pm in summer). No fireworks, generators, or drones.

• Environment: No tree cutting; barbecues must not burn grass.

• Driving: Observe speed limits, no beach/dune driving. Drink-driving laws apply on-site.

🌊 Tidal Access – When to Cross

Shell Island is accessible only at low tide. The causeway is completely submerged at high tide for up to 4 hours.

• Cross within 1 hour before and after low tide.

• Always check local tide timetables before your journey.

• Missing the window could leave you stuck for hours.

📆 Best Time to Visit

• Open season: Late March to Early October

• Best months: May to September

• For a peaceful trip: Visit on weekdays outside of school holidays.

✅ Pro Tips for Campers

• Arrive early to avoid high tide closures.

• Bring a toilet or shower tent if camping far from facilities.

• No electric hookups—plan accordingly.

• Pack buckets and nets for crabbing and shelling.

• Watch for dolphins and porpoises—bring binoculars!

Ready for your next adventure? Shell Island offers wild beauty, space to roam, and unforgettable sunsets. Just be sure to check the tides!