Waterfront campsites for paddle boarding and wild swimming UK

The best campsites for paddling and swimming

We have succumbed to the paddle board craze. Last year we bought a Hydroforce Oceana which we’ve all really enjoyed using. We stayed a great campsite for paddle boarding last summer and since then, I’ve been scouring the internet for more campsites next to rivers or lakes across the UK. I also love swimming in rivers (the rest of the family aren’t quite so keen) so I’m hoping some of the campsites for wild swimming I’ve discovered will be good for enticing everyone into the water for a morning dip – it’s a great way to wake up after a night under canvas.

If you’re new to camping, check out my guide to camping for families – packed with tips about what to pack,

The following list has mostly come from recommendations I’ve read about on an open water swimming Facebook group I’m a member of. So while I haven’t had the good fortune to stay at all these places myself, these campsites have been tried and tested by a group of campers who love swimming outdoors. Places do change however and tastes of what constitutes a good campsite vary, so I would recommend doing your own research too.

Some of the campsites in this article are rather basic outfits with portaloos and no showers but others are extremely well equipped. You’ll find there are plenty of waterfront campsites on this list which have glamping units as well as the traditional tent pitches or caravans.

We are based in Hertfordshire so I’m going to make my way through some of the eastern and southern riverside campsites on this list. I hope you find it as useful as I do!

If I’ve missed any hidden gems – little river camping spots perfect for wild swimming or a serene lakeside campsite for paddle boarding – I would love to hear some more recommendations from anyone who’s found a great campsite next to a river or lake. I’m sure my list is by no means exhaustive.

I have included one or two beachfront campsites which look particularly appealing but overall this compilation consists of campsites next to rivers and lakes.

Please note, I have highlighted whether each campsite permits campfires – if this is essential for your stay, please double check before booking in case the rules have changed.

This page may contain affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay.

Thank you to Mason’s Campsite in the Yorkshire Dales for the lovely cover image.

Read my guide about the best toys to take camping.

Best campsites for wild swimming

Some of the campsites detailed here are part of a complex or “resort” which offers an organised approach to open water swimming. Others have a more traditional approach with access to a river or lake without the need to pre-book.

There are one or two campsites in this article which permit canoes and paddle boards but do not allow swimming – I have made it clear which these are.

If you’re new to open water swimming, or even if you’re a seasoned pro, it’s worth reading the advice on offer from the Royal Life Saving Society. Even the most experienced swimmers can get into unexpected difficulties in the water.

Waterfront campsites for swimming and SUP in Central England

Pillaton Hall Farm, Staffordshire

• Large campsite
• Lakeside
• Shop and cafe
• Play area
• No campfires

This campsite looks fantastic for families – there’s a particularly good adventure play area. The water sports activities meanwhile, are more suited to older children. There’s a minimum age of 13 to paddleboard during the summer. Open water swimming can be undertaken from age eight, but children (and adults) must be NOWCA registered – water temperature dependent.

Find out more about Pillaton Hall Farm

Byecross Farm campsite, Herefordshire

• Riverfront campsite
• Kayak and canoe hire on site
• Small shop/café
• Glamping available and cottage sleeping two
• Campfires

Spread across two fields – one is an orchard – Byecross Farm campsite sounds like an idyllic spot in the Herefordshire countryside. There’s a cafe with outdoor seating if you don’t fancy cooking – pizzas and burgers are on the menu.

Onsite is Hereford Kayak and Canoe Hire – ideal if you don’t have space in the car for a tent and a kayak. However, campers are welcome to launch their own kayaks and SUPs.

Find out more about Byecross Farm campsite

Tressack campsite, Herefordshire

• Medium campsite
• Riverfront
• Walk to village
• Canoe hire
• Campfires

This campsite on the River Wye sounds brilliant – there’s canoe hire on site and the company will collect you and bring you back to the campsite. There’s also a café selling plenty of family favourites. Families are very welcome here – there are specific zones for groups to camp together.

