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***CLOSED April - October***
This is a designated freedom camping area supported by the Selwyn District Council. Coes Ford can be found just off the Lake Road.
Please use the rubbish bins and toilet facilities that are provided.
Do not light fires.
The maximum length of stay is 4 weeks.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Selwyn District CouncilCouncil organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Canterbury ▷ Christchurch |
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Categories |
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Operating Season And Hours |
The whole site is now open for the 2018/2019 summer season. |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities. A small donation is appreciated. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. There is a water supply but it is not suitable for drinking |
Shower |
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ShowerIs there a shower at this location? No shower No shower is available. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. There is a new free dump station with potable water on Station St in Leeston township. This is the closest dump station to Coes Ford at present (approx 12 min drive) |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. There is large vehicle access to the biggest of the 3 sites |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. Signage states pets must be on a lead |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. There are several water taps around the grounds and the main toilet block, however this not recommended for drinking (non potable) |
Rubbish Disposal |
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Rubbish DisposalWhat facilities are provided for the disposal of household rubbish? Trash (small bags) This location provides the facility to dispose of small bags of household rubbish. There are large recycling bins, as well as several large rubbish skips Mixed Recycling (plastic, cans, glass) This location provides the facility to dispose of recyclable household items. Generally this includes small plastic, glass and metal items. There are large recycling bins, as well as several large rubbish skips |
✓ Beautiful scenery
✓ Clean toilets
✓ Spacious and flat
✓ Shaded spots available
✓ Good for privacy
𐄂 Closed in winter
𐄂 Non-drinkable water
Closed for winter, April - October.
CLOSED FOR THE WINTER since the 29th April 2023
Perfect freedom camping.
Grounds were closed.
Lovely spacious campground.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 16 |
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30% |
9/10 | 9 |
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17% |
8/10 | 10 |
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19% |
7/10 | 7 |
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13% |
6/10 | 1 |
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2% |
5/10 | 3 |
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6% |
4/10 | 2 |
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4% |
3/10 | 1 |
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2% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 4 |
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8% |
5.0/5
Super bel endroit.
Les toilettes sont propres et le lieu est calme.
Reviewed 11 months ago
5.0/5
Looked like a nice and clean place.
Unfortunately it's closed over winter until the 30 the of October.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
3.5/5
Seemed nice driving by but closed from end of April to October!
Reviewed over 1 year ago
2.5/5
Campground closed :( There is a sign suggesting to go in Lakeside domain (if you go there, be ready for a battle against mosquitoes)
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Lovely place but is closed 29th April till October!
Otherwise fab place to stay, beautiful.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Nothing amazing but was flat, lots of space and had flushing toilets
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
Large area, all very flat, with an impressive amount of shade.
We managed to find a spot even on the long weekend. Clean flush toilets. We didn't use the BBQ but other families were.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
River is super beautiful, so much room.
Can get windy. Toilets, water (not drinkable) and rubbish dump available.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
Super bel endroit.
Les toilettes sont propres et le lieu est calme.
Reviewed 11 months ago
5.0/5
Looked like a nice and clean place.
Unfortunately it's closed over winter until the 30 the of October.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
3.5/5
Seemed nice driving by but closed from end of April to October!
Reviewed over 1 year ago
2.5/5
Campground closed :( There is a sign suggesting to go in Lakeside domain (if you go there, be ready for a battle against mosquitoes)
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Lovely place but is closed 29th April till October!
Otherwise fab place to stay, beautiful.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Nothing amazing but was flat, lots of space and had flushing toilets
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
Large area, all very flat, with an impressive amount of shade.
We managed to find a spot even on the long weekend. Clean flush toilets. We didn't use the BBQ but other families were.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
River is super beautiful, so much room.
Can get windy. Toilets, water (not drinkable) and rubbish dump available.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.5/5
Great spot for freedom camping.
