Ballycastle Camping: Best Campsites Near Ballycastle, County Antrim

100% (1 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ballycastle

Available this weekend

Under £50

88%

(21)

Troquhain Woods

6 units · Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

Laurelbank Farm

2 units · Tents7 acres · County Down, Ulster NI

Laurelbank Farm is a 7-acre organic smallholding in Co. Down. Our vision is to reconnect people to the land, and to nourish and empower people through farming and feasting. Our mission is to create an inspiring and thriving small-scale regenerative, organic farm. We commit: To be responsible and responsive to the needs of people. To keep our farm at a human scale and accessible to people. To foster community connections through education, knowledge, and sharing experiences together. We run a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme called Farm and Feast and periodically teach growing, brewing and cooking workshops. Our home is an early 19th Century farmhouse just outside Saintfield in County Down. We grow lots of vegetables, herbs, fruit and edible flowers in our kitchen garden, lower field beds and in our new polytunnel. We have a small bantam chicken called Georgia who you will come across wandering around the gardens! On arrival feel free to pitch your tent on the pitch you have booked. (There’s no formal checking in process.) Pitch one and two are both signposted, as are the toilets. You can light a fire within the fire pit at your camp site. The closest places to buy firewood are the garage at The Temple roundabout or Vivo in Saintfield. When you are settled, wander around the garden and farm to see what is growing. Take a walk to our willow patch, or have a peek inside the polytunnel. We are a working farm so sometimes not all areas will be available, but we are happy for you to explore the areas not in use. Two mornings per week we run volunteering sessions. You are welcome to join us in harvesting vegetables, sowing seeds, weeding and whatever other activities we have planned. Just book your spot via our website – theedibleflower.com - there’s always a tasty bite to eat after the work is done! Picnic tables are available in the courtyard area, which you can use. There is also an outside hot and cold tap with a small sink. We have two newly renovated toilets just off the main courtyard, one is wheelchair accessible. We do not have a shower block, but we do a solar shower which you are welcome to use - (a bag of water that heats up in the sun, and you then hook up on a tree). This is located in the Cow Byre, in the grey locker, along with a few other supplies you may borrow - boardgames / books etc. The Cow Byre is also home to our Farm Shop. Depending on the time of year, it is stocked with seasonal vegetables, jams and preserves and our cookbook! I may not be around when you arrive, but hopefully I’ll see you at some point during your stay - I’m often knee-deep in vegetables somewhere! Please drop me a message via Hipcamp messenger should you have any queries. I hope to see you soon! Jo Where we are: We are located only twenty-five minutes drive to Belfast (10 miles) and thirty minutes to Newcastle (15 miles) and the Mourne Mountains. If you are a Game of Thrones fan it is thirty minutes drive (13 miles) to Castle Ward (the filming location for Winterfell). We are also close to a number of wedding venues, including Larchfield Estate, The Carriage Rooms at Montalto and Finnebrogue Woods.

95%

(10)

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

8 top campsites near Ballycastle

88%

(21)

