Riverside Campsites
Riverside camping
Welcome to the possibilities of glorious riverside camping. Pitch or park up along the banks of some of the UK's best rivers and watch as the water bubbles past, supporting flourishing wildlife as you listen to the sounds of nature flowing around the campsite. You can take a waterside stroll at the riverside campsites below, cast your fishing rod, or sit back and appreciate the brilliant views.13 Riverside Campsites
Bellingham
Northern England, Northumberland
(47)
In the Northumberland National Park, perfect for outdoor activities and great days out.
Bellingham
The North Tyne flows through Northumberland from Kielder Water to Hexham, where it meets the South Tyne and forms the famous River Tyne. Meander alongside the river and explore this unspoilt part of the country.
Visit the river’s source at Kielder Water and the surrounding forest park and have a go at water-skiing, sailing and snorkelling. You can even camp on the banks of the river at our Bellingham Club Site, which also lies within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Lie beneath the night sky and gaze at the starry landscape above.
Visit the river’s source at Kielder Water and the surrounding forest park and have a go at water-skiing, sailing and snorkelling. You can even camp on the banks of the river at our Bellingham Club Site, which also lies within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park. Lie beneath the night sky and gaze at the starry landscape above.
Chertsey
The second longest river in the UK and arguably the most famous, the Thames is an iconic natural landmark that meanders through the centre of London. Flowing for over 215 miles, from Thames Head in Gloucestershire to the North Sea, the Thames is a central part of England’s history and culture.
The Thames flows through Berkshire and Surrey, passing our Chertsey Club Site. Pitch your tent beside the river and take a short train ride to the capital. Alternatively, wander along the Thames Path Nature Trail that runs alongside the campsite. Fishing is available on the campsite from June to March, from 7am until dusk.
The Thames flows through Berkshire and Surrey, passing our Chertsey Club Site. Pitch your tent beside the river and take a short train ride to the capital. Alternatively, wander along the Thames Path Nature Trail that runs alongside the campsite. Fishing is available on the campsite from June to March, from 7am until dusk.
Clitheroe
Flowing through North Yorkshire and Lancashire, the River Ribble runs from the Ribblehead Viaduct to the Irish Sea between Lytham St Annes and Southport. Over 75 miles long, the Ribble connects to both the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the Lancaster Canal.
Our Clitheroe Club Site sits beside the Ribble and offers a wide variety of activities. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the water, grab your fishing rod and cast your hook or take a dip in your swimming costume.
At Clitheroe, you can relax by this riverside setting or take a meandering walk to the charming Lancashire villages of Waddington or Great Mitton.
Our Clitheroe Club Site sits beside the Ribble and offers a wide variety of activities. Hop in a canoe and paddle through the water, grab your fishing rod and cast your hook or take a dip in your swimming costume.
At Clitheroe, you can relax by this riverside setting or take a meandering walk to the charming Lancashire villages of Waddington or Great Mitton.
Crowden
In the northern region of the Peak District National Park, there is a network of various rivers, reservoirs and feeder canals. Our Crowden Club Site is nestled snuggly amidst this network, offering excellent walking trails and spectacular viewpoints.
Take a day out of your trip to follow the Longdendale Trail, which slaloms for over six miles around the valley of the same name. This valley is home to a chain of six man-made reservoirs on the River Etherhow. Towering peaks reflect on the glistening water, making for some of the most breath-taking views in the Peak District.
Take a day out of your trip to follow the Longdendale Trail, which slaloms for over six miles around the valley of the same name. This valley is home to a chain of six man-made reservoirs on the River Etherhow. Towering peaks reflect on the glistening water, making for some of the most breath-taking views in the Peak District.
Hayfield
Meandering through the Peak District’s rolling hills, the River Sett flows past our Hayfield Club Site. The Sett rises near Edale Cross, flows through the idyllic villages of Hayfield and Birch Vale, before joining the River Goyt at New Mills. The Goyt is a tributary of the River Mersey.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Sett Valley Trail, which runs parallel to the river and follows the track-bed of a former railway line between Hayfield and New Mills. Follow the River Kinder, a tributary of the Sett, to Kinder Reservoir. This stretch of water and the surrounding peaks offer some of the most spectacular views in the Peak District.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Sett Valley Trail, which runs parallel to the river and follows the track-bed of a former railway line between Hayfield and New Mills. Follow the River Kinder, a tributary of the Sett, to Kinder Reservoir. This stretch of water and the surrounding peaks offer some of the most spectacular views in the Peak District.
