Camping in Wicklow URGENT

Zaz138

Hi everyone, me and my 9 friends hope to go camping in Wicklow this Saturday night but can't find any info on the web about good places (preferably legal and not too difficult to access) to do so. We fully intend to stick to the Leave No Trace rules and not light a fire etc. I was wondering if anyone knows any good spots, and how to get there (from Dublin!)
We need ideas fast!
Thanks a million!!

kerry4sam

Hi there Zaz138,

Welcome to boards.ie!
I've moved your thread from Travel over into the Wicklow forum as it is localised.

Thanks,
kerry4sam

pixbyjohn

you might find a good spot here.
http://www.irishbeds.com/wicklow_cmp.html

spank_inferno

The above link is good.

We don't really do "freedom camping" like other countries.

mathproblem

I believe there are three Adirondack shelters along the wicklow way, perhaps you can camp by/ under one of them if you are going walking. They are mentioned on the WW wiki, you'll have to search more for exact location.

Technically there is no camping in coillte forests Afaik, but that rule is mainly used to move on groups of youths drinking etc. You are less likely to get away with throwing a tent up near an entrance to one of the walks, or anywhere near the bigger tourist sites like glendalough.. but if you go deeper into some of the more out of the way forests, find a clearing & like you say Leave no trace, i am sure you will be fine. Probably best to wait until evening before setting up especially if you are gonna be in view of a steady stream of walkers.

Another option is to go to knockree Hostel. I'm not 100% but i think campers can set up in the garden, ring them, perhaps there's a fee.

The fact you are going on a saturday you should avoid some of the more easily accessible/frequented camping spots, like by the dargle source above powerscourt waterfall as you could well find yourself joined by a group who aren't so dedicated to the leave no trace principles.. at least judging by all the rubbish that can generally be found there.

I have done "freedom camping" in ireland now and again without much hassle, if you find somewhere out of sight, and set up late/get up early you should be fine.

Edit: Found a trip advisor thread with some useful info here: http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-g186646-i5048-k6478391-Wild_camping_along_the_WIcklow_way-Wicklow_County_Wicklow.html

*it mentions that camping may be discontinued at knockree due to antisocial behaviour/rubbish, which is a shame if true

markest

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(0404) 69404 ‎ · silverstrand.ie
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Hidden Valley Holiday Park

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Hidden Valley Holiday Park, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow ‎
086 727 2872 ‎ · hiddenvalleypark.ie
Category: Caravan and Camping
4 reviews ·
"we are just back from a three night stay we all enjoyed think its a ..." -
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Hidden Valley Caravan and Camping Park
Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow ‎
086 727 2872 ‎ · irelandholidaypark.com
1 review ·
"Very good there loads for children to do when the weather is good. ..." -
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Webster's Caravan & Camping Park
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(0404) 67615 ‎ · silverstrandcaravanpark.ie