Troquhain Woods

6 units · Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

100%

(6)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

Booked 2 times

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Laurelbank Farm

2 units · Tents7 acres · County Down, Ulster NI

Laurelbank Farm is a 7-acre organic smallholding in Co. Down. Our vision is to reconnect people to the land, and to nourish and empower people through farming and feasting. Our mission is to create an inspiring and thriving small-scale regenerative, organic farm. We commit: To be responsible and responsive to the needs of people. To keep our farm at a human scale and accessible to people. To foster community connections through education, knowledge, and sharing experiences together. We run a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme called Farm and Feast and periodically teach growing, brewing and cooking workshops. Our home is an early 19th Century farmhouse just outside Saintfield in County Down. We grow lots of vegetables, herbs, fruit and edible flowers in our kitchen garden, lower field beds and in our new polytunnel. We have a small bantam chicken called Georgia who you will come across wandering around the gardens! On arrival feel free to pitch your tent on the pitch you have booked. (There’s no formal checking in process.) Pitch one and two are both signposted, as are the toilets. You can light a fire within the fire pit at your camp site. The closest places to buy firewood are the garage at The Temple roundabout or Vivo in Saintfield. When you are settled, wander around the garden and farm to see what is growing. Take a walk to our willow patch, or have a peek inside the polytunnel. We are a working farm so sometimes not all areas will be available, but we are happy for you to explore the areas not in use. Two mornings per week we run volunteering sessions. You are welcome to join us in harvesting vegetables, sowing seeds, weeding and whatever other activities we have planned. Just book your spot via our website – theedibleflower.com - there’s always a tasty bite to eat after the work is done! Picnic tables are available in the courtyard area, which you can use. There is also an outside hot and cold tap with a small sink. We have two newly renovated toilets just off the main courtyard, one is wheelchair accessible. We do not have a shower block, but we do a solar shower which you are welcome to use - (a bag of water that heats up in the sun, and you then hook up on a tree). This is located in the Cow Byre, in the grey locker, along with a few other supplies you may borrow - boardgames / books etc. The Cow Byre is also home to our Farm Shop. Depending on the time of year, it is stocked with seasonal vegetables, jams and preserves and our cookbook! I may not be around when you arrive, but hopefully I’ll see you at some point during your stay - I’m often knee-deep in vegetables somewhere! Please drop me a message via Hipcamp messenger should you have any queries. I hope to see you soon! Jo Where we are: We are located only twenty-five minutes drive to Belfast (10 miles) and thirty minutes to Newcastle (15 miles) and the Mourne Mountains. If you are a Game of Thrones fan it is thirty minutes drive (13 miles) to Castle Ward (the filming location for Winterfell). We are also close to a number of wedding venues, including Larchfield Estate, The Carriage Rooms at Montalto and Finnebrogue Woods.

Ayrshire Airstream

1 unit · Glamping5 acres · Irvine, Scotland

A seriously comfortable 1978 Airstream, complete with a hot tub, fire pit and its own bar.

Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Croftamie, Scotland

Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.

Oystercatcher Caravan

1 unit · Glamping6 acres · Newton Stewart, Galloway

The caravan is on the family run Monreith Sands Holiday Park with a great location on the beautiful Galloway coast. Sandy beaches are only a few 100m away. The generally calm waters of Luce Bay are great for swimming or kayaking . Nearby is a golf course plus historic sites & formal gardens. Although the Galloway Forest is know for being a Dark Sky Park and great for stargazing, the whole Machars peninsular is very dark. The Galloway Astronomy Centre (01988 500594) gives stargazing tours. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided.

Dog-friendly getaways

Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod

1 unit · Glamping2 acres · Croftamie, Scotland

Settled in the idyllic area with unrestricted panoramic views over the Arrochar Alps, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is set in charming grounds to the west of the popular small village of Croftamie. It has a wonderful situation with some outstanding views, over fields, towards the dramatic enveloping peaks of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. The perfect getaway for a romantic stay or honeymoon retreat or simply for exploring the wonders of the countryside and beauty of the local nature. Enjoying a snug open-plan studio layout, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod has everything you need for a countryside break full of outdoor adventures. The kitchenette is compact yet well-stocked with all the essential appliances with an electric hob, microwave and fridge being all you need to wine and dine. To the rear of the pod is the snug double bed with fresh & crispy bedlinen, cosy blankets for indoor and outdoor use (extra ones in a wooden box in front of the bed), and under-bed storage for your clothing. Compact, yet sleek bathroom equipped with a toilet, basin and an electric shower. The Pod is equipped with a Smart TV, a mini–Portable Bluetooth Speaker along with excellent Wi-Fi so you can stay connected. LED lights inside and outside the pod including decking lights. Outside of the pod, head out for a relaxing dip in the hot tub and soak up the stunning scenery before going back inside and climbing into cosy bed and watching your favourite series on Netflix. With a decking area providing a stunning view of the mountains, ofuro style hot tub and gazebo sitting area with firepit & BBQ Grill, this charming rural retreat for two, Loch Lomond Sunset Glamping Pod is offering a peaceful romantic escape. Dog friendly Not suitable for children Loch Lomond Sunset Pod lies just to the west of Croftamie Village and is only a couple of miles south of Drymen. The Sunset Pod is within a National Scenic Area and The Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland’s first National Park. It is surrounded by rolling Stirlingshire countryside and hills and is approached via its long private, and gated, drive off a quiet country road. When you reach the pod, on the left side of the front door there is a key safe box (details will be sent on your booking) for self-check-in, just put the code in to access the keys to the pod and enjoy your stay admiring amazing mountains views. And if you are lucky, a deer may pay you a surprising visit. If you are a smoker, we kindly ask you to only smoke outside of the glamping pod within the gazebo area, where an ashtray is provided.

