Dayton State Park Campground

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. Water is available from a spigot and there are garbage cans around. It costs $10 of you are from Nevada, $20 otherwise. Of note is the simp station that has a $5 fee. The day use area is beautiful with flush toilets and a nice lawn.

We were able to snag a spot here during a last minute trip 4th of July weekend. That there were multiple empty sites on a holiday weekend should tell you something. The sites were spread out pretty well, and had tables and fire rings. There were sooo many cigarette butts and other trash all over the place though, and it’s right next to the highway so the noise is pretty bad - even throughout the night. It’s close to Carson/Virginia City if it’s the only thing available, and relatively cheap. ($5/ night for NV residents, $20/night others.)

This is not a very nice place anymore. The campsites are nice, but theres carbage everywhere and a lot of bugs flying around. It is also too close to the hwy 50.

Friendly people

Neat little campground close to town with lots of mining history on display. There are 10 sites that are nice sized, some private and some out in the open. Site 7 is my top pick, and it has good hammock trees. While there is a nice bathroom, there are no showers. There is a dump station for RVs. There is a lot of road noise from the busy highway. I was surprised to see peacocks roaming in the campground, and in town there were wild horses grazing on the median in front of the local casino. There are some short trails you can hike along the water canal.

First stop in my early summer road trip. Stayed for two nights. Easy self pay station at the front entrance. To get to the campground at the first right little dirt road before the pay station. Entrance into the park patch to the campground has a limited day-use fee also and there is group they use facilities with a large barbecue and outdoor sink that you would be able to wash dishes at if necessary. Great shaded spot in the middle of the desert. This was quite the unexpected little Oasis. Comes with peacocks. Limited number of spots available for tent camping or RV camping with no hookups. There are water spickets available and the park part of this Campground has flush toilets. The campground itself comes with a fire ring and a picnic bench. Trees are plentiful shade is wonderful the heat in this area in the summer time is Relentless but the shade is perfect at this location. There are peacocks on the property that apparently come from somewhere else I believe there are at least three of them they do make noise at night but it's not ridiculous unless there are coyotes on the property. Beware this is the desert there is wild life. Do not leave your food out at night. Bear boxes are not provided but keep your food items inside of your tent or your vehicle or lock them up. I did not have any issues because I am Savvy to the situation. I had a wonderful time hiking around and exploring the area through the trails making my way to the Carson River. This place is a gem and I will be back!

Stoped by for 1 night on my way through the nevada desert on a road trip. Ended up staying 2 nights. Got a quick spot with easy pay. Had great shade. Water spikette is across the way with the trash cans. Fire ring had grilltop. The peacocks came to visit. The trails are easy. The day use area is big and has a great group use area with bbq, gazebo and sinks.

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). Nice sites with lots of shade. Bathroom is kind of far away. Close to the River there is lots of wildlife and birds.

Dayton State Park is a lovely little park along the Carson River with a historic background surrounding silver mining in the area. There are only 10 campsites and until Covid-19 hit, you could almost always find a spot. That’s no guarantee now but I suspect visitation will subside over winter with no hookups at the park. It does get quite cold here in the winter. 

The sites are gravel and largely level. The first half of the loop is more tent-friendly sized spaces and the latter half have a bit more room for larger rigs. They are all surrounded by majestic cottonwoods that are utterly glorious in the fall. The tree cover is great for summer shade but a challenge if you’re managing a solar setup. There are some sites that are less shaded to offset that, though. There’s central water, flush toilets, and trash receptacles. 

The dump station is open intermittently and I’ve yet to understand the pattern to when it is and isn’t. There are two free dump stations I’m aware of in Carson City, though-- at the Maverik (at Hwy 50 and College Ave.) and the new Golden Gate (at College Ave. and Retail Dr.). 

The park is split by Hwy 50 with the stamp mill ruins on the west side and the campground and restrooms on the east side. There is a foot tunnel connecting the two bits but it’s a bit dicey from a safety standpoint so I’d recommend strolling to the aboveground crosswalk a little down the road. 

Dayton State Park is a sweet little place full of potential but largely unloved and overlooked. As a former Dayton resident, I’ve gotten to witness the park’s challenges over time. In talking with the park supervisor about it, she acknowledged Dayton has its struggles, sometimes involving crime, and that the Nevada park system is underfunded and understaffed like most public lands departments. I’ve not had any issues when staying there but have witnessed some questionable activity in the day use area. 

It seems the tide is turning as locals have begun to reclaim it in recent months and have been putting in substantial volunteer time to freshen it up and give it the love it deserves. I’m hopeful that effort will help Dayton SP become a destination instead of just a place to stop over for the night. We’re looking forward to joining in after our post-full-timer lives once we get our house built nearby. 

A note about fires: this is a volatile wildfire area so charcoal fires and smoking outdoors are often banned much of the year. Don’t count on being able to grill in any Nevada State Park during fire seasons. Have a backup plan or support some of the local business in my little town-- Js’ Oldtown Bistro on Main Street is absolutely wonderful. It’s my absolute favorite restaurant but since it's off the main drag(US 50), you might not notice it. And for scrumptious tamales and other Mexican fare, The Lady Tamales is right by the park. The Pizza Factory has also delivered to us in the park if you’re looking for your dinner to come to you.

Great central location with lots of wildlife and amenities.

Good place to camp in a central location with lots of nearby things to do.