Best Camping near Brackney, PA

Recent Reviews In Brackney

369 Reviews of 108 Brackney Campgrounds

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  August 30, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Quiet and secluded

  Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

  We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

  Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

  Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  August 25, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Nice Rustic Campground

  We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

  About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

  There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

  The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

  Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

• K

  Katelyn H.

  Guide

  

  August 16, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Great for Dispersed Camping!

  I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and 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.

  There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

  Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

  Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. 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.

• 

  Jodi B.

  Traveler

  

  August 5, 2024

  Keen Lake Resort Campground

  Best camp ground ever

  Keen lake is the most cleanest friendliest family environment campsite you will ever find. Beautiful lake great fishing. Activities all day long for the children. Great general store that has everything in it that is open from sun up to sundown. The nachos and ice cream are the best. Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake the lake is huge there's so much I could say but I would run out of room. I started coming here when I was four and I am now 46 years old and it is just the best place ever. It will always have a special place in our heart. Look forward every year to coming here no matter what age my kids are they all have a blast. From tent sites to RVs to cottages to glamping you name it they have it highly recommend it. Recently went camping to somewhere a little bit closer to home and it's nothing compared to here. It's like comparing Macy's to Walmart. You will never regret coming here. So pack your family up and have a great time.

• V

  Vanessa S.

  Guide

  

  July 20, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  A must do

  This is one of the best camping experiences we've had. This state park has so much to offer and the campground is very nice. The campsites are really good, most of them fairly private and level. There are some pull through sites for big rigs but those don't have trees and are not private. We had a site with power for our small trailer and it was fantastic. The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait. There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls. The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail ( 21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging. We were glad to have trecking poles and hiking boots. It took us over 4 hours to do the entire hike. There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July. Lake Jean is nice to kayak and there are quite a few tent sites you can launch your watercraft from, as well as 2 public launch sites. I was worried about the weather because it was 98 degrees in NJ but as the park is up in elevation, we did not get over the mid 80's the whole time we were there and the mornings were quite cool. I definitely recommend this park. It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer.

• 

  Bearded B.

  Scout

  

  July 17, 2024

  Doo Dah Campgrounds

  Quiet little campground next to the creek

  Love being down here with the family.

• T

  Toshi

  Guide

  

  July 15, 2024

  Frances Slocum State Park Campground

  Nice park, but...

  This is our second stay here at this campground. The first was a quick overnight in April. The park was 99% empty and the tree frogs were amazing! Our stay this time in Mid-July is completely opposite. The park of course is packed! No issue there as it’s the middle of summer. However, a lot of the sites are small and a bit too close to your neighbor for comfort. I would not recommend site 19E! There’s a site behind it the wraps around. Essentially, a site within a site! Not fun to wake up to a phone conversation on speaker and crying babies right outside your window at 5:45 in the morning. Every morning. Not to mention the kid LEARNING to play a song on his yyguitar! All in all, beautiful grounds  of wildlife. Beware of the Park Rangers who enjoy writing tickets, though. 

• 

  Michael G.

  Guide

  

  July 13, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Mostly Rustic Camping with Great Hikes

  The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites. Best ones don't have hookups. Have to do the Falls Hike. It's a fairly challenging hike and gets very busy on weekends and past noon, but its a must do.

• 

  Chris B.

  Scout

  

  July 4, 2024

  Oquaga Creek State Park Campground

  Love this place

  Friendly staff, beautifully kept.

• G

  G M.

  Traveler

  

  July 1, 2024

  Cherry Ridge Campsites and Lodging

  Shady quiet place

  Shady sites in a quiet cg . Nice lake for fishing . Reasonably priced breakfast on weekends . Great staff . Good utilities and clean bathrooms .

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 29, 2024

  Salt Springs State Park Campground

  Unique park with unique natural features

  This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.

  The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.

  On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.

  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 some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.

  There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 24, 2024

  Long Pond Campground

  Long Pond

  Some of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 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.

  Legend

  

  June 23, 2024

  Sunny Pond

  This is private land, should not be listed as a camping option

  I saw this on a map of unreviewed campsites and decided to check it out en route to another spot. As it turns out, this listing is in error and should not have been listed on the Dyrt. This is a private residence on private land, is not available for camping or lodging of any kind. Although close to state forest land,it is not within the state forest and is privately owned. The perimeter is well marked with no trespassing signs in case there is any doubt. If you continue further north on this back road, you will come to the state lands, and the border is well marked with state forest signs. Continue to the the parking area at the end of the road and you will be able to park and then access the trailhead for the Finger Lakes Trail which will take you into the state forest where dispersed camping is allowed. Again, do not stop at the “Sunny Pind “ site as listed here, but continue north to the Pharsalia Woods Dispersed camping trailhead

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 20, 2024

  Chenango County Cook Park

  Hike in to the lean-to!

