Top Campsites for Open Water Canoeing

Recommending places to get out on the open water in a canoe is easy as there is so much variety available that the list could be endless. Three of our favourite places include Scotland, the Norfolk Broads and the Lake District. These areas offer a vast array of UK campsites where you can easily access the waters, whether that be directly from site or within a few miles. Take a look at the places and campsites below for some inspiration and head off on your paddling adventures...

Scotland

For real adventures and paddling experiences in an unspoilt environment then it has to be Scotland. The scenery is stunning and the wildlife is varied. Whether you’re looking to find a little peace and quiet, or for a fantastic family adventure, the Great Glen Canoe Trail delivers in spades. Another Scottish option is the beautiful River Tweed. Rising in the Scottish Borders the Tweed is home to some spectacular canoe touring and steeped in history along its length.

Campsites in Scotland

Glen Nevis Holidays (PREMIER PARK)

Fort William, Inverness-shire PH33 6SX

01397 702191

glen-nevis.co.uk

Set at the foot of Ben Nevis with stunning views and a short distance from Fort William, which lies at one end of the Great Glen Canoe Trail.

Loch Ness Shores Camping & Caravanning Club Site

Monument Park, Lower Foyers, Inverness IV2 6YH

01456 486333

campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

This Club site enjoys panoramic views around Loch Ness on the quieter south shore. Open all year this site is one a few places with easy access to the loch shore.

Gairlochy Holiday Park

Old Station, Gairlochy Road, Spean Bridge PH34 4EQ

01397 712711

theghp.co.uk

Situated near Spean Bridge, Gairlochy Holliday Park is located at the south end of the Great Glen with Loch Lochy 10-minutes’ walk away.

Torvean Caravan Park

Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 8JL

01463 220582

torveancaravanpark.co.uk

A four-star park on the banks of the Caledonian Canal and one miles west from Inverness – one end of the Great Glen Trail.

Rosetta Holiday Park

Rosetta Road, Peebles EH45 8PG

01721 720770

rosettaholidaypark.com

A UK campsite in the Scottish Borders, with a wonderful setting – within walking distance of the town of Peebles, close to the River Tweed.

Norfolk Broads

Back in England, the Norfolk Broads is another highly popular ‘must-see’ place for you and your canoe. There are countless places to go to begin a canoeing adventure on the Broads and there is canoe hire, as well as the potential for guiding, available in the area.

Campsites in Norfolk

Causeway Cottage Caravan Park

Bridge Road, Potter Heigham NR29 5JB

01692 670238

causewaycottage.webs.com

At the heart of the Norfolk Broads near the pretty village of Potter Heigham – popular with those wishing to take to the water.

Reedham Ferry & The Archers Touring Park

Reedham Ferry Inn, Norwich NR13 3HA

01493 700999

reedhamferry.co.uk

Touring park with a rural aspect, nestling  next to the River Yare, halfway between Great Yarmouth and Norwich. The site has its own slipway which is free for guests’ use.

Bureside Holiday Park

Boundary Farm, Oby, Great Yarmouth NR29 3BW

07587 771314

bureside.com

This site has its own slipway leading onto the River Bure giving great access to the Broads. There’s also an outdoor pool among the facilities.

Ullswater, Cumbria

Another favourite destination is Ullswater - the second largest lake in the Lake District, and considered by many to be the most scenic; it is certainly the most varied. With some of Lakeland’s most dramatic views being offered in the south-westernmost reach, where craggy mountains are the panorama on offer; whereas in the north-easternmost reach near the village of Pooley Bridge the order of the day is a much more rural affair.

Lake District Campsites

The Quiet Site (PREMIER PARK)

Ullswater, Cumbria CA11 0LS

07768 727016

thequietsite.co.uk

An open all year idyllic site located in a secluded position among the fells that overlook Ullswater. On-site pub housed in lovely 18^th century building.  

Waterside House Campsite

Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge, Penrith, Cumbria CA10 2NA

01768 486332

watersidefarm-campsite.co.uk

Sites don’t get much closer to the water’s edge than this – right on the northern shores of Ullswater. Canadian canoe hire is available on site.

Waterfoot Park

Pooley Bridge, Ullswater, Cumbria CA11 0JF

01768 486302

waterfootpark.co.uk

Set among ancient woodland at the northern end of Ullswater near Pooley Bridge. The lake shore is within walking distance.

Gillside Farm

Glenridding by Ullswater, Cumbria CA11 0QQ

01768 482346

gillsidecaravanandcampingsite.co.uk

A rural site at the southern end of Ullswater at the foot of the Helvellyn mountain range. The lake shore is less than a mile away along with Ullswater Steamers and various pubs.