Tent camping near Afton, Oklahoma centers around waterways in an area where the elevation ranges from 700 to 850 feet above sea level. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Most camping areas remain open year-round, though services are reduced during winter months when nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing access: Cast lines at Verdigris River, which offers direct water access for anglers targeting catfish, bass, and crappie. As one camper mentioned, "This side of the dam is for fishing. Spent many many MANY nights going night fishing with my family growing up and it was always so much fun!"
Creek swimming: Enjoy natural water features at Flint Creek where campers can find relief from summer heat. According to a recent visitor, "fun place to go take a swim on a hot summer day I camp here for a few weeks every year."
Hiking and wildlife observation: Explore the 11 miles of multi-use trails at Fort Crowder Conservation Area, located across the Missouri border approximately 20 miles from Afton. Trails accommodate hikers, bikers and horseback riders through wooded terrain with opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and various bird species in their natural habitat.
Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution at primitive campsites throughout the region. Verdigris River campsites offer unobstructed night sky views where one camper reported they "slept out on the ground under the stars!! Beautiful lake. Quiet and peaceful!!"
What campers like
Natural water features: The nearby waterfall at Flint Creek draws visitors year-round. A regular camper notes there is "a gorgeous little natural waterfall right under the highway so you can see when you drive by."
Uncrowded camping options: Highwater Camp offers a more secluded alternative to busier campgrounds in the region. A camper explains, "You will enjoy the privacy compared to other campgrounds in the area that have large crowds. Book early as it fill up fast and they do not offer more than one or two spaces per day."
Beginner-friendly backcountry sites: Gibson Spring provides an accessible introduction to backcountry camping. A reviewer recommends, "This site would be great for someone just getting in to backpacking as it is a short hike to the campsite from the closest trail head (took me only seven minutes)."
Lake access: Multiple camping areas provide direct access to Oologah Lake, located about 30 miles west of Afton. The lake spans 29,460 acres with 209 miles of shoreline, offering extensive water recreation opportunities including boating, skiing, and swimming from designated beaches.
What you should know
Water safety considerations: Water levels can change rapidly at riverside campgrounds. At Highwater Camp, campers are advised, "Be careful when camping, as it is near the river and if the water gets high, you will need to move up to the higher bank."
Limited drinking water access: Most tent camping areas near Afton lack potable water sources. At Gibson Spring, "Your water source is the spring itself, remember to treat the water." Most sites require campers to bring all drinking water needed for their stay.
Toilet facilities vary widely between campgrounds. While some sites like Flint Creek offer portable toilets ("The bathrooms are only port-a-johns but they work"), more remote locations like Gibson Spring have no facilities ("No toilets at the site").
Weather preparedness essential: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall bring significant temperature fluctuations between day and night. Lightning storms are common during summer months, requiring proper tent setup and safety precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots for children: Verdigris River Park provides family-friendly shoreline access. The campground is described as "perfect if you are tent camping and need a quick place to stop and rest for a day or two. Oologah Lake is beautiful and the hiking trails are beautiful!"
Pack extra water supplies for multiple days: With limited drinking water available at most campgrounds, families should calculate 1 gallon per person per day minimum, with additional water for cooking and cleaning needs during summer months.
Select sites based on restroom access: For families with young children, prioritize campgrounds with toilet facilities. Flint Creek maintains portable toilets that are regularly serviced, making it more suitable for families than backcountry options.
Consider campsite proximity to others: At Verdigris River Park, a camper notes the sites are "very close together unless you get the very last one. It's near a wooded area. The first 2 are out in the open, by the roads, do a cartwheel and you are in the next camping spot."
Tips from RVers
Reserve cabin alternatives when tent camping isn't practical: During extreme weather, consider Redbud Bay cabins as an alternative. A visitor reported, "We have camped at Red Bud Bay marina a few times. Love their cabins. We camped once there when it was extremely cold and the water lines froze. But they were right on top of it getting it fixed."
Coordinate tent and RV camping for group trips: Some campgrounds accommodate mixed camping styles, allowing larger groups to split between tent and RV sites while maintaining proximity for shared activities and meals.
Seasonal considerations for tent sites: Summer heat can make tent camping challenging without shade. Select sites with natural tree cover, as Highwater Camp offers "large and open [sites] with lots of shade trees" that provide critical temperature moderation during hot months.