  This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents. The sites are a bit crowded in, though the trees provide shade. For folks planning a group campout or family reunion, this would be a good option. For a solo camper who wants a bit if solitude, there is a better and super-nice option—the hike-in lean-to! Its a short hike in, and it is lively, well built shelter and nice fire pit. The small lake that is central to the park has nicely mowed shoreline paths around it, and the hiking trails in the woods are not brushy, but you still should be on the lookout for ticks. Price is reasonable compared to other area campgrounds, and you could access several other state forests and parks in the area for hiking etc note: though you can fish and paddle here, there is no swimming allowed!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 19, 2024

  Lackawanna State Park Campground

  Something for everyone!

  This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!

• 

  Janet R.

  Legend

  

  June 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

• 

  Jeff H.

  Guide

  

  June 15, 2024

  Chenango Valley State Park Campground

  This Place has it All!

  Great all-around campground. Level sites with plenty of trees. Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails. A “beach” swim area that is like a resort. A golf course. A great option for families.

  A really beautiful area to visit. A very cool brewery is just 4 miles away.

• M

  Michael K.

  Scout

  

  June 4, 2024

  Hankins

  Great place

  A very suitable place to camp and entertain with everyone. geometry dash online

• O

  Olivia A.

  Traveler

  

  May 6, 2024

  Worlds End State Park Campground

  Súper app!

  I really enjoy this app. It was really helpful when we visit Arizona, and of course my local area. I recommended to the beginner camper or to the Pro campers.

• 

  louis P.

  Scout

  

  April 9, 2024

  Cozy Creek Family Campground

  Rustic creek family campground

  This is a fantastic campground! The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine. The owner and all the employees were as friendly as they were accommodating. I can't say enough good things. I'll definitely be back.

• 

  Sharon L.

  Ranger

  

  February 19, 2024

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Neat campground, bring hiking or walking shoes!

  First off, if you are going to visit all the falls, bring shoes that you can walk in and that are smart for wet and moist surfaces.  Flip flops will not work for this.  We had tennis shoes on and that wasn't our best choice, however we don't own hiking boots....might be something we get in time, especially if we go back here.  The many falls are breathtaking!  We had a very nice site....no electric, clean bathhouses, very quiet.  This one was far for us, but we had a very enjoyable time there with our friends!

• 

  Stuart O.

  Guide

  

  November 14, 2023

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Sweet spot!

  Two things:  (1) You're in for quite a climb getting up to the campground; and (2) there is no cell service, at least for AT&T.  It was also difficult to find, as Google Maps directed us to a parking lot at a trail head that was a good distance away from the campground.

  But we loved the campground.   We had a quick overnight touch-and-go, and really wish we could have stayed awhile.  Will definitely stop in when passing this way again.

• E

  Emily C.

  Guide

  

  October 23, 2023

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Summer respite

  Tent camping in the large loop area. 

  Escaping the Maryland summer heat, the cooler temperatures in Ricketts Glen State Park was perfect. This park offers a variety of activities. Hiking along the Falls Trail being a highlight. The Large Loop is closer and banks along the lake, where there are two separate beach areas perfect for swimming. Kayak rentals, fishing are some of the great water things you can enjoy. 

  The campsite was perfectly sized for us - tent campers and close but not too close to the clean restrooms. A water spigot was handy across the road. Behind the restroom building is a dishwashing station. While there are showers there, the hot water was actually...cold.

  There is a great small camp store if you need last minute items, and the concession stands at the furthest beach sells firewood and ice cream.

  There are cabins available to rent, which looked really comfy. All linens, etc need to be brought along though.

• E

  Emily C.

  Guide

  

  October 20, 2023

  Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  Autumn Glory at Ricketts Glen

  Beautiful waterfalls surrounded by autumn color.

  This campground offers full-hookup sites on the small loop section. You may also bring dogs to the small loop section. The Large Loop section is more geared for boondocking smaller trailers and tent campers. No dogs are allowed in that area.

  Dogs are allowed on the trail, but are required to be on 6-foot leashes at all times.

  The restrooms were clean and convenient. I found the hot water in both the small and large loops to be tepid at best.

  Site 135 was perfectly level which made setting up camp easily. The water spigot was hard to operate as it was stiff. So bring along some WD 40 just in case.

  The Falls trail is a hard/difficult trail. Although the loop is just 4.1 miles around, there are many stone steps and steep inclines. Bring hiking poles to help with the descent and ascent, along with snacks and water.

• M

  Meribeth C.

  Scout

  

  September 27, 2023

  Frances Slocum State Park Campground

  Just an okay overnight stay on the way to Maine.

  Spent one night on our way to Maine. Due to heavy traffic, arrived near dusk, no real clear directions or check-in process. Also did not realize sites have no water and you have to fill with potable water. Luckily we had a very nice neighbor looking out for us and provided us with great directions and advice. Compared to other state parks, PA needs some improvements. Rotting picnic tables and overgrown, muddy sites.

• 

  Jennifer R.

  Scout

  

  September 20, 2023

  Highland Campgrounds

  Great all around campground

  Been here twice so far! Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds. Great prices and deals. Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area. Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be back!!