Camping Sites Near Dublin: 7 Great Places for a Weekend Away

There are plenty of camping sites near Dublin, from activity parks in Wicklow to lakeside camping in Westmeath. You will also find family-friendly farm stays in Kilkenny and coastal campsites in Wexford.

Looking for camping sites near Dublin that work for a proper weekend away? You do not need to drive across the country to find a good pitch and clean facilities. Many sites also offer easy access to walks, beaches, lakes or family activities.

This guide covers practical camping options for couples, families, first-time campers and anyone planning a short break in Ireland. It also includes simple gear advice. Irish camping is much easier when your tent, sleeping setup, waterproofs and cooking kit are ready for mixed weather.

1. Camac Valley Caravan & Camping Park, Co. Dublin

Camac Valley is one of the most convenient camping sites near Dublin , especially for anyone looking for a campsite close to the city. Set beside Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, it works well for motorhomes, caravans and campers. It suits people who want easy access to Dublin while still staying beside green space.

The site is open all year and has hard stands, a children’s playground, a shop and accessible facilities. There is also laundry, a campers’ kitchen and dog-friendly access. Corkagh Park gives you walking routes, fishing lakes, gardens and wildlife areas. There is plenty of space for children to burn off energy.

• Best for: short stays, Dublin events, motorhomes, families, easy city access.
• Nearby: Corkagh Park, Clondalkin, Dublin city, Grange Castle, M50 and N7 routes.
• Pack this: camping chairs, waterproof jackets, a daypack, reusable bottles and a compact cooking setup.

2. Roundwood Caravan & Camping Park, Co. Wicklow

Of all the camping sites near Dublin, Roundwood is one of the best bases for a walking weekend. It works especially well for anyone planning a walking weekend in Wicklow. The village sits close to the Wicklow Mountains, with Glendalough and Lough Tay within easy reach. You can also get to Lough Dan, Powerscourt and the Sally Gap without much driving.

The campsite has useful facilities including showers, toilet block, campers' kitchen, dining room, TV lounge and laundry facilities. There are also electric hook-ups and tourist information. That makes it a good option for campers who want mountain access without giving up the basics.

• Best for: walkers, couples, hikers, motorhomes, scenic weekends.
• Nearby: Glendalough, Lough Tay, Lough Dan, Wicklow Way, Ballinastoe, Powerscourt.
• Pack this: waterproof hiking boots, a 25 to 35L daypack, rain jacket, fleece and insulated sleeping mat.

Roundwood is a strong choice if you are looking for camping sites near Dublin because it feels like a proper escape. It still remains realistic for a two-night trip. It is especially good for people who want to walk during the day. You can then come back to a well-equipped campsite in the evening.

3. Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. 

For families searching camping sites near Dublin, Hidden Valley in Wicklow is one of the best-known family options. It is built around activities, making it a good choice for school holidays and bank holiday weekends. It also suits family breaks where children need more than just a pitch and a football.

The site offers camping, caravan pitches and accommodation options. Activities include Splash Valley Aqua Park, laser tag, kayaking, mini golf and other family attractions. Compared to many camping sites near Dublin that focus purely on pitches, Hidden Valley leans into entertainment. Advance booking is essential for weekends, high season and bank holidays.

• Best for: families, activity weekends, school holidays, first camping trips with children.
• Nearby: Rathdrum, Glendalough, Avoca, Brittas Bay, Wicklow town.
• Pack this: family tent, camping table and chairs, quick-dry layers, waterproof jackets, headtorches and spare socks

4. Lough Ennell Caravan & Camping Park, Co. Westmeath.

For those looking at camping sites near Dublin with a quieter feel, Lough Ennell is a strong lakeside option. Set in mature woodland beside the lake, it suits families, couples and anglers. It also works for anyone looking for a slower weekend away from the city.

The campsite is around one hour from Dublin and has facilities such as hot showers, toilets and a campers' kitchen. There is also laundry, a wash-up area, motorhome service bay, playground and seasonal café. The lakeside location puts you close to Mullingar and Belvedere House and Gardens. Lilliput Adventure Centre is also within easy reach.

• Best for: lakeside camping, relaxed weekends, fishing, families, campervans.
• Nearby: Mullingar, Belvedere House, Lilliput Adventure Centre, Hill of Uisneach.
• Pack this: warmer sleeping bag, insulated mat, camping stove, kettle, lantern and insect repellent.

Lakeside camping can feel cooler at night, even during summer. A better sleeping mat and a warmer sleeping bag make a noticeable difference here.

