Riverside caravanning

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Riverside caravanning offers many benefits, not least of all the sense of tranquillity camping by a river gives you! The sound of flowing water and being close to nature is sure to provide an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.

There are over 100 rivers in England; some of the major rivers include the Thames, Severn, Mersey, Tyne and Avon. Although when you think of the Thames, central London may spring to mind, it is actually around 215 miles long and flows through Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Greater London and Kent! The Severn is actually a little longer at around 220 miles; it originates in Wales and flows through various towns and cities, eventually reaching the Bristol Channel.

 

Riverside camping offers a unique and distinct experience compared to camping in forests or fields. It's a chance to enjoy the water element and the associated sights and sounds. Plus if you’re visiting during the warmer summer months, rivers often create microclimates that are slightly cooler than surrounding areas, which could be advantageous if you get uncomfortable in the heat.

Rivers run through all types of areas including cities, towns, villages and rural areas, so whatever your preference, you’re sure to find a campsite that has the surroundings you’re after. If you’re a nature lover and enjoy a trip where you can really get away from it all, a riverside destination is a great choice.

10 benefits of riverside caravanning

Beautiful scenery
Rivers often offer picturesque views of flowing water, lush landscapes and natural beauty. Waking up to a serene river view can be incredibly relaxing and rejuvenating - just what you need for your break away from it all!

Peaceful atmosphere
Riversides tend to be quieter and more peaceful than urban areas and could provide the ideal environment for a getaway. The sound of flowing water can also have a calming effect, providing a tranquil setting for some chill-out time. Why not get your book out and while away the hours or enjoy an afternoon snooze?

Closer to nature
Riverside camping allows you to be closer to nature; it’s the ideal place to enjoy activities such as birdwatching, bug-hunting and walks along the riverbank.

Wildlife observation
Riversides are often habitats for a variety of wildlife species. You might have the chance to see birds, aquatic animals, and other creatures up close. Many kids are fascinated by frogs, newts and reptiles and these can often be spotted and observed in riverside locations.

Reach for the stars
Away from city lights, riverside areas can provide excellent opportunities for stargazing. Clear skies and a peaceful environment make for memorable nights under the stars. Take the opportunity to look up the constellations and tell the kids a thing or two about space! Did you know that the North Star, also known as Polaris, is about 323 light-years from Earth? Mind boggling!

Sociable
Many riverside campsites have a community atmosphere, where fellow campers gather and socialise around campfires or during outdoor activities. You could also choose to go with wider family or groups of friends to maximise the social side of things!

Give fishing a go
If you're into fishing, or fancy giving it a try, riverside locations provide easy access to fishing spots, potentially allowing you to catch your own dinner!

Recreational activities
Rivers provide opportunities for various fun, recreational activities such as kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding and swimming. These activities can add a bit of adventure to your camping experience and help you work up an appetite! If you’re caravanning with kids, they’re sure to love being on the water too - just remember to pack the buoyancy aids!

Ideally situated
Many riverside camping sites are located near tourist attractions, historic sites and charming villages, making it easy to explore the local area during your stay. If you can bring your bikes on your trip then do, as this’ll make getting from place to place a lot of fun too!

Quality family time
Riverside camping can be the perfect environment for some real quality family time, away from the distractions of your everyday life. Kids can break free from technology and get back to nature, play by the water and experience the great outdoors and all it has to offer!

Great riverside locations…

The Camping and Caravan Club has 14 caravan sites that are located near riverbanks in England, Wales and the Scottish Borders, so why not take a closer look at where they are and which take your fancy…

Chertsey, Surrey
The Thames flows through Berkshire and Surrey, passing our Chertsey Club Site. Pitch your tent or caravan beside the river and take a short train ride to the capital. Alternatively, you can wander along the Thames Path Nature Trail that runs alongside the campsite. Fishing is available on the campsite from June to March.

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, washing machines, shop, recreation hall, motorhome service point, WiFi, dog friendly, pub within 1 mile.

Walton on Thames, Surrey
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. You can enjoy a wander along the riverside from the campsite to the charming village of Hersham.

Key site facilities include: motorhome service point, children's play area, WiFi, dog friendly, fishing.

St Neots, Cambridgeshire
The Great Ouse flows for over 140 miles through East Anglia to the coast of Norfolk. Pitch your tent on the banks of the Great Ouse at our St Neots Club Site and watch the boats sail by. Fishing is available at the campsite from 16 June and it’s certainly a picturesque spot to cast your rod. Take a stroll along the riverside and stop for a drink at a country pub, or wander through Paxton Pits Nature Reserve and keep an eye out for a glimpse of swooping birds and playful otters.

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, shop, parent and baby room, motorhome service point, washing machines, WiFi, dog friendly, fishing.

Wyeside, Powys
Flowing through the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the River Wye is the 5th longest river in the UK. For the majority of its length, the Wye forms part of the border between England and Wales. 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 fish or two.

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, shop, motorhome service point, washing machines, WiFi, dog friendly, fishing, horse riding, pub within 1 mile.

Kingsbury Water Park, West Midlands
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. 

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, shop, children’s play area, motorhome service point, washing machines, WiFi, dog friendly.

Hayfield, Derbyshire
Meandering through the Peak District’s rolling hills, the River Sett flows past our Hayfield Club Site. 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. You can 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.

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, shop, children’s play area, motorhome service point, washing machines, WiFi, dog friendly, pub within 1 mile.

Kendal, Cumbria
Our Kendal Club Site is situated in a secluded location at the foot of the Dark Peak area of the Peak District National Park, and some pitches overlook 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.

Key site facilities include: toilets, showers, shop, childrens play area, ball games, motorhome service point, washing machines, WiFi, dog friendly.

Got all you need?

Make sure you’ve got all you need for your riverside caravanning trip! Pop into our on-site accessory shop and browse the 5,000+ products we have in stock! If you prefer to shop from the comfort of your sofa, check out our online shop where you’ll find at least 10% off all awnings and accessories right now, more on selected items and free delivery on all orders over £25! Give us a call on 01962 714 844 with any questions!

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