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 

Camping permit applications are now suspended for the winter.

The Sulby Claddagh is not a registered campsite but informal camping is allowed, through issuing of a seasonal permit, from 1 May to 30 September.

The site remains open for daytime recreation for which a permit is not required.

Overnight camping permits should be applied for 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.

Applications for camping permits is currently suspended until early 2023. Please follow our Facebook page for updates on when permit applications will recommence - DEFA - Hills, Forests & Glens Facebook.

The Ayres National Nature Reserve (NNR)

Motorhomes and campervans are advised to take extreme care when parking in the Recreation Area at Smeale on the Ayres National Nature Reserve. The ground has broken up and there is a risk of getting stuck in loose sand patches. Please avoid driving through areas of bare sand.

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.