The best camping near Dayton with swimming

·

In Dayton, you’ll find over 620 campsites where swimming is front and centre. Rivers and creeks run through many sites, making it easy to cool off after a hike or just spend the afternoon in the water. Prices sit around $55 a night, with some spots dipping as low as $35 if you’re looking to save. You get the essentials: hot showers, toilets, and you can build a proper campfire. Hiking trails and even snow sports in winter round out the options. For a spot that gets high marks from regulars, start with Todd’s Fork Adventures (154 reviews), Rustic Retreat (105 reviews), or Riverside Adventures (94 reviews). Weekends fill up fast, especially at riverside spots, so book ahead if you want the best access to the water.

99% (434) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton

Rustic Retreat

1. Rustic Retreat

97%
(135)
15mi from Dayton · 4 sites · Lodging
Enjoy three vintage airstreams on an 1870s farm property. Lots of wildlife including a variety of birds, birds of prey like owls and hawks and deer. The local Little Miami Scenic bike path is the largest in the nation and is within 2/10 of a mile away. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, trail running, bike rental and rock climbing. Guide services available.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Riverside Adventures

2. Riverside Adventures

97%
(195)
29mi from Dayton · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Join us at Riverside Adventures for your next getaway. We are located on a 67 acre farm located on the Little Miami River in the heart of Warren County Ohio, also known as "Ohio's playground". We have 4 camp sites total, all with with river front access. Each site has its own stone patio, fire ring, and picnic table, with other amenities also available. We welcome both small and large groups and can help you plan events here such as family reunions, bachelor(ette) parties, and corporate retreats. With one canoe livery within two miles of us (Little Miami Canoe), you can drop your canoe or kayak in upstream and make your campsite a pit stop before getting picked up downstream by their shuttles. You can also rent a tube from us and go up and down our property or hang out on your tube anchored by the beach. We can also shuttle you upstream on Saturdays and Sundays. You can hike on our property to get scenic views of the Little Miami River Valley or spend time exploring Halls Creek (just down the street), the Fort Ancient Mounds, and others. We know other special local spots we can let you in on, too. We are just a 1/2 mile from the Little Miami Bike Trail and close to Caesar's Creek, Cowan Lake, YMCA's Camp Kearn, and Camp Joy. Plain Folk Music Cafe, Fresh to Morrow, Valley Vineyards, and Little River Cafe, are also short drives if you want to grab a bite to eat and vibe on some cool, local hangouts. We're just a 15-minute drive from King's Island and an hour or less drive from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. It's great out here, ya'll--join us! We look forward to helping you with your next outdoor adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Todd’s Fork Adventures

3. Todd’s Fork Adventures

100%
(344)
30mi from Dayton · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property was the original location of Todd’s Fork Bluegrass Festivals back in the 70’s and is directly on Todd’s Fork with 1/2 mile of River frontage. We reside within the Village of Morrow, walking distance to restaurants and stores. The little Miami Bike Trail is approximately 1/4 mile from our entrance. This property is tucked away and you wouldn’t even know you’re close to town once you’re on site. Valley Vineyards is right down the road to enjoy a bottle of wine and cook your own steak dinner nights. Take a trip to visit Fort Ancient with a day hike. A Native American earthworks complex, the largest hilltop enclosure in the world and soon to be a World Heritage site! Enjoy some canoeing on the Little Miami River a State and National scenic river which is within walking distance. We have kayaks on location for the kids to play in the creek and creeks to hike with numerous fossils deposits. Southwestern Ohio is famous for its Ordovician fossil deposits. Kings Island is approximately 20 minute drive and the Ohio renaissance Festival is near. Caesars creek state park in Cowan lake state park is within a short drive. Smallmouth Bass fishing is awesome on Todd’s Fork and we have plenty of area to Wade fish.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Caesar Creek State Park

4. Caesar Creek State Park

93%
(7)
25 sites · Harveysburg, Ohio
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

5. Buck Creek State Park

90%
(5)
23 sites · Northridge, Ohio
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
Graystone Ranch