You can bring your own paddle board or kayak to Tressack. Wild swimming and toddler paddling is popular too.

The campsite is in the village of Hoarwithy and it’s a great base for exploring this exceptionally lovely part of England (and Wales). Symonds Yat and Ross on Wye are 20 minutes’ drive while family-favourites Puzzlewood and Clearwell Caves are just over half an hour away.

Find out more about Tressack campsite

Lenches Lakes, Worcestershire

• Lakeside campsite
• Glamping available
• Bar
• Campfires

This Worcestershire campsite looks perfect for wild swimming. It’s also a popular spot for fishing. There are two camping areas amid the Lenches Lakes site, and two lovely lakes. There’s a function room and bar and areas of the estate can be booked for events.

Find out more about camping at Lenches Lakes

Barefoot Campsites, Oxfordshire

• Back to basics camping
• Riverfront campsite
• Weekend canoe hire on site
• Glamping available
• Campfires

This riverfront campsite is ideal for wild swimming – in the Thames no less – as well paddle boarding and kayaking. And it’s only six miles from Oxford.

Barefoot is however quite a back to basics experience – toilets are the composting variety, there’s even composting urinals. There are a couple of showers but used more for rinsing off the river water post-swim than for a proper wash.

This is predominantly a tent campsite but it does attract a few campervans too – caravans are not permitted.

Find out more about Barefoot Campsites on the River Thames

Spring Lakes Watersports Campsite, Derbyshire

• Small campsite on large resort
• Lakeside
• Glamping available
• Café

This sounds like the perfect campsite for active families. There’s paddleboarding, wakeboarding and kayaking plus an aquapark (prepare to pull muscles you didn’t know you had) as well as open water swimming. Little children will enjoy the purpose built sandy beach area while the more sedate camper might prefer fishing.

The three lakes which make up this site – formally sand and gravel pits – are spring fed. The River Trent curves round their eastern edge. Although in Derbyshire, Spring Lakes is just 20 minutes from Nottingham.

Find out more about Spring Lakes Camping

Castle Farm Campsite Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire

• Riverfront
• Basic facilities – no showers
• Small campsite
• Glamping available
• Campfires
• Walking distance to village of Fotheringhay

I love the sound of this campsite. Not only is it on the banks of the River Nene with swimming and paddling access, it’s also walking distance to the village of Fotheringhay. The ruins of Fotheringhay Castle – the site of the Mary Queen of Scots’ execution – can also be visited from the campsite.

The campsite has become popular for events – wedding receptions and group adventures – but equally it sounds like a lovely location to get away from it all and enjoy the tranquility of the river.

Note, facilities are basic – there is running water and portaloos but no showers (as of January 2024).

Find out more about Castle Farm Campsite

Eastern England campsites for wild swimming and water sports

Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle, Norfolk

• Riverfront
• Medium campsite
• Play area
• Boat hire and wild swimming
• Shop
• Walking distance to village
• En-suite accommodation available
• Campfires

We loved our stay at this serene little campsite. Set on the River Waveney, Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle is within walking distance of the little village of Geldeston. Family owned and run, the campsite places an emphasis on wildlife so it’s definitely a place to come for peace and tranquility.

The campsite also has three en-suite “rooms” if you don’t fancy camping.

There’s a range of vessels to hire on site – rowing boats, kayaks and SUPs (including a giant SUP) but you’re welcome to bring your own equipment too. It’s an easy 40 minute paddle to the local community pub!

Find out more about Three Rivers Pitch and Paddle camping in Norfolk

Salhouse Broad campsite, Norfolk

• Swimming is not permitted
• Canoe and kayak hire
• Low impact campsite
• Campfires

This tent-only campsite on the Norfolk Broads is a back to basics option. There is no hot water, sinks or showers. But what it lacks in amenities, the site certainly makes up for in location. Set on Salhouse Broad, this looks like a really serene area for a camping break – dark skies, wildlife and ever changing scenery.

