Everything You Need to Know About Caravan Camping in Cork
Did you know that the humble spud, the beloved hero of countless Irish meals, had its debut in the fields of Cork? Legend has it that Sir Walter Raleigh planted the first potato near his home in Youghal around 1588.
Now, fast forward to today, imagine pitching your caravan in the very soil where the first potato took root. Cork, with its rich history, rolling landscapes, and coastal charm, offers more than just a nod to agricultural history. It’s a caravan camper’s dream!
Whether you’re drawn to the woods, the coast, or the quaint countryside, Cork is a great destination for your next camping adventure. So, fellow adventurers, join us as we explore the do’s and don’ts, insider tips, and the best spots in the area!
Embrace Tranquility Amidst History at Blarney Caravan and Camping Park
Address: Stone View, Blarney, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 21 451 6519
Hours: Open from March to October; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 40
Size: 1.25 Hectares
Pros: Pet friendly, Great for families
Located in County Cork, Blarney Caravan and Camping Park is an award-winning, four-star campsite that not provides a peaceful escape into the beauty of nature. The campsite offers a dedicated motorhome service area for maximum convenience.
The site boasts a camper’s kitchen, allowing you to prepare meals surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Plus, the lure of free (and stable) Wi-Fi is great for those of you who need to stay connected with the outside world like us.
Pro Tip:
The Blarney Caravan and Camping Park is accessible from Cork’s and Rosslare’s ferry ports. Make sure you take advantage of its location near premier attractions, including the renowned Blarney Castle, Blarney Stone, and Fota Wildlife Park.
Experience Glamping Right in Chléire Haven
Address: Cape Clear Island, Cape Clear Island, Munster, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 86 197 1956
Hours: Open everyday year round
Pitches: 25
Size: Hectares
Pros: Great for a more luxurious camp experience
You can embark on a journey to the southernmost part of Ireland, where Chléire Haven awaits on Cape Clear Island. Eight miles from the mainland, this rural gem offers an unparalleled camping experience with space for private vehicles to park and set up.
If you don’t do well when mixed in too deep with nature, you’ll be glad to know that they have well-kept pitches, yurts, and tipis. Each of these are decked out with wood-burning stoves and a pretty comfortable double bed.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss the chance to explore the entire island which is accessible from the Chléire Haven campsite. The entire island measures around 5 km in length so make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes with you to maximize the strolls you take here.
Enjoy a Your Quiet Coastal Retreat at the Clonvilla Caravan & Camping Park
Address: Clonpriest West, Co. Cork, P36 ND83, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 24 98288
Hours: Open March to Mid October; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 20
Size: 1 acre
Pros: Great for beach lovers, pet friendly, less crowded
Tucked away on a small, and oftentimes overlooked site, the Clonvilla Caravan & Camping Park is one of our favorite underrated campsites in Cork. They welcome you to pitch a tent or drive in with your caravans and mobile homes.
The warm hospitality of the owners and intimate grounds ensure a pleasant stay without any disturbances. The spotlessly clean facilities make it an ideal site complete with kettles, microwaves, clean toilets and shower areas.
Pro Tip:
The park is a great base for exploring nearby attractions like the Fota Wildlife Park for animal lovers and the Trabolgan Holiday Centre for shoppaholics. The Cobh & Midleton Heritage Center is a great place to learn about the local history of the area.
Set Up Camp on a Dairy Farm at the Desert House Caravan and Camping Park
Address: Desert House, Desert, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P85 XE29, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 23 883 3331
Hours: Open everyday year round from 9 am to 9 pm
Pitches: 36
Size: 1.6 Hectares
Pros: Pet friendly, Beach access
Perched on a hillside that overlooks the picturesque Clonakilty Bay, the Desert House Caravan and Camping Park offers great views. But, what sets it apart is the unique camping experience it offers with its location on a family-run dairy farm.
Here, you can drive up in your caravan and explore the myriad of activities waiting for you. You get to immerse yourself in the serene ambiance while also enjoying farming activities against the backdrop of breathtaking views.
There are also golf courses, pitch and putting courses, and fishing areas in the park that you can enjoy while you’re there.
Pro Tip:
Beyond the tranquility of the farm, the Desert House Caravan and Camping Park serves as a gateway to birdwatching, exploration of the town of Clonakilty, embracing the diverse routes of the Wild Atlantic Way, and watersports on the beaches.
Embark on an Adventure on the Peninsula at Eagle Point Camping
Address: Eagle Point, Reenadisert, Ballylickey, Co. Cork, P75 WP58, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 27 50630
Hours: Open from April to end of September; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 125
Size: 8 Hectares
Pros: Wide open spaces, family friendly, beach access
For families with kids that can sometimes get easily bored out in the wild, Eagle Point Camping is the perfect place to visit in Cork, Ireland. The avid water sports enthusiast, golfer, hiker, or horseback rider in you will have a great time here.
