Looking for the best pet-friendly campgrounds near Dayton? The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.
UPDATE March 2023: ... Campground: Loops E & F Sites 136-287 are closed for electrical upgrade. Sites will open as construction allows. Loops A, B, C & D Sites 1 – 137 are available to reserve. Thank you for your patience.
A Camp Store offers supplies, firewood, ice, concessions, novelties, and kayak rental seasonally. Caesar Creek Lake is located in southwest Ohio, centered between Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus. Visitors flock to Caesar Creek Lake for its great fishing, boating, Visitor Center and trail opportunities. Natural Features: Caesar Creek Lake is home to many different wildflower prairies throughout the park which offer views of native wild prairie flowers, insects and bird species. Caesar Creek Lake is also home to more than 50 miles of trails including the 13 mile backpack trail which takes you to a scenic overlook of Horseshoe Falls. Recreation: Caesar Creek Lake offers excellent boating, water skiing and canoeing. Anglers fish for crappie and trophy muskie. The shelter is close to the Visitor Centers courtesy dock, allowing for easy shoreline fishing or to launch a kayak. Also, the shelter is within a short walking distance to the Caesar Creek Lake Visitor Center which offers exhibits, films and information about the lake and Corps missions in the Ohio Valley. Visitors can also take advantage of the new Adena Trace fitness trail with 9 workout stations over a mile loop as well as 50 miles of additional hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails. Facilities: Each shelter is located near the Caesar Creek Visitor Center where a 24-hour indoor heated and cooled restroom can be found. Many shelters also offer some of the largest playground areas found at Caesar Creek Lake. Each shelter also offers two cooking grills and both electric and water are provided with reservation. Nearby Attractions: Caesar Creek Lake offers 50 miles of hiking, mountain biking, bridle and archery trails. Caesar Creek Pioneer Village offers a collection of over 15 log cabins and other structures that are open during special events. Caesar Creek Nature Center is adjacent to the Pioneer Village; the nature center features exhibits on the areas cultural and natural history.
$17 - $75 / night
Touted as the most Scenic Park in Ohio, John Bryan State Park manages to fulfill its lofty title with ease. Within these 752 acres lies mammoth limestone faces carved out from years of erosion by the historical Little Miami River. Starting 980 feet above sea level in Clifton, the river pierces and snakes its way through the limestone, exposing a new layer of earth’s ancient shale and bedrock down a 130 foot drop. Every layer is noted for its unique glimpse into the history of the area, revealing stories of past weather events, glacial ice movements, and much more. The local Shawnee Native Americans have long respected the region, thanks to economic prosperity owing to the industry and resources established along Little Miami River.
When it comes to attractions and recreation, there’s more to do here than you’d think. Rock Climbers and bouldering enthusiasts visit year round to scale the large limestone rock formations and natural climbing runs formed thanks to the river’s erosion. The Little Miami serves as a popular river for small-boaters, and is one of the most popular kayaking destinations in Ohio.
For more fun, families and groups can head over to the 18-hole Disc-Golf course, then complete the day with a picnic at one of the many designated areas throughout the park. For those looking for a casual bike-ride, the 1.1 mile Arboretum (Observatory) Trail makes for a quality impromptu ride. Moreover, those in search of hiking and mountain biking trails won’t be disappointed either, as there’s no shortage of well-maintained paths to trek through.
Camping here is relatively straightforward, with reservations to be made online 24/7. There are 61 campsite available, 9 of which offer electricity. Latrines, a dump-station, and drinking water are all available, except during the off-season. Most of the campsites offer at least partial shade, a fire circle, and a picnic table. Additionally, pets are permitted throughout the park.
From May to October, there is a Day Lodge available for rental which includes two fireplaces, a restroom, full-service kitchen, and large screened-in porch. Picnic shelter houses can also be made via reservation for day-use only. Finally, if you’re coming in a group, a large 100-person group camp area is available complete with two onsite Adirondack shelters.