At Salhouse Broad you can hire kayaks and canoes or pay a small fee to launch your paddle board or other vessel. Swimming is not permitted.

Find out more about camping at Salhouse Broad

Outney Meadow, Suffolk

• Riverfront
• Medium campsite
• Canoe hire
• Walking distance to town
• No campfires

Another River Waveney campsite – Outney Meadow is a little further west, within walking distance of the market town of Bungay. Canoes can be hired from the campsite or you can bring your own water craft, wild swimming is also permitted.

Find out more about Outney Meadow camping in Suffolk

Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping site, Suffolk

• Medium size campsite
• Low-impact site
• Campfires
• Play area
• Canoe hire
• Swimming not permitted from the campsite

On the banks of the River Stour, in the heart of Constable country, family-run Rushbanks is a really scenic spot for camping. This is a fun, family-friendly campsite which attracts groups. It has quite a following with repeat visitors so you need to book early for high season stays.

There are jetties for launching kayaks and paddle boards – canoes and a few SUPs are available for hire at the campsite. From there, you can paddle downstream to the pub in the very pretty village of Nayland. You can also bring your own vessels.

Swimming is not permitted from the riverbank at the campsite but visitors are welcome to swim elsewhere along the river.

Read my review of our stay at Rushbanks here.

Find out more about Rushbanks Campsite on the River Stour

Waterclose Meadows Campsite, Cambridgeshire

• Riverfront campsite
• Medium size site
• Glamping available
• No campfires
• Walking distance to village

This National Trust campsite is perfect if you want to abandon your car for a few days. It’s walking distance into the villages of Houghton and Wyton and there are walking and cycling routes if you want to explore further afield.

Waterclose Meadows is on the banks of the River Great Ouse, close to Houghton Mill. It’s a popular spot to bring a paddle board or kayak. There are camping pods at Waterclose Meadows if you want to leave your tent at home – some have en-suite facilities!

Swimming is not encouraged due to the proximity of a working mill. However, there are entry points for kayaks and paddle boards.

Find out more about Waterclose Meadows Campsite in Cambridgeshire

Lake and river camping in Yorkshire and Northumberland

Pool Bridge Farm, near York

• Small farm campsite for wild swimming
• Lakeside
• Cafe
• Campfires

This tranquil spot next to three adult swimming lakes is just five miles from York city centre. Set on a farm, it looks like a really special place, describing itself as “a site for only those who love open water swimming”.

Although children are permitted – there’s a family swimming lake in the summer – it is a basic site and a quiet one – music is not permitted and the owners ask for no noise after 10pm.

The skies are ideal for stargazing. There’s a café at the campsite – their wood fired pizzas sound really appealing!

York can be reached by bike along a bridleway in around 20 minutes – sounds perfect!

Find out more about Pool Bridge Farm

Masons Campsite near Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire

• Large campsite
• Glamping available
• Shop and cafe
• Campfires
• Riverfront
• Villages in walking distance

Masons looks like a really lovely family-run campsite, set on the River Wharf, near Bolton Abbey in the Yorkshire Dales. There’s something for everyone here – camping, glamping, motorhomes and caravans are all welcomes.

Masons has a small shop and bakes bread and pastries daily. Wild swimming and fly fishing are both popular among campers at Masons, or you can launch your paddle board or canoe on the river.

Find out more about Masons Campsite

Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park, North Yorkshire

• Large campsite
• One holiday let
• Shop
• Riverfront
• No campfires

Set on the River Ure, Sleningford is a popular spot for canoeing and fly fishing – both with day visitors and those staying on the campsite. The site itself welcomes campers and caravaners and has a well stocked shop. As well as the river access, this looks like a great spot for walking and cycling.

Campers are welcome to swim and paddle board from the river beach at the campsite.

