Did you know that Donegal, with its rugged landscapes and coastal charm, is often regarded as a camper’s paradise? Imagine waking up to the sounds of crashing waves or finding a cozy nook nestled between hills for the night.
If that sounds like the perfect camping experience. Donegal has the spots to satisfy your wanderlust!
So, grab your map, roll out that sleeping bag, and join us on through Donegal’s top camping spots.
Arranmore Island
Address: Arranmore, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If you’re into a more immersive camping experience, Arranmore Island, a hidden gem off the coast of County Donegal is the place to be. Here, the rugged coastline works with traditional Gaelic culture to create a unique site to enjoy nature.
This untamed island has vast open fields where you can set up your tents. In the morning, you can spend your days exploring the area including a fort dating back to 800 BC.
There are also marked trails that give you great views of the Atlantic Ocean. You can even go diving, swimming, and kayaking in the water!
Pro Tip:
For nature enthusiasts, the island is a haven for birdwatching and fishing. You can see fulmars and shags near the cliffs or catch brown and rainbow trout in the freshwater below.
Binion Bay Caravan and Camping Facility
Address: Binnion, Clonmany, Co. Donegal, F93 F381, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 74 937 6800
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Tucked in Donegal, the Binion Bay Caravan and Camping Facility offers a unique camping experience in Clonmany. The family who runs it take pride in providing only the best views for their guests.
There are strategically positioned campsites for tents, motor homes, caravans, and mobile homes, where you can stay and each one gives you access to an unhindered and panoramic view of the green hills that surround the area.
They also cater to outdoor enthusiasts, with walking and hiking trails within arm’s reach. You can also try hill walking at Urris Hills, Bulben, and Binion Hill.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on some nearby attractions while you’re in the area. The Glenevin Waterfall is a half an hour hike from the Binion Bay Caravan and Camping Facility and Doagh Famine Village is a short drive away.
Carrickfinn Beach
Address: Braade, Carrickfinn, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: + 353 74 915 3900
Hours: Open everyday from 12 pm to 6:30 pm
If you’ve exhausted all the traditional spots to go camping in Donegal, we suggest you try doing it beach side. Carrickfinn Beach, a serene sandy retreat near Annagry, stands out for its Blue Flag water status.
A stroll along the shores gives you stunning views of Drumanoo Head, Inishduff Island, and Muckross Head with the water, sand dunes, and grasslands in the background.
If you set up camp away from the sand and on the green fields that surround the beach,
You can enjoy the many wildflowers and native plants that dot the hills.
Pro Tip:
If you visit Carrickfinn outside of summer, you’ll get a more secluded beach experience to enjoy the tranquility and beauty without the crowds. Be aware though, that lifeguards are only stationed along the shores from June to half of September.
Fintra Beach
Address: 23 Fintra Bay, Fintragh, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Fintra Beach in County Donegal offers a picturesque camping trip just a short drive from Killybegs. This rural beach, stretching along the Fintragh bay for around 1 km of shoreline, offers access to the waters and scenic views over Donegal Bay.
You can dive straight into the water or try the rock pools scattered in the area. After a day of splashing around under the sun, you can retreat to your tent. We recommend setting up at least 250 m from the shores to avoid inconvenience with sand and waves.
Surrounded by dunes and grassy hills, there are plenty of wide and open spaces to set up. The space is also perfect for family and friends to play around and enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Try to arrive early to secure a good place to set up camp and a spot to park your car. It gets packed during the peak seasons from June to September.
Glenveagh National Park
Address: Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 1 539 3232
Hours: Open everyday from 9:15 am to 5:15 pm
Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal offers one of the best wilderness camping experiences we’ve tried. Framed by the Derryveagh Mountains, this place has one of the best landscapes, with natural habitats, abundant wildlife, and marked trails.
While camping within the main Glenveagh Valley is prohibited, you can venture just an hour’s walk outside the entrance where you can set up your camping gear anywhere among the park’s 16,000 hectares.
Just make sure to follow the Wild Camping Code for a responsible outdoor adventure. You’re not allowed to start fires and are responsible for cleanup.
Pro Tip:
There are marked trails leading to the stunning Victorian Castle and Gardens along Lough Veagh through the hills. Be warned though that the trails are challenging and are better suited for experienced hikers.
Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park
Address: Magherawarden, Portsalon, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 74 915 9108
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 8 pm
Located on the shores of Ballymastocker Bay, Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park offers a blend of beach access and views of the Knockalla Mountain.
This is a great place to go if you can’t choose between spending time in the water and enjoying landscapes dotted with mountain ranges. There are plenty of trails for walking, hiking, and biking that take you to pockets of nature.
The park is modern and lets you stay comfortable with a range of amenities, including an on-site cafe and shop, access to hot showers, a working kitchen, and even a tennis court.
Pro Tip:
If you’re as dependent on technology as we are, you’ll be glad to know that you’ll still have access to modern services like the Internet. There’s even a games room that the kids can use if they need a break from being in nature.
Killybegs Holiday Park
Address: Roshine Rd, Roshin, Killybegs, Co. Donegal, F94 H720, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 87 276 9765
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If you want to try camping for the first time and don’t have much experience or gear, then the Killybegs Holiday Park is a great place to go. They offer tents for rent here in different sizes whether it’s for 2 or for bigger families and other equipment.
The campsite is perched in grassy fields high up, so you’ll get views of the Slieve League Cliffs. With electricity, running water, and Wi-Fi readily available, you’ll be comfortable here.
