We’d recently bought a Mazda Bongo Friendee with a pop top and wanted to start using it for camping trips around the UK.

It wasn’t a full camper conversion, but it gave us enough space to sleep and travel comfortably, and the idea was to use it for simple camping trips rather than anything complicated. Park up, explore on foot, and see how we got on.

For our first trip, we chose Oxwich Bay on the Gower Peninsula and stayed at Greenways of Gower campsite. We’d never been there before, but it seemed like a sensible place to start, a well-known campsite with amazing views and scenery, coastal walking routes nearby, and a beach within easy walking distance.

We kept the trip short and went without the kids. Just one night, enough time to get used to sleeping in the van, work out what we’d packed unnecessarily, and note the things we’d want to change or add for future trips.

Arriving at Greenways of Gower Campsite

We arrived at Greenways of Gower around midday, which worked well as check-in is from 12pm. The site is spread across several fields, and you’re able to choose your own pitch rather than being allocated a specific spot.

There was plenty of space, and it didn’t feel cramped or overly busy. We chose a pitch with a sea view, which immediately made the stay feel like more than just a quick overnight stop.

Even for one night, having that view made a difference.

The site itself felt tidy and well looked after. Nothing flashy, but practical and organised, which is exactly what you want when you’re still figuring out campervan routines.

Facilities at Greenways of Gower

The facilities were one of the things that stood out most.

The toilet block was large, with plenty of sinks and cubicles, so there was never any waiting around. On arrival, everything was clean and well stocked. By the morning it was a bit more tired, but that seemed down to heavy use rather than neglect.

I didn’t use the showers on this trip. As we were only staying one night, I decided to shower before and after instead. Shared facilities are still the part of camping I struggle with most, mainly the lack of privacy, so it’s something I’m still adjusting to.

There was also a play area on site, which would be great for families, although we were there without the kids this time.

One of the biggest advantages of Greenways is the location. The beach is only a short walk away down a quiet country lane, so once we’d parked up, there was no need to drive again.

Walking to Oxwich Bay Beach

Oxwich Bay is a large, open beach with very different feels depending on where you are.

The area closest to the main access point was busy, with people clustered together. But it didn’t take long to leave that behind.

A short walk along the shoreline, and it became much quieter, with far more space and a better sense of the scale of the bay.

The further we walked, the more we appreciated it.

There are sand dunes, wide stretches of sand, and green wooded cliffs surrounding the bay. We also saw plenty of sea life, including crabs, shells, sand insects, and jellyfish along the shore.

Sand Dunes and Coastal Views

One of the highlights was finding a sand dune away from the busier parts of the beach.

There was no one else there, and stepping into the centre of it felt completely different from the rest of the bay.

From the top, the views opened out across the sea and back towards the green landscape behind the beach.

We climbed up and spent some time just taking it in. From that height, you really see how much green surrounds Oxwich Bay and how varied the landscape is.

Walking Through Oxwich Woods and the Clifftops

Before heading back along the beach, we walked inland and up through Oxwich Woods.

The path climbs steeply in places, with rocky steps and woodland all around. It felt quiet and secluded, and we barely saw anyone else along the route.

Eventually the woodland opened out onto a cliff edge, where we stopped for a while and watched the boats out on the water. It felt calm and unhurried, the kind of place where you naturally slow down without meaning to.

The combination of beach walking, dunes, woodland, and clifftop views made the area feel surprisingly varied for such a short trip.

Dinner at Oxwich Bay Hotel

We’d brought lunch with us, but for dinner we decided to eat out.

Right next to the beach is Oxwich Bay Hotel, which has a bar and restaurant. The main menu mentioned that dishes could be adapted to be vegan, so we asked at the bar what options were available.

They brought out a separate vegan menu, which wasn’t listed on the main menu at all.

There were several starters, mains, and desserts to choose from, which made a nice change from having to piece together a meal from side dishes. We shared a vegan pizza and vegetable tempura, both of which were exactly what we wanted after a long day of walking.

The meal was relaxed, the food was good, and it was reassuring to see a venue catering properly for vegans, even if it wasn’t immediately obvious.

Sleeping in the Mazda Bongo Friendee

Back at the campsite, we set the van up for the night.

The setup is simple. The back seats fold down, we put a futon mattress on top with pillows and blankets, and that’s it. No tent poles, no pegging things down, and no arguing over instructions.

I slept very well. I woke up to my alarm without remembering waking up during the night at all, which surprised me. Ben didn’t sleep quite as well, but it was our first night in the van and we’d covered around 7.5 miles on foot that day, including steep paths and soft sand, so we were both tired.

Overall, sleeping in the Bongo was far more comfortable than tent camping has ever been for me.

What We’d Already Added to the Van

Before this trip, we’d installed a leisure battery, which meant we could use lights, play music, and charge phones without relying on the main battery. Ben also installed a Bluetooth stereo, which connects automatically and picks up where the music left off.

That small change made the van feel much more practical and comfortable.

We’d already identified a few things we still needed. New floor mats were high on the list, as the ones it came with weren’t in great condition. We also wanted blackout screens for the front and rear windows to block out early morning light and give a bit more privacy at night.

What This First Trip Taught Us

This one night trip did exactly what we hoped it would.

It showed us that campervan travel works for us far better than tent camping ever did. Being able to arrive, park up, and settle straight away makes a big difference, especially when you’re only away for a short time.

Greenways of Gower was a good choice for a first stay. Plenty of space, good facilities, and easy access to the beach and walking routes made everything straightforward.

Final Thoughts on Our First Campervan Trip to Oxwich Bay

This wasn’t a long trip or a complicated one, but it didn’t need to be.

It was enough time to get used to the van, explore somewhere new, and come away with a clear idea of what we’d do differently next time. Oxwich Bay gave us varied walking, open space, and a sense of calm that suited this kind of travel perfectly.

If you’re planning your first campervan trip in Wales and want a place with good facilities, coastal scenery, and plenty to explore on foot, Oxwich Bay and Greenways of Gower are a solid place to start.