Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton
Sycamore State Park
1. Sycamore State Park
100%
(1)
State park 7.2mi from Dayton · 17 sites
Situated around a tranquil lake and verdant tree outcroppings and grasslands, we have a feeling you'll feel right at home at Sycamore State Park. This 3,000-acre park runs the gamut of recreation, from multiple hiking trails to expansive fishing and hunting activities. Stock up on largemouth bass and bluegills for a communal feast with the entire campground, or bring your Ohio hunting license to catch some squirrel or white-tailed deer. If you're ready to get your boat on, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats are all welcome on the lake's peaceful waters. Come winter, activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing keep this area wildly alive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
John Bryan State Park
2. John Bryan State Park
79%
(9)
State park 18mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Take a lazy jaunt down the Little Miami River this weekend at John Bryan State Park. If canoeing’s your game, John Bryan is the place to be. You’ll understand why the Little Miami is renowned for canoers as you follow its meandering twists and turns for miles. As you paddle, you’ll discover steep cliffs, aged-old sycamores, and historical sites along the way. And anglers shouldn’t forget to bring their pole! The Little Miami River is the perfect place to catch panfish and bass. But if you prefer dry land, hit up one of John Bryan State Park’s 11 hiking trails to experience the beauty under the trees. Then spend all evening recounting the day’s tales around the campfire. Perfection.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Caesar Creek State Park
3. Caesar Creek State Park
93%
(7)
State park 20mi from Dayton · 25 sites
Boasting clear blue waters and steep ravines, put on that toga friend, because you'll feel like Roman royalty at Caesar Creek State Park. Practice old-school hunting techniques at the archery range, or snag your dinner like the ancients did with those fishing tricks up your sleeves. With swimming opportunities galore, a 1,300-ft public beach provides the perfect milieu to bronze that sculpted body. Hike, bike, or horseback ride one of several trails, where you can study the region's limestone and shales leftover from a dried up sea millions of years ago. Modern amenities sneak their way in as well, where you can motorboat the 2,830 acre lake with gusto. Hail Caesar Creek State Park!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Buck Creek State Park
4. Buck Creek State Park
90%
(5)
State park 28mi from Dayton · 23 sites
Quintessential glamping! For all those campers of comfort who wanna get away without leaving the amenities of home behind, Buck Creek has a room for you. The park has a bunch of fully loaded cottages for rent that are, let’s be honest, probably nicer than your apartment. And for those who like a little dirt in their sandwich (possibly literally), there’s also tent campsites available. The park is centered around a massive lake, where you can boat, swim, fish and even scuba dive. And get this, speed demons: there’s several unlimited ski and horsepower zones. For the leisure-seekers, there’s miles of trails to bike or amble, with plenty of overlooks to observe the array of rare and unusual plants and animals. Legit need some R&R? Just kick back and enjoy the view from your cottage’s ridiculously charming screened-in porch.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kiser Lake State Park
5. Kiser Lake State Park
State park 31mi from Dayton · 22 sites
Sail away, sail away, sail away... at Kiser Lake State Park this weekend! Known mostly for its perfect sailing waters, Kaiser Lake attracts many families all summer long. But did you know Kiser Lake State Park is also open in the winter? For those brave enough to handle the cold and snow, there are activities such as cross-country skiing and ice skating to get your muscles into gear! Hit the trails or hit the water. The choice is yours (anytime of year!) at Kiser Lake State Park!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cowan Lake State Park
6. Cowan Lake State Park
75%
(4)
State park 31mi from Dayton · 25 sites
Picturesque inlets adorned with lotus water lilies will transport you to tranquility at Cowan Lake State Park. Study bloodroot and trillium wildflowers as you listen to the coo of herons and pheasants on the resident lake. With a 1,000-ft long beach for waterfront activities and limited horsepower on boats that traverse the waters, this place is sure to keep its cool. Cast a line for the plentiful bounty of fish or hike one of the six trails to choose from—this is your vacation, after all. Bring some looseleaf tea and a pair of chopsticks, and you're ready to go zen.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hueston Woods State Park
7. Hueston Woods State Park
100%
(2)
State park 33mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stonelick State Park
8. Stonelick State Park
