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Best Campgrounds near Dayton, OH

520 Reviews

Dayton, Ohio has several good camping spots within driving distance. Caesar Creek State Park Campground keeps their bathrooms and showers clean, and they've recently upgraded the electrical posts. Many of the sites are spacious, and some are just a short walk from the shower house. Not far away is Hueston Woods State Park Campground, which has a nice beach and trails for hiking. If you want a more basic experience, Hueston Woods also has a primitive area with outhouses. You can go canoeing or kayaking at both parks when the weather's right. The fall colors make camping especially nice in autumn. Summer gets hot, so swimming and other water activities feel great then. You can camp in winter too, just bring extra layers for the cold nights. These campgrounds fill up fast during busy times, so you should book ahead. The camping around Dayton works well for families or anyone wanting some quiet time outdoors.

Map showing campgrounds near Dayton, OhioExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Dayton, Ohio (93)

    1. Dayton KOA Holiday

    21 Reviews
    Brookville, OH
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 833-3888

    "Best tent sites are 320 and the ones next to the creek. Quietest tent sites are 408, 409 and 410, but those are also furthest from the bathroom. Very clean showerhouses."

    "Close to the interstate for getting to Dayton quickly. Many of the extras cost a few bucks extra, but a great spot to stay. Premium spots are decked out well."

    2. John Bryan State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Yellow Springs, OH
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 767-1274

    "The town of Dayton yellow springs is only a five minute drive from enterance. Great attractions"

    "The campsite is next to the 12 mile set of mountain bike trails.  It is a great mountain biking/camping getaway.  The trails are easy, so for all levels.  Nice camping for families.  "

    3. Caesar Creek State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Arkansas River - Pool 5, AR
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 488-4595

    $17 - $75 / night

    "Located within an afternoon’s drive of downtown Dayton and Cincinnati, this park makes the perfect weekend getaway from the day to day grind."

    "There is a little store, but note that the firewood is in huge, unburnable pieces, (as most Ohio state park firewood is), so you'll need tons of kindling and several firestarters, or an ax and some way"

    4. Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks)

    8 Reviews
    Germantown, OH
    16 miles
    Website

    $15 - $28 / night

    "The nice thing about the Dayton metro parks is that each night in the front county camp sites they include a bundle of fire wood."

    "There's a great backpacking trail that's challenging and an easy middle meeting place for friends/family from Columbus and Cincinnati that can meet in Dayton Metroparks/Five Rivers - Germantown and take"

    5. Sycamore State Park Campground

    3 Reviews
    Brookville, OH
    7 miles
    Website

    "This park has such a variety of things to do. there’s a great disc golf course, really nice trails to hike with challenging hills and nice areas with shelters for grilling and parties and such."

    6. Wright-Patterson FamCamp

    2 Reviews
    Medway, OH
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 271-2535

    "If you are retired or active duty military, you have access to recreation sites maintained adjacent to many bases."

    7. Possum Creek Metro park (Five Rivers Dayton Metro Park)

    1 Review
    Liberty, OH
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 275-7275

    $15 / night

    "I spent my time at Argonne Lake but you will notice folks fishing at that lake and the other smaller lakes onsite. "

    8. Buck Creek State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Clarence J. Brown Dam and Reservoir, OH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 322-5284

    $23 - $35 / night

    "A well manicured campground just outside Dayton, easy to get to, back in pavement site with 30A electric, picnic table and fire pit. Plenty of potable water spigots around, just not at the site."

    "I did not spend enough time here to give a thorough review, but what I will say is that this site is nice if you need a campsite for a couple nights while passing through Ohio."

    9. Narrows Reserve

    2 Reviews
    Alpha, OH
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (937) 562-6440

    "Camp was in a meadow at the end of about an hour walk in. Literally campsite is on top of trails and meadow provides no shade."

    "My buddy, James, and I parked next to the Nature Center and trekked in. You can opt to park in the lower parking lot where there is a kayak launch too."

    10. Hueston Woods State Park Campground

    47 Reviews
    College Corner, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (513) 523-6347

    "This camp ground is pretty standard for Ohio State Parks. It does have a cool new sleeping option. Yurts! We enjoyed our time in the yurt. "

    "It is one of the better beaches for Ohio State Parks in the southern part of the state.  We bought a day pass to the pool at the lodge."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dayton, OH

167 Photos of 93 Dayton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dayton, OH

520 Reviews of 93 Dayton Campgrounds

  • Kara S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Stonelick State Park Campground

    Big sites but can be loud and crowded

    Nice big sites, fairly level. We camped at site 35 and it was very slopey, our levelers only helped a little. First night the shower house STUNK but then the next day it smelled fine while our closest bathrooms were out of order. The trail to the lake was right next to the sit and that was lovely.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Buck Creek State Park Campground

    Quiet park with level spaces

    This park was pretty packed over Labor Day weekend, but it still felt like it wasn’t super crowded. Our space was nice and level. Nice hiking trails in the area. Showers were very nice and clean. Several water spickets throughout the park if you needed to access them. It was a bit of a drive back into the campground, probably 3 1/2 miles.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Jim Terrell Park

    Looks Good!

    8/13/2025

    NOTE: I did NOT stay here. I was going to, but decided to drive a little farther than I had initially planned. I did want to check it out though because there aren't many reviews. 

