Eco camping in car-free wildflower paddocks beside Northmoor Lock, with campfires and the Thames Path at the gate.
Our verdict
Car-free paddocks, campfires and the Thames sliding past the willows: the purest riverside camping in Oxfordshire.
| Distance from SN7 | 10 miles |
|---|---|
| County | Oxfordshire |
| Price band | ££ what the bands mean |
| Open | May to September |
| Tents | Yes |
| Campervans & motorhomes | Yes |
| Electric hook-up | No |
| Campfires | Yes |
| Swimming pool | No |
The two lock paddocks at Northmoor are what the Thames looked like before cars found it: thick bouncy grass, willows, wildflower margins and the river sliding quietly past the lock gates. Vehicles stay in the parking field, which means children roam the paddocks with a freedom most campsites lost decades ago.
This is deliberate, low-impact camping: compost loos, simple camping showers, fires welcome with logs sold on site, and small campervans allowed in the neighbouring field. The Thames Path passes the gate, and a half-hour riverside walk lands you at the Rose Revived's garden at Newbridge for lunch.
Why children love it
- Car-free fields where children roam safely from breakfast to dusk
- Campfires encouraged, with logs sold on site
- Watch boats work Northmoor Lock a meadow away
Days out nearby
- Thames Path riverside walks (from the gate)
- The Rose Revived at Newbridge (30-minute towpath walk)
- Oxford park and ride (25 minutes)
Know before you go
- Bring a wheelbarrow-friendly packing setup, kit gets carried in.
- Book the sunny paddock for spring trips, the willow shade for high summer.
- Fires must be off the grass, fire bowls are available.
The honest bit
Cars stay in the next field, so you barrow your kit in, and the facilities are compost loos and camping showers. That is the price of the peace.
Camping weather this week
Live 7-day forecast for Northmoor, straight from Open-Meteo.
Quick answers
Are campfires allowed at Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks?
Yes. Campfires or fire pits are part of the experience at Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks. Follow the site's current fire rules, keep fires off the grass where asked, and check ahead in very dry spells.
Does Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks have a swimming pool?
No. The nearest pool site in this guide is Lincoln Farm Park, about 3 miles away. Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks makes up for it outdoors.
How far is Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks from Faringdon and Oxford?
Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks is about 10 miles from Faringdon (SN7) and roughly 8 miles from Oxford city centre. Distances are approximate road miles.
When is Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks open?
Barefoot Campsites, Northmoor Lock Paddocks is typically open May to September. Dates shift a little year to year, so confirm with the site before travelling.
Peg & Lantern is an independent guide and takes no commission. Details last checked July 2026; facilities and opening dates change season to season, so always confirm directly with the campsite before travelling. Photography is illustrative, not of the campsite itself.
