Riverside Camping in Kent

In Kent, river camping strikes a balance between open fields and the steady rush of water nearby. Over 100 sites let you pitch up just steps from the bank, so expect easy access for swimming or a quick morning wash. The average night costs £45, but you’ll find riverside spots from as low as £20. Top picks include Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), where you’ll hear owls at night and spot herons at dawn, and The Nut Plat Retreat (31 reviews), a hidden gem with plenty of shade. You’ll get a fire pit, toilets, and hot showers at most sites. Wildlife-watching, hiking, and a cold dip in the river—this is Kent camping as locals know it. Remember to tidy your rubbish and leave the banks as you found them.

94% (305)

Top-rated campgrounds

In Kent, river camping strikes a balance between open fields and the steady rush of water nearby. Over 100 sites let you pitch up just steps from the bank, so expect easy access for swimming or a quick morning wash. The average night costs £45, but you’ll find riverside spots from as low as £20. Top picks include Otter Channel Campsite (83 reviews), where you’ll hear owls at night and spot herons at dawn, and The Nut Plat Retreat (31 reviews), a hidden gem with plenty of shade. You’ll get a fire pit, toilets, and hot showers at most sites. Wildlife-watching, hiking, and a cold dip in the river—this is Kent camping as locals know it. Remember to tidy your rubbish and leave the banks as you found them.

94% (305)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Nut Plat Retreat

93%

(71)

3 units · Glamping · Kent, South East England

Antique living wagons on the banks of the River Bourne, with a charming orchard setting, a pub down the lane and a history unlike anywhere else

2. Allington Lock Campsite

100%

(3)

10 units · Tents, Glamping · England

Set beside a peaceful river, this family-friendly campsite offers a simple, nature-filled getaway. Pitch your own tent on one of our 8 non-electric grass pitches, or make yourself at home in one of our two cosy Scandinavian-style softwood cabins, each sleeping up to 4. Please note: guests staying in cabins will need to bring their own bed linen. Onsite facilities include: Riverside setting for a tranquil stay Hot showers and toilets Covered eating area with BBQs Cabins with electricity (for charging devices only) Parking for 1 car per booking (£5 per night) Dogs welcome Onsite CCTV and security barriers

3. Otter Channel Campsite

95%

(159)

18 units · Tents · East Sussex, South East England

Spacious, nature-friendly camping with campfires on the banks of the River Rother

4. The Hop Farm

82%

(37)

50 units · Tents, Motorhomes · Brenchley, England

The Hop Farm is set in 500 acres of unspoilt Kent countryside, known as the Garden of England. Flat grass fields and surrounded by private woodland and also fields abut the River Medway, ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking. Campers have access to newly refurbished facilities, state of the art showers, toilets and washing facilities. Raised BBQ's and raised firepits are permitted - we also rent these out (subject to availability). It's the ideal location for a peaceful escape with endless skies providing memorable sunsets and stars unhindered by artificial light. SITE RULES: Admission is only permitted after registering at reception. At least one of the party members must be aged 21 or over. Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians. Group bookings of 6 or more adults are not permitted (couples and immediate family members excepted). No hen/stag parties permitted. Single-sex bookings of 4 or more people (couples and immediate family members excepted) are not permitted.

5. Stone Pit Meadows

100%

(8)

5 units · Glamping · Sandhurst, England

Bell tent and shepherd's hut glamping in a wild and luscious space, 5 minutes from Bodiam Castle.

6. Woolton Farm

87%

(19)

24 units · Tents, Glamping · Canterbury, Kent, South East England

Camping pitches and bell tents on an apple farm in Kent

Stories from the community

A

Abigail

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Allington Lock Campsite

While the facilities are basic they are perfect as a base for exploring a truly picturesque part of Kent. We had an amazing time and really loved being able to bring our puppy along for the holiday!

L

Liam

October 2025

With pets

1 night at Allington Lock Campsite

Easy check-in, lovely area, nice guy, comfy cabin.

A

Anita

August 2025

With kids

2 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Absolutely amazing retreat! We stayed at Finlays cabin, sadly for only couple of nights. Really lovely, peaceful, private wooden cabin. The owner just let us be! Reccomend to anybody who wants to get escape from daily life.

