Best Riverside Campsites UK - The Camping and Caravanning Club (2024)

In the Northumberland National Park, perfect for outdoor activities and great days out.

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.

Chertsey is on the banks of the Thames, just a 50-minute train ride from London.

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.

Set in Lancashire’s glorious Ribble Valley, south of the Forest of Bowland our cl*theroe Club campsite enjoys a parkland setting close to the River Ribble.

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 cl*theroe 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 cl*theroe, you can relax by this riverside setting or take a meandering walk to the charming Lancashire villages of Waddington or Great Mitton.

Our Crowden Club Site enjoys a remote location at the northern end of the Peak District National Park.

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.

Our Hayfield Club campsite sits at the foot of the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park.

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.

Pitch up here at this lovely hillside campsite at the gateway to the southern Lake District.

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.

Enjoy water, wildlife, cycling and walking from this Midland's-based Club Site.

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.

Explore Scotland's Border country from your pitch.

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.

A city campsite with a rural feel describes our Norwich Club campsite.

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.

A wonderfully secluded campsite hidden in the Welsh hills.

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.

St Neots campsite is on the banks of the Great Ouse, a wildlife haven & close to town.

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.

A tranquil, traditional campsite within the M25 motorway, which has been in the Club's care for more than 90 years.

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.

Located just outside the market town of Rhayader in Powys, the green heart of Wales, sits our gorgeous campsite which embodies the natural beauty of central Wales.

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.