Best Campgrounds near Dayton, NV

Camping near Dayton, Nevada ranges from state parks to lakeside sites, all relatively easy to reach from U.S. Route 50. Washoe Lake State Park Campground sits just 12 miles away and has flush toilets with good lake access. Tahoe Valley Campground in South Lake Tahoe is another option, with full RV hookups and several hiking trails nearby in forested areas. Many campers also head to Bliss State Park Campground to camp near Emerald Bay, where kayaking is popular. Summer weekends fill up fast in this area, so making reservations ahead of time is smart. From Dayton, you can also reach Hoover Dam and Lake Mead for fishing and boating day trips. Most camping areas have roads that any car can handle, though some back roads might need higher clearance vehicles. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather around Dayton, while winter camping works but gets cold, particularly at higher spots. Always check if places are open before you go, as some shut down seasonally.

Best Camping Sites Near Dayton, Nevada (199)

    1. Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    23 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-4319

    $15 - $30 / night

    "The lake and the surrounding area takes on a different appearance depending on the season you visit, and whether it's been a wet year or a dry one."

    "Spent the night here on a road trip. 30$ for non Nevada resident but includes full hookups except water was shut off for the season."

    2. Dayton State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Dayton, NV
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 687-5678

    $10 - $20 / night

    "So this a very small campground within the confines of Dayton State Park. There are just 10 sites and because of it’s proximity to Dayton it looks like there are homeless using the park. (Shrug)."

    "Some of the other parks were full so we kept driving and found this state park. There are only 10 camp sites but they are far, enough, apart."

    3. Davis Creek Regional Park

    18 Reviews
    Washoe Valley, NV
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 849-0684

    $30 / night

    "This is one of my fav hiking locations in Nevada! I love the variety. There are different levels of hikes from easy to more difficult."

    "Easy access right off the freeway but tucked into trees so you don't hear any road noise. Nice hiking trails, clean restrooms and very nice staff. Well maintained!"

    4. Samuel Buckland Campground — Fort Churchill State Historic Park

    12 Reviews
    Silver Springs, NV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 577-2345

    $15 - $20 / night

    "Well maintained and had great walking paths. Stars were amazing and there was only noise from the wildlife at night."

    "Campground is a little rough around the edges, but it’s a beautiful landscape with several marked short trails that are good for a wander."

    5. Gold Dust West RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Carson City, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 519-5567

    "Hardly anyone there so we got a nice site in the corner with some rare Nevada grass. The casino construction was not an issue for the campground. Exceptionally clean facilities."

    "For those who enjoy some adult games, there is a casino that you can spend some time and support the Nevada economy. You might earn a prime rib dinner if you get a players card and earn enough points."

    6. Virginia City RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 847-0999

    "Great location and great store that had basic needs. Views overlooking the cemetery were pretty cool. Would stay again."

    7. Sparks Marina RV Park

    24 Reviews
    Sparks, NV
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 851-8888

    "Close to the Sparks marina if you want to walk, but we were here for the Nugget rib cook-off. Just not sure on the all the rules as it seems some are followed some you can ignore."

    "Very clean away from the freeway. We paid about $47 for one night for our truck camper with a veteran's discount."

    8. Reno View Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    8 miles

    "I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno."

    9. BLM FLATTOP

    3 Reviews
    Virginia City, NV
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 885-6000

    10. Silver City RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Genoa, NV
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 267-3359

    "This RV resort is situated in the middle of everything! Close to Lake Tahoe, Reno, Virginia City and more!"

    "Great location if you want to be near Costco and the capital city.  Great views of the Sierras and the Carson valley. "

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Recent Reviews near Dayton, NV

924 Reviews of 199 Dayton Campgrounds


  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Not worth the fee

    Bathrooms are located in the day use area and a bit of a walk from the camping area. RV dump is closed “until further notice”. Right off Hwy 50 so expect noise. Compared to other state parks along Hwy 50, this one is a dump.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Beautiful place!

    Lots of broken glass sadly. But there are little crystals everywhere and it’s a very quiet place with great views.

  • Victoria S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Scotts Lake Rd Dispersed Camping

    Serene Camping

    There were definitely a few long term campers here. But the place was very clean. No cell service fyi. Easy to get to, road is dirt but has very few bumps.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Lower Blue Lake Campground

    Beautiful location!

    My cousins and I stayed in sites one through three. They are extremely close to the lake, near the dam. We were able to leave our chairs and kayaks down by the water, and felt totally secure. we were able to kayak down to the other end of the lake, where there is a small waterfall. our sites had to be reserved, but there are some FCFS sites as well. Pit bathrooms are OK. The portable water spigot was broken, so we had to get some water from Middle blue lake Campground, about a mile away. The water issues is the only reason I am taking a star off, this place is beautiful, and we are definitely coming back. A couple of the sites will accommodate, decent sized rigs.

  • Summer C.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Shamrock RV Park

    Overflow sucks

    Not a fan. Came for the Reno Balloon Race; booked it 4 months in advance. But they only had overflow available. You have to call to make a reservation. They didn't disclose to me that the overflow is just a parking lot where their warehouse is(on the other side of their property). I think this should be on the website because otherwise, you have no idea what you signed up for until you arrive. There's no sewer hookup; you can dump at the end. You have to share the water hose with other Rv's during your stay. So you fill up your tank in the beginning. The electric hookup was fine and was 30 amp. However there was no grass for my dog to potty. Pottying my dog at night was not pleasant. The pool is under repair and currently not an available amenity, which should be disclosed on their website. The lot abutts a gravel company that transports rocks and it gets kind of noisy and dusty, even on weekends. I paid$50/day. I won't be staying there again. But the positives were that the staff were friendly and the place is clean.