6. Graystone Ranch

100%
(1)
24mi from Dayton · 4 sites · Lodging
Take it easy at this unique, private and tranquil getaway with 26 wooded acres & a gorgeous park-like setting. Experience a Conestoga wagon with a fantastic view of the swimmable stocked pond for fishing. Peddle boat & John boat available for use. Stroll through wooded trails or hang out on the lawn for picnics & games. Enjoy the Winery down the street or stroll by the shops in Downtown Greenville. A perfect mixture of the rustic Old West, nature and luxury. check Bio for more lodging options! Follow us on fb or ig. @graystonecabins
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$300
 / night
The Cedar Lodge Parking

7. The Cedar Lodge Parking

100%
(6)
32mi from Dayton · 15 sites · RVs
Our property is tucked away in the small village of New Paris in Southwestern Ohio, with wooded grounds and a picturesque pond - and plenty of birding opportunities, we've been told! The entrance to this area is on the Maverick Tiny Homes property, there is signage posted to help you navigate to the appropriate areas.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

8. Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

100%
(1)
40mi from Dayton · 357 sites
Discover the charm of Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park, a unique family-owned gem in Richmond, Indiana, where generations have created lasting memories for over 60 years. This inviting campground stands out for its commitment to providing exceptional accommodations, engaging activities, and top-notch facilities, all nestled in a serene rural setting. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque scenery and a gently flowing river that enhances the natural beauty of the park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. With a variety of outdoor activities nearby, including swimming holes and hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, making it easy to explore the area. Your hosts at Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park are eager to welcome you and ensure your stay is memorable!
Kiser Lake State Park

9. Kiser Lake State Park

22 sites · Rosewood, Ohio
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

10. Cowan Lake State Park

75%
(4)
25 sites · Wilmington, Ohio
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

11. Hueston Woods State Park

100%
(2)
24 sites · College Corner, Ohio
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stonelick State Park

12. Stonelick State Park

24 sites · Newtonsville, Ohio
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

13. Lake Loramie State Park

21 sites · Fort Loramie, Ohio
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

14. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

In Dayton, you’ll find over 620 campsites where swimming is front and centre. Rivers and creeks run through many sites, making it easy to cool off after a hike or just spend the afternoon in the water. Prices sit around $55 a night, with some spots dipping as low as $35 if you’re looking to save. You get the essentials: hot showers, toilets, and you can build a proper campfire. Hiking trails and even snow sports in winter round out the options. For a spot that gets high marks from regulars, start with Todd’s Fork Adventures (154 reviews), Rustic Retreat (105 reviews), or Riverside Adventures (94 reviews). Weekends fill up fast, especially at riverside spots, so book ahead if you want the best access to the water.

99% (434) 23 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton

Rustic Retreat

1. Rustic Retreat

97%
(135)
15mi from Dayton · 4 sites · Lodging
Enjoy three vintage airstreams on an 1870s farm property. Lots of wildlife including a variety of birds, birds of prey like owls and hawks and deer. The local Little Miami Scenic bike path is the largest in the nation and is within 2/10 of a mile away. Other activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, trail running, bike rental and rock climbing. Guide services available.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Riverside Adventures

2. Riverside Adventures

97%
(195)
29mi from Dayton · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Join us at Riverside Adventures for your next getaway. We are located on a 67 acre farm located on the Little Miami River in the heart of Warren County Ohio, also known as "Ohio's playground". We have 4 camp sites total, all with with river front access. Each site has its own stone patio, fire ring, and picnic table, with other amenities also available. We welcome both small and large groups and can help you plan events here such as family reunions, bachelor(ette) parties, and corporate retreats. With one canoe livery within two miles of us (Little Miami Canoe), you can drop your canoe or kayak in upstream and make your campsite a pit stop before getting picked up downstream by their shuttles. You can also rent a tube from us and go up and down our property or hang out on your tube anchored by the beach. We can also shuttle you upstream on Saturdays and Sundays. You can hike on our property to get scenic views of the Little Miami River Valley or spend time exploring Halls Creek (just down the street), the Fort Ancient Mounds, and others. We know other special local spots we can let you in on, too. We are just a 1/2 mile from the Little Miami Bike Trail and close to Caesar's Creek, Cowan Lake, YMCA's Camp Kearn, and Camp Joy. Plain Folk Music Cafe, Fresh to Morrow, Valley Vineyards, and Little River Cafe, are also short drives if you want to grab a bite to eat and vibe on some cool, local hangouts. We're just a 15-minute drive from King's Island and an hour or less drive from Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus. It's great out here, ya'll--join us! We look forward to helping you with your next outdoor adventure!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
Todd’s Fork Adventures

