First Time Camping at Rushbanks: What to Bring + How It Works

A calm, easy guide to your first riverside stay in Constable Country

If you’re new to camping — or it’s been a while — you’re in exactly the right place.

Rushbanks is a riverside campsite in the heart of Constable Country, offering space, scenery, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s proper outdoor camping, but thoughtfully run, with the essentials in place so you can focus on enjoying your time away.

You don’t need to be an expert camper. A little preparation goes a long way — and this guide shows you exactly how.

Choose your style of stay

Grass Pitch — Bring Your Own Tent

For classic camping with the freedom to make your pitch your own.

Ideal for: families, couples, and small groups of friends

What guests love: choosing your pitch on arrival and settling in at your own pace

Bell Tent Hire — The Easy Option

Camping with fewer bags and less setup, while still enjoying the outdoors.

Ideal for: first-time campers, couples, and families wanting comfort and simplicity

What guests love: arriving and relaxing straight away

What we have on site

Camping should feel easy and well-organised.

  • Toilets and hot showers (portable units, cleaned and managed daily)

  • Fresh drinking water

  • Washing-up sinks

  • Rubbish and recycling points

It’s outdoor camping — with the practical details taken care of.

Before you arrive: a quick tent check (highly recommended)

If you’re bringing your own tent, this is the best preparation you can do.

New tent?

Set it up once at home before you come — even a quick practice in the garden makes a big difference.

You’ll know how everything fits together and avoid unnecessary stress on arrival.

Already have a tent?

Give it a quick check before packing:

  • Make sure all the pegs are there

  • Check all the poles are included and not cracked or bent

  • Check guylines are attached and not tangled

  • Bring the groundsheet if you use one

Top tip: keep pegs and spare parts in a small bag inside the tent so they’re easy to find.

The essentials checklist (don’t overthink it)

You don’t need lots of kit — just the things that make camping comfortable.

Sleeping (this matters most)

  • Sleeping bags suitable for UK nights

  • Sleeping mats or airbeds + pump

  • Pillows

  • An extra blanket for cooler evenings

Light & power (we’re off-grid)

  • Headtorch / Torch / Phone torch for each adult / child

  • Lantern for the tent or picnic table

  • Power banks and charging cables

Clothing

  • Warm layer and waterproof jacket

  • Comfortable shoes

  • Something suitable for damp grass or night-time trips

  • Spare socks

Food & cooking

  • Camping stove + fuel + lighter/matches

  • One pan, one pot, and a kettle

  • Plates, cutlery, mugs

  • Cool box with ice blocks

  • Washing-up liquid, sponge, tea towel

Small comforts

  • Camping chairs

  • Bin bags

  • Basic first-aid kit

  • Sun cream and insect repellent

How arrival works

  1. Arrive and take a short walk around to choose your pitch

  2. Set up at your own pace

  3. Settle in and enjoy the river and countryside

Helpful tip: pack a small “first-out” bag (headtorch, mallet, waterproof, water bottle) so setup feels effortless.

How to make the most of your stay

Campfire evenings

A campfire is a simple pleasure and one of the highlights of camping.

  • Bring marshmallows or easy fire snacks

  • Add a warm layer once the sun goes down

  • Use lanterns to create a cosy pitch

Optional add-on: Firepit / campfire set — ready to use and hassle-free.

Time on the river

The River Stour is one of Rushbanks’ greatest features: peaceful, scenic, and wonderfully calming.

Optional add-on: Canoe hire — an easy way to turn your stay into a memorable day out.

Morning calm

Mornings at Rushbanks are unhurried:

coffee outside, birdsong, and space to breathe.

A short riverside walk before breakfast is highly recommended.

A few simple site guidelines

We aim for a relaxed, respectful atmosphere so everyone can unwind.

  • Please be considerate with noise later in the evening

  • Drive slowly on site

  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads

  • Fires are only permitted in designated firepits

Exploring Constable Country

You’re perfectly placed for:

  • gentle riverside walks

  • village exploring

  • country pubs

  • simply spending time by the water

Frequently asked questions

Is Rushbanks suitable for first-time campers?

Yes — many of our guests are new to camping.

What if it rains?

Bring a waterproof jacket and embrace a slower pace. Camping still works beautifully in light rain.

Can I charge my phone?

We’re off-grid, so power banks are essential.

Can we have a campfire?

Yes — using our designated firepit setups.

Ready to plan your stay?

Choose your style, pack the essentials, and enjoy a relaxed break in the countryside.