Afton, New York sits in Chenango County at an elevation of 1,000 feet, surrounded by the Chenango River Valley. The area features a humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including warm summers with average highs of 80°F and cold winters reaching below freezing. Yurt camping options near Afton provide alternatives to traditional tent camping, with several campgrounds offering these structures with varying amenities throughout the May-October camping season.
What to do
Lake activities: Water access at Bowman Lake State Park Campground offers kayaking and swimming options. The small lake provides calm waters ideal for beginners. A camper noted, "Nice place though the kids were missing a playground. It's pretty bustling and everyone spends their time at or along the lake."
Mountain biking: Trails at Chenango Valley State Park Campground accommodate riders of various skill levels. The multi-use paths wind through wooded areas with moderate elevation changes. According to a visitor, "There's a perfect lake for kayaking for beginner or seasoned, as well as great hiking and mountain biking trails. Keep your eye peeled for the resident bald eagle."
Golfing: On-site course at Chenango Valley State Park provides 18 holes of play. The park maintains this course as part of its recreational offerings, allowing campers to incorporate a round into their outdoor stay. One reviewer mentions, "Think about bringing your clubs for a round of golf."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Early morning and dusk offer prime opportunities to spot local fauna. At Bowman Lake State Park, campers regularly observe deer near their sites. As one guest shared, "We went up for a weekend trip. Tent camping. Site was sufficiently private and tucked away, but water/bathrooms/showers were close enough."
Spacious campsites: Oquaga Creek State Park Campground provides well-separated camping areas. Each camping loop has a central bathhouse with sites arranged in a way that maximizes privacy. A camper observed, "Memorial Day weekend, campground was full but never felt crowded. Sites are large with a good buffer, fire ring & grill."
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds in the region maintain their restrooms and shower buildings regularly. This attention to cleanliness enhances the camping experience, particularly for multi-day stays. One visitor at Bowman Lake praised, "Very clean facilities! Really enjoyed the kayaking and beach area."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds in the area have minimal or no cell coverage. This connectivity issue affects planning and communication during your stay. A camper at Oasis in the woods by the family tree mentioned, "I loved learning about this spot and everything they do to make sure you experience the wildlife to the fullest, including binoculars and a journal that you can see what other campers saw by the river!"
Seasonal operation: Most yurt camping near Afton operates from mid-May through early October. Winter closures affect availability, with some facilities shutting down water systems after the first frost. A visitor to Oquaga Creek noted, "For a two night trip, I was really impressed with how relaxing it was - and we had enough to do to make it active."
Weather considerations: The region experiences frequent summer thunderstorms. These weather patterns can affect camping plans, particularly for activities on local lakes. According to one camper at Bowman Lake, "Our entire campsite was flooded so we just set up our tent on my brother's site with them. Ended up being wonderful and the lake was beautiful."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Hickories Park Campground offers playground facilities and open fields for sports. These recreational spaces provide options for children of various ages. One visitor remarked, "This place is an excellent place to take your family it's got hookups and plenty of space for your RV and it also has showers which makes it great for my family members who don't actually like to go camping."
Yurt options: Several campgrounds offer yurt accommodations that suit families with small children. These structures provide more weather protection than tents while maintaining an outdoor experience. A camper at Hickories Park shared, "Green grass perfect space for kids to play. Came in late, got a spot and took care of everything in the morning. Fall is a very pretty time up here."
Swimming areas: Designated swim zones with lifeguards operate at most state parks during summer months. These supervised areas provide safer swimming environments for children. One visitor to Chenango Valley State Park noted, "Campground is well kept and spacious with several different areas to camp in. The facilities are clean and tidy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Keen Lake Resort Campground offers various hookup options with lakeside views. Their premium sites include water, electric, and sewer connections on level gravel pads. According to a visitor, "We stayed on a lakeside electric/water site for 5 nights in August 2020. It was SO BEAUTIFUL. We had SUPs and kayaks to take on the lake and our sites were right next to the boat launch."
Hookup availability: Some campgrounds offer limited 50-amp service. RVers with higher power requirements should reserve these sites well in advance. One camper noted, "The sites seemed a little narrow when we first pulled in, but it was plenty."
Navigation challenges: Several campgrounds have narrow access roads with tight turns. Larger rigs may encounter difficulties navigating to certain sites. A visitor commented, "This family run Campground is beautiful and clean. The RV sites are spaced out nicely."