State park 39mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Nestled along forested highlands, Stonelick State Park's 1,058-acres of serene land is the perfect spot for that librarian conference you always wanted to attend but never planned. Hike the fairly short trails around the park or even rent a bicycle if you're ready to switch gears. Four different species of fish are ready for the taking with an Ohio state fishing license, and boats with electric motors are welcome on the lake once you're ready to explore all corners of the 200-acre body of water. If you're hoping for some quality animal sighting, consider driving over to the nearby Crooked Run Nature Preserve, where glances of blue herons and bald eagles are what classic stories are made of.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Loramie State Park
9. Lake Loramie State Park
State park 41mi from Dayton · 21 sites
No kayak? No problem. Lake Loramie State Park provides rentals for everything from bikes to canoes, and you'll want to take advantage of it to get the most out of your stay. Paddle past patches of water lilies shaded by bald cypress trees, where the beauty here has long been preserved. Hikers will enjoy trekking over to Blackberry Island, where they can catch a glimpse of owls and woodpeckers nesting in their native habitat. A large variety of fish inhabiting the lake and seasonal hunting forays may also appeal to your wild side. Come winter, return for the cross country skiing tournament on the Little Turtle Trace trail, or bring a pair of skates and a sled for some awesome frosty activities. With ice boating available as well, you'll never want to be without a paddle here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookville Lake
10. Brookville Lake
100%
(1)
Park 44mi from Dayton · 437 sites
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton
Sycamore State Park
1. Sycamore State Park
100%
(1)
State park 7.2mi from Dayton · 17 sites
Situated around a tranquil lake and verdant tree outcroppings and grasslands, we have a feeling you'll feel right at home at Sycamore State Park. This 3,000-acre park runs the gamut of recreation, from multiple hiking trails to expansive fishing and hunting activities. Stock up on largemouth bass and bluegills for a communal feast with the entire campground, or bring your Ohio hunting license to catch some squirrel or white-tailed deer. If you're ready to get your boat on, kayaks, canoes, and rowboats are all welcome on the lake's peaceful waters. Come winter, activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, and ice fishing keep this area wildly alive.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
John Bryan State Park
2. John Bryan State Park
79%
(9)
State park 18mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Take a lazy jaunt down the Little Miami River this weekend at John Bryan State Park. If canoeing’s your game, John Bryan is the place to be. You’ll understand why the Little Miami is renowned for canoers as you follow its meandering twists and turns for miles. As you paddle, you’ll discover steep cliffs, aged-old sycamores, and historical sites along the way. And anglers shouldn’t forget to bring their pole! The Little Miami River is the perfect place to catch panfish and bass. But if you prefer dry land, hit up one of John Bryan State Park’s 11 hiking trails to experience the beauty under the trees. Then spend all evening recounting the day’s tales around the campfire. Perfection.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Caesar Creek State Park
3. Caesar Creek State Park
93%
(7)
State park 20mi from Dayton · 25 sites
Boasting clear blue waters and steep ravines, put on that toga friend, because you'll feel like Roman royalty at Caesar Creek State Park. Practice old-school hunting techniques at the archery range, or snag your dinner like the ancients did with those fishing tricks up your sleeves. With swimming opportunities galore, a 1,300-ft public beach provides the perfect milieu to bronze that sculpted body. Hike, bike, or horseback ride one of several trails, where you can study the region's limestone and shales leftover from a dried up sea millions of years ago. Modern amenities sneak their way in as well, where you can motorboat the 2,830 acre lake with gusto. Hail Caesar Creek State Park!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Buck Creek State Park
4. Buck Creek State Park
90%
(5)
State park 28mi from Dayton · 23 sites
Quintessential glamping! For all those campers of comfort who wanna get away without leaving the amenities of home behind, Buck Creek has a room for you. The park has a bunch of fully loaded cottages for rent that are, let’s be honest, probably nicer than your apartment. And for those who like a little dirt in their sandwich (possibly literally), there’s also tent campsites available. The park is centered around a massive lake, where you can boat, swim, fish and even scuba dive. And get this, speed demons: there’s several unlimited ski and horsepower zones. For the leisure-seekers, there’s miles of trails to bike or amble, with plenty of overlooks to observe the array of rare and unusual plants and animals. Legit need some R&R? Just kick back and enjoy the view from your cottage’s ridiculously charming screened-in porch.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Kiser Lake State Park
