Riverside camping on the River Stour in Dedham Vale
A simple, family-friendly escape where the days are for paddling, wildlife and walks — and the evenings are for campfires and sunsets.
Bell tents • Grass pitches • Caravans & campervans
Canoe & paddleboard hire • Paddle to the pub
Family-run for 68 years • Kids stay free • Dogs welcome
Off-grid, back-to-nature camping — with clean toilets and hot showers.
“Excellent family site — great riverside location and the kids absolutely loved it.” — Pitchup guest review
“Two families with young children… we all had the best time.” — Tripadvisor guest review
“Paddling to the pub — kids and adults all loved this!” — Tripadvisor guest review
Want a break that actually feels like a break?
Most weekends disappear in errands and screens. At Rushbanks, you arrive, breathe out, and let the river create the adventure. Midweek is often the sweet spot — calmer paddles, more space, and that proper “switched off” feeling. In peak season we can be lively, but it’s still friendly, simple camping with nature and river life at the heart of it.
What we offer at Rushbanks
Launch straight onto the River Stour
Canoe & paddleboard hire on site
The famous paddle to The Anchor Inn (pub), Nayland
Big grassy pitches with space to spread out
Bell tents for an easy glamping stay
Caravans & campervans welcome
Campfires for evenings under the stars
Scenic walks across Dedham Vale AONB
Clean toilets and hot showers
Kids stay free (family-friendly by design)
Dogs welcome
A family tradition for over 68 years
For over 68 years, the Bates family has welcomed guests to Rushbanks Farm for simple, friendly riverside camping. It’s peaceful, well looked after, and the kind of place people love returning to.
What guests say
“Pitched next to the river — amazing! Easy to launch a paddleboard or kayak.” — Pitchup guest review
“Kids and adults get back-to-basics outdoor fun — exactly what we wanted.” — Pitchup guest review
“Lots of freedom for the children — plus swings and space to roam.” — Tripadvisor guest review
“Wildlife to see, sunsets and marshmallows by the camp fire.” — Pitchup guest review
“Another fantastic visit… with my two teenage daughters — canoeing to The Anchor Inn for lunch was a great adventure.” — Tripadvisor guest review
“We appreciated the 11pm quiet time — it meant the kids could get a good sleep.” — Tripadvisor guest review
“A brilliant three-night family break on the banks of the idyllic River Stour.” — Smudged Postcard (family travel blog)
If you want a weekend that feels simple again—this is it
How it works
Pick your dates (and check what’s available)
Choose your stay (pitch / bell tent / campervan)
Add extras (canoe/SUP, campfire bundle)
Clear prices, simple rules, and friendly help if you’re new to camping
Read the Frequently Asked Questions page here.
Paddle straight from your pitch — the River Stour starts here
Ready for some fun on the water? Hire a canoe or paddleboard and explore the peaceful River Stour straight from the campsite. The classic Rushbanks adventure is the paddle to The Anchor Inn in Nayland — lunch or a drink by the river, then an easy paddle back.
Prefer staying on land? You’ll find beautiful walking and cycling routes right on the doorstep in Dedham Vale.
Rushbanks riverside camping — camp your way
Grass pitches
Spacious, green pitches for tents, caravans and campervans — ideal for stargazing and slow mornings.
Ready-to-go bell tents
Arrive to a cosy setup close to the river — no pitching, no stress.
Caravans & campervans
Bring your home on wheels and enjoy simple countryside camping with the river nearby.
Campfire nights, done properly
When the sun sets at Rushbanks, the real magic begins. Add a firepit to your booking and enjoy the part of camping everyone remembers: warmth, food, stories, and a sky full of stars.
We provide what you need for a safe campfire experience — just bring good company.
Where are we?
We are located near Nayland, on the River Stour in Dedham Vale AONB.
For Directions & parking click here.
Ready for a proper riverside break?
Check availability and book direct for the best options.