  • Jacqueline G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Dispersed USFS

    Worth the climbs to get here!!

    This is full wilderness camping off the main road between hope valley and the blue lakes. I had no problem getting in with my 30ft bus towing a jeep but the road is steep and winding for about 7 miles to the pull off. There were a lot of other campers for Labor Day weekend but the rest of the time there was no one around. Jugs of water can be filled at the campgrounds about 5 miles in each direction. PLEASE NOTE: There are prolonged climbs to get here (up to about 8% grade) but my bus did fine. Slow and steady and you’ll be fine. Also WATCH THE WEATHER! Rain can cause spots of the road in to get washed out a bit and deep puddles can appear. There are loads of rocks and fallen trees around to fill in holes if needed. If you’re moderate to high clearance rig you’ll be fine just be mindful. The Blue Lakes are just down the road for swimming, boating, kayaking etc and lots of amazing 4x4 trails. Rivers for fishing and endless hiking and biking. Elevation is 8300ft so definitely a bit high. The trees help with the air however. Not nearly as tough as the high desert of Utah (Zion or Brice) but just take it easy if you’re not used to high altitude.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Carson RV Resort

    Clean, nice, loved the staff!

    laundry room, showers, bathroom, pool were all very clean! The staff was super helpful, friendly, and available whenever we needed them. Would stay here again!


Guide to Dayton

Camping near Dayton, Nevada, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe. One camper mentioned, "Bike trail from campground to Lake Tahoe bike trail. Ten min drive to Emerald Bay and 20 min to Stateline of South Lake Tahoe."
  • Water Sports: Enjoy water activities at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "Wonderful beach access. The group site has a lot of privacy from other sites and plenty of space."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bears and other wildlife at Eagle Point Campground — Emerald Bay State Park. One visitor noted, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy spots at Tahoe Valley Campground. A review highlighted, "Camping spots are spaced out enough that you are not right on top of your neighbor."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Washoe Lake State Park Campground. One camper said, "The whole campground is just so clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff at Sparks Marina RV Park. A visitor shared, "The security immediately came to us and the guys helped us and explained everything."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be cautious of bear activity, especially at Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe. A camper warned, "Well there is a lot of bear activity, but we loved it here."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Granite Flat, lack certain amenities. A review mentioned, "The bathrooms are mediocre."
  • Crowded Sites: Expect close quarters at places like Zephyr Cove Resort. One camper noted, "The campground was completely full... I had to walk up a flight of stairs where the tent site was supposed to be."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids, like Tahoe Valley Campground. A reviewer said, "This is a great spot if you have kids. Lots of stuff to do just at the resort."
  • Safety First: Always store food properly to avoid bear encounters, especially at Eagle Point Campground. One camper advised, "Park rangers are present and will ticket you if not compliant with placing items/trash in bear boxes."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping during peak season, consider arriving early to secure a good spot, as noted by a visitor at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground: "Definitely book six months in advance."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions, especially at Davis Creek Regional Park. A reviewer mentioned, "The spot wasn’t a ‘pull through,’ and it was very difficult to park our trailer."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like Washoe Lake State Park Campground. One camper said, "Flat, wide spaces with mostly pull throughs, clean bathrooms and shower."
  • Be Prepared for Dust: Some campgrounds, such as Tahoe Valley Campground, have dirt sites. A visitor noted, "My biggest issue with this campground is the dirt. It’s this ash dirt that gets everywhere."

Camping around Dayton, NV, has its perks and challenges, but with the right preparation, you can have a great time enjoying the outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Dayton?

The best campgrounds near Dayton include Dayton State Park Campground, a small, shaded park with 10 sites along the Carson River. For those willing to drive a bit further, Washoe Lake State Park Campground offers excellent facilities with opportunities for bird watching, boating, fishing, and even hang gliding. The area around Dayton also provides access to several Lake Tahoe region campgrounds within a 1-2 hour drive, perfect for those seeking more recreational options. Most nearby campgrounds are seasonal, with peak availability from spring through fall.

What amenities are available at Dayton State Park for camping?

Dayton State Park offers basic amenities in its small 10-site campground. Sites feature shade trees, fire rings, and picnic tables. The bathroom facilities are available but located at some distance from certain campsites. The park provides access to the Carson River, making it suitable for fishing and wildlife viewing. There's no electricity or water hookups at individual sites, so it's best suited for tent camping or self-contained RVs. The campground's proximity to town means you're never far from supplies. The park's natural setting along the river creates opportunities for hiking and nature observation, though facilities are minimal compared to larger state parks.

What RV parks are available in Dayton, NV?

Dayton, NV has limited dedicated RV parks within the immediate town area. Virginia City RV Park is located nearby, offering full hookups and easy access to the historic Virginia City area. For more options, Sparks Marina RV Park is within reasonable driving distance and provides modern amenities for RV travelers including water, toilets, and spacious sites that can accommodate larger rigs. Most RV parks in the region are open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months.

Can you get annual lease campgrounds in Dayton, Nevada?

Annual lease campgrounds are not widely available directly in Dayton, Nevada. Most campgrounds in the immediate area, including the public lands and state parks, have maximum stay limits ranging from 7-14 days. For longer-term options, you might consider Silver City RV Resort near Minden which offers extended stay options. Some private landowners like Olde LYFE Alpacas on Davis Ranch may offer more flexible arrangements by direct negotiation. For true annual leases, you'll likely need to contact RV parks in Carson City or Reno to inquire about their long-term stay policies.