Rushbanks Campsite is a family friendly campsite located in Suffolk's spectacular Dedham Vale AONB, on the banks of the River Stour. The site is close to the charming village of Nayland and is only a short drive away from historic Colchester. Canoe hire is available on site so you can paddle to the pub nearby.
Why you'll love it at Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site
Family-friendly site located close to Nayland village on a river bank
Lots to do including kayaking, canoeing and hiking, great base for exploring Suffolk
Great facilities including children's playground and free boat launch into the River Stour!
About the site
Operated by brothers Gareth and James Bates as a family business, Rushbanks Campsite first opened in the 1950s and has been in the Bates family for three generations. It's set in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale AONB.
This is the region immortalised by the famous paintings of John Constable, now known as Constable Country. It's also close to the charming Suffolk village of Nayland, characterised by its picturesque 15th century buildings.
This family friendly site is the only official site on the banks of the River Stour and is perfect for boaters and canoeists. You're free to pitch where you like, so find your favourite spot and set-up near your group or family.
Bell tents are also available to hire, complete with a double bed memory foam mattress for ultimate comfort.
Rushbanks welcomes families who want to enjoy themselves, but is equally well suited to nature lovers, those who want to explore the great outdoors, and those who just want to relax and wind down around a campfire.
Family and friend groups for get togethers, birthdays, stag and hen dos are welcome here.
Well-behaved dogs are allowed on the campsite. Dogs must stay on leads and be cleaned up after.
The grass pitches are open from May to 1st October and the bell tents are open from May to 16th September.
Facilities and amenities
Accessible facilities
Adult only
Allow commercial vans
Allow pets on site
Café / restaurant / takeaway
Drinking water
Family friendly
Fires allowed
Shop
Showers
Toilets
WiFi
Glamping
Kids playground
Near pub
Peaceful
RV pitches
Vineyard
W.C. disposal
Watersports
Facilities on site include toilets, portable toilets, portable hot showers, outdoor sink for washing dishes, fresh water taps, chemical disposal point and recycling. There's a children's swing and play area, plus free boat launch into the River Stour. Fire pits are permitted, with fire pits for hire and logs for sale.
There are two local pubs, The Anchor Inn which is a five minute drive or half hour walk away, but do note they close Mondays (excluding Bank Holidays) and Tuesdays or head to The Hare and Hounds, a 10 minute drive.
A note from the site themselves...
Establish back in the '50s Rushbanks has been in our family for three generations, we are so pleased to still be able to maintain that original and family friendly atmosphere that brings campers back year after year through all the colours of spring, summer and autumn.
We are also proud to be the only official campsite on the banks of The River Stour, in the heart of Dedham Vale, enabling us to specialise in catering to boaters and canoers.
So whether you want to wind down under the stars, explore the great outdoors or adventure along the river, we look forward to welcoming you here with us.
Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site is ideal for...
Couples
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Large same-sex groups
Older children (13+)
Rallies
Young children
There are 112 accommodation options on-site
110 x Non Electric Grass Pitches
Max 7 people
Grass pitches without electric. Pitches are not allocated so you can choose where you'd like to pitch. Suitable for tents, trailer tents, campervans, caravans, motorhomes and RVs.
Great stay and introduction to camping for granddaughter. Having the river Stour on our doorstep and the canoe and SUP hire made the stay even more special. Granddaughter enjoyed playing on the swings as well.
Facilities were good and the mobile pizza van on our first night was a great addition. Enjoyed a couple of meals at the nearby pub in Nayland.
Our only gripe is that we booked for three, Grandad, Dad and 6 year old and tent only came with one double mattress, which meant my old bones got a bit of a hammering. Alright, I guess if you are seasoned campers and have the appropriate equipment but that is why we booked the permanent tent and I guess for £200 for two nights expected a bit more comfort.
Would definitely go again and recommend to others - thanks.
Laid back, friendly
Recommends site
Steven S
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Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesAug 2024
First time coming to this site. It was everything that the listing said it would be.
We stayed for 2 nights and had the must relaxing time, site was very clean, facilities were clean. They have an amazing site that we will return to.
Paddled down to Nayland and back.
We will return next year. A couple of nights was enough to explore the river.
Fantastic break
Recommends site
Kara-Leigh D
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Large Tent - Non Electric Grass PitchesAug 2024
We extended our break for an extra night and were really grateful for this as we had a wonderful time. The riverside location was wonderful, waking up to sit at the jetty with Ken and Barbara (swans) waiting there for you. Although serene and quiet at the campsite, it was only a 20 minute drive to Colchester if you wanted to explore a town or need extra supplies. Locally, we enjoyed woodland walks and hired a canoe and paddleboard to be able to explore the river too.
The site was good at sticking to the curfew rules making it perfect for the kids, and was never too loud. Providing the fire pits for a fee was handy for us as one less thing to pack but still providing the means for the kids to have their smores.
The facilities are basic but all that is required. There is someone always pottering around to help with anything that may be required.
The kids are already asking to go back!
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Interested in staying at Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site?
Unfortunately Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.
FAQ
What time is check-in and check out at Rushbanks Campsite?
Check-in is available from 2pm and check out is by noon latest.
Is Rushbanks Campsite dog-friendly?
Up to two dogs are welcome to join you for your stay. Please keep your dogs on a lead whilst onsite.
Does Rushbanks Campsite allow BBQs and campfires?
Campfires are only permitted in the fire pits provided onsite. Please keep them raised off the grass. Barbecues must also be raised off the ground.
Does Rushbanks Campsite allow awnings, gazebos or pup tents?
A maximum of one each is allowed per grass pitch. Awnings and gazebos are free of charge but pup tents can be bought for a small fee.
Can I park near my pitch at Rushbanks Campsite? Or Is there parking adjacent to the pitch?
Yes you can park your car alongside your pitch.
Things to do on site and in the Colchester area
The river is wide and deep, with a mile and a half of unobstructed water. There are several landing stages, and launching over the bank is easy. Downstream there are two-step weir portages leading to the famed Anchor Inn Pub at Nayland, and upstream two more portages can be navigated to reach the village of Bures St Mary.
Canoe hire is available on-site daily. Due to the limited availability of canoes, pre-booking is strongly recommended. Canoe hire is from 10am-6pm and includes children's buoyancy aids (if required). The famous paddle to the pub takes around 1.5 hours.
A public footpath also crosses the farm, with several walking trails to choose from, including a 1.5 hour cross-country walk to the pub.
Other nearby activities:
Tours of Dedham Vale Vineyard
Gainsborough House
Arger Fen and Spouse's Vale Nature Reserve
Jump Street Trampoline Centre
Colchester Castle
Colchester Zoo
Lavenham medieval village
Interested in staying at Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site?
Unfortunately Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site doesn't share their availability calendar with us yet. Availability changes quickly, especially in summer, so we recommend enquiring by phone to avoid missing out.