    This looks like a solid option to tent for a night though. The town looks very nice and quiet, and the park seems well-kempt. If the sites are on the river, just know there's a restaurant on the opposite bank that might be a source of noise/light at night, and the park itself is kind of close to the road. I'm not exactly sure where one would tent, but there did seem to be some flat space behind a rafting/kayaking shack to the left as you pull in.

  • Kim H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Cowan Lake State Park Campground

    Sizeable Site, Good for Families

    We stayed in Site 78. The lot was VERY large and well maintained. The asphalt pad was decently level; a picnic table and fire ring were included.

    There was significant variety in the types of sites: some were quite wooded while others were full sun. Some sites were much larger than others.

    The restrooms were decent. They weren't new; however, they were very clean. I didn't check out any bath houses.

    The campground was filled with parents and kids riding bikes, playing, and having fun. Nobody was out of control or obnoxious. Plenty of dogs were present.

    We'll return next summer.

  • K
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Cedarbrook Campground

    Wonderful stay w one hiccup

    This is a very well managed and maintain campground except the laundry facility. Washers are old and bed bugs were found. If you stick to your own camper you will be safe. Any campground that has cabins will have bedbugs. That’s a fact!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 26, 2025

    Kiser Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet

    The campground has no full hookups but does have electric. RV sites have a view of the lake. Sites are clean and paved. There is a new shower house that’s pretty nice, but the other bathrooms are pretty nasty. For $29 nightly it’s a good campground. They do things with kids on many weekends. You can also rent canoes or paddle boats. No motors permitted on the lake.

  • Jessica W.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Grandpas Farm Camp Ground

    Nice camp

    I only spent one night in my car here but the camp was nice. It has a nice pool and a creek right behind it that you can access from the camp. The bathrooms and showers were clean.

Guide to Dayton

Camping near Dayton, Ohio, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Trails: Many campgrounds have access to beautiful hiking trails. For example, at Hueston Woods State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "There are some pretty cool trails in the woods and the sun too."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: If you enjoy fishing, Buck Creek State Park Campground is a great choice. A visitor noted, "Large park with a marina, archery range, disc golf and more."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campgrounds like Cowan Lake State Park Campground provide opportunities to see local wildlife. One camper shared, "Friendly atmosphere, beautiful scenery."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Caesar Creek State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "The showers are clean and the staff is friendly."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A visitor at East Fork State Park Campground mentioned, "Neighbors weren’t sitting on top of one another."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Winton Woods Campground said, "The staff was friendly and the site was clean."

What you should know:

  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, which can sometimes be tricky. A camper at Indian Lake State Park Campground noted, "The online reservation system is clumsy to use at best."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Deer Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."
  • Wildlife Caution: Raccoons can be a nuisance at certain campgrounds. One camper at John Bryan State Park Campground warned, "The sheer number and boldness of raccoons...freaked the kids and new campers out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds. Cowan Lake State Park Campground has a playground nearby, making it a great spot for kids.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at Stonelick State Park Campground mentioned, "Great place to kayak."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. One visitor at Hueston Woods State Park Campground suggested, "Be vigilant with your food!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Caesar Creek State Park Campground noted, "The full hookup sites are a bit smaller."
  • Use Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a lifesaver. A camper at Buck Creek State Park Campground appreciated the availability of electric sites.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Weekends can be busy, so plan accordingly. A visitor at Indian Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "It was busy & loud like you'd expect."

Camping around Dayton, Ohio, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Dayton, Ohio?

The Dayton area offers excellent camping options for all preferences. John Bryan State Park Campground stands out with its spacious sites, beautiful hiking along the river with natural rock formations, and proximity to Yellow Springs. Just a short drive from Dayton, Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers improved facilities, lake access, and a strategic location between Cincinnati and Columbus. For those seeking a more developed experience, Thousand Trails Wilmington provides full hookups in a quiet setting with reliable connectivity. The Five Rivers Metroparks system also offers unique camping experiences with challenging hiking trails through beautiful hilly terrain and scenic overlooks.

What is the cost of camping in and around Dayton, Ohio?

Camping costs around Dayton vary by amenities and location. State parks like Buck Creek State Park Campground offer electric sites at moderate rates, typically $25-35 per night. Private campgrounds such as Dayton KOA Holiday have higher rates, generally $35-65 depending on hookups, with premium sites and additional amenities costing extra. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays. For military personnel and their families, Wright-Patterson FamCamp provides more affordable options. Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak season (May-September), and may have additional fees for pets, extra vehicles, or day visitors.

Are there campgrounds with lakes near Dayton, Ohio?

Cowan Lake State Park Campground offers excellent lake access with recent improvements to the park facilities. The lake is perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. Another great option is Caesar Creek State Park Campground, which features a substantial lake with multiple recreation opportunities. For military families, Wright-Patterson FamCamp is situated by a small lake in a wooded area on the south side of the base. Most lake campgrounds in the Dayton area have boat ramps, fishing access, and swimming areas, though swimming may be seasonal. Waterfront sites are typically in high demand, so advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends.

Is primitive camping available near Dayton, Ohio?

Dayton Metro Parks (Five Rivers Metroparks) offers excellent primitive camping options, particularly at Twin Creek metro park (formerly Camp Hook). This area features backpacking trails through challenging, hilly terrain with beautiful overlooks. For those seeking walk-in tent camping, Sycamore State Park Campground provides basic amenities including water and toilets in a more rustic setting. Most primitive sites require reservations, especially during peak season. These locations offer a true nature experience while still being convenient to Dayton. Pack-in/pack-out principles apply at most primitive sites, and campfires may be restricted during dry periods or high fire danger.

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