The best waterside campgrounds near Dayton, Ohio

Dayton’s waterside camping scene is stacked, with over 700 spots where you can pitch your tent right by the water. Expect average nightly rates around $50, but you’ll find options starting at just $22. You’ll find campsites along creeks, tucked beside wide rivers, and perched near quiet ponds. Campfires are allowed, and most places welcome pets and offer toilets—simple, practical comforts. Fishing and hiking are easy to get to, and if the season’s right, you can even sneak in some snow sports. Top picks include Todd’s Fork Adventures (154 reviews), Rustic Retreat (105 reviews), and Riverside Adventures (94 reviews)—all well-tested by local campers. If you want to fall asleep to the sound of running water and wake up ready to hit the trails, you’re in the right place.

99% (945) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton

Caesar Creek State Park

1. 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

Stonelick State Park

2. 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

Brookville Lake

3. 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

Dayton’s waterside camping scene is stacked, with over 700 spots where you can pitch your tent right by the water. Expect average nightly rates around $50, but you’ll find options starting at just $22. You’ll find campsites along creeks, tucked beside wide rivers, and perched near quiet ponds. Campfires are allowed, and most places welcome pets and offer toilets—simple, practical comforts. Fishing and hiking are easy to get to, and if the season’s right, you can even sneak in some snow sports. Top picks include Todd’s Fork Adventures (154 reviews), Rustic Retreat (105 reviews), and Riverside Adventures (94 reviews)—all well-tested by local campers. If you want to fall asleep to the sound of running water and wake up ready to hit the trails, you’re in the right place.

99% (945) • 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Dayton

Caesar Creek State Park

1. 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

Stonelick State Park

2. 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

Brookville Lake