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Best Dispersed Camping near Brackney, PA

6 Reviews

The northeastern Pennsylvania town of Brackney sits near multiple New York state forests offering primarily dispersed camping opportunities. Within a 30-mile radius, campers will find several primitive sites in areas like Long Pond Campground, Pharsalia Woods State Forest, and Whaupaunaucau State Forest. These locations predominantly feature rustic, no-fee camping with minimal amenities. Most sites accommodate tents and small trailers rather than large RVs, with many positioned near ponds and small lakes. The Finger Lakes Trail also passes through several of these forests, providing hiking access to remote camping areas where visitors can practice leave-no-trace principles in designated clearings.

Road conditions vary significantly across these camping destinations, with several requiring navigation of rough, low-maintenance forest roads. As one camper noted about Pharsalia Woods, "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road." Winter access becomes particularly challenging, with Joshua M. reporting that Beals Pond State Forest is "not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained." Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with coverage varying by carrier. Most sites operate under New York DEC regulations requiring campers to position sites at least 150 feet from water sources and stay limits of 14 days in most locations.

Fishing opportunities represent a major draw at many camping areas near Brackney. Balsam Pond has "a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies," according to visitor reviews. Amenities remain minimal across most sites, with portable toilets available at some locations like Long Pond but absent at others. Campers consistently mention the need to pack out all trash, as garbage service is unavailable. Site maintenance varies considerably, with some locations showing signs of neglect or vandalism. Privacy levels differ between campgrounds, with Kevin C. noting that at Long Pond, "The other camping spaces were close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet." Wildlife viewing and seasonal wildflowers add to the natural appeal of these rustic camping destinations.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Brackney, Pennsylvania (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Brackney, PA

18 Photos of 7 Brackney Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Brackney, PA

6 Reviews of 7 Brackney Campgrounds

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2019

    Whaupaunaucau State Forest

    Hidden gem in Chenango County

    You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2024

    Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed

    Finger Lakes Trailhead off Grover Brown Rd

    The coordinates lead you to a small parking area at the end of Grover Brown Rd, which is accessed by going north from Rt 23. The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintanence road. But if you follow the road north to the end, you will come to a dead end and a parking circle that gives you the option of hiking north past a gate into the state forest on a hunting trail, or west onto the Finger Lakes Trail where dispersed camping is allowed within the state forest. However, the whole road in is a tough ride, it is posted extensively en route that you are passing private property with no trespassing allowed until you see the DEC sign announcing the border of the state forest. The parking area is overgrown, the neighbors aling the road en route seem frustrated with hikers coming into the forest via this route, and the Trailhead here for the Finger Lakes Trail is blocked by downed trees that seem to have been there for a while. While you might try to hike the trail for day use, I wonder if this may not be a great place to leave your car during a foray into the woods for dispersed camping. Although the Pharsalia Forest is beautiful throughout, and dispersed camping is allowed throughout, there are better places to access it. There are also designated primitive campsites in several locations in other areas of this state forest which are worthy of your camping adventures! You

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2025

    Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed

    Primitive camping at Round Pound

    This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!

    For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2017

    Balsam Swamp State Forest

    Balsam Pond campsites

    Update: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.

    However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.

    if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite in Pharsalia Woods

    Bear Wallow Pond

    This is a primitive undeveloped campsite, there is a clearing for tenting but no potable water or amenities of any kind. The site is adjacent to a small parking area and fishing access on a really beautiful pond, which is unnamed on the map but is an impoundment of Bear Wallow Creek so it can be considered Bear Wallow Pond. I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking. If you camp here, you can kayak or fish on the pond, go mountain biking on the network of state forest roads that are all part of the Pharsalia Woods Game Refuge, or access the Finger Lakes Trail or Canasawacta Creek Trail (see website for this listing for map of the refuge and more info at https://cnyhiking.com/FLT-PharsaliaWMA.htm)

    You can get to the site from state highway 23 via the Benedict Hill Rd, or from the hamlet of Beaver Meadow going south and west of Cole Hill via Mud Lane. A peaceful pretty wooded spot not far from either Norwich or South Otselic for an easy overnight or weekend. I give it 4 stars not for amenities but for being an idyllic example of a dispersed primitive site

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 27, 2024

    Beals Pond State Forest

    Not easily accessible in winter

    This state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.

Guide to Brackney

The northeastern Pennsylvania area around Brackney sits at elevations between 1,500-1,800 feet, creating a climate that receives substantial snowfall in winter months while maintaining cool summer temperatures. The region contains numerous state forests administered by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation that provide free dispersed camping opportunities. Most sites require visitors to practice strict leave-no-trace principles due to the limited maintenance and oversight.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Balsam Swamp State Forest features an accessible fishing pier where anglers can catch various species. As Janet R. notes, "Balsam Pond has a newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier."

Hiking trails: The primitive setting of Round Pond Pharsalia Woods Dispersed offers access to a network of trails around a unique bog ecosystem. "There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog," according to Janet R.

Birdwatching: Spring migrations bring numerous species to the area's wetlands. The Round Pond area contains "a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration," notes a review.

What campers like

Quiet camping experience: Long Pond Campground visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. Katelyn H. comments, "I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery."

Natural settings: Campers enjoy the unspoiled environments around many sites. One reviewer described Whaupaunaucau State Forest as containing "Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest."

No-fee camping: Free camping near Brackney, Pennsylvania attracts budget-conscious outdoor enthusiasts. A Long Pond camper noted, "I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe."

What you should know

Site conditions vary significantly: Some designated sites receive inconsistent maintenance. At Balsam Swamp State Forest, "Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling."

Road access challenges: Many access routes require vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. The trailhead to Pharsalia Woods State Forest Dispersed has particularly difficult access: "The road itself is in pretty rough shape, and is marked with a sign that says it is a low maintenance road."

Winter limitations: Snowy conditions restrict access to many sites during winter months. Free dispersed camping near Brackney becomes particularly difficult when snow accumulates on forest roads.

Tips for camping with families

Choose developed sites: For camping with children, select areas with at least minimal facilities. Kevin C. noted at Long Pond: "While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park."

Wildlife education opportunities: Bear Wallow Pond Dispersed Campsite offers excellent nature observation possibilities. Janet R. describes, "I have been there in both summer, when the shoreline wildflowers are riotous, and in fall when the changing leaves are breathtaking."

Pack adequate supplies: No services exist at these primitive sites. A Long Pond camper stated, "There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most sites accommodate only small campers or trailers. Kevin C. reported from Long Pond: "Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel."

Power considerations: No hookups exist at any sites, requiring self-sufficiency. Some campers report using portable solar panels, but tree cover often limits their effectiveness.

Limited cell service: Communication capabilities vary by location and carrier. One camper noted, "Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal," while another mentioned, "T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Brackney, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Brackney, PA is Long Pond Campground with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Brackney, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Brackney, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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