Find out more about Sleningford Watermill Caravan and Camping Park

Knight Stainforth Hall Camping and Caravan Park, Yorkshire Dales

• Large campsite
• Holiday homes
• Shop
• Play area
• Restaurant
• Riverfront
• No campfires

This campsite – it’s actually a lot more than that – is in a great location, a short walk from the popular Stainforth Force waterfall on the River Ribble. The site is well positioned for making the most of the Yorkshire Dales. The market town of Settle is just over two miles away.

As well as camping and caravanning, there are holiday homes and cottages for hire and if you don’t fancy cooking you can dine at the Knight’s Table – the onsite restaurant.

Find out more about Knight Stainforth Hall Camping

Ravenscleugh Farm, Northumberland

• Small campsite and B&B
• Limited facilities
• Wild swimming lake
• Campfires

This looks like a really beautiful spot to get away from it all. The family-run farm has several fields for private or wild camping with toilet and showers in the farmhouse. Some of the camping spots are located at a distance from the house and car parking – ideal for dark skies but it does mean you need to carry your gear across the fields.

There’s a wild swimming lake available to use for a fee.

Find out more about Ravenscleugh Farm camping

Campsites for wild swimming and SUP in the Lake District

Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club campsite

• Large campsite
• Glamping available
• Play area
• Lakeside
• Accessible by public transport
• Walking distance to Keswick town
• Shop
• Campfires not permitted

On the shores of Derwentwater, this is a great base for exploring the Lake District. Keswick is within walking distance and the region’s highest peak – Skiddaw – is within easy reach. There is a nominal fee to launch watercraft from the campsite – paddle boarding and kayaking are popular, as is swimming.

This site does flood so please bear this in mind if you’re considering a visit during the wetter periods of the year.

Find out more about Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club campsite

Coniston Hall Campsite

• Low key campsite
• Shop
• Walking distance to Coniston
• Lakeside

This Lake District campsite is on the western shores of Coniston Water. With its unmarked pitches among the trees, and views of the lake, Coniston Hall campsite looks like a really tranquil spot for a waterside camping trip.

Find out more about Coniston Hall campsite

Tarn Foot Farm, Ambleside

• Small, back to basics campsite
• Lakeside

This little campsite is spread across a field near the shores of Loughrigg Tarn with views of Langdale. Facilities are pretty basic – it’s all about being next to the water and getting away from it all! It has an impressively small footprint on the internet – you’re going to have to use a telephone to get hold of them: 01539 432596.

Waterside House Campsite, Ullswater

• Large campsite
• Glamping available
• Shop
• Café
• Lakeside
• Campfires

This family-run campsite is set on a farm on the northern shores of Ullswater. The campsite is large with something for everyone – you can choose an unmarked pitch in one of three fields, or bring your camper or caravan.

Waterside has a café and boat hire on site. If you’re bringing your own gear, there is no charge to launch a kayak or SUP on the water. This sounds like a great campsite for paddle boarding in the Lake District.

If you dont’ have space in your car to bring your own water sports equipment, Waterside is home to Wake and Surf – you can hire paddle boards, kayaks or even charter a boat.

Find out more about Waterside House Campsite

South West England campsites for paddle boarding and swimming

Stowford Manor Farm, Wiltshire

• Small campsite
• Riverfront
• Cafe
• Campfires

There are lots of attractions to staying on this small family-run campsite, not least the lure of swimming in the River Frome. Bradford-on-Avon is five minutes drive while Bath is 15 minutes. Back to the campsite itself, cream teas are available on site, made with cream from the farm’s very own Jersey cows. I think that might be a reason in itself to stay here.

The farm is also home to several craft workshops which run courses, including glass blowing and ceramics.

And if you’d like to join the oldest river swimming club in the country, you can visit nearby Farleigh Hungerford – membership is reasonable and the swimming sounds great!

Find out more about camping at Stowford Manor Farm

Frome Meadow campsite, Dorset

• Riverfront campsite
• Wild swimming but no kayaks / paddle boards
• Small/medium campsite
• Campfires
• Walking distance to village

This tranquil summertime campsite (July and August) sounds like a great choice for wild swimmers and families with little children who want to paddle. Close to the banks of the River Frome, the site is a 15 minute walk from the village of Moreton. The village has one of the longest fords in England – another good spot for little ones to paddle in.