There are golf courses, hiking and biking trails, and horse riding opportunities waiting for you at Eagle Point Camping. Positioned in the captivating surroundings of a stunning peninsula, this campsite also promises great views that match the fun you’ll have here.
The location also gives you access to pebbled beaches and water sports like windsurfing, swimming, boating, and fishing.
Pro Tip:
Plan your activities around the sunset for a breathtaking and Instagram-worthy view over the peninsula. In the meantime, you can pass the time on the football field or tennis court they have on site. Just be sure to bring your own sports gear!
Use the Glengarriff Caravan and Camping Park as a Gateway to the Beara Peninsula
Address: Castletownbere Road, Glengarriff, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 27 63154
Hours: Open everyday year round
Pitches: 90
Size: 5 Hectares
Pros: Pet friendly, beach access, countryside views
You can embark on an unforgettable camping journey at Glengarriff Caravan and Camping Park. The park serves as a great home base while you explore the Beara Peninsula and the renowned Wild Atlantic Way.
Nestled in the heart of County Cork, this camping haven offers more than just a place to pitch your tent. There are tons of activities that the park offers like hiking and biking.
The Glengarriff Caravan and Camping Park provides a modern camping experience, complete with onsite pitches featuring electric hook-ups, state-of-the-art shower facilities, and a playground for the little ones.
Pro Tip:
As the sun sets, we suggest you take a leisurely stroll along the nearby coastline for a breathtaking panorama of the Beara Peninsula. After the sunset, you can head to the main lodge where you can enjoy live music. Check the calendar on their website!
Get in Touch with History at the Garrettstown House Holiday Park
Address: Garrettstown, Kinsale, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 21 477 8156
Hours: Open everyday year round from 8 am to 8 pm
Pitches: 60
Size: 8 Hectares
Pros: Historical element
The Garrettstown House Holiday Park is a popular campsite in West Cork whether you enjoy doing it in campervans, caravans, tents, or mobile homes. The site itself promises a serene escape with a unique backdrop in the form of the 1702 Manor House.
Instead of mountain views or coastal scenery, the holiday park offers a historic setting with old homes, ruins, and antique lamp posts. Located in the charming town of Kinsale, this camping park offers a place to rest while enjoying a bit of history and natural beauty.
Pro Tip:
There’s a children’s club open for anyone during the months of July and August, that provides entertainment for the young ones. On the other hand, an adult’s lounge is a great place to socialize and make friends once the kids have been tucked in.
Enjoy the Outdoors in Style at the Hungry Hill Lodge and Campsite
Address: Adrigole, Beara Peninsula, Co. Cork, P75 CY62, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 83 119 6659
Hours: Open from March to end of November
Pitches: 30
Pros: Beach access, countryside views, pet friendly
Hungry Hill Lodge and Campsite is a gem in the heart of West Cork. It’s mostly known for the very warm welcome and hospitality you experience during your entire stay.
There are diverse camping options with a mix of traditional camping and glamping accommodations. If you’d rather have a more quiet and sheltered place to sleep, they also offer private pods for individuals, log cabins and cottages for families and friends.
Beyond being one of Cork’s premier caravan and camping parks, its location on the Beara Peninsula along the Wild Atlantic Way makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
Pro Tip:
While you’re at the Hungry Hill Lodge and Campsite, celebrate its name by dropping by for a visit to the local store just 100 meters away for some fresh produce. Don’t miss the weekend treat from the coffee and ice cream truck next to the campsite too!
Spend a Unique Day at the Inch Hideaway Eco Sustainable Campsite
Address: Inch Hideaway, Glanturkin, Whitegate, Co. Cork, P25 ND37, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 86 608 0766
Hours: Open everyday year round from 9 am to 6 pm
Size: 2 Hectares
Pros: One of a kind experience
You can discover a camping experience like no other at Inch Hideaway Eco Sustainable Campsite, a mere 15-minute walk from the picturesque Inch Beach. More than a regular camping spot, this eco-sustainable haven has open spaces for caravans.
If you’re into a more unique camping experience, you can opt to stay in one of their yurts. Each one of the yurts were built by hand and are well insulated for winter camping. They also have wood fire stoves, electric heaters, and comfortable beds.
With a garden and a lot of classes and activities, you won’t run out of things to do here.
Pro Tip:
The campsite offers a diverse range of activities, from holistic massage sessions to group yoga classes that we suggest you try. You can also try foraging for berries and herbs on a guided walk, to add an educational touch to your camping adventure.