S

Samantha

July 2025

Tent

With kids

4 nights at Otter Channel Campsite

My friend and I had a delightful stay, with our kids, at this charming little site, at the end of July. Katie, the campsite owner, couldn’t have been more friendly, helpful and accommodating. She made us feel welcome from the start. Nothing was too much trouble for her. The campsite is rustic, with drinking water vessels, buckets for showers (there was a place to heat up the water), and eco friendly toilets. The location next to the river is beautiful. The kids were in heaven. They swam, paddle boarded and road bikes to the local shops, and generally went on adventures. You are surrounded by nature, with cows only a few steps away. It’s a little slice of heaven. My friend and I actually managed to relax, which is unheard of whilst camping. The kids were so content and occupied. Thank you to Katie and your beautiful family. We will be back again for sure

P

Peter

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Allington Lock Campsite

Our stay at Graham's cabin was great. As advertised, the cabin does not have bedding, so bring your own! The cabin was basic but enough for a good night's sleep. The facilities were good. While the logistics of getting booked in are a little complicated, Graham was incredibly caring in ensuring we found our way to the cabin at night. He went the 'extra mile' to ensure we would have a good stay. It all worked fine. The location is great. Right on the river, next to the lock. And a great little canteen serving lovely food with outdoor seating. I recommended this as a good cheap place to stay.

R

Rosie

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

A lovely small scale site- perfect for groups. Close to loads of places to visit for the day.

R

Rachel

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

We had a lovely, relaxing weekend at the Otter Channel - so much so, we didn’t leave the campsite the whole weekend! Katie was very welcoming and the site itself was very peaceful and sheltered on all sides by dense hedgerows. It’s a beautiful place and is the perfect retreat to unwind and recharge.

C

Charlotte

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

We had a great time at Otter Camp. It was a very chilled out camp, with the pitches all nicely spread out. Sarah was very friendly and helpful.

F

Freddie

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

Lovely campsite. Beautiful spot. Lovely river nearby. Katie was responsive to questions and helpful.

R

Ray

June 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

Katie runs a lovely peaceful, quiet and clean campsite. We had a remarkable stay there and enjoyed the use of the river, log burner and the convenient little shop which has essential items. Getting away from the rat race, this is the place to go!

d

daniel

May 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Otter Channel Campsite

Great camp site Quiet and close to the river We had a lovely stay Will definitely be back

C

Charley

May 2025

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Had a brilliant time! Would highly recommend to a couple wanting to get away from it all. We loved our stay and will definitely go back

L

Lorna

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

Otter channel campsite was super lovely. Katie was so helpful and we loved the set up! Highly recommend.

K

Kim

May 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

My husband and I camped with our little dog at the Otter Channel Campsite - it was fantastic! The nature sounds are incredibly soothing, waking up to some light rain fall and the chirping of birds was so lovely to snooze to. The added touch of arranging a fire pit and wood pre arrival is brilliant and so easy! Having the accessibility of bringing a large drinking water container (provided by the host) to your site is also super convenient! If you're wanting a beautiful getaway with your dog - this is the perfect option! Lots of lovely walks, 20 minute drive to the beach, and the campsite is small so your dog can have a little roam.

R

Rebecca

May 2025

5 m Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Hop Farm

Great site and facilities. Lots of space and beautiful countryside. We were made to feel very welcome. Will be back!

L

Lisa

May 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Woolton Farm

We had a fabulous time at Woolton barn. The camp site is lovely, with (what looks like) 2 brand new toilets and 2 showers and a basic camp kitchen with water. The guy who checked us in couldn't have been more helpful and the setting is beautiful. Short walk to the train station and 1 stop into Canterbury, with plenty of walks nearby, means you can ditch the car if you wish, the food and the cider/wine at the barn are a definite plus.

C

Charlotte

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Otter Channel Campsite

We had a great time. Such a peaceful spot where you can do your own thing. Facilities are basic but very clean and well maintained. We much prefer little spots like these where you can have a fire and arent packed with people. Lots of lovely walks nearby and vineyards to visit. Katie was very helpful too. One suggestion would be a little note on how to operate the bucket shower, we heated the water on the stove and used that but saw a few guests having cold showers! Wouldn't hesitate to book again.

R

Ryan

February 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

Super space Fabulous hot tub Quiet Great pub a stones throw away means you don’t have to cook if you don’t want to All very organised by Duncan, the flexible owner who really let us be

F

Fabrice

February 2025

Weekend Trip to The Nut Plat Retreat

A fantastic cosy, quiet and romantic cabin, perfect for a little weekend getaway. The hosts are super accommodating and responsive but are also very respectful of your privacy. We arrived with both the fireplace inside and the hot tub fire already roaring. A fantastic experience overall would recommend to anyone! And easy enough to access by just public transport if you don't want to drive :))

E

Emma

January 2025

With pets

3 nights at The Nut Plat Retreat

Came for a short break away from work and degree stress. Planned to go on some nice walks with the dog but the weather was awful. So ended up staying in by the log burner, reading our books and crochet. I did also manage to get the hot tub HOT ♨️ one day, took a few rounds of restocking the fire but once we got there, it then got so hot I had to add some cold! So worth it! There is good WiFi available so manged to watch a few films in the evening. Might be back for one of my reading weeks when I need minimal distractions! 😂