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

Troquhain Woods

6 units · Motorhomes, Tents14 acres · Castle Douglas, Dumfries, South Scotland

Nearly wild camping for tents and campervans in a Scottish woodland

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Campsites near Ballycastle guide

Overview

Ballycastle is a great base for exploring the Causeway Coast, the Glens of Antrim, or Rathlin Island. On the Causeway Coast, see everything from the unique rocks of the Giant’s Causeway to romantic castle ruins and the lush green Glens of Antrim. Watersport opportunities include surfing and sea kayaking, while Game of Thrones fans can visit various filming locations and hikers can explore forest parks, long beaches, and the bird sanctuary at Rathlin Island. Camping options range from holiday parks to forest parks and glamping pods.

Where to go

Causeway Coast

This stretch of coast is home to the Causeway Coastal Route, one of the world’s great drives. Stop to walk on the unique basalt rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway, test your wits on the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, or explore the cliffside, 16th-century ruins of Dunluce Castle. Various camping options are available near Ballycastle—check out area caravan parks and holiday parks for the best pitches.

Glens of Antrim

The nine glens of Antrim run along some of the Causeway Coastal Route, with two set behind Ballycastle, each carved out by a river and surrounded by lush green landscape and woodlands. Drop in to Glenarm village and Glenarm Castle, or explore Glenariff Forest Park, which also has camping facilities for vehicles (but not tents). On the sea side, don’t miss the scenic villages of Cushendall and Cushendun (owned by the National Trust).

Rathlin Island

Rathlin Island is an island six miles out to sea—the passenger ferry from Ballycastle takes about 25 minutes (although vehicles are restricted). The island is a renowned bird sanctuary, in particular for puffins, and it also features many interesting wildflowers. Visit the lighthouse built “upside-down” into a cliff to see the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre. You can make it a day trip or stay overnight to explore the island by foot or by bicycle. You need permission from a landowner to camp on Rathlin Island, where options include glamping pods.

Portrush and Portstewart

Golfers and surfers will love the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart for long walks along golden beaches, taking to the water to catch surfing waves, or enjoying the links courses at Royal Portrush Golf Club. Plenty of bars, cafés, restaurants, and ice cream shops dot the towns too. Both offer surf schools and watersports centres to try sea kayaking or paddleboarding, and there are lots of camping options and holiday parks in the area.

When to go

You’ll find the best weather and the thickest crowds in July and August, when tour busses hit the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Scottish Game of Thrones filming locations. Anytime between May and September is a good time for camping, but weather can change at short notice, so be prepared for rain, wind, and cooler temperatures.

Know before you go

Many campsites are seasonal, so check dates in advance.
Campsites can get busy on weekends and bank holidays, when it’s best to book far in advance.
Campsites can close and Rathlin Island ferries can be cancelled in storms.
Seasonal passenger ferries run from Ballycastle to the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland—the crossing takes 60 to 90 minutes, weather-depending.