well we have been going for the past 15 odd years and given the choice our daughter would rather go there than majorca. ok it does have some bad faults but that isnt down to the owners its the people that use the place, the usual stuff think that all the rules go out the window and your kids can run riot! if you are thinking of going on a bank holiday get there early and be prepared to wait but check the tide times out so you can cross! if you have your own porta potti all the better, but even if the site is full you can use the last field before you cross as the farmer opens that, then you just drive to the main island to use the facilities.
hippy chick, dont panic even though you have a caravan you can still go, there is a tiny little basic site just over the railway crossing, but when i say basic thats what i mean a tap and field great though cause you dont need to use your car to go to town just jump on the train as it stops right on the doorstep , its quiet they dont keep you awake.
I have never camped on Shell Island. However, as I used to live four miles up the road for a while, I visited it regularly.
I have read this thread with interest. I think it is important to remember that due to the sheer size of the place (it's as big as some smaller towns and many villages) it is never going to be a traditional campsite, i.e. self-contained and well manicured. You could easily spend two weeks on Shell Island and nobody else would know you were there if you picked your spot carefully. As for it looking like a bombsite, people who camp on the island should realise that (as they would if camping wild) clear every trace of their presence when they leave. Keeping a two to four acre site tidy is easy, trying to clean up three hundred or so acres isn't practical during the season. In fact, I would say it's impossible.
Although the facilities at Shell Island would be overkill on most sites, due to the uniqueness of the place they aren't nearly adequate. Therefore, to anyone going there, I would advise taking as many provisions as possible and a portaloo if available.
the reason the toilets are not up to scratch is due to the water main, you ve got to remember that this place is actually a farm, come october and the sheep are back again until just before the easter break, it has been handed down the family. This site is the largest campsite in europe nevermind the uk.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
I went to Shell Island for the day two weeks ago whilst on holiday in Harlech and the place was packed even though most people had respected the required spacing between tents. There was a definite litter problem and alot of flies about which was a bit off-putting but may have been a one off due to it being very popular and hot. The site is huge and a great place for beach lovers and there are some lovely places to visit in the area.