Brackney lies in northeastern Pennsylvania near the New York border, where the Endless Mountains provide a backdrop for camping in the region's mixed hardwood and hemlock forests. The area averages around 46 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and seasonal streams that flow through campgrounds. Tent and RV camping options near Brackney range from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-hookup facilities with recreational amenities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Hickories Park Campground, campers can easily access the Susquehanna River. "The river is very close, some campsites are right on the river," notes Matt G., making it convenient for anglers to fish directly from their campsite.
Hiking trails: Nearby Salt Springs State Park Campground offers unique geology and mature forests to explore. "The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology," explains Janet R.
Water recreation: Summer visitors can enjoy multiple water activities at Pine Valley RV Park & Campground. As Mommy D. describes, "From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide. All part of the price of the campground."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campsites near Brackney vary in seclusion. At Chenango Valley State Park Campground, "sites are a good size. Some more secluded than others," according to Diana A., with Mary S. adding that "We usually prefer sites on the outer part of a loop, and this was no exception. The sites have more trees."
Wooded settings: Natural surroundings enhance the camping experience. David A. appreciates that at Lakeside Campground, you'll find "wooded camping that offered everything they do," which is "not very often" in his experience. This provides natural shade and habitat for wildlife.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds organize regular events to enhance the camping experience. At Montrose Campground, Carol M. notes "There are planned activities almost every weekend during the 'season' but they are open all year with some winter sites available."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds in the region require advance booking, particularly in summer. Hickories Park differs as Alyssa F. explains: "I pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed. Drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river. I was able to pull directly into the camp site."
Bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies across the region. At Montrose Campground, Mary M. found "the bath house, which was the cleanest and nicest one I had ever seen at a campground." Conversely, at Salt Springs State Park, Cassie B. warns that "The bathrooms are very far from the sites and it was visible where some people had relieved themselves in the bushes."
Off-season considerations: Winter camping requires preparation. Scott I. reports from Pine Crest Campground: "We camped in late November. A few campers. Quiet and we were able to camp on the river... We were self contained. Which was best since the bath house was closed for the winter."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly activities: Pine Crest Campground provides multiple recreation options. Kevin R. notes it has "Pool is nice... Easy accessible boat ramp. Close to good food and many things to do."
Playground access: Facilities for children vary by campground. At Chenango Valley State Park, Mary P. mentions, "Playground and shallow swimming area for children with life guards and a sandy beach and new bath house."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids often enjoy observing local fauna. Dan N. from Chenango Valley State Park recommends watching for "Great wildlife (wood ducks & kingfishers)" while camping there.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs, specific sites work better than others. At Chenango Valley State Park, Mary S. advises, "Parking pads in the electric loops (30 amps and 50 amps) have a good amount of gravel," making them more suitable for larger rigs than the tent-focused areas.
Year-round accessibility: Several campgrounds near Brackney remain open in winter. Carol M. reports that Montrose Campground has "all sites available from tent right up to 50 amp full hook-ups" and they're "open all year with some winter sites available."
Hookup availability: RV services differ between campgrounds. At Chenango Valley State Park, Mary S. notes "Electricity at about 1/3 of the sites" with "Water spigots on the loops and more water at the dump station."
