- Ballycastle
Campsites with fishing near Ballycastle
Top-rated campgrounds near Ballycastle
1. Runach Arainn Glamping
2. Oystercatcher Caravan
Top-rated campgrounds near Ballycastle
1. Runach Arainn Glamping
2. Oystercatcher Caravan
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Campsites with fishing near Ballycastle guide
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.