5. Nore Valley Park, Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny.

Among camping sites near Dublin that work especially well for younger families, Nore Valley Park in Kilkenny stands out. It is a family-friendly campsite and pet farm near Bennettsbridge. It is a strong choice for younger families, especially for children who enjoy animals and outdoor play. The open space also helps children burn off energy.

The site combines camping with a working farm feel. Families can enjoy the pet farm, playground areas, go-karts, walking routes and seasonal activities. Kilkenny City is also close enough for a day trip, giving you a good mix of countryside and town access.

• Best for: families with younger children, farm stays, first camping trips, Kilkenny weekends
• Nearby: Kilkenny City, Bennettsbridge, Jerpoint Abbey, Kells Priory.
• Pack this: kids’ sleeping bags, headtorches, waterproof layers, camping chairs and easy footwear for moving around the campsite.

6. Curracloe Caravan & Camping Park, Co. Wexford.

For anyone weighing up camping sites near Dublin with a proper beach feel, Curracloe is a strong option. It lies within reach of both the capital and the south-east. The area is known for its long sandy beach, dunes and access to coastal walks. That makes it a popular summer choice for families, couples and beach lovers.

This is the kind of camping trip where simple comfort matters. Wind can pick up along the coast, and evenings can cool quickly. Sand gets everywhere, so good layers and practical campsite gear are worth packing.

• Best for: beach camping, summer breaks, families, couples, dog-friendly trips.
• Nearby: Curracloe Beach, Raven Point, Wexford town, Johnstown Castle.
• Pack this: windproof layer, waterproof jacket, insulated bottle, beach blanket, camping table, chairs and dry bags.

Curracloe is ideal for relaxed camping rather than a packed activity schedule. It is a good choice for sea air, beach walks, swims and slower days outdoors. 

7. Tree Grove Camping Park, Co. Kilkenny.

For travellers comparing camping sites near Dublin with easy city access at the other end, Tree Grove works well. It is a small, family-run option close to Kilkenny City. It suits couples, motorhomes, small families and campers who want easy access to cafés and restaurants. Historic sites and city walks are also close by.

The park has space for around 30 pitches, plus glamping pods and free hot showers. There is a sheltered eating area, campers' kitchen, laundry facilities and a TV room with pool table. Kilkenny Castle and the Medieval Mile are close enough for a full day out. You will not need a long drive to reach them.

• Best for: couples, campervans, Kilkenny city breaks, short stays.
• Nearby: Kilkenny Castle, Medieval Mile, Smithwick’s Experience, River Nore.
• Pack this: compact tent, comfortable mat, daypack, waterproof jacket and walking shoes.

Tree Grove is a practical choice for campers who want the feel of a quiet site. You still get the benefit of Kilkenny close by.

What to pack for camping in Ireland.

• Waterproof tent with enough space for your group.
• Sleeping bag suitable for Irish spring, summer and early autumn nights.
• Insulated sleeping mat or camping bed.
• Waterproof jacket.
• Warm fleece or mid-layer.
• Camping stove, gas and kettle.
• Camping table and chairs.
• Headtorch or lantern.
• Reusable water bottle or insulated flask.
• Daypack for walks, beaches and day trips.
• Dry bags or packing cubes.
• Spare socks and an extra warm layer.

Is wild camping allowed in Ireland? 

Wild camping in Ireland is not as straightforward as many people think. Leave No Trace Ireland advises that all land in Ireland is owned and that permission should be acquired before camping.

Wicklow Mountains National Park allows wilderness camping in certain circumstances, but campers need to follow the park’s guidance carefully. For most casual campers, families and first-time campers, a registered campsite is the easier and safer option.

Always follow Leave No Trace principles. Keep campsites small, take everything home, avoid fires outside designated areas and respect local communities, landowners and wildlife.

When is the best time to go camping near Dublin? 

May to September is usually the best period for camping in Ireland. The days are longer, temperatures are more comfortable and most campsites have their seasonal facilities fully open. 

July, August and bank holiday weekends are the busiest times, especially for family campsites, Wicklow activity parks and coastal sites. June and early September are often better for quieter trips while still giving you decent daylight and milder weather. 

Final thoughts.

Choosing camping sites near Dublin gives you plenty of choice. You can stay close to the city or head for the Wicklow Mountains. You could also spend a weekend beside a lake or take the children to a farm campsite. Another option is planning a beach break in Wexford.

The right campsite matters, but the right gear matters just as much. A waterproof tent and warm sleeping setup are essential. A good rain jacket, comfortable footwear and practical cooking kit can transform an Irish camping trip. These basics can make your weekend away far more enjoyable.

Before your next trip, check your camping equipment and replace anything that has been sitting in the shed too long. A few reliable pieces of kit can turn a damp weekend into a much better one.