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Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site

Nayland, Colchester, Suffolk

Highly rated

Nayland, Colchester, Suffolk

HIGHLY RATED

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Rushbanks Campsite is a family-run riverside campsite in Dedham Vale (Constable Country), a short hop from Nayland and within easy reach of Colchester. Our standout experience is simple: launch straight onto the River Stour, hire a canoe, and enjoy the classic Paddle to the Pub adventure — then return for a relaxed evening around the campfire. Choose your favourite spot, settle in with your group, and enjoy proper outdoor time together.

Why choose Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site


Launch straight onto the River Stour — canoe hire on site

Family-run since the 1950s — relaxed, friendly, and beautifully simple

Paddle to the Pub — a Rushbanks classic guests love

About the site


Run by brothers Gareth and James Bates, Rushbanks has welcomed campers since the 1950s and remains a three-generation family campsite. The site sits right on the banks of the River Stour, making it ideal for guests who want a genuine riverside pitch and easy access for paddling. This part of Suffolk is known as Constable Country, with timeless village scenery nearby — including Nayland, famous for its characterful historic buildings. Whether you're here for a weekend with the kids, a chilled break with friends, or a nature-filled reset, Rushbanks is designed for uncomplicated camping done well. You can choose your pitch on arrival, so you can set up near friends and family and find the spot that suits you best. For extra comfort, we also offer bell tents, including a double memory-foam mattress, so you can enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing a great night's sleep. Well-behaved dogs are welcome (on leads, please), and we're happiest when guests come ready to enjoy the river, the countryside, and the shared campsite atmosphere.

The grass pitches are open from May to 1st October and the bell tents are open from May to 16th September.

"The scenery is outstanding"

Andrew T


What facilities are at Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site?

Accessible facilities

Allow commercial vans

Allow pets on site

Café / restaurant / takeaway

Drinking water

Family friendly

Shop

Showers

Toilets

W.C. disposal

WiFi

Fires allowed

Glamping

Kids playground

Near pub

Peaceful

RV pitches

Vineyard

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.



There are 112 accommodation options on-site

2 x Bell Tents

Max 6 people

5m riverside bell tents with a memory foam double mattress & sheet, six roll mats and a light. Bring your sleeping bag and pillow, along with any other camping equipment you'd like. There is also a fire pit. Shared facilities nearby. Dogs welcome.

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We keep rules simple so everyone has a great stay:

• Respect quiet hours and neighbouring campers

• Campfires only in designated fire pits; please fully extinguish at night

• Dogs welcome if well-behaved (on leads; please clean up)

• Standard spacing applies between tents/units for comfort and safety

• Only registered campers are permitted on site


Need to know

Frequently asked questions about Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site

Quick filters

Site rules

Check-in is available from 2pm and check out is by noon latest.

Up to two dogs are welcome to join you for your stay. Please keep your dogs on a lead whilst onsite.

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.

Pitches

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.

Yes you can park your car alongside your pitch.


A note from the site themselves...

Rushbanks is a big part of our family story. We grew up with this river, these sunsets, and the simple joy of seeing people slow down and reconnect outdoors. What we're most proud of is that guests return year after year — not because we're flashy, but because the place feels genuine, welcoming, and easy. If you're looking for a riverside camping trip your family will talk about for ages, you'll fit right in here.

Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site is ideal for...

Couples
Duke of Edinburgh Award
Large same-sex groups
Older children (13+)
Rallies
Young children

Things to do on site and in the Colchester area

The River Stour (our signature experience)

The River Stour is wide, calm, and perfect for a full day outside. You can launch directly from Rushbanks and explore one of the most beautiful stretches of Dedham Vale.

Canoe hire (pre-book recommended):

• Training and river guidance provided before you set off

• The classic Paddle to the Pub route to The Anchor Inn, Nayland

• The paddle to the pub takes around 1.5 hours (downstream), with two weir portages to carry around

• A brilliant day out for families and groups

On foot:

A public footpath crosses the farm, with excellent countryside walks — including a scenic walk to the pub.

Nearby ideas (great add-ons)

• Dedham Vale Vineyard tours

• Gainsborough House

• Arger Fen & Spouse's Vale Nature Reserve

• Colchester Castle

• Colchester Zoo

• Lavenham medieval village


The listing for Rushbanks Farm Caravan and Camping Site was last updated on January 26th, 2026 at 1:53 PM

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