Camping

There are a number of registered campsites around the Isle of Man.

Wild camping is not permitted anywhere in the Isle of Man without prior permission from the landowner. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture do not have the power to allow camping on private land and we do not permit camping on the land that we own apart from 2 sites. Informal seasonal camping is permitted at 2 sites managed by the Department. Both sites have limited pitches available.

Sulby Claddagh 

The Sulby Claddagh is not a registered campsite but informal camping is allowed from Good Friday to Easter Monday and from 1 May to 30 September. Basic facilities are provided onsite including toilets but there are no showers.

For daytime recreation a permit is not required, however, you will need a camping permit to camp overnight.

Sulby Claddagh Toilets

The Department would like to remind all visitors to the Sulby Claddaghs during 2022 that due to the condemned infrastructure associated with the toilet block and the prohibitive timeframe to undertake suitable repairs and upgrades in time to permit overnight camping for this season, temporary toilets will be made available. These toilets will not have cold or hot running water for washing, instead will be fitted with appropriate hand cleansing gels.

Water will be available for drinking and for cleaning from the two clearly identified taps located on the outside of the toilet block.

There will be no permitted access to the toilet block and therefore there is no access to hot water.

The Department apologises for any inconvenience caused, however we were determined to provide the Claddagh for overnight camping for this season, hence the decision to provide temporary toilets whilst we plan the required toilet infrastructure repairs.

Permit Applications

Permit applications are now being received by the Department. Issued permits are valid until 30 September 2022.

Permits are £16 and you should apply for one in advance of your visit as permits will not be issued on site. Permits may only be obtained by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over.

A permit allows the holder to pitch a moveable dwelling (motorhome, tent, campervan, caravan, trailer tent, etc.) staying for up to a maximum of 14 nights at a time. Your permit must be clearly displayed at all times when camping overnight. All moveable dwellings must be in continuous occupation and must not be left unattended overnight.

As of 2020 the Department has assessed the site and in compliance with relevant legislation and guidance will be restricting the number of available camping pitches to 25 at any one time. This does increase during TT and MGP fortnights to 65 pitches.

Please note during the 2022 season the permanent toilet block will be closed. This is due to extensive repairs that are required.  In lieu of this; the Department will be providing temporary portable toilets including a disabled toilet.

Before applying for your permit we strongly recommend you read our ‘frequently asked questions’ sheet which can be downloaded from this page.

Due to the popularity of certain periods and so as to avoid disappointment, the Department strongly recommends that pitch availability is checked prior to purchasing a permit.  This can be checked at the Sulby Claddagh Camping website and selecting the date(s) of your stay.

To apply for a permit:

Alternatively download and complete the application form on this page and send it to or email:

Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
Agriculture and Lands Directorate
Thie Slieau Whallian
Foxdale Road
St Johns
IM4 3AS

Email: Send Email

Please allow up to 14 days to receive your permit.

Pitch Bookings

Once a permit is issued you will be required to reserve a camping pitch before your arrival. A permit does not reserve a pitch at Sulby Claddagh. 

The online booking system is now live to apply for a pitch. Please note you will only be able to book with a valid email address and camping permit.

Please remember it is a breach of the Byelaws to allow a moveable dwelling to stand on the Claddaghs camping area for a period of more than 14 consecutive days.

On arrival you will be required to present both your permit and pitch booking confirmation.

We kindly ask when arriving that you check-in with the onsite warden AFTER 12noon and that you check out by 11am on your departure day.

For your safe enjoyment and that of your fellow visitors always comply with the site rules 

The Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Only 15 motorhomes are permitted to overnight stay in the Recreational Area at Smeale (see attached map) per night and these must be less than 7.5m in length. Each vehicle can stay for three consecutive nights only and while on site an 'Authorisation for overnight stay' (permit) must be displayed in the windscreen of the vehicle. No toilet facilities are available at Smeale and motorhomes must have on-board facilities.

The Ayres NNR is a quiet and tranquil place, designated for its special wildlife and habitats; please enjoy and respect this very special area.

The Ayres NNR Byelaws:

• No overnight stay without an authorisation
• No tents
• No fires
• Barbeques must be raised off the ground
• Dogs must be on leads from the 1st April to the 31st July and kept under close control at all other times
• Dog fouling must be removed from the land
• All rubbish must be taken away
• Chemical toilets must not be emptied on the NNR
• No loud music or nuisance behaviour
• Wildlife must not be disturbed

For further information about the Nature Reserve please see The Ayres National Nature Reserve webpage.

To apply for a permit for the Ayres NNR please email ecopolicy@gov.im with the following details:

• Name
• Address
• Contact telephone number
• Vehicle registration number
• Vehicle length
• Vehicle make and model

Please also confirm that you have on-board toilet facilities.