Are you craving an off-the-beaten-path motorhome holiday that takes you deep into the heart of unspoiled nature? Look no further than Ballycroy National Park, a hidden gem nestled in the magnificent wilderness of County Mayo, Ireland. In this blog, we’ll highlight the best motorhome campsites near Ballycroy National Park, as well as the top activities to consider, memorable places to visit and the best establishments to enjoy the infamous Irish hospitality. We’ll guide you through the wonders of Ballycroy, also known as Wild Nephin National Park, helping you to plan and enjoy your well-earned holiday.
Things to do in Ballycroy National Park
Situated in the remote and enchanting region of County Mayo, Ballycroy National Park offers a captivating blend of rugged landscapes, heathlands and the largest active Atlantic blanket bogs in Ireland and Western Europe. It is Ireland's sixth-largest national park, covering an expansive area of approximately 11,000 hectares (27,180 acres). This unspoiled wilderness is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. It’s also a top destination for scenic hikes including the Bangor Trail, Nephin Mountain, or birdwatching to spot rare species like the Corncrake and Golden Plover.
But, before you start planning that itinerary let’s take a look at the top motorhome campsites in Ballycroy National Park.
1. Achill Seal Caves Camping and Caravan site
Nestled between Dugort Hill and Slievemore Mountain, the wonderfully-named Achill Seal Caves is a picturesque campsite located in a sheltered part of Achill on the north side of the island. Established in 1968, Seal Caves covers over 7.5 acres of land adorned with mature hedgerows and trees. The park extends up Dugort Hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Dugort Beach and Blacksod Bay. Positioned along the Wild Atlantic Way, it is situated in one of the most attractive and unspoilt areas of the West of Ireland, ideal for exploring Achill and West Mayo.
From the park, sandy banks and soft sand dunes lead down to Dugort Blue Flag Beach, with shimmering sands that are perfect for bathing (wetsuits optional!). The rocks near the beach and pier offer good opportunities for sea fishing. Visitors can paddle or take one of the regular boat trips to see the seal caves and bird colonies from a safe and respectable distance or visit Inishkea Island and Croaghaun Cliffs. Of the many land-based attractions this magnificent island has to offer, we recommend visiting the Deserted Village and taking a walk around the Slievemore mountain area. Discover the perfect trail for your group with this guide to hill walks and hikes on Achill Island.
If two-wheeled expeditions are your thing, you’re in luck. Seal Caves benefits from its location on the Greenway and the National Cycle Network. It is also an excellent destination for angling and deep-sea diving and is only a 30-minute drive from Ballycroy National Park.
Achill Seal Caves Camping and Caravan site, Seal Caves, Doogort, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Coordinates: 54.009978972234975, -10.02346895769489
2. Keel Sandybanks Caravan & Camping Park
Located in Keel, approximately 22 kilometres (13.7 miles) from Ballycroy National Park, Keel Camping offers easy access to attractions like Keel Beach, Keem Bay, Croaghaun Cliffs and Achill Island Adventure Centre.
Visitors to this lovely campsite can enjoy a glorious location adjacent to Keel Strand, surrounded by the awe-inspiring Slievemore Mountain and Minaun Cliffs. If you’re feeling adventurous, Achill Island has plenty to keep you busy including surfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, horse riding, mountain walking, cycling, golfing and angling. There’s a good children's playground near this Ballycroy motorhome campsite and plenty of options for eating and drinking or buying your own groceries to cook on-site. The team at the Amethyst Bar and Restaurant serve up delicious food for vegetarians and carnivores alike, or you can pull up a pew inside or outside at the welcoming Curragh Cafe which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Keel Camping prides itself on its commitment to accessibility, striving to create a welcoming environment for all guests. Free-standing BBQs are permitted at this Ballycroy campsite but not open campfires. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome.
Keel Camping, Keel East, Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
Coordinates: 53.97488030771977, -10.077119138135789
3. Belleek Park Caravan and Camping
Located within reach of Mayo’s beautiful boglands, forests, lakes, mountains and Killala Bay, Belleek Park Caravan and Camping is another great choice for your Ballycroy National Park campsite. This award-winning, Irish Tourist Board-approved site offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, a laundry room, shower and toilet block, a camper's kitchen and a TV and games room for damper days. Belleek Park also provides accessible facilities, a children's playground, a tennis court, basketball and football areas and a designated BBQ area. Gas refills, BBQ fuel and chemical toilet disinfectant are available from the onsite shop.
There’s an abundance of choice when exploring the local area including Ceide Fields, blue flag beaches, surfing spots, hot seaweed baths, historical sites, the Mayo North Heritage Centre, Foxford Woollen Mills and deep-sea angling at Killala Bay.
Belleek Park Caravan and Camping, Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland
Coordinates: 54.13601525634443, -9.1585983757880
4. Carrowkeel Camping and Caravan Park
Nestled alongside the Clydagh River, Carrowkeel Camping and Caravan Park offers a delightful setting for nature and fishing enthusiasts alike. Guests can choose from 32 pitches, each equipped with 16 Amp electric sockets. Dogs on leads are welcome and the facilities are great. The reception area includes a shop and tourist information centre, and there’s a well-maintained toilet and shower block with wheelchair-accessible facilities, a camper's kitchen and a laundry room. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the park. Families with children will appreciate the outdoor play area as well as an indoor games room if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
No visit to Ireland would be complete without experiencing the local pub culture and seizing the chance to hear some traditional Irish music. Trad sessions can be found in the nearby towns of Castlebar and Westport, and occasionally even in the park's own clubhouse. Take a look at this handy guide for more details.
Carrowkeel Camping and Caravan Park, Bellavary, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Ireland
Coordinates: 53.9079999226393, -9.17801510794227
Wild camping in Ballycroy National Park
Ireland is a great place for pitching up in remote locations and getting properly reacquainted with the natural world and all its beguiling beauty. Ireland’s six national parks all have different rules when it comes to wild camping so make sure you do your research before you park up. Ballycroy National Park does not require permits unless you are looking to camp with a group of more than ten or if you want to light a fire. You may also find a friendly farmer or landowner that will let you park up, or a local pub. It goes without saying that you must always take all your rubbish when you go, respect the local community and leave the site as beautiful as you found it. You should also be aware that wild camping privileges can be removed at short notice due to fire warnings in the area. Check the local press or the Camping Wild Nephin site for more information.
As you can see, Ballycroy National Park, with its untouched wilderness and diverse natural beauty, provides the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable motorhome adventure. From exploring ancient landscapes to encountering rare wildlife, every moment spent in Ballycroy is an opportunity to connect with nature's wonders.
In our humble opinion, there is no better way of travelling around Ireland, especially its remote west, than in a campervan. Being able to take your journey off the well-trodden tourist trail and pull up at beautiful, random sites where it’s just you, the birdsong and the stars… Well, this is the stuff that long-lasting memories are made of. Take a look at our motorhomes for hire in Ireland. You’re certain to find the perfect four-wheeled companion for your camping trip to Ballycroy National Park and beyond.