Frome Meadow campsite has composting loos but if it’s not completely back to basics here – there are hot showers and a washing up area.

Although the stretch of river at the campsite is not suitable for kayaking and paddle boarding (or fishing), you’re only a 20 minute drive to Lulworth Cove which is a great spot for paddling (and swimming). We’ve camped in this part of Dorset several times (before I knew about this site!) and loved our trips to Lulworth for paddle boarding.

There is a train station in the village of Moreton so those with small tents can enjoy a car-free trip to Frome Meadow campsite – the owners may be able to collect guests from the station if they are given notice. They do not recommend walking from the station.

Find out more about camping at Frome Meadow campsite

Cornish Tipi Holidays, Cornwall

• Glamping available
• Lakeside campsite
• Campfires
• Medium size site

It sounds like this lakeside campsite in Cornwall has a loyal following and gets booked up pretty quickly. There are 20 tipis dotted across the valley and a quarry lake for swimming, boating and paddling. Plenty of trees, wildflowers and wildlife make it sound like a truly idyllic spot.

As well as the tipis, there are pitches for tents and campervans – no hard standing though. If the waters of the lake are too serene, it’s five to 15 minutes drive to a range of Atlantic Ocean beaches.

Port Isaac is just 10 minutes away by car while the ruin of Tintagel castle are 15 minutes. Stunning Polzeath beach is also close by.

The campsite lake is only for guests – not for use by the general public.

Find out more about Cornish Tipi Holidays

Swimming and paddle boarding campsites in Wales

Digeddi Wildlife Campsite, near Hay on Wye

• Spacious, basic campsite
• Glamping available
• Riverfront
• Campfires

Digeddi campsite has a perfect setting right on the River Wye, on the Wales/England border. The owners keep visitor numbers low so it never gets too busy.

Pitches are well spaced out – our group of four families were quite a distance from neighbouring campers so it felt peaceful and secluded. Our kids had tons of space to run around, playing hide and seek or football.

We had incredible weather during our stay at Digeddi so we were in the water every day – swimming and paddle boarding. The water by the campsite is shallow and then deepens slowly so it feels safe for little children. There’s a fun short and shallow “rapids” area which the children enjoyed going over in their kayak.

We pitched our tents just a few metres from the water’s edge. There’s a large stony beach which is perfect for an evening drink while the kids have a final play in the water. There were lots of kayakers passing by on the river – it’s on the route of a popular section of the river for paddling.

Digeddi has fairly basic facilities so if you’re after decent wash blocks this probably won’t be the place for you. However, we found the position, so close to the water, really wonderful and the spacious pitches worked really well for our group of families.

Find out more about Digeddi

Dol Llys Farm, Mid-Wales

• Medium campsite
• Play area
• Campfires
• Riverfront campsite

This family run campsite sits on the banks of a tranquil stretch of the River Severn. Dol Llys Farm is just a mile from the historic market town of Llanidloes in Mid-Wales.

The river looks lovely for swimming and paddle boarding. You can pitch your tent right by the river and drift off to sleep listening to the sound of the Severn.

Find out more about Dol Llys Farm camping

Fforest Fields, Mid-Wales

• Large campsite
• Glamping available
• Shop and bar
• Campfires
• Lakeside campsite

Fforest Fields is a rural farm campsite. Ideal for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking, this mid-Wales campsite has two lakes – one for people and one reserved for wildlife. There’s access to lots of hiking trails as well as mountain biking – the moorland looks like a great place to explore.

As well as tent pitches, there are also yurts and a stone cottage if you like a bit of comfort.

The nearest town is Builth Wells (four miles) but really, you come here for the open space and the wide skies. I love the sound of this campsite – paddle boarding and mountain biking in one place!

