Canoeing and Kayaking - The Camping and Caravanning Club
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10+ Best Campsites For Canoeing and Kayaking

Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, you’ll be sure to find a campsite with the best canoeing and kayaking facilities nearby. We’ve listed over 10 of our favourite Club Sites where you can launch your kayak or canoe into the water and set off on your journey. If you’re new to canoeing or kayaking, you can still enjoy the watersport and seek tuition from local experts. They’ll walk you through everything you need to know to canoe and kayak safely.

Derwentwater Club Site

Canoeist on Derwentwater

Derwentwater Club Site, located a short distance away from the Lake District town of Keswick and Lake Derwentwater, is a great spot for those who enjoy camping and canoeing or kayaking.

Situated in the North Lakes, the lake has seven jetties to launch from, so you can bring your own boat along or hire one from the many canoeing and kayaking clubs nearby. Kayaks and canoes can be hired by the hour, and lessons are available if you’re new to the sport.

After you’ve had a blast canoeing or kayaking near the campsite, continue your camping adventures by going for a hike or wind down and visit the theatre by the lake.

Visit Derwentwater Club Site. 

Chertsey Club Site

Couple kayaking on the River Thames

Our Chertsey Club Site is perfect for those looking for canoeing holidays as canoes can be launched directly into the river from the campsite. Those who prefer some help first can head to the local activity centre where canoeing and kayaking lessons are available. Here you’ll also find boats for hire that will take you up and down the Thames – but don’t forget your picnic!

Alongside the abundance of water sports in the area, the campsite is the perfect base to explore Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures. If you’re looking to explore more, the campsite is a thirty-minute train ride away from London, where you can enjoy further attractions listed on our What’s On page.

Visit Chertsey Club Site.

Milarrochy Bay Club Site

Couple on a canoe on calm blue Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of inland water in Britain, making it the perfect location for canoeing or kayaking.

Our Milarrochy Bay Club Site is excellent for keen canoeists or kayakers as there are boat launching facilities onsite. If you don't own a boat, worry not, there are several boat-hiring spots near the campsite.

The southern end of Loch Lomond has many islands to explore, and the north has beautiful wide stretches of deep open water, so the area is ideal for all types of water sports enthusiasts. If you're looking for additional activities alongside canoeing and kayaking while camping, you can explore Glasgow by train or hop on a bus and visit local towns and villages.

Visit Milarrachy Bay Club Site.

Delamont Country Park Club Site

waterview

If you’re camping at our Delamont Country Park Club Site in Northern Ireland, you’ll surely find brilliant canoeing and kayaking facilities nearby.

Strangford Lough is a popular spot to paddle out to as the waters are calm, and the scenery is breathtaking. Whilst canoeing, kayaking or even paddle boarding in the open waters, you may catch a glimpse of grey seals, purposes and otters.

If you’re a beginner, this is the perfect place to learn how to safely canoe or kayak, as several leisure centres offer training, equipment to hire and great canoe trails to follow.

Visit Delamont Country Park Club Site.

Walton on Thames Club Site

campsite with water view

Surrey is a goldmine for experienced canoers, kayakers and paddle boarders. It’s home to Mercers Lakes, the River Wey and you’ll find a 20-mile stretch of the River Thames linking Surrey to other southern cities.

There are plenty of places to launch your canoe, kayak or paddle board safely, and for any beginners, there are several rentals and teaching facilities on hand.

The great thing about our nearby campsite is that once you’re done enjoying the waters, you can explore all the things to do in Surrey – from its rich history to its family-friendly attraction.

As this is a members-only campsite, be sure to join the club to book your stay.

Visit Walton on Thames Club Site.

Loch Ness Shores Club Site

canoes on water

Scotland’s most famous loch makes for a stunning background when kayaking and canoeing at our Loch Ness Shores Club Site. Our campsite is located on the quieter south shore near the village of Foyers and is one of the few places small boats can launch from the shoreline.

If you don’t have your own kayak or canoe, you can hire one directly from the campsite, so long as you have a permit.

The brilliant part of canoeing and kayaking while camping at our Club Site is once you’re done enjoying the waters, you can take a break and visit some stunning nearby sites, including Urquhart Castle, Inverness Castle, Falls of Foyer and the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition.

Visit Loch Ness Shores Club Site.

Keswick Club Site

mountain and water view

Situated on the shores of Derwentwater, our Keswick Club Site is the perfect base for canoeing and kayaking whilst visiting the Lake District.

When camping here, you can directly launch your kayak or canoe into Derwentwater from the shoreline. If you’re a beginner, there are also several places that offer an introduction to canoeing or kayaking.

Visit Keswick Club Site.

Windermere Club Site

Water view and boats

Another great Lake District campsite that offers nearby canoeing and kayaking facilities is the Windermere Club Site. The campsite is only a 14-minute drive from Windermere Lake, and there, you can launch your canoe or kayak into the water and enjoy the stunning surrounding views.

The great thing about canoeing or kayaking at our Lake District campsites is that there’s a lot to do if you need a break from the water. From walking and cycling through the stunning National Park to visiting the World of Beatrix Potter Attraction or grabbing a pint at the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Hall, the largest independent brewery known for producing traditional beers with a modern twist.

Visit Windermere Club Site.

Bellingham Club Site

Bellingham Club Site, located in the Northumberland National Park, is a brilliant getaway for those who love canoeing and kayaking whilst camping. The Club Site is near Kielder Water and the River North Tyne, where campers can take their canoes or kayaks and launch themselves into the water.

Visit Bellingham Club Site.

Clitheroe Club Site

waterview with trees

Close to the River Ribble, the Clitheroe Club Site is a great spot to set up base for your camping adventures. With several local clubs offering tuition for beginners, everyone can take part in kayaking or canoeing whilst camping. These local canoeing clubs also offer equipment for hire, so you’ll have everything you’ll need to get you going.

Visit Clitheroe Club Site.

Skye Club Site

campsite and waterview

While camping at our Isle of Skye campsite, canoeing and kayaking facilities are available nearby. Our Skye Club Site sits on the shores of Loch Greshornish, where you can find an array of canoeing and kayaking trails. What’s more, beginners and experts are all welcome as there are several tuition and rental facilities nearby.

When you want a break from the water, you can also check out the glorious views and activities the Isle of Skye has to offer; from Fairy Pools and Old Man of Storr to Dunvegan Castle and the Skye Museum of Island Life, there is so much to do on and near our campsite.

Visit Skye Club Site.

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