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Best Campgrounds near Dayton, OH

514 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dayton, Ohio (92)

    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, OH
    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

    32 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 92 Dayton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dayton, OH

514 Reviews of 92 Dayton Campgrounds

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

Which is the most popular campground near Dayton, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dayton, OH is Dayton KOA Holiday with a 4.2-star rating from 21 reviews.

What parks are near Dayton, OH?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Dayton, OH that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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