3 huge areas to choose so if you like privacy you can choose a spot away from anyone. We chose the first area as it has flush loos (other 2 areas are long drops). Nice flat and grassy. Clean loos, sink to do dishes (cold),rubbish and recycling facilities. It says do not drink water so kight pay to bring enough for cooking.Highly recommend. Almost saw an accident upon leaving, DONT FORGET TO DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD 👍
Reviewed over 1 year ago
5.0/5
Perfect freedom camping.
Nice flat grass area and toilets available
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
Hi just a heads up for those folks using this app.
Coes Ford is Closed to all overnight camping until Novemberish 2022. It's a great place to stay tho.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
0.5/5
Grounds were closed.
Before arriving we checked council website which said the site was open, I wouldn’t risk it. Go somewhere else to be safe.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
0.5/5
20-10-21 went here all locked up cant get into camping ground signs saying no camping on road side but had bo where to go had to stay on road side for night very nice area tho
Reviewed almost 3 years ago
5.0/5
Lovely and hoge campground with toilets and recycling bins.
Plenty of space
Reviewed over 3 years ago
3.5/5
Is ok.
Good overnight stop. Clean toilets. Some young guys were doing wheelies during the night. But not for long. Heaps of space.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Lovely spacious campground.
Toilets in camp area 1 were very clean, with outside sink for dishes. Large bins provided for rubbish too. We thought it was worth the drive out, would definitely recommend
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Busy but peaceful because everyone is here to chillax and enjoy themselves.
Gorgeous weekend of weather and water was divine! Lots of space!
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
1.5/5
The facilities, toilets and recycle rubbish bins are excellent.
The area is grassy and you can park a camper easily. The reason for low score was the site was average- I think we were spoilt by mountains and lakes. A algi filled river was not calling us to jump in. The locals were hooning and had loud music till after 9pm. When they stopped it was actually a very peaceful night sleep. Only stayed here as is 30min to Christchurch. Skip if you can or use as a stop if your wanting to save $ before you fly out.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
2.5/5
Camping was unexpectedly closed, be sure to call first.
Also the bridge to lakeside was impossible to cross due to high water levels.
Reviewed about 5 years ago
2.5/5
Place is massive so plenty room for everyone.
Unfortunately the freedom campers were being rather free of clothes should I say not pleasant for a family to see two separate incidents in 12 hours. Hoons coming in at 1am to do donuts scared the kids too. Not like it used to be at all.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
3.5/5
We stayed one night and it was peaceful, quiet and spacious.
The toilets were clean and modern. The recycling and rubbish facilities were good. Unfortunately there is a warning sign that the river has ecoli and the water is not potable. The sign says Chamberlain Ford is not contaminated. We stayed 2 Jan 2019.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
5.0/5
Hey Guys, we saw the review below and almost bypassed this place.
But we thought we’d check it out. My gosh, it’s such a beautiful site and wow it’s huge. There are 3 sites you can choose to camp. We tried out all 3!! Great toilet facilities, rubbish and recycling too. Got speaking to the park ranger and he was lovely. Lots of people around to have a chat with and exchange experiences. We will defo be staying here again! Best of all, you can stop for 28 nights!! Please bypass the negative comment below as this place is beautiful!!
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
5.0/5
The facility provided here is amazing.
There's toilet at 3 different parts of the camp. They were very modern, flushing and even provided toilet papers.
We had a whole section to ourselves because it was closed to vehicles in winter but we were cycling. The speed limit of 20 makes the area quiet from cars and safe to walk around.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.0/5
We stayed at the end of March for one night.
We had a pleasant stay, very quiet and lots of place. Toilets were clean with toilet paper.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
3.0/5
par contre, des quad / personnes et chiens vont et vient la soirée – comme des rendez-vous furtifs.
free campsite pour motorhome autonome
à 30km au sud de Christchurch
beau site, au calme
un très grand site sur la droite, et un plus petit en face, il y a le choix de l’emplacement
Nous avons eu un doute sur la sécurité, mais ça a été.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016