Camping in West Stockwith

Camping around West Stockwith means pitching close to the point where the Chesterfield Canal meets the tidal River Trent, in flat, open Trent Valley countryside on the borders of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. Waterfront Country Park, a touring caravan and camping site right by the marina, is the obvious base, with pitches on level grassland a short walk from the lock, the pubs and the towpath. It is a popular stop for boaters, anglers and towpath cyclists rather than a destination in its own right, so expect a quiet, practical site rather than a resort feel.

As with anywhere in England, wild camping is not legal here without the landowner's permission, so stick to established sites. The flat, low-lying Trent Valley terrain suits touring caravans, motorhomes and tents equally well, and coarse fishing permits for the canal are usually available on site, which suits anglers wanting to combine a pitch with some fishing. The riverside and towpath setting also makes it a sensible stop for anyone cycling or walking longer stretches of the Chesterfield Canal or the Trent Valley Way.

Spring through early autumn is the best camping season, when the towpath paths are driest, the marina is busiest and evenings by the water are at their best. Because the site sits on the flood plain of a working tidal river, conditions can turn wet and exposed outside the main season, so it's worth checking ahead if visiting in autumn or winter. Nearby villages and Gainsborough offer more formal glamping and self-catering options for those who want a roof over their head while still exploring this stretch of the Trent.