If you’re in search of the best places to go camping in Kerry, you’ve landed in the right place.
Kerry is one of the most popular parts of Ireland to visit, and for good reason – there’s an endless number of things to do and places to visit in Kerry.
It offers an incredible blend of stunning natural scenery, historic monuments and sites, and amazing towns and villages — and of course some great pubs.
Fantastic for road trippers, there are some great routes to choose from in Kerry. In terms of accommodation, camping is an affordable and fun choice.
In the guide below, you’ll discover the best places to go camping in Kerry, from campsites by the sea to places to pitch near the mountains.
Other Kerry accommodation guides
- 11 Of The Finest Dog Friendly Hotels In Kerry
- The Best Luxury Accommodation And 5 Star Hotels In Kerry
- 11 Quirky Places To Go Glamping In Kerry This Summer
- 11 Weird, Wonderful and Unique Airbnbs In Kerry
- 19 Of The Best Hotels In Kerry (Something For Every Budget)
Our favourite places to go camping in Kerry
The first section of this guide tackles our favourite places to go camping in Kerry. These are places that:
- One or more of our team have stayed in and would recommend
- Have exceptional reviews on Google at the time of writing
1. Green Acres Caravan and Camping Park
Whether you’re stopping off for a night on the Wild Atlantic Way, or setting up camp for a week or two, there’s loads to love about Green Acres in Aughacasla.
A veritable hidden gem, the golden sandy beach is on the doorstep, with rolling green hills, lakes, rivers, and mountains all around.
It’s the ideal spot for outdoor activities, such as surfing, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, hiking and much more.
It’s great for motorhomes, caravans, tents, motorcyclists, and long term stays alike. There are also shops, pubs, villages and takeaways just up the road, so you’ll have everything at your fingertips.
2. Mannix Point Camping and Caravan Park
Mannix Point is a magical campsite that is frequently voted among the best in Ireland. Situated on the waterfront, with views out into the bay, it’s just a short way from Cahirciveen on the Ring of Kerry.
Tranquil and surrounded by beautiful scenery on all sides, it’s a wonderful place to stay and explore the surroundings. There’s loads to do around as well, including diving, sailing, horse riding, boat trips to the Skellig Islands and much more.
But the true heart and soul of Mannix Point is Mortimer Moriarty (or Muircheartach Seosamh Breandan Ó Muircheartaigh in Irish), the renowned owner.
Friendly and welcoming, he even has his own song! Perfect for tents and caravans alike, but be sure to check out the legendary camper’s sitting room, where impromptu music sessions erupt and the turf fire roars.
3. Woodlands Caravan & Camping Park
Just outside the town of Tralee, on the banks of the River Lee and at the foot of the Slieve Mish Mountains, you’ll find the wonderful Woodlands campsite.
This is a top choice for families, and there’s no end of activities for the kids to enjoy, including football pitches, playgrounds, table tennis, and a games room.
Woodlands welcomes tents, motorhomes and caravans alike, and is an ideal base for enjoying Tralee and its natural surroundings.
There’s a good kitchen, but best is the sheltered BBQ area, so even if the weather turns, you can still fire up the barbie.
4. Fossa Caravan and Camping Park
Just a short drive out of Killarney on the Kerry Ring you’ll find the village of Fossa, and tucked in among the trees and woods is the campsite.
This place is great, with amazing views out over the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Ireland’s tallest mountain, Carrauntoohil.
The space is well managed, with separate areas for motorhomes and tents, and there’s even a hostel on site if you fancy a roof over your head for a bit.
It’s a superb place to set up base and explore the surroundings, such as Ross Castle, Torc Waterfall, and Lough Leane.
5. Valentia Island Caravan & Camping
Valentia Island is easily reached from Portmagee, and is a great place to stop by for a few days of tranquility.
This campsite is fantastic, just a stone’s throw from the beach, where you can try your hand at kayaking, and stumbling distance from Knightstown Village.
In the village there are plenty of great pubs and places to grab a bite, or grab some stuff to cook back at camp. Great for families and solo travelers alike, there’s plenty of space to pitch your tent or park the caravan.
Kerry camping: More campsites with great reviews
Now that we’ve got our favourite places to go camping in Kerry out of the way, it’s time to tackle the other, equally good, Kerry campsites.
Below, you’ll find some gorgeous waterside campsites, like Glenbeg, to places to camp right next to Killarney town.
1. Glenbeg Caravan and Camping Park
With pitches for tents and motorhomes, Glenbeg is a great place to stop for the night along the Kerry Ring. The campsite enjoys a stunning location opposite ‘Paradise Found’ beach, a wonderful sandy cove, with crystal clear blue waters.