3. Todd’s Fork Adventures

100%
(344)
30mi from Dayton · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This property was the original location of Todd’s Fork Bluegrass Festivals back in the 70’s and is directly on Todd’s Fork with 1/2 mile of River frontage. We reside within the Village of Morrow, walking distance to restaurants and stores. The little Miami Bike Trail is approximately 1/4 mile from our entrance. This property is tucked away and you wouldn’t even know you’re close to town once you’re on site. Valley Vineyards is right down the road to enjoy a bottle of wine and cook your own steak dinner nights. Take a trip to visit Fort Ancient with a day hike. A Native American earthworks complex, the largest hilltop enclosure in the world and soon to be a World Heritage site! Enjoy some canoeing on the Little Miami River a State and National scenic river which is within walking distance. We have kayaks on location for the kids to play in the creek and creeks to hike with numerous fossils deposits. Southwestern Ohio is famous for its Ordovician fossil deposits. Kings Island is approximately 20 minute drive and the Ohio renaissance Festival is near. Caesars creek state park in Cowan lake state park is within a short drive. Smallmouth Bass fishing is awesome on Todd’s Fork and we have plenty of area to Wade fish.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night
Caesar Creek State Park

4. Caesar Creek State Park

93%
(7)
25 sites · Harveysburg, Ohio
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

5. Buck Creek State Park

90%
(5)
23 sites · Northridge, Ohio
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
Graystone Ranch

6. Graystone Ranch

100%
(1)
24mi from Dayton · 4 sites · Lodging
Take it easy at this unique, private and tranquil getaway with 26 wooded acres & a gorgeous park-like setting. Experience a Conestoga wagon with a fantastic view of the swimmable stocked pond for fishing. Peddle boat & John boat available for use. Stroll through wooded trails or hang out on the lawn for picnics & games. Enjoy the Winery down the street or stroll by the shops in Downtown Greenville. A perfect mixture of the rustic Old West, nature and luxury. check Bio for more lodging options! Follow us on fb or ig. @graystonecabins
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$300
 / night
The Cedar Lodge Parking

7. The Cedar Lodge Parking

100%
(6)
32mi from Dayton · 15 sites · RVs
Our property is tucked away in the small village of New Paris in Southwestern Ohio, with wooded grounds and a picturesque pond - and plenty of birding opportunities, we've been told! The entrance to this area is on the Maverick Tiny Homes property, there is signage posted to help you navigate to the appropriate areas.
Pets
from 
$35
 / night
Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

8. Grandpa’s Farm Campground & RV Park

100%
(1)
40mi from Dayton · 357 sites
Discover the charm of Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park, a unique family-owned gem in Richmond, Indiana, where generations have created lasting memories for over 60 years. This inviting campground stands out for its commitment to providing exceptional accommodations, engaging activities, and top-notch facilities, all nestled in a serene rural setting. Guests can immerse themselves in the tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by picturesque scenery and a gently flowing river that enhances the natural beauty of the park. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park offers the perfect backdrop for relaxation and adventure. With a variety of outdoor activities nearby, including swimming holes and hiking trails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, local restaurants and shops are just a short drive away, making it easy to explore the area. Your hosts at Grandpa's Farm Campground & RV Park are eager to welcome you and ensure your stay is memorable!
Kiser Lake State Park

9. Kiser Lake State Park

22 sites · Rosewood, Ohio
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

10. Cowan Lake State Park

75%
(4)
25 sites · Wilmington, Ohio
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

11. Hueston Woods State Park

100%
(2)
24 sites · College Corner, Ohio
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Stonelick State Park

12. Stonelick State Park

24 sites · Newtonsville, Ohio
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

13. Lake Loramie State Park

21 sites · Fort Loramie, Ohio
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

14. Brookville Lake

100%
(1)
437 sites · Brookville, Indiana
Anglers love the lake nestled in this historic area of Indiana.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field