Coleraine Camping: Best Campsites Near Coleraine, County Londonderry

Coleraine is a solid starting point for exploring the Causeway Coast with easy access to the seaside towns of Portstewart and Portrush, as well as the 11-kilometre-long Benone Strand and Downhill Beach. From here, the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle are within easy reach, and further afield along the coast from Ballycastle are the nine Glens of Antrim. You can also take a ferry across to Inishowen in County Donegal, or find plenty of camping and holiday parks on the coast and around Portstewart and Portrush.

Top-rated campgrounds

Coleraine is a solid starting point for exploring the Causeway Coast with easy access to the seaside towns of Portstewart and Portrush, as well as the 11-kilometre-long Benone Strand and Downhill Beach. From here, the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle are within easy reach, and further afield along the coast from Ballycastle are the nine Glens of Antrim. You can also take a ferry across to Inishowen in County Donegal, or find plenty of camping and holiday parks on the coast and around Portstewart and Portrush.

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Port nan Gael Campsite

95%

(11)

143km from Coleraine · 75 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

2. The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

100%

(3)

129km from Coleraine · 2 units · Glamping · 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.

3. Runach Arainn Glamping

100%

(9)

98km from Coleraine · 3 units · Glamping · Kilmory, Scotland

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

4. Glamping in Galloway with Hot Tubs

121km from Coleraine · 5 units · Glamping · Stranraer, Galloway

We are pet friendly here at The Galloway Steading all of our accommodations have secure private safe areas for your furry friends that coupled with lots of lovely walks all around us should ensure a fun break for them too. There's a £13 charge per dog per stay max 3 per accommodation payable on arrival. Glenluce and the surrounding areas offer various sports and outdoor activities for tourists who enjoy staying active. Here are some sports and recreational options: Next door to us is the Wigtownshire County Golf Course, offering beautiful landscapes for a round of golf. Hiking and Walking Trails: Explore the scenic countryside by taking advantage of the numerous hiking and walking trails in the region. Galloway Forest Park, in particular, offers a variety of trails suitable for different fitness levels. Cycling: Bring your bike or rent one locally to explore the picturesque countryside. There are cycling routes that cater to both casual riders and more experienced cyclists. Fishing: Enjoy fishing in the rivers and lochs surrounding Glenluce. Check local regulations and obtain the necessary permits for a relaxing day by the water. Bird Watching: The Wood of Cree, an RSPB nature reserve, is a haven for birdwatchers. Bring your binoculars and explore the diverse bird species in this beautiful natural setting. Water Sports: If you're a fan of water activities, head to the nearby coastline for opportunities like kayaking, windsurfing, or simply enjoying a day at the beach. Archery: Some locations in the region offer archery experiences, providing a unique and enjoyable way to spend your time outdoors. Rock Climbing: Adventure seekers can explore rock climbing opportunities in the Galloway Hills. There are various routes suitable for different skill levels. Horseback Riding: Experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside on horseback. Several riding stables in the area offer guided trail rides for all levels of experience. Shooting and Hunting: For those interested in shooting sports, there are facilities that offer clay pigeon shooting and other shooting experiences. Ensure you comply with local regulations and safety guidelines.

5. Oystercatcher Caravan

100%

(1)

143km from Coleraine · 1 unit · Glamping · Newton Stewart, Galloway

The 2 bedroom 35 x 12ft caravan is fully equipped for self-catering. With double glazing, central heating and an additional electric fire in the lounge it is warm throughout the year. The boiler also supplies constant hot water. Sorry we do not allow pets. Strictly no smoking or vaping is allowed in the caravan. The caravan can sleep up to 6 persons. Bedroom #1 - with standard size double bed (new mattress for 2025) with fitted wardrobes and cupboards. Bedroom #2 - with two single beds with cupboard space. The lounge sofa has a fold out double bed (new mattress for 2025). All bedding is provided. Lounge / Dining Room - the lounge has large windows and access to the veranda. The room also has fitted cupboards. The dining area has a circular table with 4 chairs. Kitchen - fully fitted with a gas cooker, microwave, fridge, kettle, toaster, pots and pans. Cooking utensils, a 6 piece dinner service and cutlery are also provided. Tea, coffee and sugar are supplied at the start of the holiday, but will not be replenished. Bathroom - with shower, toilet and washbasin. We do not supply towels. Additional - Outside table and 4 chairs. Also Fire and CO Alarms, Thermometer, Wall clock and Tide clock. An information pack of places to visit and eat is provided. 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 and 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.

6. The Lost Meadow

15km from Coleraine · 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!

Stories from the community

S

Simon

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

Beautiful views up the Loch. Quite a steep climb but easily achievable. Fire pit, bbq and seating area ideal. Even the compostable toilet had a great view!

S

Sally

July 2025

With kids

4 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Runach Arainn is even more lovely in person than in the photos. Great location for a peaceful and relaxing stay on Arann. The yurts are comfortable, the kitchen/fire-pit etc are well-equipped and the orchard setting is beautiful. It's just a short walk to the beach or to the Lagg Inn for dinner. Highly recommend.

S

Siobhan

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Port nan Gael Campsite

Absolutely loved our stay! Despite the almost constant rain we had haha. Beautiful location with views out over the water where we saw some seals one night. Great facilities on site, and a fab shop and restaurant too! Will 100% be back 😃

E

Eva

July 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Runach Arainn Glamping

Absolutely fantastic spot! Yurt was so well equipped, they really had thought of everything. Beautiful location in such a peaceful area, and a lovely beach in walking distance! Couldn’t recommend enough

J

Jason

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Oystercatcher Caravan

Super helpful host. Good location, a very quiet part of Scotland. Accommodation was very fairly priced and well cared for.

M

Meron

June 2025

2 nights at The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

The Charcoal Huts were so magical. We stayed in Birch and it had amazing views, was quite private and had everything we needed - including things we forgot. It was beautiful and cosy inside and the fire kept us so warm. I really loved this place.

Top camping destinations

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Campsites near Coleraine guide

Where to go

Portrush and Portstewart

Both 10 minutes’ drive from Coleraine, these are two typical seaside resort towns with a holiday feel in summer. Walk the golden stands, explore the dunes, or take to the waves. Both have plenty of camping options—check out area holiday parks for everything from tent pitches to geodomes.

Causeway Coastal Route

The Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. Highlights along the way include the unique rock formations at the Giant’s Causeway, the cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle, and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The nine glens of Antrim start from Ballycastle, with forest parks and waterfalls, plus heritage villages like Cushendall and Cushendun on the coastal side.

Inishowen, Donegal

Take in the golden sands of the 10-kilometre-long Benone Strand, then drive to Magilligan Point to hop on a ferry across Lough Foyle to Greencastle and explore Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula and its beaches. Head to Malin Head, Ireland’s most northerly point, for serene coastal walks.

Derry

The city of Derry (or Londonderry) is set on the River Foyle and its 1.6-km-long walls are some of the best preserved in Europe—take a tour to learn about the bastions, gateways, and ramparts. The impressive 1633 St. Columb’s Cathedral is full of stories, while the stained glass windows at the Guildhall capture some of the city’s history.

When to go

The best weather is usually from May to September, a time that draws crowds and tour busses to seaside towns, as well as to the Giant’s Causeway. Campsites can get busy, so advance planning is recommended. Weather can change at short notice so always be prepared for rain.

Know before you go

Many campsites are seasonal, so check dates in advance.
Campsites can get busy and many require advance bookings for weekends, bank holidays, and all of July and August.
Campsites can close and ferries can be cancelled in storms.

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