The River Camel rises on the edge of Bodmin Moor and flows approximately 30 miles through Cornwall, England, before reaching the sea between Stepper Point and Pentire Point. Its Cornish name, Dowr Kammel, translates as "crooked river," a fitting description of its winding course. The river is tidal upstream as far as Egloshayle, and the lower estuary section between Padstow and Wadebridge forms the primary paddling area for most visitors.

There is a dedicated canoe and kayak access point just above the bridge at Wadebridge. Further upstream, the stretch between Tuckingmill and Penrose offers grade 2 rapids and is particularly favoured by paddlers seeking moving water. On the estuary, launching from the small beach at Dennis Cove on the eastern edge of Padstow provides access to the calmer inland paddle toward Little Petherick Creek. The Co-op car park in Wadebridge sits at the riverside and serves as a practical staging point, while Padstow harbour's station car park involves a drop down to the water. Rock, on the east side of the estuary, is another commonly used launch site, though a £3 launching fee has been reported at the slipway there.

The estuary is tidal, so trip planning around tidal windows is essential to ensure adequate water depth, particularly in the upper reaches and side creeks. Once a month, during peak spring tides, it is possible to paddle all the way up Little Petherick Creek. The Padstow end of the estuary sees significant boat traffic and strict maritime rules apply; this section is recommended for experienced paddlers only. Muddy banks throughout much of the estuary limit exit points, with access to the adjacent Camel Trail generally restricted to a few sandy beaches.

The middle and upper estuary sections are notably sheltered, with surrounding rolling hills reducing wind exposure. Wildlife along the river includes otters, kingfishers, herons, egrets, and migratory shorebirds such as whimbrel. The estuary bottom is sandy and shallow in places, giving the water a notably clear appearance in good light. The Camel Trail, a popular cycling and walking route linking Padstow, Wadebridge, and Bodmin, runs alongside much of the river and provides a useful escape route in some sections. Spring tides in South West England typically occur around 6am and 6pm, which can influence early-morning paddling conditions on the upper tidal reaches.