It’s a popular spot for water sports and snorkeling, but hikers will also be at home, with the Kerry Way close by. Within walking distance, you’ll also find a number of restaurants, shops, and pubs.
2. Fleming’s White Bridge Caravan & Camping
Located just outside of Killarney on a bend of the River Flesk, this family-run campsite is a popular choice for those looking to explore Kerry.
Despite being close to town, the surroundings are picturesque and the setting is tranquil, with the sound of the river gently splashing in the background.
There are pitches for tents and caravans, and you can even hire a motorhome to stay in. There are plenty of hiking and cycling routes nearby, as well as Killarney, itself full of attractions.
3. Campail Teach an Aragail
Enjoy the lovely, peaceful scenery of the Dingle Peninsula in this small, but beautiful family-run campsite.
This is a great place to escape to, with the beach nearby, amazing views all around and a wealth of activities to enjoy, including climbing, diving, watersports, and much more.
The location is great for walkers, with a number of hill walking routes close by. Within 5 km, you’ll also find some great pubs and places to eat.
4. Killarney Flesk Caravan & Camping Park
This stunning campsite offers the best of both worlds. It’s close enough to Killarney that you can enjoy all that the town has to offer, but it’s also located at the edge of Killarney National Park.
Here, nature lovers can wander the woodlands, hike the Kerry Way (which starts more or less on your doorstep), and explore a wealth of attractions, including Muckross Abbey. Plus, if you’re on the bus from Dublin, it stops just 400 metres away.
5. Goosey Island MotorHome Park
Goosey Island sits on the south section of the Ring of Kerry, where the River Sneem begins to spill out into the ocean.
Rather than a campsite, this is a stopover just for motorhomes, aka an aire. It’s very affordable, and offers the basics, such as electricity on request, potable water, and WC drains.
The location is fantastic, relaxing and soothing as the river rumbles by. Plus, it’s just a short walk to a number of shops, pubs, restaurants, and bakeries — ideal for breakfast, dinner, and a crafty pint.
6. Sandy Bay 2 Caravan & Camping Park
Great for families, you’re spoiled for choice in terms of attractions that are more or less on your doorstep.
Located on a narrow spit of land on the Dingle Peninsula, it’s surrounded by sea and sand, and a little more out of the way compared to sites on the Kerry Ring or Wild Atlantic Way.
Nearby you’ll find sandy beaches with great views of the mountains across the bay, a dive centre, a golf course, fantastic pubs, and wonderful walking routes.
Wild camping in Kerry
Since first publishing this guide, we’ve received a fair few questions about wild camping in Kerry, and whether or not it’s allowed.
The quick answer is yes, wild camping in Kerry (and in many places in Ireland) is allowed, but you need to know what’s OK and what isn’t before picking a spot to pitch.
1. Leave no trace
First things first – regardless of where you wild camp, you need to ensure that you leave no trace – if you bring it with you, you take it home – no exceptions.
2. Avoid private land
Many landowners will be perfectly OK with you camping on their land, but it’s important that you ask for permission in advance to avoid being booted out of your tent in the middle of the night.
3. Coillte land
Coillte have several designated wild camping spots in Kery, each of which is located near a waymarked trail. You can find the spots on this handy map.
Kerry camping: Advice needed
When it comes to camping Kerry is home to a seemingly endless number of campsites, both designated and wild.
I’m sure that we’ve unintentionally missed out on some great places to go camping in Kerry in the guide above.
If you have a Kerry campsite to recommend, let us know in the comments section below and we’ll check it out asap.
FAQs about the best camping Kerry has to offer
Since publishing our guide to the best hotels in Kerry, we’ve had a massive influx of emails asking for accommodation recommendations.
In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.
What are the most scenic places to go camping in Kerry?
Green Acres Caravan and Camping Park, Mannix Point Camping, Fossa Caravan and Camping Park and Woodlands Caravan & Camping Park.
What’s the best beach side camping Kerry has to offer?
Sandy Bay 2 Caravan & Camping Park, Green Acres Caravan and Camping Park and Glenbeg Caravan and Camping Park.
Donal
Tuesday 5th of July 2022
"The beach is a stone's throw from Valentia Island camping & caravan park."
Valentia Island doesn't have a beach.
Keith O'Hara
Tuesday 12th of July 2022
It does - Glanleam Beach.
Alan Doolan
Wednesday 18th of August 2021
Brilliant and clearly outlined information! Thanks a lot
Keith O'Hara
Thursday 19th of August 2021
Glad you found it useful alan!