Isle Of Man Camping [2023]: Best Campsites, Wild Camping, Things To Do & More!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on July 3, 2023 by Wandering our World

Sitting in the middle of the Irish Sea, this self-governing island is famous for it’s quaint villages, rugged coastline, and hilly inland. That diversity of landscape is what drives tourists to the island year after year, and it’s why camping in the Isle of Man has been a popular vacation for decades.

We cover camping in the Isle of Man in this article, and share with you some of our favourite IOM campsites and what there is to do near each. On top of that we look at wild camping in the Isle of Man, as well as things to do.

And if you’re travelling with kids (or you’re a fun adult!), we have our very own ‘scavenger hunt’ game that’s perfect for camping in the Isle of Man which you can print out for free. That’s right at the bottom of this article.

But first, here’s a few fun facts about the island!

  • The people of the Isle of Man have their own language, called Manx.
  • The highest point is Snaefell which stands at 2037 feet!
  • A tail-less domestic cat, called the Manx Cat, is believed to be native to the island.
  • The Isle of Man parliament has been around since 979 AD and claims to be the longest continuous parliament in the world!
  • Every year the Isle of Man hosts the TT, a famous motorbike race that is on one of the world’s best – but also most dangerous – courses.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/anatolly_gleb

Camping In The Isle Of Man: A Holiday You’ll Never Forget

Camping on this pretty island is never going to disappoint, as the Isle of Man is home to fantastic walks, a spectacular coastline, a rich history, and some great family friendly attractions.

There are some very nice Isle of Man campsites to choose from that are located close to some of those historic sites, ancient landmarks and the TT course. We give some of our favourites below.

A good quality walking in the Isle of Man book – like this one – may also help you plan what area you want to visit and walk in, and therefore what campsites might be of interest to you.

However if you’re looking for Isle of Man campsite recommendations, we have you covered below!

iStock.com/audioundwerbung

Some Of The Best Isle Of Man Campsites For Fun, Views & Adventure!

1. Ballamoar Campsite

Sometimes camping is all about getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That’s why Ballamoar Campsite has made our list of best IOM campsites. Set among a backdrop of rolling Manx hills, this place is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in nature, but have well-kept facilities at hand.

This friendly campsite is dog friendly, well maintained, and has superb access to hiking, walking, and mountain bike trails. There’s a beach close by too, so if you’re looking for a nature-focused holiday then this place won’t disappoint.

Along with all the usual shared facilities they also have WiFi, free tea and coffee on site, a campsite kitchen and more!

It’s a fabulous site to toast marshmallows on a fire grate as you enjoy a starry night after a day exploring.

Price: From £13 per night

Address: Glen Road, Ballaugh, Isle of Man, IM7 5JG

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Anatolly_Gleb

2. Silly Moos Campsite

There’s a reason for the quirky name – Silly Moos Campsite is set on a dairy farm! This friendly campsite is a perfect place for families as there’s an entertainment barn, free WiFi, animals to keep children entertained, and a big screen to watch movies!

This campsite – just outside of Ramsey – is also right beside the TT course, so you can watch the race from a field beside the site. There’s also free coffee and tea, so you’ll have your own fuel to power you through the day.

All in all, we thought the facilities were very clean, the service friendly, and the campsite a great base for the TT and exploring the island.

Price: From £15 per night

Address: Ballakillingan Farm, Churchtown, Ramsey IM7 2AL, Isle of Man

Photo for illustrative purposes only. iStock.com/Alina Rosanova

3. Cronk Aashen Farm Campsite

This campsite is also beside the TT course, but what we really loved about it was the exceptional views across the island’s rolling hills. The sunset here as it hits the sea and west coast is very special – and could be the most spectacular campsite view on the island. Perfect for a sunset dog walk at the end of the day.

The facilities are clean, there’s a very useful communal kitchen, and the family that runs the site are always on hand to answer questions and help with anything you need.

There’s plenty of dog walks nearby, and there’s a bus stop near the campsite so it’s perfect for exploring the island via public transport.

Price: From £10 per night

Address: Crossroads, Cronk Aashen Farm Barregarrow, Kirk Michael IM6 1HQ, Isle of Man

Photo via Unsplash+

4. Laxey Campsite

This lovely little campsite is situated on the east coast and very close to the Laxey Wheel, the biggest working waterwheel in the world! The facilities are clean, the shower block is fantastic – as is the communal kitchen – and the staff very friendly.

It’s also within walking distance of a beach, restaurants and a few village shops. The area has some lovely walking trails too, so it’s the perfect campsite if you’re looking to get out into nature, but also see some of the tourist hotspots.

Price: From £10 per night

Address: Quarry Rd, Laxey, IM4 7DU, Isle of Man

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/peplow

Wild Camping In The Isle Of Man: Everything You Need To Know

DISCLAIMER: Below we give general advice, but we always recommend staying in an official campsite. If you choose to go wild camping/dispersed camping, then make sure you do so with someone who already knows the area where you’re planning on camping for your own safety.

