Camping by a river just hits different. Maybe it’s the sound of the water, the crisp fresh air, or the fact that you can lounge in a chair for hours and proudly call it “getting back to nature.” Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a weekend of kayaking, or just an excuse to eat way too many marshmallows by the fire, riverside camping is pretty much unbeatable.
Luckily, the UK is full of amazing riverside campsites, some perfect for lazy days and scenic views, others ideal if your idea of fun involves jumping into cold water on purpose. This guide is for anyone who loves the idea of waking up next to a river: families, couples, solo adventurers, and water sports fanatics alike.
Ahead, you’ll find some of the best riverside campsites in the UK, plus a few tips to make sure your trip is more “relaxing getaway” and less “whoops, fell in the river again.”
Benefits of Camping by the River
Tranquillity and Scenery
Camping by a river just makes everything feel a little easier. The steady flow of water? Instantly soothing. The fresh air and open sky? Like a deep breath for your brain. Whether you’re lounging in a chair, feet up, watching the water drift by, or just sitting there doing absolutely nothing (and loving it), it’s the kind of calm that sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you’re more relaxed than you’ve been in ages, wondering why you don’t do this more often.
It’s also the perfect escape from the nonstop buzz of daily life. No emails, no to-do lists, just time to actually slow down. Read a book, dip your toes in the water, or sit there doing absolutely nothing (which, let’s be honest, we don’t do enough of). It’s the kind of simple, effortless relaxation that sneaks up on you. Before you know it, you’re breathing deeper, thinking clearer, and wondering why you don’t do this more often.
Water Activities
One of the best things about camping by a river? You’re never bored. If you’re into kayaking or canoeing, plenty of rivers have those nice, calm stretches where you can paddle along, pretending you’re on some epic adventure (even if you’re just cruising past some ducks). If fishing is more your vibe, rivers are full of fish just waiting to either make your day or completely ignore you, it’s all part of the fun, right?
And then there’s swimming, because nothing feels better than cooling off in the water on a hot day. Some rivers have those perfect, lazy spots where you can float around like a very relaxed otter, while others are great for paddleboarding if you’re feeling a little more ambitious. However you spend your time on the water, riverside camping is basically an open invitation to slow down, splash around, and enjoy the good stuff.
Wildlife and Nature Watching
Camping by a river is basically a free pass to the best nature show around. Wake up early, and you might catch a deer quietly wandering through the trees or an otter slipping into the water like a little shadow. Kingfishers zip by in flashes of blue, herons stand around looking important, and if you sit still long enough, the whole place just comes to life around you.
Rivers are magnets for wildlife, which makes them perfect for anyone who loves nature (or just wants a break from people). Fish dart in the shallows, dragonflies hover like tiny drones, and the sounds of water and rustling leaves make it feel like the world has slowed down. Honestly, it’s the kind of peace you didn’t know you needed.
Campfire Cooking & Riverside Dining
There’s something about eating by the river that just hits different. Maybe it’s the fresh air, the sound of the water, or the fact that food somehow tastes way better when you’ve cooked it outside. Whether you’re grilling up something simple or going full-on campfire chef, there’s nothing like sitting by the water, plate in hand, watching the sun dip behind the trees.
And if you manage to catch your own fish? Even better. Cooking it over an open fire, with the smell of wood smoke in the air, feels like something out of an adventure movie. Except it’s real, and you get to eat the reward. Add in some good company (or just yourself, the river, and a satisfied grin), and suddenly, this is the best meal you’ve had in a long time. Simple, fresh, and exactly how food should be enjoyed.
Best UK Campsites for Riverside Camping
Riverside Caravan Park, North Yorkshire
If you’re looking for a proper riverside escape, the kind where you can actually breathe and forget about the real world for a bit, this is the place. It’s peaceful, family-friendly, and if you like fishing, you’re in for a good time. The whole place has that slow, easygoing feel, where mornings start with fresh air and the sound of the river, and afternoons are best spent doing absolutely nothing (or, you know, casting a line and hoping for the best).