Kendal
The Mint is a relatively small river flowing through the heart of Cumbria. Starting life at Whelpside and running south to Patton Bridge, the Mint eventually drains into the River Kent. Kendal takes its name from the Kent, literally meaning “Kent Dale”.
Our Kendal Club Site is situated in a secluded location, with some pitches overlooking the trickling waters of the River Mint. All campers at the Kendal campsite are given a copy of the “Riverside Ramble”, a popular 45 minute stroll from the site, along both sides of the river.
Our Kendal Club Site is situated in a secluded location, with some pitches overlooking the trickling waters of the River Mint. All campers at the Kendal campsite are given a copy of the “Riverside Ramble”, a popular 45 minute stroll from the site, along both sides of the river.
Kingsbury Water Park
Central England, West Midlands
(41)
Enjoy water, wildlife, cycling and walking from this Midland's-based Club Site.
Kingsbury Water Park
Purposefully built to link Birmingham to Coventry and London, the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal is a narrow stretch of water and home to a diverse variety of bustling wildlife.
The canal passes the entrance of our Kingsbury Water Park Club Site. The water park neighbours both the canal and campsite and offers a wide array of activities. Try your hand at canoeing or sailing, embark on one of the walking or cycling trails and keep an eye out for a glimpse of the birds and mammals that inhabit the area. From the campsite, walk along the canal to Middleton Hall and RSPB Middleton Lakes.
The canal passes the entrance of our Kingsbury Water Park Club Site. The water park neighbours both the canal and campsite and offers a wide array of activities. Try your hand at canoeing or sailing, embark on one of the walking or cycling trails and keep an eye out for a glimpse of the birds and mammals that inhabit the area. From the campsite, walk along the canal to Middleton Hall and RSPB Middleton Lakes.
Lauder
In the heart of the rugged Scottish borders, a small burn flows alongside our Lauder Club Site. This burn provides a habitat for local wildlife and birds, as well as making for a truly special Scottish landscape.
Follow the mammoth 212 mile Southern Upland Way that passes south of the campsite on its way from Scotland’s east coast to its west. There are also various other walking trails stemming from the campsite. Venture into the isolated wilderness of the Lammermuir Hills for remarkable views of the Southern Uplands.
Follow the mammoth 212 mile Southern Upland Way that passes south of the campsite on its way from Scotland’s east coast to its west. There are also various other walking trails stemming from the campsite. Venture into the isolated wilderness of the Lammermuir Hills for remarkable views of the Southern Uplands.
Norwich
Flowing through the heart of Norwich’s cobbled city centre, the River Wensum is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Area of Conservation. The river takes its name from the Old English word for winding. True to its name, the Wensum winds through Norfolk for 46 miles, from Whissonsett to Whitlingham.
Our Norwich Club Site is perched beside the river, offering picturesque views, relaxing walks and riverside fishing. The local water sports centre lies just two miles from the campsite, where you can try your hand at windsurfing, sailing or kayaking.
Our Norwich Club Site is perched beside the river, offering picturesque views, relaxing walks and riverside fishing. The local water sports centre lies just two miles from the campsite, where you can try your hand at windsurfing, sailing or kayaking.
Rhandirmwyn
The longest river to sit entirely within Wales, the River Towy, or River Tywi if you’re a local, runs for over 75 miles. The river passes through our Rhandirmwyn Club Site on its way from the Cambrian Mountains to Carmarthen Bay. Pack your fishing gear, pitch your tent on the riverside and take advantage of the river’s abundant salmon and sea trout.
The Cambrian Way runs right past the campsite and eventually leads to Usk Reservoir, a typically dramatic Welsh landscape. Take a riverside stroll and keep an eye out for the otters and grey seals that inhabit the area.
The Cambrian Way runs right past the campsite and eventually leads to Usk Reservoir, a typically dramatic Welsh landscape. Take a riverside stroll and keep an eye out for the otters and grey seals that inhabit the area.
St Neots
The Great Ouse flows for over 140 miles through East Anglia, from the Northamptonshire village of Syresham and out to the North Sea on the coast of Norfolk. Pitch your tent on the banks of the Great Ouse at our St Neots Club Site and watch as the boats slowly sail by.
