4.67 /5
78 reviews
96%
would recommend
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A beautiful, peaceful setting with room for improvement
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Jun 2025 We absolutely loved the location, it's the closest experience we've found to true camping under the trees, which made for a wonderfully peaceful and private stay. We stayed on a Select Pitch, which offered a generous amount of space and a real sense of seclusion. The site is incredibly quiet, which we really appreciated.
However, a few small but noticeable issues let the experience down and could be easily addressed.
The first pitch we tried had such a steep slope at the rear that it was impossible to level our van, even with the jockey wheel fully lowered. Unless you're carrying a large amount of levelling material (which most people aren't), it just wasn't workable. For the fairly premium price of these pitches, it would be reasonable to expect better preparation of the hardstanding areas to make them easier to use.
Midway through our stay, the closest freshwater station was suddenly closed off, no signage, no explanation, just a cone and a chain. This meant we had to walk twice the distance to fetch water for the remainder of our stay. If there was a fault, that’s understandable, but a simple notice with an explanation and estimated repair time would have made a big difference. Unfortunately, it remained out of service for the rest of our visit.
Another issue was the grey waste disposal. This currently shares the same chemical toilet disposal point, which is raised on a concrete base. Lifting a 40+ kg waste master up and over this platform was extremely difficult, and not something my wife could manage. A ground-level grate for grey water would be a far more practical and inclusive solution.
Lastly, the water rinse tap has a hose that’s poorly secured with loose jubilee clips, so the hose kept detaching whenever we used the spray gun, frustrating for what should be a simple task.
Overall, it's a lovely site in a great location with lots of potential. With just a few practical improvements, it could offer an outstanding experience to match the setting.
Excellent short break
Large A-class or Tag Axle Motorhome - Non Electric Hardstanding Pitches Jun 2025 Excellent peaceful location in the forest.
Perfect getaway on a great campsite
Motorhome - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 A short two night break, huge welcome and good explanation of local attractions and campsite rules.
Campsite is ideal for walks or rides, we were blessed with weather and enjoyed the coast and forest.
Will be back shortly.
Lovely little site
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 Lovely, quiet site.
Spacious pitch, all bins and water points needed are within a short walk. The 5 Star given for the facilities are based on the facilities provided. It clearly states many times on the booking site that there are no toilets or showering facilities.
We will definitely be visiting the site again in the future
Beautiful
Motorhome - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 On my first day, I saw 2 squirrels and 2 deer close to my pitch. Sadly, there were some rather noisy children allowed to play out on their bikes from there on, from early morning to evening. As much as it was nice them enjoying their holiday and having fun, we saw no more signs of wildlife.
Chilled
Motorhome - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 Had a very relaxed stay.
Lovely stay
Motorhome - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 Staff were so friendly and helpful. Actually stayed an extra night instead of moving on to another site.
Lovely location & quiet. Very clean and nice sized pitches.
Thursday to Sunday break
Single Axle Caravan - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches May 2025 Listing does advise no facilities so a little harsh to only give one star!
Site really good location and value, and will now be our 'go to' for short breaks.
Wonderful stay
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 This is one of many visits to Setthorns and we still love it. If you want peace, quiet and wildlife in abundance, this is the campsite for you.
Wonderful walks through the forest and a nice amble to the village of Sway, where you can buy supplies or grab a lovely coffee and breakfast at the village tea room. It's not too far from the beaches at Highclere.
Our stay
Twin Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 This is a great location for a site and the pitches are in a incredible location. The staff were courteous and helpful.
We gave a three for facilities but we never used them. Cleanliness around the site was good.
Great location
Motorhome - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 Wow is the only way I can describe this site.
We saw deer, horses, cows and so many birds.
For newbies and dogs
VW-Type Campervan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 Ok first time there.
Could do with a shower area and maybe they allocate you the spot rather than 'seek and ye shall find'.
Personal, ok, gave you everything you need to know.
Very nice and quiet, in the woods
Motorhome - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 Great campsite. Nicely spaced out pitches surrounded by trees and birds.
No toilets or shower block but well maintained and clean. Staff are friendly and helpful.
Wildlife on your doorstep!
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Non Electric Grass Pitches Apr 2025 We stayed at Setthorns with our young son and baby daughter. Using our campervan, we stayed 5 nights on the non electric grass pitches. We liked the 'wild camping' feel without any clearly marked pitches, it was just a case of finding a spot we liked. The staff were extremely friendly and gave us tips on where to park up for a spot of peace and quiet.
The location didn't disappoint, the wild ponies stopped by for breakfast on our first morning there! Deer rushed past the following day whilst we were having tea. On our final night, a group of cows slowly meandered by. Wildlife truly was on our doorstep.
The location was perfect for cycling and we look forward to returning when our daughter is old enough so we can all cycle together.
We mostly stayed on site and did make a day trip to Lymington which was lovely. Brockenhurst wasn't too far to drive for essentials (you could cycle if all family members are comfortable on both tracks and roads). We can highly recommend the donuts from the bakery there.
Just perfect!
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Apr 2025 This site was just perfect, we needed a break away to recharge and we certainly did that.
Caravanning in the forest was amazing, from the owls twit-twooing, to deer walking past and ponies munching away - it was something out of Snow White! Sway is a nice walk away, we got the train to Bournemouth but be aware though, a scary, very dark walk on the way home - our taxi never showed!
Great place to stay in the forest
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Mar 2025 Great place to stay in the forest.
Lovely weekend, on our doorstep!
Single Axle Caravan - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches Mar 2025 A tranquil idyllic, yet ideally positioned for the beaches, Brockenhurst, Sway and lovely walks.
Basic (no loos or showers), but if you're aware of that before you book, it's not a problem. We will return again, and again!
Great site tucked away in the New Forest
Single Axle Caravan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Mar 2025 A lovely site, tucked away in the New Forest. Beautiful setting, ponies, deer, squirrels and pretty birds on site. Great walking and cycling directly on the doorstep.
Peaceful, well maintained and a very relaxing setting. We loved our time here. No toilet or shower facilities, but this is very clear when you book.
Awesome
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Non Electric Hardstanding Pitches Mar 2025 Amazing natural campsite with secluded spots in between trees, peaceful and well kept.
Saw deer chilling and loads of wild ponies. Lovely walk into Sway, nice friendly pub.
Perfect getaway
Motorhome - Non Electric Hardstanding Pitches Feb 2025 If you book here, be prepared to go off grid. We were & we had a great stay. Lovely bike and walking routes. Lovely scenery. Local pub was very friendly.
Beautiful place
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Feb 2025 Great place in a very beautiful area. It was very quiet and peaceful. Very helpful staff!
A night in the woods
Motorhome - Select Electric Hardstanding Pitches Jan 2025 We loved it here, great walk in woods and pitches nicely laid out.
Peaceful site in great location
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches Nov 2024 Open all year, a good place to stay for beautiful walks in the New Forest.
Pitches amongst the trees, but semi hard standing so no issues if wet. Quite expensive for minimal facilities - water, waste and EHU. Would stay again in the winter months.
Awesome place!
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Non Electric Hardstanding Pitches Nov 2024 This is a lovely and peaceful place to stay with incredibly nice staff!
What a great campsite!
Sprinter-Type Campervan - Standard Electric Hardstanding Pitches Nov 2024 This was our first stay at Setthorns in the New Forest and we were pleasantly surprised. If you enjoy actually being in the forest, with a good variety of hard standing or grass pitches with or without electricity and really wonderful walking and cycling paths, then this is for you. As long as you have your own toilet and washing facilities. We'll certainly be going back!
