Ballykelly Forest Motorhome Stop – A Tale of Two Park-Ups

So… Which Side of the Forest Are You On?

You’d be forgiven for thinking Ballykelly Forest has one peaceful motorhome stop. It’s quiet, it’s scenic, there are trees, and trails, and fresh air – you know, vibes. But what they don’t tell you is: there are two park-up spots, right on either side of the road slicing through the forest.

Same forest. Two completely different experiences.

One has great views, a leafy canopy, and the kind of tranquil hush that makes you think this is the spot. The other has bins, trails, space to stretch, and crucially – a phone signal. Guess which one we picked?

Option One: Looks Great, Isn’t

Coordinates: 55.043144, -7.048537

What3Words: ///guides.stuffing.jugs

Let’s call this the Tempting Trap Spot. On paper, this one looks like a winner. It’s deep in the trees, scenic as hell, and feels like the place you should be parking up. But… don’t.

There’s a solid chance your sat nav will lead you here. You’ll pull in, think “ooh, lovely,” then realise you have no signal. Not a flicker. If you’re planning to use Starlink, you’ll be equally stuck. Between the thick tree cover and the valley shape, you’re not seeing the sky again till morning.

We’ve tested it. It’s a solid no from us.

Option Two: The One That Actually Works

Coordinates: 55.042443, -7.040431

What3Words: ///takes.defend.composer

This is the real Ballykelly Forest motorhome park-up, even if it doesn’t look like much when you first drive in. You’ll swear you’re heading behind someone’s house, but you’re not. Their gardens are fenced off, they don’t care, and they’ve probably seen every shape and size of van roll through here.

There’s room for at least 8 motorhomes, maybe more if people don’t park like plonkers. You’re far enough from the main road to not hear much, the ground is level, and there’s even a bin. Yep, a bin – that rare unicorn of free stops.

Best of all: a half-decent mobile signal. Enough to work, stream, or upload that sunset photo you took just to prove you go outside.

Dog Friendly, Bike Friendly, Human Friendly

One of the standout perks here is the forest itself. Trails on your doorstep, whether you’ve got two legs or four. The loop options are great for a casual stroll or a blast on the e-bike (if yours isn’t flinging pedal arms off, unlike mine).

The terrain is solid, not boggy unless there’s been a deluge – and even then, it dries quick. Our dogs loved it. Yours probably will too.

Also, just across the road from the main entrance, there’s a local store (only opens until about 8pm), but you can stock up on your essentials, all within walking distance.

Morning Surprise: Free Sound Effects

We stayed here last night. After one of the warmest weekends this summer has managed so far, nature decided to remind us who’s boss. At 4:30am, the sky lit up like an Ibiza nightclub and thunder cracked overhead like it owed someone money. Lovely way to wake up. Who needs alarm clocks when you’ve got the full Sky Cinema surround-sound weather package?

If it does get a tad windy, you’re far enough away from the trees to worry about a branch coming in through your skylight.

The Essentials

• 🗑 Bin: Yes

• 🚰 Fresh Water: No

• 🚽 Toilets: Nope

• 💩 Black Waste: Definitely not

• 📶 Signal: Actually usable (at the good one)

• 🌲 Overhanging Trees: Yes, park with care for a wide open sky

• 🐾 Trails: Loads

• 🚴‍♀️ Bikes: Perfect spot

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading through Walworth and thinking of parking up in Ballykelly Forest, do yourself a favour: go to the good one. Yes, the other spot looks like something off a tourist board brochure, but it’s all lies. Pretty lies, with no signal.

The smart choice is the open space, the working phone, the nearby bin, and the peace of mind that you’re not under a rotting tree.

We’ll add this one to the Park-Ups Map, and if you visit, leave no trace – and maybe take a photo before 4:30am.