From the 16th June, fishing is available from the campsite and is a picturesque spot to cast your rod. Take a stroll along the riverside and stop for a drink at country pubs. Wander through Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and keep an eye out for a glimpse of swooping birds and playful otters.
From the 16th June, fishing is available from the campsite and is a picturesque spot to cast your rod. Take a stroll along the riverside and stop for a drink at country pubs. Wander through Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and keep an eye out for a glimpse of swooping birds and playful otters.
Walton on Thames
South East England, Surrey
(31)
A tranquil, traditional campsite within the M25 motorway, which has been in the Club's care for more than 90 years.
Walton on Thames
Our Walton on Thames Club Site sits on the site where the River Mole meets the River Ember. Both are tributaries of the River Thames which runs a few miles north of the campsite. The Mole rises in Horsham in West Sussex and flows northwest for 50 miles, through Surrey and ends at East Molesey, opposite Hampton Court Palace.
The river has captured the imagination of several authors and poets, including revered writer John Milton. Step back in time and wander along the riverside from the campsite to the charming village of Hersham.
The river has captured the imagination of several authors and poets, including revered writer John Milton. Step back in time and wander along the riverside from the campsite to the charming village of Hersham.
Wyeside
Flowing through the Wye Valley, an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the River Wye is the 5th longest river in the UK. The Wye stretches from Plynlimon, the highest point in Mid Wales, to the Severn Estuary at Chepstow.
For the majority of its length, the Wye forms part of the border between England and Wales. During the course of its 134 mile journey, the river passes alongside our Wyeside Club Site, where you can camp on the river’s banks. Embark on a hike, follow a cycling route or cast your rod in the river in the hope of catching a salmon or two.
For the majority of its length, the Wye forms part of the border between England and Wales. During the course of its 134 mile journey, the river passes alongside our Wyeside Club Site, where you can camp on the river’s banks. Embark on a hike, follow a cycling route or cast your rod in the river in the hope of catching a salmon or two.
Riverside camping FAQs
What are some popular riverside campsites in the UK?
Some of our most frequently booked campsites in the UK include:
• Hayfield in the Peak District, which has the River Sett flowing nearby
• Kendal in the Lake District, which has some pitches overlooking the small River Mint which flows into the River Kent
• Walton on Thames which, as the name suggests, sits along several tributaries of the River Thames
• Bellingham, within the Northumberland National Park, is ideal for pretty walks along the North Tyne
• Clitheroe in Lancashire’s glorious Ribble Valley is close to the River Ribble
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
What activities can visitors do while camping at a riverside campsite?
Our campsites give you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for some rip-roaring outdoor adventures or a quiet break away, our campsites are the perfect places to base your riverside camping holiday around. We’ve put together a variety of handy guides and inspirational holiday blogs in our advice hub to help you plan your break.
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
Can I bring my dog to a riverside campsite in the UK?
Yes! All of our Club Sites welcome dogs, and you can enjoy riverside camping with your pooch at no extra cost. Look at campsite facilities to check which dog-friendly extras are available, like dog showers and dedicated walking areas.
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
What pitch types are available at these riverside campsites?
You’ll find information about the pitch types available on each riverside campsite on their information pages prior to booking. When you book, you’ll be able to select your desired pitch type if it’s available. Grass, grass with electric, hardstanding with electric, jumbo pitches for larger tents, jumbo pitches with electricity and super service pitches are some of the options available.
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
What amenities are typically available at riverside campsites?
To see the full list of facilities available at your chosen campsite, ensure you check the sites page prior to booking. Toilets, showers, Wi-fi and dishwashing facilities all come as standard on our Club Sites, and additions like washing machines, parent and baby rooms, ball game areas, recreation rooms, shops, and dog washes are all features to look out for.
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
What are some tips for camping at a riverside campsite in the UK?
To ensure you have a brilliant riverside camping trip with us, here’s some information to look at prior to setting off:
• Camping checklist
• Campsite arrival guide
• Advice and inspiration
• UK camping policies
Last Modified: 26 Apr 2023
Is there parking available on riverside campsites?
Yes, we know how important it is to be able to get your camping gear straight to your pitch so, as a standard, we allow one car to park by each pitch but if you have any questions, check with the campsite before you book.