Camping and touring sites in forests

Camping and touring sites in forests can be a fun way to take a short break or spend holidays. There are several forests in Northern Ireland with sites and facilities for camping and touring vehicles.

COVID-19 update

Camping and touring sites reopened on Friday 26 June 2020. Customers should follow COVID-19 regulations and guidance and practise social distancing in the use of caravan and camping facilities.

To allow social distancing measures to be met, Forest Service has reduced the number of pitches that can be booked at these sites and this will be kept under review.

Washing and toilet facilities will be open at Castlewellan, Tollymore, Glenariff and Drum Manor Forest Parks - but if you are able to use your own facilities in your unit you should do so as much as possible. This will help manage demand and queuing.

In addition to site provision, caravan and camping customers are advised to bring their own soap and hand sanitisers - particularly important when using service points.

Bookings for Castlewellan, Tollymore, Glenariff and Drum Manor Forest Parks started on Wednesday 24 June 2020. Note - at present Forest Service is only able to accept online bookings and payment.

All Touring in the Trees sites reopened on Friday 26 June 2020, apart from Glenarifff. Glenariff is temporarily closed due to essential harvesting operations.  

Youth camping sites reopened on Friday 26 June 2020 for pre-booked groups only. You will need to include a management plan, with risk assessments, showing how you will keep to COVID-19 regulations and guidance.  

Facilities

Drinking water, hot showers, toilet facilities, chemical toilet disposal points and electricity hook up points for touring vehicles are provided at main stay sites in forest parks. Some of these sites have cafes, shop and laundry facilities located either in the Forest Park or nearby.

Camping facilities for tent packers may also be available for those who want to experience the great outdoors. These sites share the same washing and toilet facilities with caravan based visitors and have access and parking for cars.

Camping and touring online booking

If you’d like to camp in a tent or stay in a caravan, motorhome, campervan, folding caravan or trailer tent at the forests below, you can now do your booking online:

These are well-equipped long stay sites where visitors can stay for up to 14 nights depending on availability.  Advance booking is advisable during peak season and especially at bank holiday weekends. Find out more about each forest park:

Camping and touring charges

Prices are listed on the following page:

Before you make a booking, understand the camping and touring terms and conditions as they set out the entire agreement between you and Forest Service to use their services.  To view the terms, follow the link below:  

Touring caravans (Touring in the Trees)

Touring in the Trees annual permits allow you to stay at nine touring caravan sites where you can explore the forests and surrounding countryside. These forest sites are reserved for annual permit holders only. You cannot stay for longer than three nights in a row at one site.

As annual permits for sale are limited in number they're available to first come, first served applicants.

Touring in the trees caravan sites are located at:

Youth camping sites

Youth organisations or school groups can arrange to use grass sites at some forests for short camping stays.  Facilities on site are very basic, with fresh water and a waste disposal point provided. All groups booked on these sites must have responsible adults present at all times, with a suitable number of adults to young people to make sure that they're properly supervised.

Camping stays must be pre-arranged by telephoning the forest office and cannot be booked online. Phone numbers can be found at the links below:

Information on accommodation options, as well as ideas for great experiences and things to do is available on the Discover Northern Ireland website.

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