FAQ’s
+ When are you open and closed?
- In 2025, we will be open from 1st May and close on 15th September
- Late May and August Bank holidays are 3 nights minimum (please arrive Friday if you can)
+ Do you have electric on site?
- We are an "off-grid" site
- We do not provide electric hook-ups
- We have no laundry and no mobile charging areas
- Bring a mobile charger power pack or use a car charger
- Ice can be purchased at Mill Street Store Nayland, Gt Horkesley Post Office, Co-Op (Chesterwell) or Asda Colchester
+ Can I bring my dog?
- Rushbanks Campsite is a Dog Friendly campsite. Here, we know the importance of being able to have that furry part of your family join you in creating holiday memories. Please be sure to adhere to Our Expectations with regards to pets on site.
- Dogs must be kept on leads at all times and any fouling must be collected and disposed of. A maximum of two dogs per pitch are permitted on-site. If there is an incident on-site involving your dog (including excessive barking that disturbs guests or neighbours) please note that you may be asked to leave the site immediately and no monies will be refunded.
- Dogs can be added during the booking process as an Optional Extra.
+ Can I fish in the river at the campsite?
- Yes, you can fish free of charge at the campsite during the fishing season. Our river has roach, bream, eel, pike, carp, perch and chub. * Please bring your fishing licence and double check this years fishing season dates
+ Where can I wash up?
- We have a sink area with bins for you to wash up cooking equipment, please bring your own washing detergent and sponge
+ Do you have showers on the campsite?
- Yes we do. We have off-grid hot showers on the campsite
+ Where do I pitch my tent/touring unit?
Upon arrival please choose the best space available and set up
The best option for you will depend on the size of your group and the spaces available so have a drive around the site and then decide what’s best for you
We do not reserve specific spaces, they are based on a first come, first serve basis. Staff may be helping other customers when you first arrive, so please set up your things and make yourself at home. We will visit your pitch as soon as we can to organise check-in, fire pits and logs etc.
+ How do I pay?
- Please visit a cash point and bring cash to pay for any extras such as a canoe or campfire
- We will visit your pitch after 16.00 to check you in, tag your accommodation and organise your campfire and any extras if required
- We are fully off grid and therefore cannot process any payments by credit or debit card
+ How do I get a Fire Pit and Logs?
- We visit your pitch with our Kubota RTV
- We hire out fire pits and sell logs from the Kubota RTV
- All campfires must be put out by campers by 23.00
- Only our rented fire pits are to be used
- You do not need to reserve a fire pit or logs in advance
+ What time should I arrive and depart?
- Please arrive after 14.00 and try to be here by 20.00 if possible (our gates always remain open)
- Please check out by 12.00 on your day of departure (unless you’ve hired a canoe on your departure date - you can therefore leave later on)
- Early check-in is from 10am and for grass pitches only. It can be purchased during the booking process
- Late check-out is available till 4pm and is also only available for grass pitches
+ How do I hire a Canoe?
- Canoe hire is available daily
- Canoe training & maps are provided before your trip
- Canoe hire is exclusively for customers staying with us at Rushbanks Campsite
- Hire duration is from 10.00 to 18.00 (8 hours) and costs £65
- Buoyancy aids for children are free of charge, adult buoyancy aids cost £5 per day
- Canoes seat either 3 adults only or 2 adults and 2 children. Canoes can be taken to the Anchor Inn Pub, Nayland, which is downstream, please note that you will need to carry the canoe around two weirs. * Canoes can be shared between groups and taken both upstream and downstream from our campsite
- We have limited availability for canoe hire and recommend you book in advance, please email us at rushbanksfarm@gmail.com to make a booking or if you require information regarding availability
- Our standard cancellation policy applies. There are no refunds within 30 days of arrival
+ Can I bring my own canoe, kayak, SUP or inflatable?
- Yes, you can bring your own canoe, kayak, SUP or inflatable free of charge
- Boat launch (river permits issued by the EA & Canoe Union)
- Please contact the River Stour Trust or the Environment Agency for a river Stour boat license for your canoe or kayak
- RST website (as an agent for EA - offering 24/7 online application and payment facility) https://www.riverstourtrust.org/boat-trips/paddling-the-river-stour/craft-registrations/
- EA website (offering postal/phone applications, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/anglian-waterways-boat-registration-and-application-forms
- Our canadian canoe rental boats include a boat license for the river Stour and insurance
+ What is your cancellation policy?
- No Refunds: We do not offer refunds within 30 days of your booking for grass pitches and bell tent hires.
- Holiday Insurance
- Get Covered: We strongly recommend purchasing holiday accommodation insurance for your stay at Rushbanks. You can add this insurance during the booking process for your grass pitch or bell tent.
- Independent Provider: The insurance is provided by XCover.com, and none of the insurance money goes to Rushbanks. Any refunds related to your accommodation will be handled by XCover.com.
- XCover.com’s ‘Booking Refund Protection’
- What’s Covered:
- Injury or illness (including COVID-19) affecting you or an immediate family member.
- Mechanical breakdown, accident, fire, or theft of your private vehicle on the way to the campsite.
- Severe weather conditions (flood, snow, frost, fog, or storm) where travel warnings have been issued by the Police or Government.
- How to Purchase: You can select this protection during your booking process.
- Refunds and Rescheduling for Additional Services
- Campfires, Canoes, and Paddleboards: If we are unable to provide these services on the day, we will move your booking to another date. If rescheduling is not feasible, we will provide a refund. Any refund issued will incur a £10 processing fee.
- Force Majeure
- No Liability: Rushbanks Campsite is not liable for any interruptions or cancellations caused by events beyond our control, such as natural disasters, floods, war, blockades, fires, strikes, diseases, pandemics, health emergencies, and other similar disruptions.
- We hope this helps you understand our policies better. Booking insurance is highly recommended to ensure peace of mind during your stay.
+ Where is sunset corner located?
- ‘Sunset Corner’ offers a great view of the sunset - check out some of our Gallery photos. It is located on the river bank next to the showers and swing area. Look along the river from the riverbank and be inspired whilst taking some amasing Instagrammable photos.
+ What about buying ice, shops, cash machines, petrol stations and so on?
- Check out our amenities page
- Mill Street Store Nayland, Great Horkesley Post Office, Co-Op Chesterwell and Asda Colchester sell ice