Averill Park camping options sit within the foothills of the Taconic Mountains at elevations ranging from 500-1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct four seasons with heavy snowfall in winter and warm, humid summers. Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October with high-elevation sites often experiencing temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset.
What to do
Hiking trails with waterfall views: At October Mountain State Forest, trails connect directly to the camping areas. "Beautiful area to hike. Quiet off the beaten path. There are 3 yurts available May-October. There are several tent sites available. Every site has a fire pit and a picnic table," notes one visitor who recommends exploring the nearby Tannery Falls.
Paddling on local lakes: Woodford State Park offers calm waters for kayaking and canoeing just a short drive from Averill Park yurt camping options. "The reservoir is beautiful- plenty of space to spread out for paddling and swimming. We had no issues with noise from other campers," writes a recent visitor, highlighting the peaceful conditions even during summer weekends.
Winter sports options: While most campgrounds close for winter, some areas near Averill Park maintain trails for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. "Hiking trails become nice XC skiing trails," mentions one Moreau Lake State Park visitor, pointing to year-round recreation possibilities for those staying in winter-accessible yurts and cabins near Averill Park.
What campers like
Natural soundscapes: The quieter camping areas away from main roads offer distinctive natural sounds. At Woodland Hills, a camper notes, "My first visit to New York state was amazing, largely in part due to my campsite. The pond has a fountain which sounds like a small waterfall at night, and wildflowers were in bloom."
Stargazing opportunities: The low light pollution in areas surrounding Averill Park creates excellent night sky viewing. "Late night, stargazing over the lake is a great pastime, because the water is calm and the light pollution is low," explains a visitor to Lake Taghkanic State Park, which is within driving distance of several yurt camping sites near Averill Park.
Wildlife encounters: Many campers report close encounters with local wildlife. At Piebald Mountain, a reviewer shared, "Excellent week at piebald mountain! We were greeted by some turkey and visited by some deer." This highlights the natural habitat surrounding the more rustic yurt camping options in the Averill Park vicinity.
What you should know
Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain that can affect setup. At Spacious Skies Woodland Hills, a camper cautions, "Terrain is uneven. Hit and miss on how flat or level sites are" while another notes "the site I had was steep grade from steps to picnic table. Flat ground area for camper was very narrow. Tricky footing for older folks."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have minimal connectivity. One visitor to Savoy Mountain State Forest explained, "Don't rely on GPS to get you there it will put you on the wrong end of the park in the middle of a rural neighborhood. The park is so hard to find that not even a cell signal can get there, if you're looking to unplug this is a great spot!"
Reservation requirements: Most campsites, particularly yurts near Averill Park, require advance booking. "First off no same day reservations or walk ups allowed," reports an October Mountain State Forest visitor, highlighting a common policy across the region's state parks and private campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt options for beginners: For first-time campers or those with young children, the yurt camping options provide a comfortable introduction. "The campground has 3 sections, located on different tiers of a hill. The lower level has RV sites, middle has tent sites, and upper has a few yurts," explains a visitor to October Mountain State Forest.
Kid-friendly water activities: Several campgrounds offer supervised swimming areas. "They have a pond for swimming and softball field. They allow late check ins!" shares one Woodland Hills camper, while another notes, "This area has a large seasonal population but they are super friendly and it was a pleasure to see the kids fishing, paddling on the lake, swimming in the designated area."
Rainy day alternatives: Weather can change quickly in the Taconic Mountain region. A Lake Taghkanic visitor notes, "Clean facilities, with a rec room for rainy days. A camp store with all the supplies you might have forgotten," providing options when outdoor activities aren't possible.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers recommend researching specific sites before booking. At Taconic State Park, a visitor advises, "I scooped out my spot via several different websites prior to coming. A lot of complaints that up front the sites were too close together and this was true, but more towards the back was more spacious and private sites."
Tight turns on interior roads: Many campgrounds in the Averill Park region have mature trees that create navigational challenges. "The road to our campsite was paved and in good shape but there were a few tight spots because of the trees that make it tricky for a big rig," explains a Moreau Lake camper who recommends Loop A for larger vehicles.
Limited hookup availability: While several campgrounds accommodate RVs, full-service sites are limited. "This is dry camping so there are no hook-ups but there are restrooms and shower," notes a visitor, emphasizing the need to arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks when staying near Averill Park.
