Perfect summer camping spot on 'stunning' beachside is just £12 a night

It already feels like summer. And despite a few torrential downpours here and there, we can safely say the cold winter is behind us.

If you're looking to keep costs down this year, then you might be considering camping, or already have all the gear but no idea of where to go. Well there's one campsite that proves particularly popular with families and that's Shell Island in North Wales.

With 300 acres of the 450-acre Gwynedd site allocated for camping, it's thought to be the biggest campsite in the UK and has 800 pitches. And with such a unique location on the North Cardigan Bay, in the Snowdonia National Park, it attracts families from miles around.

Some people just visit for the day - there are loads of activities including fishing, crabbing and boating - but many go to holiday there, especially during the summer months and it gets busy, so it's advisable you book online in advance. Pitches aren't allocated so you're left to explore and and pitch up wherever takes your fancy. And there are various areas you can camp in, from being right next to the beach listening to the rolling waves, hidden away in the trees or closer to all the facilities.

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Most of the facilities are centrally located in the middle of the Island behind the leisure complex. Camping is the cheapest option, with peak prices (July to September) £12 a night per adult and £6.25 a night for children, aged three to 15. At busier times such as bank holidays, there can a be a minimum two or three night stay.

If you don't fancy camping, there are beach chalets and flats you can book for up to six people. The people who have stayed on the site have given it mostly rave reviews.

One visitor, from earlier this year, said on Facebook: "Thank you, we have had a fantastic first camping weekend of the year. Easter has been great fun. Lovely to be back on the island and the new snack bar is looking fantastic."

Another said: "When the weather's good this place is unreal, you could be abroad with Snowdonia overlooking the sea. Always a favourite to return to."

The place has an overall 4 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor too, where one visitor said: "Stayed in Shell Island for the first time this weekend, and I've got to say I can't believe I had never been to this little hidden gem before! Beautiful and breathtaking views, plenty of space for everyone to pitch up without being cramped, such good value for money, absolutely everything on site that you could possibly ask for or need."

As well as the beach there are sand dunes to play in, a harbour, a restaurant, snack bar and the Tavern Bar, with an outside area next to the kids' playground so you can keep an eye on the little ones.

The shells that give this place its name are there in abundance to be collected - some 200 different types of shell can be found washed up on the beaches - with the best time to see them between January and June.

Dogs are allowed at Shell Island, but not in certain areas like the snack bar or bar area.

The toilet blocks include a spacious family unit, baby baths and changing units and the showers include a changing area and a seat.

The ladies showers have a large make up/hair room with separate mirrors and plugs and there are two free-to-use hairdryers in both the ladies and the men's showers.

The Children's Play Park is sited outside the bar and snack bar area, which has a Games Room next to it with pool tables and other activities for the kids.

Caravans are not allowed on the site, but motorhomes and campervans are accepted. The nearest train station is Llanbedr, which is a 30-minute walk away. For more details or to book visit the Shell Island website, or find out more on the Facebook page.