To also mark the occasion, the consumer organisation will also be releasing a special collector’s hardback edition.
The guide has been compiled by author of 50 Years of CAMRA Laura Hadland and brings together pub and brewery information for the first time.
Last year’s guide was supported by singer and licensee James Blunt who wrote the foreword then.
Huge honour
When it was launched in 1972, The Good Beer Guide was originally published to help find quality real ale on tap in pubs across the UK.
CAMRA national chairman Nik Antona said: “There’s so much celebrate as we mark the 50th edition of CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
“It is a huge honour to have HRH The Prince of Wales pen this year’s foreword, celebrating the important role pubs have played in British history.
“The past few years have been an incredibly difficult time for the industry and we need more support than ever before to keep our nation’s pubs open and thriving.
“I’d encourage everyone to use this year’s guide to visit the very best pubs across the UK and support them for generations to come.”
Great achievement
The guide has been sponsored by Cask Marque and is set to be published on 27 October with pre-orders for the special collector’s edition available until 30 August.
The cover has been designed by artist Neil Gower, who is known for his work on the covers of Bill Bryson’s travel series and William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.
Director Paul Nunny said: “Cask Marque has sponsored the Good Beer Guide for a number of years because it is important we recognise great pubs with a CAMRA endorsement. 50 years of actively supporting our industry is a great achievement and coincides with Cask Marque championing beer quality for 25 years.”