SUP Camping 101: What to Expect
Overnight paddleboard camping blends the adventure of backpacking with the peaceful flow of paddling. You’ll travel self-supported—your shelter, food, clothing, and safety gear all packed onto your inflatable SUP.
Unlike day trips, camping from your board requires serious planning. You’ll cover longer distances, deal with shifting weather, and spend more time standing or paddling under load. And you won’t have the luxury of extra storage space or support boats.
Expect to:
Research route distance, wind, tide, and exit points
Keep emergency gear within reach
Prepare for uneven terrain at launch or landing sites
With the right iSUP setup, you can explore remote campsites, island-hop across lakes, or glide into riverside clearings that kayaks and boats can’t reach.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Is Paddleboarding Safe for Beginners?
⚠️ SUP camping is not something you should attempt on your very first paddle. These trips are best suited for paddlers with at least some experience handling their board in changing conditions.
Always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Bring a communication device in a dry bag and check weather and tide conditions in advance.
This guide isn’t exhaustive—conditions vary, and judgment is key. If something feels unsafe or uncertain, trust your instincts and don’t push your limits
Ideal Specs for SUP Camping Boards
SUP camping demands more from your gear. Here are the most important board specs to consider:
🔹 Length:
11’–12’6” is ideal for touring with gear. Longer boards track straighter and offer more deck space for bags.
🔹 Width:
32–35″ gives you balance under load. Wider boards reduce instability when shifting weight.
🔹 Volume:
Aim for 320–400+ liters to carry heavier loads without sinking or slowing down.
🔹 Weight Capacity:
You’ll want minimum 400–500 lbs, especially if you’re a heavier paddler or packing bulky gear.
🔹 PSI:
Look for a board that inflates to at least 15 PSI to prevent flex under load.
Boards that meet these specs are often labeled as touring or expedition-style iSUPs.
🟦 Recommended Reading: How to Choose the Right iSUP Weight Capacity
Packing for Overnight or Multi-Day Trips
Space is limited, so packing efficiently is critical. Dry bags are the foundation of your gear setup.
Here’s a reliable gear layout:
🔹 20–30L dry bag – Clothes, sleeping gear
🔹 10–15L bag – Food, cookware, first aid
🔹 Deck-accessible 10L – Snacks, water bottle, phone, sunscreen
🔹 Compact shelter – Tent or bivvy bag, preferably under 5 lbs
🔹 Other essentials – Headlamp, navigation tools, repair tape, toiletries
Balance is just as important as packing space. Distribute gear so the board remains level and responsive.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Waterproof Essentials: What to Bring on a SUP Trip
Must-Have Features (tie-downs, weight rating, PSI)
Inflatable SUPs designed for camping should have features that enhance capacity, security, and usability:
🔹 10+ D-rings – Allows flexible attachment for bags, dry boxes, and seats
🔹 Dual bungee storage – Front and rear zones give better weight distribution
🔹 High PSI tolerance (15–20 PSI) – Maintains rigidity even under full load
🔹 Reinforced rails and handles – Make portaging and re-positioning easier
🔹 Wide standing area – Offers a stable base for longer paddles or onboard tasks
Also useful:
Integrated mount points for fishing rods or cameras
Leash points at rear for drag anchor or towline
Avoid boards with:
Low max PSI (under 12 PSI)
Inadequate storage zones
Narrow decks that compromise stability
🟦 Recommended Reading: Do You Really Need a 20 PSI iSUP?
How to Load and Trim Your iSUP for Long Hauls
Packing smart isn’t just about fitting gear—it’s about keeping the board balanced. Poorly trimmed boards veer off course or sit too low in the water.
🔸 Heavy gear mid-deck: Tent, cookware, dense foods near the carry handle
🔸 Medium-weight items forward: Dry bag of clothing, inflatable mattress near the nose
🔸 Light gear at rear: Sleeping bag, flip-flops, towel behind you
🔸 Clear standing space: Give yourself room to shift and paddle comfortably
🔸 Secure with bungees and straps: Double-check all tie-downs before launch. Loose bags create drag and safety hazards.
Practice a full load at home—dry run your packing, inflation, and launching process.
🟦 Recommended Reading: Thinking of Upgrading Your Inflatable SUP?
Bonus Tips for SUP Camping Success
✅ Launch early – More daylight means more flexibility if weather turns
✅ Filter water – Bring a purifier to reduce the weight of carried water
✅ Track GPS or map – Especially important in remote locations
✅ Bring a compact repair kit – Patch leaks or damaged valves on the go
✅ Store snacks accessibly – Hunger creeps up fast after paddling hours
✅ Dry gear thoroughly overnight – Avoid mildew on multi-day trips
Also consider rotating between standing, kneeling, and sitting to reduce fatigue.
Final Thoughts: Plan Smart, Paddle Far
SUP camping is a hybrid of two amazing worlds: paddling and off-grid adventure. With proper planning and the right board setup, you can explore places that are inaccessible to larger crafts and experience true solitude on the water.
To summarize:
Look for high-capacity, stable boards 11’+ in length
Prioritize PSI rating, weight support, and deck features
Balance gear carefully and practice at home
Start with one-night trips and expand to multi-day adventures
The freedom of loading your board and heading into the unknown is what makes SUP camping so unique. Plan smart, pack light, and paddle far.
🟦 Recommended Reading: What SUP Length Do You Need for Different Activities?
Compare Camping-Ready iSUPs Easily
Use our inflatable SUP filter tool to browse boards designed for multi-day adventures. Sort by deck size, tie-down setup, weight capacity, and storage options to find the perfect match.
Filter by:
Weight capacity of 450–500+ lbs
Tie-downs front + rear
High PSI rating for gear loads
11’+ board length for touring and stability