What is Paddle Board Camping?
Are you ready for the ultimate outdoor adventure? Look no further than paddle board camping! Paddle board camping, also called sup camping or stand up paddle board camping, is a type of outdoor adventure that involves using a stand up paddle board (SUP) as a means of transportation to reach a campsite. Once at the campsite, you set up a tent or other temporary accommodation and spend the night. Paddle board camping allows you to access remote locations that may not be easily reachable by car or foot, and it provides a unique way to experience the great outdoors.
I have personally gone on a few paddle board camping trips, with my longest trip being a 5 night adventure. Paddle board camping is a thrilling and exciting way to discover new places and connect with nature. It’s a great activity for solo travelers or groups of friends and family, and it’s perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to try something new. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventure, paddle board camping is a unique and rewarding activity that is sure to provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. Check out this YouTube video of me spending 2 nights on a river paddle boarding!
The Growing Popularity of Paddle Board Camping
Paddle board camping has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as a unique and exciting way to experience the great outdoors. One reason for the growing popularity of paddle board camping is that it allows people to access remote locations that may not be easily accessible by car or foot. This allows adventurers to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and remote rivers and lakes that they may not have been able to visit otherwise.
Paddle board camping is also a relatively affordable and lightweight activity, making it easy to transport and set up. In addition to the physical benefits of paddling and carrying your gear, paddle board camping also provides a relaxing and peaceful experience, allowing you to disconnect from technology and daily life.
Overall, the growing popularity of paddle board camping can be attributed to its ability to allow people to access remote locations, its affordability and lightweight gear, and its numerous physical and mental health benefits. It is no wonder that this activity has become such a popular way to experience the great outdoors. Now here are some of the best benefits of paddle board camping:
1. Access to Remote Locations
Paddle board camping is the ultimate outdoor adventure! Imagine exploring hidden coves, secluded beaches, and remote rivers and lakes that are only accessible by stand up paddle board (SUP). With a little bit of gear and some paddling skills, you can set up camp in the most beautiful waterfront locations you’ve ever seen.
I have personally been able to take advantage of this aspect of paddle board camping, setting up camp at beautiful waterfront locations that I may not have been able to reach by any other means. Not only is paddle board camping a thrilling way to discover new places, it’s also a full body workout and a chance to relax and disconnect from daily life. Imagine waking up on the water, listening to the sounds of nature, and watching the sunrise over the horizon.
It’s the perfect way to recharge and reconnect with the world around you. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or new to outdoor adventure, paddle board camping is an exciting and unique way to experience the great outdoors. So grab your SUP and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

2. Affordable and Lightweight Gear
One of the great things about paddle board camping is that the gear is generally affordable and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. In addition to your paddle board, you’ll need a tent or other type of shelter, a sleeping bag, and any other necessary camping gear.
You’ll also need a personal flotation device (PFD) and a waterproof bag to store your gear and keep it dry. While it’s important to have lightweight gear, you don’t necessarily need to have ultra-lightweight gear for paddle board camping. This is because you are able to carry more weight on a paddle board compared to backpacking. This means you can bring along a few extra comforts without sacrificing too much in terms of weight.
Overall, the affordable and lightweight nature of paddle board camping gear makes it easy to transport and set up, allowing you to fully enjoy your outdoor adventure without the hassle of heavy or cumbersome gear. So if you’re ready to hit the water and explore the great outdoors, give paddle board camping a try!

3. Get a Full Body Workout
Stand up paddle boarding is not only an enjoyable way to explore and connect with nature, but it also offers a full-body workout. Paddling to your campsite, carrying gear, and setting up camp all require physical effort that helps keep you fit and active. The low-impact nature of the activity works your core, upper body, and lower body, strengthening your muscles and improving cardiovascular endurance.
Plus, you can adjust the intensity of your workout to your fitness level by using your own body weight as resistance. In addition to the physical benefits, stand up paddle boarding can also provide a sense of relaxation and mindfulness as you glide through the water and take in the natural surroundings. Overall, stand up paddle boarding is a fun and exciting way to experience the great outdoors, stay fit, and enjoy nature.
4. Connect With Nature
Paddle board camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural world and experience it in a unique way. By using a stand up paddle board (SUP) as a means of transportation to reach a remote campsite, you can connect with nature in a way that you can’t from a car or on foot. Paddling to your campsite allows you to take in the natural surroundings, listen to the sounds of nature, and observe wildlife in a way that you can’t from a car or on foot.
And because you are traveling by paddle board, you can access locations that may not be easily reachable by other means. In addition to the immersive nature of paddle board camping, it also provides a chance to relax and disconnect from daily life. Setting up camp on the water and spending the night in the great outdoors allows you to fully escape from the distractions of modern life and fully embrace the beauty and serenity of nature.
5. Escape the crowds
Are you looking for a peaceful and serene outdoor adventure that allows you to escape the crowds? Paddle board camping may be just what you’re looking for. By using a stand up paddle board (SUP) and the necessary camping gear, you can travel to remote locations that are off the beaten path and often less crowded.
These locations, such as secluded coves, hidden beaches, and remote rivers and lakes, offer a peaceful and serene camping experience. In addition to finding solitude in these remote locations, paddle board camping also allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature and experience it in a unique way. Paddling to your campsite allows you to take in the natural surroundings, listen to the sounds of nature, and observe wildlife in a way that you can’t from a car or on foot.
So if you’re looking for a peaceful and serene outdoor adventure that allows you to escape the crowds, consider giving paddle board camping a try. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and tranquility of these remote locations and the unforgettable memories you’ll create.
6. Great for Solo Travelers
Paddle board camping is a great option for solo travelers looking for a solo adventure. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is a relatively easy activity to learn, and with the right gear and a little bit of planning, you can embark on a solo camping trip with confidence.
One of the great things about paddle board camping is that it allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature and experience it in a unique way. Paddling to a remote campsite allows you to take in the natural surroundings, listen to the sounds of nature, and observe wildlife in a way that you can’t from a car or on foot.
7. Secluded Fishing Opportunities
Paddle board camping allows for the opportunity to fish in secluded and remote locations that may not be accessible by other means of transportation. These locations often offer a more peaceful and undisturbed fishing experience, as there are fewer people and boats present. Paddle boards are also a stealthy and eco-friendly way to approach fish, as they do not produce the noise or vibrations of a motorized boat.
This can make it easier to catch fish, as they are not as easily frightened or spooked. In addition, paddle board camping allows for the opportunity to explore and fish in a variety of bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and coastal areas.
I have had some of my best fishing moments out on a paddleboard when camping and it is actually how I called for first natural trout!

Conclusion
In conclusion, paddle board camping is a unique and exciting way to experience the great outdoors. It allows you to reach remote locations that may not be accessible by car or foot, providing the opportunity to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and remote rivers and lakes. Paddle board camping is relatively affordable and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up. It’s also a great way to get a full body workout and relax and disconnect from daily life.
Paddle board camping is a great option for solo travelers looking for a solo adventure or for groups of friends and family. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in nature and experience it in a unique way, and it’s a great way to escape the crowds and find solitude in remote locations.
So if you’re ready for a new adventure and the opportunity to explore hidden coves, secluded beaches, and remote rivers and lakes, consider giving paddle board camping a try. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and serenity of these remote locations and the unforgettable memories you’ll create.