For a quiet evening, you can take a stroll on the private beach and enjoy the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Pro Tip:
The Killybegs Holiday Park is located within Killybegs which is a vibrant fishing port. You can venture into town and get some of the freshest seafood in the area. We recommend the Killybegs Seafood Shack for great calamari and shrimp scampi.
Lough Salt
Address: Lough Salt, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If you enjoy wild camping where you can really escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature, Lough Salt is a great place to go. This area near Letterkenny in County Donegal is a crowd favorite for a reason.
This wild camping spot offers an unparalleled view of Sheephaven Bay, Muckish Mountain, Doe Castle, and the River Glen Valley. The waters are used as a reservoir which sits more than 450 meters above sea level.
You can set up camp, enjoy outdoor activities, and witness a mesmerizing sunset.
Pro Tip:
Lough Salt is not a very tourist-y place so you can expect smaller crowds (if there are any at all). The narrow road leading to the campsites can be quite challenging and isn’t for beginners. But, the trek is well worth it for the experience.
Lakeside Caravan and Camping Park
Address: Belleek Road, Ballyhanna, Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 71 985 2822
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 10 pm
If you’ve been wanting to travel around the North West, Lakeside Caravan and Camping is a great place to start. Set against the scenic backdrop of Assaroe Lake, the park offers picturesque surroundings and a convenient camping experience.
With an array of sites accommodating tents, caravans, and motorhomes, you’ll be sure to find a spot that’s suited to your needs. This caravan park is rated 4 stars and offers internet connection, laundry services, and access to toilets and showers.
Pro Tip:
We always get here early and take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s edge during the early morning hours for a tranquil start to the day. Midday is a great time to the small town of Ballyshannon which is just a short walk away.
Portsalon Luxury Camping
Address: Cashelpreaghan, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 87 601 6654
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Portsalon Luxury Camping is the place to be if glamping replaces the word camping in your vocabulary. This site offers a touch of luxury for those looking for a more refined camping experience.
Located on the Fanad Peninsula and a short ways away from Portsalon, this campsite has spacious yurts that are fully furnished. Each one has a king sized bed and pull out sofas. The kitchen includes a wood fire stove, kitchen equipment, and a mini fridge.
You get all the convenience of staying at home while still being able to be out in nature under the night sky.
Pro Tip:
If you love water, you can either stay on the property and enjoy a picnic with coastal views or travel to Ballymastocker Bay nearby for a day of sun-soaked relaxation.
Rosguill Holiday Park
Address: Melmore Road, Gortnalughoge, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, F92 W965, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 74 915 5766
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm
In service for over 30 years, the Rosguill Holiday Park has been a preferred campsite for avid campers and newbies alike. Located on the scenic north coast of Donegal, it’s perfectly positioned to offer amazing ocean views right from your tent.
This park is surrounded by sandy shores and clear waters open for activities to try. If you prefer to stay dry, the campsite has a tennis court, a football pitch, a children’s play area, and even a 7 hole golf course.
After a day of exploration, you can unwind with ice cream, coffee, or a burger from on-site food trucks and shops.
Pro Tip:
Because the Rosguill Holiday Park is popular among locals and visitors alike, we recommend booking in advance especially for weekend trips during the peak season in July and August.
Silver Strand
Address: Silver Strand Malin Beg, Glencolumbkille, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
For a lesser known camping spot, we’ve tried visiting Silver Strand. This beach which hugs the Slieve League Peninsula past Glencolmcille might be a bit secluded. But, the effort to reach it is worth it to us.
Silver Strand is a standout spot for a safe swim, but the grassy cliffs that hangover the beach are a great place to try wild camping. The cliffs are shaped like a horseshoe and overlook the entire peninsula for one of a kind sights.
Pro Tip:
You can only access the beach by going the staircase which has over 150 steps. So, if you want to have a pretty picnic down by the shores at sunrise and sunset (which we recommend), make sure you bring everything with you in 1 trip.
Sleepy Hollows Campsite
Address: Sleepy Hollows Campsite, Meenalecky, Co. Donegal, F92 HK73, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 85 252 3126
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Sleepy Hollows Campsite is one of the very few adults only campsites in the entire country. Set in the quiet village of Meenaleck in West Donegal, the area is surrounded by natural beauty.
With the extra rule of kids not being allowed on site, this small campsite offers absolute peace and quiet, making it an ideal escape if you’re those seeking a more laid-back and secluded camping experience.
Conveniently there are fishing spots, walking trails, and beaches nearby, so you’re sure you won’t get bored while you’re there.
Pro Tip:
As a nightcap, we suggest you head out of the site and check out Leos Tavern for an evening of traditional Irish music, great food, and even better booze.
Wild Atlantic Camp
Address: Main St, Creeslough, Co. Donegal, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 74 913 8400
Hours: Open everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
Located right in the center of Creeslough village, the Wild Atlantic Camp is a great home base for your adventure around the Northwest portion of Donegal. Not to mention that the campsite overlooks Sheephaven Bay for views of the water.
Wild Atlantic Camp stands out as one of the best camping destinations in Ireland. They offer a variety of accommodations from simple tent pitches to more elaborate wooden cabins that are heated for maximum comfort.
If you own your own motorhome, they also have spots for you.
Pro Tip:
If you love glamping just as much as we do, they have more luxurious options like modern steel and glass cabins fully equipped with everything you need to feel at home. Each one has a mounted TV, private bathroom, and a patio for bbq’s.