Last updated November 2026
Selwyn District Council allows camping at two riverside reserves on the Selwyn River fords, Coes Ford on The Lake Road and Chamberlains Ford on Leeston Road, about 24 to 28 km from Christchurch in a straight line.
The council can close either reserve for camping over the winter months, from 1 April to 31 October, while both stay open all year for picnics and day visits.
Camping at either is free, though the council appreciates a koha, and there are no bookings: spaces go to whoever arrives first. Both have wheelchair-accessible toilets, non-potable water and a dog exercise area. The council asks campers to check river water quality on LAWA and to watch for flooding after heavy rain in the foothills.
Practical Information
- Reserves
- Coes Ford (The Lake Road / Pannetts Road), Chamberlains Ford (Leeston Road)
- Distance from the city
- About 24 km (Coes Ford) and 28 km (Chamberlains Ford) from Christchurch (straight line)
- Status
- Reserve sites may close for camping at any time from 1 April to 31 October (Coes Ford closed 29 April to 21 October in 2026)
- Cost
- Free; koha appreciated
- Booking
- None: first in, first served
- Maximum stay
- Summer (1 Nov to 31 Mar): 28 days per site. Winter (1 Apr to 31 Oct): 28 days in total
- Large vehicles
- Coes Ford Area 2 is suitable; Chamberlains Ford is not
- Toilets
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets at both
- Water
- Non-potable at both
- Dogs
- Dog exercise area; registered dogs off lead under control
About the Selwyn River Fords
Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford are two of the four reserves where Selwyn District Council says you can freedom camp. They are council reserves rather than campgrounds, so there is no office, no booking and no fee, and the signs at each site set out its own rules.
Both reserves are open all year for picnics and casual recreation, and camping is the extra the council allows on top. The camping season is shaped by the weather: the council says reserve sites may close at any time between 1 April and 31 October, and Coes Ford closed for camping for the winter of 2026, reopening on 21 October.
The facilities are the same at each: wheelchair-accessible toilets and non-potable water, so bring your own drinking water. Chamberlains Ford also has an electric barbecue. There are no showers listed at either reserve.
The Two Reserves
Coes Ford
Coes Ford is off The Lake Road and Pannetts Road, about 24 km from Christchurch. The council splits the camping into areas and says Area 2 is suitable for large vehicles, so that is the area to head for in a bigger motorhome or with a caravan.
The council publishes a Coes Ford map on its campgrounds page. Check the page before you go to confirm camping has reopened after the winter closure.
Chamberlains Ford
Chamberlains Ford is on Leeston Road, about 28 km from Christchurch. Spaces are limited and the council says the reserve is not suitable for large vehicles. Its electric barbecue is the one extra it has over Coes Ford. The council lists no camping closure dates for it.
Stay Limits and Winter Closures
Selwyn’s stay limit on its reserves changes with the seasons. In summer, from 1 November to 31 March, you can stay up to 28 days in total at each site. In winter, from 1 April to 31 October, the limit is 28 days in total, whichever site you use. Spaces are first in, first served all year.
Because a reserve may close for camping at any time in that winter period, plan around the council’s current listing. Check the council’s campgrounds page for the current status before you leave Christchurch.
River, Dogs and Waste
Water quality in the Selwyn River varies, so the council asks you to check LAWA for the current swimming and recreation status. Be aware that the river can flood if there has been significant rain in the foothills.
Both reserves have a dog exercise area, where registered dogs can be off the lead but must be kept under control at all times. Fires are banned at all of Selwyn’s freedom camping sites. Use the toilets provided, put rubbish in the bins provided or take it home, and never burn or bury it.
Empty your tanks only at an approved dump station. Selwyn District Council lists free public dump stations that take both black and grey water, including ones at 12 Station Street in Leeston, 49 Link Drive in Rolleston’s iZone, and inside Rhodes Park Reserve at Tai Tapu.
Where to Learn More
Selwyn District Council: Campgrounds: current status, closures, facilities and stay limits for Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford, and the Coes Ford map.
Selwyn District Council: Dump stations: the district’s free public dump stations and their current status.
LAWA: Land, Air, Water Aotearoa: current water quality for swimming and recreation on the Selwyn River.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Coes Ford?
Selwyn District Council can close its reserves for camping at any time between 1 April and 31 October; in 2026 Coes Ford was closed from 29 April to 21 October. Check the council’s campgrounds page for the current status before you go.
Is Chamberlains Ford open for camping?
Yes. The council lists it as open, with limited spaces and no room for large vehicles.
Does it cost anything?
No. Camping at both reserves is free, although a koha towards upkeep is appreciated.
Can I book a site?
No. Spaces are first in, first served.
How long can I stay?
Up to 28 days per site in summer (1 November to 31 March), and 28 days in total in winter.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. Both reserves have a dog exercise area, where registered dogs can be off the lead under control.
Is the water drinkable?
No. The water at both reserves is non-potable.
Where can I empty my tanks?
At one of Selwyn’s free dump stations, such as Leeston (12 Station Street), Rolleston (49 Link Drive) or Tai Tapu (Rhodes Park Reserve).
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