“Transparency: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from purchasing. The Giants Causeway is Northern Ireland's top attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here is how to visit in a campervan.
Verdict
Park at Runkerry Road layby (free, 20-minute walk), visit at sunrise, and avoid the £15 parking fee. It is the best way to see the Causeway from a campervan.
The Official Car Park
The Giants Causeway Visitor Centre has a large car park. The bad news: it costs £10 for cars, £15 for campervans/motorhomes (2025 prices). The worse news: no overnight parking. The car park closes at 7pm (6pm in winter). You cannot sleep there. The car park has a height barrier at the entrance (2.1m). Most campervans fit. LWB vans over 6m should use the coach parking area (ask at the barrier — they usually say yes).
Free Alternative Parking
The best free option: Runkerry Road layby. 1 mile before the visitor centre on the A2. A wide gravel layby with space for 4-5 vans. It is a 20-minute walk along the coastal path to the Causeway. No restrictions on overnight parking. No facilities. Very quiet. Other free parking:
- Bushmills village car park: 3 miles away. Free. Walk the Causeway Coastal Path (5 miles, spectacular) or take the bus.
- Dunseverick Castle car park: Free. 2 miles east of the Causeway. Walk the cliff path (2 miles, stunning views).
- Portballintrae: The car park by the beach is free in winter. £3 in summer.
Staying Overnight
Free camping is not allowed in the Causeway car park or on the surrounding land (National Trust). Your best overnight options:
- Runkerry Road layby (described above). The closest free option.
- Bushmills Campervan Parking: A dedicated campervan parking area behind the Bushmills Inn. £10/night, no facilities. 3 miles from the Causeway.
- Portrush caravan park: 10 miles east. £25/night for a hardstanding pitch with hookup. Open March-October.
- Coleraine Borough Council car parks: Several allow overnight campervan parking for £5/night. Check the council website.
How to Avoid the £15 Fee
The Giants Causeway is free to visit. The £15 is for parking only.
- Park at Runkerry Road (free) and walk 20 minutes
- Park in Bushmills (free) and take the bus (£2)
- Walk from Portballintrae (2 miles along the coast)
Best Time to Visit
6:30-8:30am or 5-7pm. The causeway is free and open 24 hours (no gates). The visitor centre opens at 9am. In the early morning or late evening, you have the stones almost to yourself. Summer sunset here is spectacular.
Vehicle Access Note
The road to the Causeway (A2) is narrow in places. Fine for a SWB Transit. LWB vans may find it tight when passing coaches. The coastal path is pedestrian-only — no van access to the stones.
Amenities
- Visitor centre: toilets, café, shop (open 9am-6pm)
- Runkerry Road layby: no facilities
- Bushmills: pubs, shops, cafes
- Nearest petrol: Bushmills (3 miles)
