Camping in Binevenagh AONB

The Binevenagh AONB covers 138 square kilometres, stretching from the north end of the Sperrin Mountains to the coastline between Portstewart and Magilligan Point, taking in the beaches of Magilligan, Benone, and Downhill, as well as the cliffs of Binevenagh. In addition to beaches and dunes, campers will find areas of conservation with animal habitats, plant species, and bird reserves. You might see Brent geese or whooper swans on the mudflats, coloured burnet moths and butterflies in the dunes, or marram grass and sea buckthorn plants. Camping options sit around the foot of Binevenagh and along the coast near Benone, as well as between Portstewart and Portrush.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Lost Meadow

1 unit · Tent · NI

A mile from the nearest road and hundreds of meters from the nearest house there is tiny off grid log cabin in a secluded woodland clearing beside a large natural wildflower meadow. The clearing is surrounded by mature hedges and trees and you can lock the gates from inside if you want to enjoy nature ‘au naturale’ although the whole estate is clothing optional for any naturists who care to visit. As well as the composting toilet there is an outdoor kitchen and a gas powered outdoor shower. Solar panels provide lights for the cabin and the kitchen. There is plenty room for up to three large tents in the clearing which is home to some fruiting apple and cherry trees, as well as blackberry bushes (feel free to help yourself in season) The fire pit is safe to use and we can supply firewood if needed. The whole estate is a privately owned wildlife and biodiversity project. Guests are free to roam both the woodland which has over 10,000 native broadleaf trees and the 5 acres of natural wildflower meadow. The owners who live on site in a carbon free eco house are beekeepers and produce the locally renowned ‘Ballymoney Honey’ which is available to buy on site in season. There is a growing bird hide (willow dome) in one of the clearings which has views over the upper meadow and the ground nesting birds that live there. We don’t permit dogs or insect repellents anywhere in the estate to protect the birds and wildlife that lives here. Sorry!

The Binevenagh AONB covers 138 square kilometres, stretching from the north end of the Sperrin Mountains to the coastline between Portstewart and Magilligan Point, taking in the beaches of Magilligan, Benone, and Downhill, as well as the cliffs of Binevenagh. In addition to beaches and dunes, campers will find areas of conservation with animal habitats, plant species, and bird reserves. You might see Brent geese or whooper swans on the mudflats, coloured burnet moths and butterflies in the dunes, or marram grass and sea buckthorn plants. Camping options sit around the foot of Binevenagh and along the coast near Benone, as well as between Portstewart and Portrush.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Lost Meadow

1 unit · Tent · NI

A mile from the nearest road and hundreds of meters from the nearest house there is tiny off grid log cabin in a secluded woodland clearing beside a large natural wildflower meadow. The clearing is surrounded by mature hedges and trees and you can lock the gates from inside if you want to enjoy nature ‘au naturale’ although the whole estate is clothing optional for any naturists who care to visit. As well as the composting toilet there is an outdoor kitchen and a gas powered outdoor shower. Solar panels provide lights for the cabin and the kitchen. There is plenty room for up to three large tents in the clearing which is home to some fruiting apple and cherry trees, as well as blackberry bushes (feel free to help yourself in season) The fire pit is safe to use and we can supply firewood if needed. The whole estate is a privately owned wildlife and biodiversity project. Guests are free to roam both the woodland which has over 10,000 native broadleaf trees and the 5 acres of natural wildflower meadow. The owners who live on site in a carbon free eco house are beekeepers and produce the locally renowned ‘Ballymoney Honey’ which is available to buy on site in season. There is a growing bird hide (willow dome) in one of the clearings which has views over the upper meadow and the ground nesting birds that live there. We don’t permit dogs or insect repellents anywhere in the estate to protect the birds and wildlife that lives here. Sorry!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Binevenagh AONB guide

Where to go

Binevenagh cliffs

For walkers, a short forest walk and a steep uphill section leads to the cliffs of Binevenagh, which stretch for six miles with views over Lough Foyle to the Inishowen Peninsula. You can also drive—travelling from Downhill back toward Limavady, take the steep turn left for the Bishop’s Road Drive, stopping at the viewing point to see over Lough Foyle to Inishowen and back to the Sperrin Mountains. Glamping is available near Glebe, while tent pitches and bell tents are popular at the Carrowmena Activity Centre near Carrowclare.

Benone

Benone strand runs for seven miles from the base of the cliffs at Downhill to Magilligan Point. From the point, take a ferry across Lough Foyle to Greencastle on the Inishowen Peninsula in County Donegal, and explore the start of the Wild Atlantic Way. Coastal camping options include caravan parks near the strand, glamping lodges, and tent pitches.

Portstewart and Portrush

Portstewart and Portrush are two typical seaside resort towns with a holiday feel in summer. The highlight of Portstewart is Portstewart Strand, home to golden sands, dunes, and rare wildflowers like birdsfoot trefoil or wild thyme. Herons and mute swans can be spotted in the Bann Estuary. Or take to the waves—there are a number of surf schools and watersports centres. Plenty of camping grounds can be found along the coast from Portstewart to Portrush, and beyond toward Bushmills.

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