The River Wenning runs right through the park, making it a dream for anglers, while nearby walking trails take you through some seriously stunning countryside. If you’re up for exploring, charming market towns like Bentham are close by. Or, you could just park yourself by the river with a cup of tea and call it a perfect day.
Loch Lomond Holiday Park, Scotland
If you’re after a camping spot that feels straight out of a postcard, this is it. Right on the shores of Loch Lomond, this place gives you those jaw-dropping views, crisp fresh air, and endless ways to enjoy the water. Whether you’re paddling out in a kayak, hopping on a boat tour, or just standing there thinking, wow, this is actually real, it’s the kind of place that makes you forget about emails and deadlines.
For the adventurous, there’s plenty of water sports to dive into, while nature lovers can spot wildlife all around. And if you’d rather just sit back with a hot drink and enjoy the view? Honestly, that’s a perfect plan too.
Symonds Yat West, Herefordshire
If you like a bit of adventure with your camping trip, Symonds Yat West is the place to be. Sitting right on the River Wye, it’s basically made for canoeing, whether you’re up for a full-day paddle or just fancy drifting along, soaking up the views. And if you’re more of a land explorer, don’t worry, there’s plenty for you too.
The hiking trails around here are unreal, leading you through the Wye Valley to some seriously stunning viewpoints (and, more importantly, some great pubs for a post-hike pint). Not in the mood to paddle or hike? No problem, just hop on a riverboat cruise and let someone else do the work while you kick back and enjoy the ride.
Glenbrittle Campsite, Isle of Skye
If you’re after a camping spot that feels like nature went all out, Glenbrittle is it. Surrounded by the towering Cuillin Mountains and the sea, this place doesn’t just have good views, it has the kind that make you stop mid-step, forget whatever you were thinking about, and just take it all in. Waterfalls spill down rocky cliffs, the air is crisp and salty, and there’s this incredible feeling of being completely off the grid, in the best way possible.
Hiking here is a no-brainer, with trails leading to hidden waterfalls and some of the most unreal views you’ll ever see. If you’re into photography, get ready, everywhere you turn is a picture-perfect moment. And if you’d rather just sit, breathe it all in, and exist for a while? Honestly, that might be the best way to experience Skye.
Clumber Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Site, Nottinghamshire
If you like your camping with a side of history and a whole lot of nature, Clumber Park is the perfect spot. Set in a massive National Trust park, this place has everything: rolling woodlands, peaceful rivers, and lakes that look like they belong in a painting. It’s the kind of place where you wake up to birdsong, spend the day exploring, and end it watching the sun set over the water, wondering why you don’t do this more often.
There’s plenty to keep you busy, from fishing in the lake to cycling through miles of scenic trails. Birdwatchers will have a field day here, with all kinds of wildlife to spot. Or, if you’re in the mood to take it slow, just find a quiet spot by the water and soak it all in.
Aberafon Campsite, Wales
Ever wished you could camp right between a river and the sea? At Aberafon, you actually can. This place is something special. On one side, you’ve got a peaceful river winding through the landscape, and on the other, waves rolling onto a sandy beach. Mornings start with the sound of flowing water, afternoons are for exploring the coastline or just dipping your toes in the sea, and by evening, you’re wrapped up in that fresh ocean air, wondering if life could get any better.
If you’re up for adventure, there’s plenty to dive into: kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails with views that will make you stop just to take it all in. But if all you want to do is sit, breathe, and watch the waves roll in, well, that sounds like a perfect day too.
Waterside House Campsite, Lake District
If you’re after a camping spot where you can wake up, step outside, and be right by the water, Waterside House is the place. Sitting on the edge of Ullswater, with a peaceful river running alongside, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and total relaxation. Mornings start with mist rolling over the lake, and by midday, you’re either out on the water in a kayak or just lying back, taking in the view and wondering why real life can’t always be this simple.
If you’re feeling active, there’s plenty to do: kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking trails with the kind of scenery that makes you stop just to take it all in. But if you’d rather just sit by the water and let the world slow down for a bit? That works too.
