Hidden away in the beautiful surrounds of the Oxfordshire countryside, yet only 6 miles from the bustling city of Oxford, back-to-basics Barefoot Campsites are perfect for real campers, whether you’re looking for a family adventure or a relaxing weekend away.

* no electricity, no artificial light & no wifi,

* campfires, river swimming & composting toilets

Off-grid weekend camping 70’s style … welcome back to your childhood!

(see ‘Availability Overview‘ for the weekends we are open)

We have just had our fifth stay at this fantastic campsite and can’t recommend it highly enough. The location is just idyllic… it’s so peaceful and relaxing. After only a weekend you feel recharged enough as if you’ve been away a whole week! Cathie is so helpful and friendly and does an amazing job running the site. She’s always done her best to fit us in at short notice and the addition this year of being able to hire canoes from the campsite is fantastic. We had a wonderful trip canoeing down the river and have explored many beautiful walks in the area too. The facilities are very well thought through with the most efficient recycling/rubbish set-up I have ever come across on a campsite! Can’t wait to return again next year!! Cool Camping  review  ‘child friendly spot’  June 2017

Explore the Upper Thames …

… in a Barefoot Canoe!

Barefoot Bell Tents

“Not long back from a Fri-Sun glamping weekend in one of Barefoot Camping’s bell tents. We are seasoned campers, and have visited the Northmoor Lock site before with our own kit, but we wanted something a bit more luxurious to celebrate a ‘special’ birthday! The bell tent was fantastic – lovely warm and dry with loads of room. The internal furnishings were brilliant and really well thought out. I’d highlight the comfy bed and the gorgeous tea-light chandelier, but also little touches like providing a candle lighter helped make it such a great experience and outside the bench and fire-tripod completed the luxury … We’d absolutely recommend the bell-tent experience and hope to go back soon. a BIG thanks to Cathie and team for making us feel so welcome.” Cool Camping  review  ‘bell tent was outstanding’ Derek June 2015

We’ve been camping at Northmoor Lock Paddocks since it was first opened, and it has gone from strength to strength whilst completely maintaining it’s integrity as a small, beautiful eco-friendly campsite. I love the showers – it’s the closest most of us will get to an outdoor shower experience and the convenience of the recycling bins for each pitch…many congratulations to Cathie for creating the perfect campsite. Cool Camping  review  ‘my favourite campsite’  August 2014

“We’ve just had a great weekend at Northmoor Lock. The site was wonderful, and although there seemed to be lots of cars in the car park, it didn’t feel busy. It was great knowing that the kids could play without having to worry about cars. We thoroughly enjoyed swimming in the river, and finishing off the evening with dinner cooked over a real fire, then sitting round our campfire late into the night relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. My 5 year old son summed it up by saying “I will never forget this day!”. Kind Regards, Janice,  July 2014

Shelter Box Disaster Relief

We’re raising funds for Shelter Box Disaster Relief – emergency Vango tent and camping equipment for families who have lost everything.

Please click on the photo to find out more …

 

“We headed to Northmoor Lock on the basis of a lot of the other reviews and I have to say that we had a perfect time. It was a very simple week, mainly eating, drinking, swimming in the river, sleeping, intermingled with the odd walk or two to the pub or the local shop. Pure escapism from the working craziness of London. We were massively impressed with the spaciousness of the plot we settled in, and at no point felt at all crowded. Cathie, the owner, was incredibly welcoming – and it was obvious that she runs this campsite because she loves and understands what campers want. The compost loos and showers were spotless, and the whole sight was adoreable. We made a fire every night (everything is still smelling of smokey flames!) and enjoyed the fantastic weather. Would wholeheartedly recommend this site. We will definitely be back.” Cool Camping  review  ‘a simply magical weekend’  August 2013

“We spent a lazy August bank holiday at the site and we loved every minute. We wanted a quiet spot and even though there were lots of families this site has enough space for everyone…” Cool Camping  review  ‘bank holiday haven’ August 2013

 

Bookings for 2018 will open from Thursday 25th January 2018.

 

Bunting illustration by ‘KnitNell’ Eleanor Thomas – thanks Eleanor!

 
 
 
 

 

This website and the Glamping Bell Tents were part-funded through the South Oxfordshire LEADER Programme. The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is funded by DEFRA and the EU. The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (ERFRD): Europe investing in Rural areas.