Shell Island is a huge campsite that my husband and I have visted a lot. The campsite extends across a huge area from sand dunes to a causeway there is lots to see and many different camping expreinces to be had.
You can have a wild time or a sedate and quite time. We prefer a calmer time whilst camping so stay well away from the sand dunes which tends to be over run with teenagers making noise. We're happy for them do it and don't want to complain so choose the other side of the island where we're unlikely to be disturbed. Plus the views are better on the other side of the island.
As you enter the campsite we turn left towards the harbour and camp on that end of the Island. There is a great little beach there that hardly anyone else visits, you can mooch around the harbour and get great views of Harlech castle without being disturbed.
I wouldn't visit during any of the school holidays or bank holiday as the whole place is packed out and at times you have to queue up the causeway just to get on and off the island.
There are a few shops on the island (an ice cream shop, a beachwear/surf shop/camping shop and a mini supermarket) which can be handy but we tend to arrive fully stocked. The pub is okay, we tend to drink off the island or the beach with out BBQ. We ate at the cafe once and I'd say avoid at all costs.
Shower are free as are the toilets. They are largely kept clean and tidy. Also on dotted across the site are portaloos which are great when a bit drunk and not in the mood for the long walk up to the toilets. The portaloos are kept clean and emptied often. I've never had a problem with one and I'm quite prissy.
Shell Island is perfect for a weekday camping getaway outside of the summer holidays. read more