Forest Fields, Powys, Wales
If you want a campsite that actually feels like an escape, Fforest Fields is the spot. Tucked away in the Welsh countryside, it’s quiet, beautiful, and just far enough from everything to make you forget about emails and to-do lists. There’s a river running through the site, perfect for a quick swim or just sitting by the water, letting your mind wander. No traffic, no crowds, just space to breathe and slow down for a bit.
There’s no rush here. Walk the hills if you feel like it, jump in the river if it’s warm enough, or just sprawl out in the grass and watch the clouds do their thing. Maybe you’ll sip a cup of tea, maybe you’ll do absolutely nothing, and that’s kind of the whole point.
The Secret Campsite, East Sussex
If you’re after a proper escape, somewhere quiet, wild, and totally unplugged, The Secret Campsite is the spot. It’s tucked away in the East Sussex countryside, far from traffic and noise, where the loudest thing you’ll hear is birdsong or the rustling of trees. There’s a gentle river nearby, open fields, and no crammed-in pitches, just space to breathe and actually slow down for once. You wake up feeling rested, not rushed, and mornings are all about fresh air, not phone screens.
There’s no set agenda here, which is kind of the beauty of it. You can go for a walk, watch wildlife (deer, owls, and all sorts of birds), or even try foraging if you’re feeling adventurous. Or just sit by the river, toes in the water, doing nothing and loving every second of it.
North Lodge Campsite, Norfolk Broads
If you’re looking for a place where life moves at a gentler pace, North Lodge Campsite is it. Mornings here start with birdsong and fresh air, not alarms and emails. The river’s right there, waiting for you to paddle out or just sit by the bank and watch the boats go by. It’s the kind of place where you actually breathe a little deeper, whether you’re out exploring or just sipping tea and letting the world slow down for a bit.
You can canoe through peaceful waterways, spot herons and kingfishers, or take a slow walk along the riverbank with no real destination in mind. Or, if you’d rather just stretch out in the grass, let the sun warm your face, and not move for a while, that’s perfectly acceptable too.
Tips for an Amazing Riverside Camping Trip
Choosing the Right Campsite
Not all riverside campsites are created equal, so picking the right one makes all the difference. Think about how easy it is to get there, what facilities you might need (toilets? showers? a place to grab a coffee?), and what you actually want to do. Love fishing or swimming? Check the rules first, not every river is fair game. Some spots are all about adventure, while others are made for lazy days by the water. Choose the one that fits your kind of camping.
Essential Gear for Riverside Camping
Riverside camping is amazing until you realise you forgot the right gear. First, make sure your tent and bags are waterproof, because rivers mean morning dew (and surprise rain). If you’re planning to kayak, swim, or fish, pack safety essentials like life jackets. And don’t underestimate mosquitoes, bring repellent unless you want to be their main course. Layers are key too; riverside weather can go from sunny to chilly fast. Pack smart, and you’ll spend more time enjoying the water, not fixing problems.
Water Safety and Responsible Camping
Just because a river looks calm doesn’t mean it is. Always check the currents before diving in. Some spots are perfect for a swim, while others can be surprisingly strong. When in doubt, play it safe. And while you’re out there enjoying nature, don’t be that camper. Clean up after yourself, respect the wildlife, and leave the place just as beautiful as you found it. The best trips aren’t just fun for you, they help keep these spots amazing for everyone.
Best Time to Go
Timing is everything when it comes to riverside camping. Summer is great for long days and warm swims, but it also means more crowds and less peace. If you’d rather have the river (mostly) to yourself, autumn is a dream: cooler air, golden leaves, and way fewer people. Just keep an eye on the weather; riverside spots can get chilly and sometimes a bit muddy after rain. Pick your season based on what matters most, sunshine or solitude.
Riverside camping isn’t just about setting up a tent near some water, it’s about actually slowing down for once. It’s waking up to birds instead of alarms, sipping coffee while the river does its thing, and maybe even taking an impromptu dip (whether planned or accidental). Whether you’re here for adventure or just an excuse to sit by the water and do absolutely nothing, one thing’s for sure, you’ll leave feeling a little lighter, a little calmer, and already planning your next trip back.