Find out more about Fforest Fields campsite

Llyn Gwynant campsite, Snowdonia

• Lakefront campsite
• Large site
• Shop
• Cafe and bar
• Boat hire
• Campfires

This campsite is in a glorious position in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) – close to the start of various routes up Mount Snowdon (you can walk it from the campsite but might regret that decision at the end of the hike!)

You can swim and launch non-motorised watercraft on Llyan Gwynant – bring your own boat or board, or you can hire them from the campsite.

I love the idea of spending the day hiking up Snowdon and then coming back to pizzas from the campsite cafe and a well-earned drink from the bar.

Find out more about Llyn Gwynant campsite

Cae Du Farm Holidays, Snowdonia

• Beachfront campsite
• Self catering cottages
• Campfires permitted

Most of the campsites in this article are next to lakes or rivers but I couldn’t resist including beachfront Cae Du as it looks so perfect.

The beach has sand and rockpools so it’s ideal for little ones. Older kids will enjoy launching their kayaks and paddle boards, or perhaps having a refreshing swim.

There are lots of fantastic walking and cycling routes in the area and plenty of great beaches.

Find out more about Cae Du Farm Holidays

Glanlynn Lakeside Caravan and Camping Park, Snowdonia

• Large campsite
• Lakeside
• Static caravans and cottages available
• Shop
• Play area
• Campfires

Positioned on the shores of Lake Bala, the largest natural lake in Wales, this is a big camping and caravanning site with static units and two cottages.

You can bring your own paddle board or hire them at the campsite – lessons are available too. It sounds like a great place for cycling – there are a couple of bike hire outfits within a few miles of the campsite.

Find out more about Glanlynn Lakeside camping

Spring Valley Lakes, South Wales

• Large site
• Lakeside
• Glamping available
• Campfires

There’s lots going on at this camping and activity centre in South Wales. There are two lakes where visitors can swim, paddle board or even scuba dive. There is equipment for hire or you can bring your own. There is an annual membership system so visitors to the lake will not necessarily be campers.

Other activities at Spring Valley Lakes include archery and axe throwing and there are also plenty of walks to explore the surrounding landscape. And if you fancy a beer at the end of a busy day, there’s a licenced bar in a converted double decker bus.

There’s a range of accommodation available – traditional camping pitches of course but also a selection of wooden pods -some with a hot tub.

Find out more about Spring Valley Lakes

Campsites for paddle boarding in Scotland

Red Squirrel campsite, Glen Coe

• Campfires
• Riverfront

The setting of Red Squirrel Campsite looks fantastic – on the banks of the River Coe, with a backdrop of mountains. It makes me want to pack my tent into the car and head up there straight away.

Although Red Squirrel is a back to basics affair, there are showers and toilets on site. Otherwise, it’s just you and the scenery.

Swimming is permitted at Red Squirrel but please note the water is very cold so you do so at your own risk.

Find out more about Red Squirrel campsite

Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning

• Lakeside
• Large site
• Shop and café
• Play area
• No campfires
• Glamping available

If you’re camped on the shores of Loch Ness, I’d like to think your chances of seeing Nessie are greatly increased.

Whilst spotting the Loch Ness Monster isn’t guaranteed at this campsite, there are plenty of things which are – there’s a play area, a café and shop, plus boat and kayak hire on the lake.

I have not been able to get hold of the campsite to check on swimming and bringing your own paddle board or kayak. I’ll update this article in the spring when they have opened for the season.

Find out more about Loch Ness Shores campsite

Loch Chon campsite, Loch Lomond

• Small, basic campsite
• Lakefront
• Campfires

This is a back to basics campsite on the shores of Loch Chon. There are toilets and a washing up area but no showers. It looks like a really beautiful, unspoilt location. The pitches are spread across woodland and open spaces – some are close to the water, others are more secluded amid the trees.

Find out more about Loch Chon campsite

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Do you have a favourite waterfront campsite in the UK? Do let me know in the comments below.