This may not be as ‘wild’ as camping under a hand-made shelter, or in the Scottish Highlands, but our aim is to give you a camping experience which is as simple, wild and back to basics as possible.
This aim has been a real winner with our campers to date (we’ve even converted some diehard electric hook-ups campers) and part of what makes our campsites so special, but, if you struggle with composting toilets and brushing your teeth with a mug of water, this is probably not the campsite for you
“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
“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
An environmental alternative to a chemical loo, composting toilets are becoming increasingly popular in remote locations where there is a limited power and water supply or where no waste treatment is available.
The composting toilets have been designed especially for us by Free Range Designs.
“… We were all fascinated by the L’Urinaire and thought the composting toilets were some of the best kept that we have seen…” Caroline, 28th July 2013.
“… We were all fascinated by the L’Urinaire and thought the composting toilets were some of the best kept that we have seen…” Caroline, 28th July 2013.To find out more about our Composting Toilets and how they work click here
Composting Urinals
We 
believe we were the first campsite to have these composting urinals. Designed in the south of France for beer festivals, then went into production for sale at the end of June 2013 and arrived from France in time for our campers in early July. They were an instant success. They served us well from 2013 to 2022, however, in 2023 we replaced them with a new urinal which came onto the market. Instead of into a straw bale, urine is diverted to a soak-away as in the toilets. They are not as fun as the straw-bale urinals, and I was sad to replace them, but the new urinals are much easier to clean. We have still kept the ‘view from the loo‘ though!
Mains drinking water taps are located in all our campsites.
Washing up is ‘back to basics’ too – so don’t forget your washing up bowl and your kettle. There are washing-up tables near the showers for you to use and a soak-away sink, fitted with a fat-trap, to pour away your washing up water.
Please make good use of the food recycling caddy and scrape off as much food before washing up: Leftover rice, salad, breakfast cereal, other bits of food coffee granules quickly block the soak-away sink.
Please do not wash up under the water taps, or dispose of washing-up water anywhere other than in the wash-up area – not only does it make the ground very wet but any food or grease which ends up on the ground will encourage vermin – and none of us want that!
“Thank you for a lovely experience at your amazing campsite! This is a photo of my children off to do some washing up. They never thought washing up could be such an adventure. Thanks again and we will see you next year!” Skye
We are effectively ‘off grid’ so on this ‘back to basics’ campsite there is NO electric hook up. 
“…This site has converted us from die hard electric hook-up campers to wanting to do more of the real get away from it all camping…” Cool Camping review simply lovely Written by NJF on September 9th, 2013
We are aware that in some areas of the country have only basic recycling facilities, however, our waste contractors collect and recycle anything that can be recycled so we ask you to make full use of the recycling facilities, for which we provide caddies to assist you during your visit. Please only place items which cannot be recycled in the general rubbish bins. Thank you.
“…We are keen recyclers so it was excellent to be able to separate our waste in the bins you provided, a lot of thought has gone into these details, the locking lids on the bins will definitely have stopped any smells and prevented attracting animals to our tents…” Mike and Shelley
The following items can be recycled:
- Glass: bottles and jars
- Aluminium: drink cans
- Plastics: bottles, food trays, yoghurt pots
- Other recyclables: Food tins & aluminium food trays, Juice cartons & other tetra packs; Paper & cardboard
* Please separate and recycle into appropriate dustbins as above
* Only use the General rubbish bins for items which cannot be recycled.
* Small caddys with composting bags are available for food waste.
* We also have a bin for disposable BBQs.
* Sorry, we can’t dispose of camping equipment – please take these items home with you.
“…there’s something magical about showering in a wooden room in gorgeous surroundings!..” Although this is a ‘back to basics’ campsite, we have 2 camping gas-fired camping showers for those who would like to rinse off after a swim in the river or freshen up. Please note, this is not a shower block and there are no basins – you’ll need to brush your teeth and shave like we did in the 70’s – with a mug of water!
“The showers were a welcomed success…” Mike and Shelley, 30th May 2013
“…the picnic tables are a brilliant touch…” Sadie, 12th August 2013These sturdy 6-seat wooden picnic tables are great … for kids and grown-ups alike.
We have a limited number available for hire.
If you would like to book one, we recommend you do so when you book your pitch.
If you’re staying in a Log Pod or Bell Tent, a picnic table is included in your pitch fee.
When you stay at Barefoot Campsites we want you to be able to see the stars so there’s no artificial light and unless there’s a good moon, when the sun goes down it’s dark!
Don’t forget, our campsites are all car-free so you won’t be able to use your car headlights to pitch your tent – one of the reasons why we ask you to arrive before sunset.
“…You do need to heed the advice sent by the owners before arrival and pack a very good torch – it is pitch black after sunset and there are no lights anywhere including in the loos….
‘God said “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night” … the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars … and God saw that it was good’
Do we have wi-fi?
In a word, no. At first we thought this would be a downside but it’s turned out to be positive. Whilst wi-fi can be very useful, so many of you have told us that you’ve been able to completely switch off without emails continually pinging on your mobiles and tablets. With no wi-fi you’re not even tempted to check what’s going on in the office over the weekend or family holiday.
Mobile data has improved though so you may well be able access the internet if you need it that way.
(If you’re really desperate they do have wi-fi in the local pubs)
Mobile signal
Mobile signal varies depending on your network but has improved significantly over recent years. Vodaphone seems to work reasonably well as does EE. If you do get a good signal with another network please let us know!
In a word, no, however, we do sell a few campsite essentials such as batteries, campfire supplies including marshmallows, ice creams and ice lollies, bags of ice etc PLUS …
… the Award Winning Appleton Community Shop in the village is only a short walk away and stocks a good range of food products including milk, bread, salad items, wine (white wine is chilled) and beer.
They are open:
- Monday to Friday: 7am-6pm
- Saturdays: 8am-3pm in June, July and August
- Sundays: 8am-12 midday