Frequently asked questions
Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite
Bookings
Is it necessary to book or can I just turn up?
Yes, pre-booking is essential for all stays at the campsite. Bookings must be made online at least 48 hours before your stay.
What is the shortest time I can book ahead?
All bookings must be made 48 hours before your stay.
Can I book a specific pitch?
You can choose from a riverside or woodland pitch however, pitches are allocated on a first come first served basis.
ls full payment required at the time of booking?
A deposit of £20 is due at time of booking. Full payment for your booking is due four days prior to your arrival, we will send a reminder for this. If your arrival date is within four days of your booking date you'll need to pay the full amount at time of booking.
What methods of payment do you accept?
All bookings must be made online, we accept all major credit and debit cards, except American Express.
Can I change my arrival/departure dates?
Yes, however this is subject to availability. Please contact usif you'd like to know more.
Do you allow group bookings?
Yes, group bookings are allowed but please note that this is a small, tranquil site that is not suitable for parties.
Cancellations and refunds
Will I be charged if I cancel my booking?
Deposits taken at the time of booking are non-refundable. If you cancel your booking after having made full payment no refund will be made. Bookings, subject to availability and at the discretion of the site, can be moved to alternative dates. Contact us if you need to change your booking.
Can we get a refund if we leave early/decide not to come if the weather is bad?
Sorry, no. We can't guarantee the weather (but it’s all part of the experience). We don't offer refunds for early departures.
Arrivals and departures
What time can I check in from on arrival day?
You can check in from 14:00 on the day of arrival.
What's the latest I can arrive onsite on arrival day?
Latest arrival time that staff are onsite is 18:00. You can arrive later than this but will need to follow the instructions in your welcome letter.
The main vehicle access gate will be locked at 21:00. If you arrive after this time you may have to park in the public car park nearby (parking charges payable) and walk into the site.
What time do I need to leave on my departure day?
You're asked to leave the site by 11:00 on your day of departure.
Is there a gate/barrier to gain entry to the site?
Vehicle access to the site is via a security gate with a combination lock. You'll be issued with the code in your pre-visit email. Pedestrian access is available to the site with no restrictions.
General camping information
What kind of people is the site aimed at?
The site is set up specifically for those campers who are looking for an almost wild place to camp with basic facilities and a traditional campfire experience.
What is the minimum age for people staying at the site?
The minimum age is 12 years old.
Why is the campsite only open for certain days during the year?
We're only allowed to have camping on the site for a limited number of nights each year. The camping season has been chosen to meet key holiday periods, however day bookings can be taken throughout the year, please contact us if you're interested.
Can we collect wood from the campsite area?
Sorry, no. Fallen wood provides food for various fungi and beetles, which in turn provide nutrition for the trees, plants and animals. To maintain this eco-system we would appreciate your co-operation by not collecting wood or chopping down trees.
Can we bring our own wood?
Seasoned logs can be purchased from the site Ranger, when onsite, at a cost of £7 per bag. You can also purchase charcoal and hire grills for the fire pits, please note we only accept debit/credit card payments. You may bring your own wood as long as it’s untreated. The burning of pallets or treated wood is banned as these can give off toxic fumes and leaves behind nails, both of which can be dangerous.
Are there specific areas I can pitch a hammock?
Hammocks can be hung in most of our woodland camping pitches. Please let us know when you are booking that you will be staying in a hammock
Is the site staffed?
Staff will be available between 10:00 - 12:00 and 16:00 - 18:00. Outside these times Park's Patrol will check the site.
How big are the pitches?
Our pitches are spacious. Each riverside pitch can take approximately three two-person tents plus a permanent fire pit. Woodland pitches differ due to the size of the glades they're located in and if camping in a hammock.
If I have a problem who do I call?
The campsite isn't staffed 24 hours a day and as such you camp here at your own risk. If any issues arise please call 03000 030 619 - Monday to Sunday, 08:00 - 17:00. Outside of these hours up until 22:00 please call 03000 030 646. In case of an emergency please call 999 and ask for the appropriate emergency service.
Can I freeze ice packs onsite?
Sorry, no. This site has no facilities to freeze ice packs.
Are there any electrical hook ups available at the site?
There's no electricity on the site at all.
Is there lighting at the site?
To keep the campsite almost wild, lighting is kept to a minimum. There are solar powered motion sensor lights near the toilet and tap area only. Remember to pack your torch and camping lights.
Does the site have WiFi?
There's no WiFi available at the campsite.
How good is the phone reception at the site?
Phone reception across all major networks is excellent throughout the campsite.
Are open fires allowed?
Campfires are encouraged throughout the campsite but only in the fire pits provided.
Am I allowed to go foraging in the surrounding areas for food?
In the interests of protecting local wildlife and the habitat, foraging for food isn't allowed.
Can I park my car next to my pitch?
No vehicles are permitted within the main camping areas. However, a car park is available near the main campsite. Wheelbarrows can be borrowed to help you carry your belongings to and from your pitch
What is your noise policy?
The noise level of radios or musical instruments must be kept at a level that doesn't annoy other site users. We ask for quiet between 23:00 and 08:00. Please respect other campers who may be trying to sleep. We're a respectful site and will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or language. Anyone causing a disturbance will be asked to leave and no refund will be given.
Is there somewhere to store valuables?
Sorry, no. Please do not leave valuables unattended.
Do you have disabled facilities onsite?
Disabled access is limited, due to the wildness of the campsite and uneven surface.
Can I hire camping/cooking equipment or sleeping bags?
We do not offer a tent or camping equipment hire.
Am I allowed to fish from the river banks?
You're allowed to fish from the river banks surrounding the campsite as long as you hold the appropriate Environment Agency rod licence. Netting of crayfish isn't permitted.
Am I allowed to launch a canoe or paddleboard into the river?
Yes, there's a launching point at the site. You must have an appropriate waterways licence for the River Lee.
Can I buy gas bottles from the site?
Sorry, no. There's no shop on site.
Are there any shops or supermarkets nearby?
A parade of shops is located about one mile away from the site in Broxbourne. This includes a bakers, butchers, off licence, pharmacy and small supermarket.
Pets
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, but this is restricted to two well behaved dogs kept on leads. Dogs must not be left unattended and owners must clear up after their dogs. There's no charge for dogs to stay at the site.
Are dogs allowed in the Safari Tent?
Unfortuantley dogs aren't allowed in the Safari Tent.
Are there specific dog walking areas?
There are no specific dog walking areas, however River Lee Country Park is a short walk from the campsite and offers miles of footpaths, cycle ways and waterways plus a dog agility course.
Local information and travel
How far is the site from central London?
The fast train from London Liverpool Street to Broxbourne takes 33 minutes. The main site entrance is just 200m from the station. The campsite itself is then a 15 minute walk (approximately).
What attractions and places are there near to the campsite to visit?
There are a whole host of things to do and places to visit close to the campsite. Some of the highlights are Lee Valley White Water Centre, Lee Valley Boat Centre, Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, Lee Valley Canoe Cycle and River Lee Country Park.