Explore the Hub of Activities at the Jasmine Villa Caravan and Camping Park
Address: Carrigtwohill, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 21 488 3234
Hours: Open everyday year round
Size: 1.5 Hectares
Pros: Close to Fota Island in Cork
Situated on the outskirts of Cork, Jasmine Villa Caravan and Camping Park is an ideal campsite if you’re planning to visit the Fota Wildlife Park just a 6 minute drive away.
But, you don’t have to go far to have a good time here. Aside from the traditional necessities for a great camping trip including shower areas and electricity, the park also has leisure amenities waiting for you like a shaded garden area to relax in.
The 18-hole golf course is great for those itching for a round, while the swimming pools, beaches, and fishing spots are perfect for those who love the water as much as we do.
Pro Tip:
If you’re going there without the kids, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of restaurants and even some bars and clubs for late night unwinding. Don’t miss out on other spots nearby like the Jameson Heritage Centre.
Celebrate the Scouting Spirit at the Kilcully Scout Campsite
Address: Kilcully House, Whites Cross, Cork, T23 NH63 Kilcully, Cork, Ireland
Hours: Based on reservation only
Size: 4.5 Hectares
Pros: Wide area,
The Kilcully Scout Campsite is perfect if you’re like us and a rich history makes a place all the more alluring. The campsite itself is rooted in community spirit.
This site was once an old farmhouse, transformed into its current state through the dedicated efforts of Cork’s scouting groups in 1970. Beyond its rustic charm, the site spans an area greater than most other campsites in cork.
Now adorned with a modern accommodation building offering essential amenities like showers, toilets, fridges, and freezers, it’s gained more popularity.
Pro Tip:
We suggest you go ahead and fully embrace the scout spirit fully by joining in on a friendly game of table tennis, an impromptu soccer match, or a couple of shots on the basketball court. They’re surefire ways to forge connections with fellow campers.
Have a Guaranteed Good Time at the Sextons Caravan and Camping Park
Address: R600, Carhoo, Clonakilty, Co. Cork, P72 WY61, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 87 220 8088
Hours: Open from March to October; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 30
Size: 4 Hectares
Pros: beach access, pet friendly, countryside views
With half a century of experience in the business under their belt, the team behind the Sextons Caravan and Camping Park definitely know what they’re doing.
The park has been a prime location for camping with friends or family. Only a short 25-minute drive to Kinsale, five minutes to Clonakilty, and close proximity to the pristine Inchydoney Beach, this park is a great home base for exploring the area.
You can expect an all-inclusive experience with amenities like a kids’ playground where the little ones can run off steam, a fully functioning kitchen where you can cook meals, and even a football pitch for some athletic fun.
Pro Tip:
There are pitches set on grassy areas and some hard standing ones, each kind is marked for your convenience. But, if you want to make sure you get the kind you like, we suggest getting there as early as you can (before sunrise) to secure a spot.
Combine Nature and City Life at the Hideaway Camping and Caravan Park
Address: 10-14 Castletownshend Rd, Carrigfadda, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 28 22254
Hours: Open from May to end of September; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 60
Size: 2 Hectares
Pros: Pet friendly, countryside views
If you like camping, but don’t particularly like the long drives that usually precede the experience, then The Hideaway Camping and Caravan Park is a must visit spot for you.
The park is a four-star campsite just a ten minute walk from Skibbereen, West Cork.
You get to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry and stunning views that surround this family-run park. It gives off a blend of rural charm and modern facilities.
Boasting spacious pitches and clean and convenient amenities, this park is a favorite among those looking for an easy going camping trip. Plus, you can explore the local culture by attending an evening event in Skibbereen and mingle with the locals.
Pro Tip:
Although caravans and motorhomes are allowed and welcomed in The Hideaway Camping and Caravan Park, make sure you park in the correct areas. There is a secluded spot for tents only where you aren’t allowed to park your vehicles.
Enjoy a Day out in Nature at The Meadow Camping Park
Address: P81 Wr68, Kilfinnan, Glandore, Co. Cork, Ireland
Phone Number: +353 28 33280
Hours: Open from May to September; special hours upon inquiry during other months
Pitches: 19
Size: 1 Hectare
Pros: Beach access, pet friendly
Enveloped by lush meadows, The Meadow Camping Park, located 2 km from Glandore, is a canvas for nature’s beauty. Perfect for boating enthusiasts, this park offers easy access to beaches nearby where you can get great views or take a dip in the waters.
There are also winding roads along the trail which are perfect for riding bikes or going on a stroll amongst nature. The park itself has 3 environmental awards under its belt and is recommended by multiple camping guides.
Pro Tip:
Beyond the meadows, you can immerse yourself in the coastal fun in the village of Glandore and its surroundings. Here, you can sample some great seafood and traditional Irish pubs.