Like many areas of the UK, wild camping in the Isle of Man isn’t officially allowed. Although campers are allowed to pitch their tent if they have the permission of a landowner.

There are also two areas on the island where ‘informal’ camping is allowed (for motorhomes too), however a paid permit is required – you can see the details for that here.

However as the Isle of Man is a popular area with amazing natural beauty, some outdoor enthusiasts do wild camp here. It’s sometimes tolerated by locals too if you respect the land, camp far from buildings, and stick to the principles of leave no trace.

If you are planning to wild camp in the Isle of Man – and can’t be swayed to stay in a campsite instead – we’ve compiled the following guidelines to help keep you out of trouble and camp in a considerate manner:

  • You should camp in the same place for one night only, and pitch your tent discretely and in a remote place which will not be easily seen. Therefore don’t camp in or near settlements, someone’s farm or on cultivated land. If you think you’re on private land, always seek out the landowner and ask permission. They may request a small fee.

  • Campers should set up their tent at dusk, and take it down at dawn. A tent that is discreet, blends in with the landscape, and pitches quickly is best. Therefore a lightweight walking tent like this one would be a great investment for someone planning to wild camp in the Isle of Man.

  • If you are walking a trail, make sure you choose to camp in a place that won’t be in any other hiker’s or walker’s way.

  • When wild camping in the Isle of Man, you should never make a campfire. Instead of building campfires, you could use a storm cooker for cooking – but check local laws first. Then there is much less wildfire risk and you can cook knowing that the fire is contained. We believe the best ones on the market are Trangia storm cookers. Portable solar ovens, like this one by GoSun, are also a good fuel-less option.

  • Take any rubbish with you, and leave your camping spot exactly the way you found it.
Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/Eshma

Some Of The Best Places To Visit When Camping In The Isle Of Man

1. The Isle of Man Steam Railway

There’s always something magical about riding a steam train, even more so when the landscape is as idyllic as the Isle of Man.

Opened in 1873, and still using original carriages, the train ride takes you from the capital of Douglas down the south coast. The views are fantastic, but the highlight is the dining cart and the selection of fine wine! Sip away while enjoying the surroundings. Bliss.

2. Snaefell

To balance out the wine, it’s time to tackle the Isle of Man’s only mountain!

Snaefell stands at 630m, and you can start the walk at Laxey. It should take around three hours to walk up and down, but its well worth the effort for the panoramic views from the top – on a clear day you can see Scotland and Ireland!

If you want an even shorter walk, but the opportunity to say you ‘climbed’ Snaefell, then take the Snaefell Mountain Railway to ‘Bungalow’ and then walk the last part. It should take around 20-30 minutes.

iStock.com/leszekglasner

3. Cashtal yn Ard

The Isle of Man has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years, and a trip to the 4000 year old Cashtal yn Ard is a very tangible example of that.

The burial chamber is one of the biggest in the UK, however the purpose of the assortment of strange pointy stone slabs that sit around the site are still a mystery to researchers. Have a visit and see if you can work it out yourself!

4. Gaiety Theatre

This theatre in Douglas was built in 1899 and the best way to describe it, is that you feel like you’re stepping back into the 19th century when you walk inside.

The ornate decor is quite spectacular, but don’t just visit the theatre – experience it! The opera, plays, live music sessions and musicals are all features of the theatre to this day. We certainly recommend catching a show while on holiday.

Photo for illustrative purposes only: iStock.com/aerogondo

The Best Months To Visit & Weather In The Isle Of Man

Most visitors choose to come to the Isle of Man in summer, when daytime temperatures range around 15-19 Celsius. There may still be some rainy days during summer, but it remains a good season for coastal walks and camping.

Autumn and spring are cooler – around 8-15 Celsius during the day – but they are both great times to avoid the peak tourist season, tackle some of the Isle of Man’s best walking trails, and enjoy the island’s landmarks without a crowd. It’s best to assume there will be some rainy days though.

It rarely snows on the Isle of Man during winter, but daytimes temperatures typically range around 3-8 degrees Celsius. The crisp fresh air on walks during this season is enjoyable, although you can expect rain every other day.

Photo via Unsplash+

Camping In The Isle Of Man: Scavenger Hunt Game!

If you’re looking to keep kids amused while camping in the Isle of Man – or you fancy having some fun for yourself – then we’ve created a printable scavenger hunt game!

Save the image and print it out, then tick off what you find and achieve during your camping holiday.

Some will be harder to find than others, but this game encourages players to get out and discover wildlife and waterfalls, as well as make new friends and do fun camping activities. Enjoy!

Recommended For Camping In The Isle Of Man

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.