South East•Kent•51.295° N, 0.504° E

Allington Lock Campsite

Riverside lock-side camping on the Medway where passing boats and a pub within sight of your pitch make the setting do all the work.

Allington Lock sits where the tidal Medway meets the navigation, and the campsite makes the most of it: grass pitches alongside the river, a handful of cabins for those who want a roof, and the lock itself as a working backdrop throughout the day. Boats rise and fall through the gates, herons fish from the bank, and the Malta Inn pub sits just over the water for a late breakfast or evening drink.

Host Graham is on hand and well-regarded by the guests who've stayed. The facilities are honest and functional: clean toilets and showers, nothing more than you need, which suits the ethos of a site that lets the river do the talking. Maidstone is close for stocking up, and Barming station is three minutes away if you want a day in London without moving the tent.

The Medway Canoe Trail runs from the lock, and Whatman Park is a short walk upstream along the same riverside path used as a local parkrun route. The Kent Downs AONB is the wider backdrop. It's accessible camping in a genuinely lovely river spot, calm enough that the distant motorway rumble fades within minutes of settling in.

Before you book

The M20 is audible from the site, though most guests report tuning it out quickly.

“A no-fuss riverside base that earns its reputation through Graham's hosting and a setting where the lock, the pub, and the river path do most of the work for you.”

Why it made the cut

Lock-side River Medway location with passing-boat views and direct waterside trail access
Cabins and pitches both available, clean and functional throughout
Malta Inn pub directly accessible over the lock
Close to Maidstone and rail links without feeling suburban

The Feeling

Lovingly scruffy · Mixed tempo

Lock gate morningsBoats drifting byPub over the waterHonest riverside ease

Good For

Family
Date
Solo

Best For

Riverside location on the Medway with direct access to walking trails
Close to Barming train station (3 minutes drive) for London day trips
Gateway to Kent Downs AONB with Medway Valley Walk and Augustine Camino nearby

In Campr's collections

Riverside sleepsThe lock-keeper's setting on the Medway means you fall asleep to moving water and wake to boats working through the gates.
Slow familyWhatman Park a short walk upstream, the river for entertainment, and a pub that does breakfast, low-effort, genuinely good for families.