How to Organize Group Camping in Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire, with its stunning coastal views, rich wildlife, and serene countryside, is the perfect destination for a group camping adventure. Whether you’re planning a getaway with family, friends, or colleagues, organizing a successful group camping trip in Pembrokeshire requires careful planning and coordination to ensure everyone has a great time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps for planning a group camping trip in Pembrokeshire, from choosing the right campsite to organizing activities and meals. We’ll also highlight Rhosson Ganol, one of the best campsites in the area, and why it’s an excellent choice for group Pembrokeshire Camping.

1. Choosing the Right Campsite for Your Group

The first and perhaps most important step in organizing a group camping trip is finding the perfect campsite that caters to your group’s needs. Pembrokeshire offers a variety of campsites, each with its own unique features, but when it comes to group camping, it’s important to select a location that can accommodate larger numbers while offering easy access to activities.

Why Rhosson Ganol is the Best Campsite for Groups

Located near St. David’s, Rhosson Ganol is a top-rated campsite that is perfectly suited for group camping. It offers ample space for tents, caravans, and campervans, making it easy to accommodate large groups. The campsite provides clean facilities, a relaxed atmosphere, and most importantly, it’s just a short distance from some of Pembrokeshire’s best beaches and outdoor activities.

Rhosson Ganol is ideal for groups looking to explore the nearby Whitesands Bay, enjoy coastal walks along the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, or embark on a wildlife-watching adventure. Its prime location, combined with its group-friendly environment, makes it an excellent base for a camping trip with friends or family.

2. Planning Your Group’s Camping Logistics

Once you’ve chosen your campsite, the next step is organizing the logistics of the trip. Group camping can be a lot of fun, but it requires careful planning to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Reserving Your Campsite

For larger groups, it’s essential to book your campsite well in advance. Campsites like Rhosson Ganol are popular, especially during the summer months, so reserving early will guarantee that you have enough space for everyone. Check if the campsite has specific areas for group bookings or if they can accommodate your group in a designated section.

Transportation

Organizing transportation for a large group is another key consideration. If members of your group are coming from different locations, coordinating carpools or arranging a mini-bus can simplify travel logistics and reduce the environmental impact of multiple vehicles. Make sure to plan for parking, especially if you have several cars, campervans, or caravans in your group.

Equipment and Gear

When camping with a group, it’s important to ensure that everyone has the necessary equipment. You may want to organize a group checklist to make sure nothing is forgotten. Essentials include:

Tents (or caravans/campervans) large enough for your group size
Sleeping bags and sleeping mats
Cooking equipment (stoves, pots, and pans)
Tables and chairs for communal meals
Lanterns and flashlights
Coolers for food storage

If you’re camping at a site like Rhosson Ganol, check in advance what facilities are available. Some campsites offer electrical hookups, communal kitchen areas, or BBQ facilities, which can make group meals and preparation easier.

3. Organizing Group Activities in Pembrokeshire

One of the highlights of group camping in Pembrokeshire is the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities together. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, Pembrokeshire offers something for every interest.

Coastal Walks and Hiking

Pembrokeshire is famous for its scenic coastal walks, and the Pembrokeshire Coast Path offers an array of hiking options that cater to all fitness levels. Organize a group hike to explore some of the most beautiful parts of the coastline. The path offers stunning views of cliffs, beaches, and wildlife, making it a great group bonding experience.

For groups staying at Rhosson Ganol, the proximity to Whitesands Bay and St. David’s makes it easy to embark on a coastal hike. A walk from Whitesands Bay to St. David’s Head offers breathtaking views and a chance to spot local wildlife like seals and seabirds.

Beach Days and Watersports

With its beautiful beaches, Pembrokeshire is the perfect spot for a beach day with your group. Organize a trip to Whitesands Bay or Barafundle Bay, where you can relax, play beach games, or try watersports like surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking.

For thrill-seekers in your group, there are surf schools near Whitesands Bay offering lessons, while kayaking trips along the coast provide a unique way to explore Pembrokeshire’s hidden coves and sea caves.

Wildlife Watching

Pembrokeshire’s wildlife is abundant, and group camping trips are a great opportunity to experience it together. Consider organizing a boat trip to Skomer Island to see puffins, or plan a coastal walk where you might spot dolphins or seals. Wildlife watching is an activity that all ages can enjoy, making it perfect for mixed-age groups.

Evening Campfires and Stargazing

End your days with a group campfire, where everyone can gather to share stories, roast marshmallows, and relax under the stars. Pembrokeshire has low light pollution, making it a great spot for stargazing. Bring along a telescope or binoculars for a closer look at the night sky.

Before setting up a campfire, make sure to check the rules at your campsite. Many sites, including Rhosson Ganol, have designated areas for campfires or BBQs to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact.

4. Managing Group Meals

Food plays a big role in any group camping trip, and planning meals for a large number of people can be a bit of a challenge. The key is organization and simplicity.

Pre-Planning Meals

Before your trip, create a meal plan for your group. Decide whether you’ll prepare meals individually, as smaller teams, or as a large group. Group meals can be a great way to foster a sense of community, with everyone pitching in to help cook and clean up.

Opt for easy-to-make meals that require minimal ingredients and preparation, such as:

Breakfast: Porridge, breakfast wraps, or fruit and yogurt
Lunch: Sandwiches, wraps, or pasta salads
Dinner: BBQs, grilled vegetables, and simple one-pot meals like chili or stew

Sharing the Cooking Duties

Assign cooking duties to different people or groups for each meal to ensure everyone shares the workload. If your campsite offers communal cooking areas or BBQ grills, these can make group meal preparation easier.

Snacks and Drinks

In addition to meals, don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your group. Granola bars, trail mix, and fruit are great for keeping energy levels up during hikes and activities. Bring along enough water, and consider packing a few fun beverages for the evenings.

5. Ensuring Safety and Comfort for All

Group camping trips should be enjoyable for everyone, so it’s important to make sure all members of your group are comfortable and safe.

Communication

Stay in contact with everyone in your group, especially if you’re splitting up for different activities. Mobile reception can be patchy in some parts of Pembrokeshire, so consider bringing walkie-talkies or agreeing on meeting points and times.

Safety Precautions

When participating in outdoor activities like hiking or watersports, ensure that everyone follows basic safety guidelines. Bring a first-aid kit, and make sure at least one person in your group knows basic first aid. If you’re swimming or surfing, always do so in lifeguarded areas.

Respect the Environment

Pembrokeshire’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions, so it’s important to camp responsibly. Follow Leave No Trace principles by minimizing waste, staying on designated paths, and respecting wildlife. Ensure your group cleans up after each meal and leaves the campsite as clean as you found it.

Conclusion

Planning a group camping trip in Pembrokeshire can be a rewarding experience, filled with adventure, relaxation, and quality time with your friends or family. By choosing a well-equipped and scenic campsite like Rhosson Ganol, organizing activities, and planning meals together, you can create unforgettable memories in one of Wales’s most beautiful destinations.

From hiking the stunning coastal paths to relaxing on golden beaches, Pembrokeshire offers endless opportunities for group fun. With a little planning and coordination, your group camping trip will be a success, ensuring that everyone enjoys the best that Pembrokeshire has to offer.