The ISLE Base Camp Dock is a semi-rigid inflatable swim dock and floating platform with a soft foam top. It’s designed to give you plenty of extra space when you’re out playing at the beach or lake.
To get us a closer look, ISLE sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. After testing the ISLE Base Camp Dock on a lake for this review, here is what we learned:
ISLE Base Camp Dock Review
The ISLE Base Camp Dock is a semi-rigid, rugged inflatable swim dock with a versatile all-around size.The ISLE Base Camp Dock has a similar rugged, drop-stitch construction as the high-quality ISLE iSUPs we’ve reviewed in the past — like the beginner-friendly Pioneer 2.0 iSUP.
Read our full review of the Pioneer 2.0 iSUP here.
In case you’re not familiar with drop-stitch constructions, it basically means that thousands of threads span the interior of the inflatable, which limits how far apart the sides can expand. As you add air pressure to inflate the swim dock or iSUP, you get a semi-rigid platform that’s stable enough to stand on. So cool.
Meanwhile, the best inflatable swim docks tend to use drop-stitch constructions. In fact, the ISLE Base Camp Dock is our top pick in our guide to the best swim docks and platforms for 2023.
Versatile Size & Specs
The large rectangular shape is great for play and relaxation on the lake — and it’s easy to fold and roll for travel.One of the best features of the ISLE Base Camp Dock is its near-perfect size. At 10′ x 6’6″ x 6″, it floats high and is large enough for multiple friends and family members. Kids can run and jump off of it or adults and can relax on the soft foam deck pad.
Inflated Dimensions: 10′ x 6’6″ x 6″
Weight: 54 lbs
Rated capacity: 1,000 lbs
ISLE includes multiple D-rings and tie-down loops in case you want to strap a cooler or chair down to the deck. In addition, all those attachment points let you connect multiple docks together with the patent-pending ISLE-LINK system to create even more beach party space to play and chill. To make buying easy, ISLE offers a super sweet Atoll Bundle as well as a simpler Double Dock Bundle.
Testing
The ISLE Base Camp Dock is super stable.In case you’ve never taken an inflatable swim dock to the beach, they’re always a big hit. It might seem as if swim docks are just oversized inflatables, but they’re not: Inflatable docks are surprisingly social. Sure, kids will scramble all over them all day long, but when they get tired enough to eat or reapply sunscreen, adults will get their chance — and they’ll take it!
When you bring the ISLE Base Camp Dock to the beach, prepare yourself: Your kids, friends and family will be all over it, all day long
When it comes time to test an inflatable swim dock, nothing is better than letting a pack of teenagers take it out to play. We turned it over to six teenagers for a day on the lake and they spent hours splashing, jumping, and playing impromptu king-of-the-dock sorts of games.
At one point our testers flipped the ISLE Base Camp Dock over so the slick side was up, then rested one end of it on top of three stacked iSUPs. They transformed the dock into an impromptu water slide.
At the end of the day, happy exhausted teenagers means the ISLE Base Camp Dock delivered a clear win
As you might guess, multiple teenagers don’t know how to baby gear — the ISLE Base Camp Dock is clearly a rugged, well-built swim dock. Even though we had to return the review unit, we fully expect the ISLE Base Camp Dock to remain dependable enough to deliver fun for many summers. ISLE has an excellent reputation for quality in the iSUP industry and offers a very competitive warranty: a Two-Year Warranty for the Base Camp Dock as well as a 60-Day Guarantee.
Lots of Grab Handles
ISLE includes plenty of D-loops and attachment points for strapping down coolers or connecting other ISLE dock shapes and inflatables.The cushy foam deck pad is nice because it adds grip as well as cushion for those times you are lounging around.
We also appreciate all the grab handles: ISLE places 14 grab handles strategically around the Base Camp Dock. This means kids can pull themselves up onto the dock from most anywhere. And, when it comes time to carrying the dock inflated, a few people can easily haul it down a beach.
Carry Straps
Rolled up and ready to go!To store or carry the Base Camp Dock, ISLE keeps it simple. Instead of a bag that’s hard to stuff a dock into, you get a set of straps that double as backpack straps.
To deflate and head home, all you have to do is fold the Base Camp Dock over in half down the long side. Then you fold over 10 inches or so and start rolling. Connect the straps around it and tighten. Easy. For two-person carry, ISLE includes two padded grab handles.
One person can carry the ISLE Base Camp Dock, but ISLE includes two carry handles for dual-person carry.Alternate Shape: ISLE Runway Dock
ISLE makes several play inflatables, including the long Runway Dock.ISLE currently offers another size of inflatable swim dock, the Runway Dock. It’s 16 feet long and you can imagine how kids will use it. The top has the same foam deck pad while the other side is slick. In fact, ISLE says you can use it like a backyard slip-n-slide. How’s that for versatility?
Right now, ISLE’s docks are 50% off — which might make it easier to skip the choice and just nab both while the getting is good. Either way, the Base Camp Dock and the Runway Dock are competitively priced at full price . . . but they are an astoundingly good deal at 50% off.
Competitive Alternatives & Options
Aside from the aforementioned ISLE Runway Dock above, there are several good competitive options if you’re not sure about the ISLE design and size options. For more detail check out our guide to the 12 Best Inflatable Swim Docks & Floating Mats or consider these alternative inflatable docks:
BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise — The BOTE Inflatable Dock 7 Native Paradise has a similar build quality and feature set compared to the ISLE Base Camp Dock. You get a cushy deck pad and lots of grab handles and D-loops. The biggest difference is the form factor: The Dock 7 Native Paradise is smaller — 7′ x 7′ — but also 2″ thicker to help maintain a good float.
L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock — The L.L.Bean Inflatable Swim Dock keeps it simple by skipping a foam deck. The key benefit is a classic, lightweight design that’s easier to roll and carry.
Aqua Lilly Bullfrog Lily Pad — The Aqua Lilly Bullfrog Lily Pad is not inflatable. Instead, it’s made with three layers of closed-cell foam. The biggest benefit is that you don’t need to inflate it and it can’t leak. The drawback is that it’s bulky to store and travel with. On the other hand, it’s big and delivers a splashy, sloshy platform that small kids love.
ISLE Megalodon iSUP — If you’re not quite sure that an inflatable swim dock is for you, check out the ISLE Megalodon. The Megalodon is basically a huge, oversized multi-person beast of an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. You can use it like an inflatable dock . . . and paddle it around, too. Check out our full Megalodon review for more detail.
The Verdict
All-in-all, the ISLE Base Camp Dock is a high-floating, semi-rigid inflatable dock with a versatile size. It’s small enough to carry and store but large enough for multiple friends and family to play and relax on. The overall quality is excellent. Very highly recommended.
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