Laleham Camping Club

The hum of the Thames is your constant companion here, with morning mist rolling off the water before the sun burns through. This is proper riverside camping on the doorstep of the capital, yet worlds away from the urban sprawl just upstream.

Laleham suits campers who want quiet access to the river without venturing into deepest countryside — dog walkers will love the towpath stretches (though check the pet policy when booking), and it's a decent base for couples or small families with tents or campervans exploring the Thames Valley. Staines-upon-Thames means you're surprisingly well-placed for Hampton Court, Windsor, or Runnymede, though the real draw is the slower pace along this stretch of water.

Facilities aren't specified in detail, so it's worth asking what's onsite when you arrive — same goes for campfires, which may be permitted depending on conditions and pitch location. Expect a members' club atmosphere rather than a commercial site buzz, the kind of place where regulars know the best mooring spots and you'll hear kingfishers if you're up early enough.