There are some mighty spots to go camping in Donegal.
There are various camping options available in the Atlantic and Donegal areas that can appeal to different preferences.
Below are recommended locations for wild camping, along with guidelines to follow.
Camping Donegal: Our favourite spots
The first section of our guide lists the top campsites in Donegal, where visitors can reserve a spot and set up their tent.
The following are campsites that offer views of the ocean and places to park a camper with views of the mountains.
Binion Bay Caravan and Camping Facility
This campsite in Clonmany, located beneath Binion Hill, offers scenic views for visitors.
Binion Bay Caravan and Camping is a family-owned campground that offers scenic views of the green hills and convenient access to nearby activities.
The park offers several walking trails, while Glenevin Waterfall and Doagh Famine Village are nearby for those interested in a day trip.
Portsalon Luxury Camping
Portsalon Luxury Clamping is suitable for those seeking a luxurious camping experience in Donegal.
This campsite is outside Portsalon on the Fanad Peninsula and consists of five furnished yurts in a scenic and secluded location.
The camping site offers amenities such as a king-sized bed, sofa bed, wood-burning stove, cookers, fridge, pots and pans, dining area, Wi-Fi, and charging points for convenience.
The property offers breathtaking coastal views, and the nearby Ballymastocker Bay, a Blue Flag beach, is perfect for sunbathing.
Rosguill Holiday Park
Our guide to the top camping destinations in Donegal begins with the highly recommended Rosguill Holiday Park. Rosguill Holiday Park, located on the north coast of Donegal, offers ocean views from your tent for those interested.
This park offers ample space for motorhomes, caravans, and tents amidst scenic golden beaches and clear waters. The location offers numerous amenities suitable for families, including restrooms, showers, a tennis court, a football field, laundry facilities, and vehicle electrical connections.
The barbeque area offers a vantage point for enjoying the beautiful bay scenery while sipping wine.
Sleepy Hollows Campsite
Sleep Hollows is an adult-only campsite in the village of Meenaleck in West Donegal, known for its peacefulness.
The beautiful area offers space for parking vans or setting up tents. Leos Tavern is conveniently located 200 meters away, and there are opportunities for fishing, walking, and visiting beaches within 10km of the property.
Accommodation options at the location include tent pitching, cabin rental, and stays in their ‘Sleepy Hut’ or ‘Sleepy Bell Tent’.
This campsite in Donegal is a good option for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the other options mentioned.
More Amazing Campsites in Donegal
The second section of our guide provides information on well-reviewed camping destinations in Donegal.
Several beachside campsites in Donegal are listed below that provide direct access to the sand.
Killybegs Holiday Park
Killybegs Holiday Park is located in the fishing port of Killybegs, near the Slieve League Cliffs and other popular attractions like Donegal’s waterfall.
The campsite is elevated, providing breathtaking panoramic views and designated areas for families, adults, and quiet spaces.
In the vicinity, there is a small secluded beach with clear water. Additionally, there is a reliable supply of electricity, freshwater, and Wi-Fi.
Wild Atlantic Camp
Wild Atlantic Camp in Donegal is a highly recommended campsite in Ireland with a range of accommodations, including heated wooden pods, powered motorhome sites, and tent pitches to cater to all preferences.
The camping site offers pod accommodations for up four people and various amenities such as hot showers, a communal kitchen, Wi-Fi, a playground, and a café/takeaway shop.
The location is in Creeslogh village with a view of Sheephaven Bay, making it a convenient starting point for exploring North West Donegal.
Lakeside Caravan and Camping Park
Lakeside is situated on the shore of Assaroe Lake and is within walking distance of the town of Ballyshannon.
This location is a convenient hub for exploring the North West region, offering ample opportunities for sightseeing and activities.
The four-star caravan park offers a range of amenities, including Wi-Fi, a games room, laundry facilities, toilet and shower blocks, and a children’s play area.
The location offers various options for camping, including spots for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, some of which are located near the water’s edge.
Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping Park
Tramore Beach Caravan Park is near Rosberg’s picturesque beach, making it an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts.
The park provides accommodation for campervans, caravans, and tents. It offers 20 spots for campervans and caravans and two large camping areas for tents. Additionally, the park provides a variety of on-site facilities.
- Toilet and shower blocks
- A tennis court
- Children’s play area
- Laundry and waste disposal
It should be noted that pets, specifically dogs, are not allowed in the park.
Knockalla Caravan and Camping Park
This caravan park situated on Ballymastocker Bay offers both mountain and beach experiences. It is located on the Blue Flag beach and is close to Knockalla Mountain on the Fanad Peninsula.
The park offers amenities such as Wi-Fi, a games room, a café and shop, hot showers and toilet facilities, a camp kitchen, and a tennis court available for all campers.
This location offers ample opportunities for family-friendly activities, including nearby walking paths and exploring areas.
Wild Camping in Donegal: A Disclaimer first
Since the initial publication of this guide, numerous inquiries have been received concerning the permissibility of wild camping in Donegal.
Wild camping is permitted in Donegal and other parts of Ireland, but being aware of the regulations is essential.
Leave no trace
It is essential to practice Leave No Trace principles when wild camping, meaning if you bring something, you should take it home without exception.
Camping On Private land
Before camping on private land, it is advisable to seek permission from the landowner to prevent potential eviction.
Go Wild (safely)
When engaging in wild camping in Donegal or other locations, it is recommended to venture away from established paths (while taking necessary safety precautions). As per the wild camping guidelines, campsites should be 400m from any vehicle-accessible road and at least 400m away from any buildings.
Watch For The Weather
When selecting a location to pitch a tent, it is vital to consider protection from the elements. Avoid areas near cliff edges due to the potential risk of wind.
Where to go wild camping in Donegal
Donegal offers prime locations for wild camping, with proper knowledge of where to find them.
Please read the instructions before setting up your tent.
Glenveagh National Park
Camping is prohibited within the central Glenveagh Valley of Glenveagh National Park but is allowed outside, approximately a one-hour walk from the entrance.
Camping in the park’s remote areas is permissible for visitors who adhere to the Wild Camping Code. Additional information can be found here.
Beaches
When wild camping in Donegal, beaches can be a viable option. However, it is recommended to camp at a safe distance from the sand on an elevated spot.
To avoid the tide, ensuring a safe distance from areas such as Fintra Beach, Silver Strand, and Carrickfinn Beach is vital.
Off-the-beaten-path areas
The most ideal locations for wild camping, whether in Donegal or elsewhere, are often discovered accidentally and not commonly listed in online guides.
There are many scenic locations to visit, including Lough Salt and various spots on Arranmore Island, but it is advised to exercise caution and trust your instincts.
Camping Donegal: Where have we missed?
Some excellent camping locations in Donegal may have been unintentionally omitted from the guide.
Please share any recommended places in the comments, and I will consider them.
FAQs about the best camping Donegal has to offer
Over the years, we have received numerous inquiries regarding various topics, such as suitable locations for wild camping and family-friendly destinations.
Below, we have included frequently asked questions that we have received. If a question still needs to be addressed, please feel free to ask in the comments section.
What are the most scenic places to go camping in Donegal?
Rosguill Holiday Park, Portsalon Luxury Camping, Knockalla Caravan, and Camping Park are hard to beat.
What’s the best beachside camping Donegal has to offer?
Tramore Beach Caravan and Camping Park, Rosguill Holiday Park and Casey’s Caravan Park.