5. Kiser Lake State Park
State park 31mi from Dayton · 22 sites
Sail away, sail away, sail away... at Kiser Lake State Park this weekend! Known mostly for its perfect sailing waters, Kaiser Lake attracts many families all summer long. But did you know Kiser Lake State Park is also open in the winter? For those brave enough to handle the cold and snow, there are activities such as cross-country skiing and ice skating to get your muscles into gear! Hit the trails or hit the water. The choice is yours (anytime of year!) at Kiser Lake State Park!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cowan Lake State Park
6. Cowan Lake State Park
75%
(4)
State park 31mi from Dayton · 25 sites
Picturesque inlets adorned with lotus water lilies will transport you to tranquility at Cowan Lake State Park. Study bloodroot and trillium wildflowers as you listen to the coo of herons and pheasants on the resident lake. With a 1,000-ft long beach for waterfront activities and limited horsepower on boats that traverse the waters, this place is sure to keep its cool. Cast a line for the plentiful bounty of fish or hike one of the six trails to choose from—this is your vacation, after all. Bring some looseleaf tea and a pair of chopsticks, and you're ready to go zen.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Hueston Woods State Park
7. Hueston Woods State Park
100%
(2)
State park 33mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stonelick State Park
8. Stonelick State Park
State park 39mi from Dayton · 24 sites
Nestled along forested highlands, Stonelick State Park's 1,058-acres of serene land is the perfect spot for that librarian conference you always wanted to attend but never planned. Hike the fairly short trails around the park or even rent a bicycle if you're ready to switch gears. Four different species of fish are ready for the taking with an Ohio state fishing license, and boats with electric motors are welcome on the lake once you're ready to explore all corners of the 200-acre body of water. If you're hoping for some quality animal sighting, consider driving over to the nearby Crooked Run Nature Preserve, where glances of blue herons and bald eagles are what classic stories are made of.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Loramie State Park
9. Lake Loramie State Park
State park 41mi from Dayton · 21 sites
No kayak? No problem. Lake Loramie State Park provides rentals for everything from bikes to canoes, and you'll want to take advantage of it to get the most out of your stay. Paddle past patches of water lilies shaded by bald cypress trees, where the beauty here has long been preserved. Hikers will enjoy trekking over to Blackberry Island, where they can catch a glimpse of owls and woodpeckers nesting in their native habitat. A large variety of fish inhabiting the lake and seasonal hunting forays may also appeal to your wild side. Come winter, return for the cross country skiing tournament on the Little Turtle Trace trail, or bring a pair of skates and a sled for some awesome frosty activities. With ice boating available as well, you'll never want to be without a paddle here.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Brookville Lake
10. Brookville Lake
100%
(1)
Park 44mi from Dayton · 437 sites
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
The best beach camping near Dayton guide
Where to go
Caesar Creek State Park
You may be far from the Great Lakes, but just east of Dayton, Caesar Creek State Park comes with public beach access and boat ramps. If that’s still not enough water for you, book a campsite with a swimming pool and perhaps a view of the creek. For the best vantage point, however, head to the state nature preserve, where you can glimpse gorgeous gorges while hiking.
John Bryan State Park
If you're looking for something more grounding—or perhaps something rockier—John Bryan State Park has you covered. Adventurers will love tent camping near the park’s hiking and biking trails. But the real charm of the area is in its rocks. Let your adrenaline soar as you summit the rocks at the park’s designated climbing area. Top off the day’s events with a s’more around the fire pit.
Twin Creek Metropark
Dayton’s not finished with its parks quite yet. Enroute to Twin Creek Metropark, you’ll encounter no shortage of Dayton campsites. Extend the day by hiking, fishing, and riding horses. Then, unwind for the night at another kind of park: an RV park. Book a site that comes with full hookups and a fire ring. What better way to relax in the Dayton area?
When to go
Midwest winters have their reputation for a reason. For the most pleasant camping experience, head to Dayton when the weather is warm. From mid-spring to mid-fall, campers will get the most out of Dayton’s great outdoors. June, however, is known as the city’s rainiest month, so plan accordingly. You’re certain to stay dry—not to mention entertained—on an RV site with communal activities, or while in an A-frame with board games and cable TV.