At Dayton KOA Holiday, it is our goal to be your home away from home. We offer many ways to stay, whether you are looking for a traditional camping site or one that provides a unique camping experience, like our Glamping Tent. We provide grassy Tent Sites with varying hookup options to create unforgettable nights beneath the starry sky. For a little more comfort than Tent Camping, we offer Camping Cabins with beds, Cable TV and AC. Our Deluxe Cabins and Glamping Tents provide ultimate comfort with bathrooms, showers and A/C facilities for a luxurious camping experience. Some also have full or partial kitchens.
Are you an avid RV camper? Our RV Park near Dayton, Ohio, has full hookups, and offers 50 max amp service options for our RV Sites. Many of our sites also include KOA Patios® for enjoying time with your family and relaxing by the fire. It is sure to be an RV campground you will never forget.
The modern year-round campground offers more than 200 Electric sites, including 20 with Full Hookup, and more than 100 Non-electric sites.
228 campsites with electrical outlets 137 non-electric campsites with vault latrines Picnic table and fire ring at each site. Leashed pets are permitted on any site. Showers, flush toilets, laundry, and trailer waste station Recreational amenities include outdoor checkers, basketball and volleyball courts, and playgrounds Water available in winter
$23 - $35 / night
$15 - $28 / night
Olive Branch Campground is only 30 miles north of Cincinnati, Ohio, 1/4 mile off of I-71, Exit#36, with easy access for all size rigs. Nestled in 25 wooded acres, our family-friendly campground has full hookups on every campsite, with convenient access for camping rigs of all sizes. Come stay with us for your next recreational adventure! Many campers return year after year to make lasting memories around the campfire and enjoy time with loved ones! We are located in the heart of Ohio’s natural scenic beauty, but also near the festivities of downtown urban environments. Along with our schedule of campground events, we are surrounded by many of the Cincinnati area’s finest attractions, such as: * Kings Island Amusement Park * The Cincinnati Zoo * Miami Valley Gaming * Ozone Zip-line Adventure * Morgan’s Canoe & Outdoor Adventures and Little Miami Canoe Rental * Cincinnati Reds and Bengals * Fort Ancient Earthworks & Nature Preserve * Little Miami Hiking and Biking Trail * Nearby flea markets, antiquing and golfing
$47 - $75 / night
Traveler
We camped on lot 57 and the view of the lake was awesome! The new bathhouse is open year round
Traveler
A little loud at times. Hardee's restaurant is a different option for meals.
Guide
I love this campground! All RV wrapped and under the tall tree; behind the campground have a running creek, cross the creek is farmland, sometime saw group of goats eating grass on the field. What a charming place to stop for a night. They have a large kids playground and pool, very clean bathroom and the host friendly like part of families.
Guide
Autumn is the best time to camp in Ohio. Lots of small bathrooms. Lake access. Only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was due to the fact there was no quick reentry. Had to wait for rvs in front of me to register.
Guide
Not sure about Mound Ridge. This is the Campground for Caesar Creek State Park. Excellent facilities. Clean bathrooms with showers. New electrical posts.
Traveler
We stayed in Site 12, which was huge and conveniently located close to a fairly new shower house. That facility was among the very best I've seen! Amazingly clean!
There are many things to do here: Saturday night movies, Bingo, and, of course, the lake. Canoe, paddle board, and kayak rentals.
The park was not full but somewhat busy, yet, outside of kids playing and dogs occasionally barking, there was little noise.
We drove through the entire campground. Some sites were bigger than others. Most sites were relatively flat.
Fall is a good time to visit Caesars Creek. The trees are turning beautiful colors. Also, the park is convenient for the Ohio Renaissance Fair and events at Roberts Arena.
Guide
Campground is small with all you need. Shower house. Potable water. Dump station. Nearness to wonderful trails in the SP and Clifton Gorge. Just beautiful. Near picturesque Yellow Springs. Which has the BEST pizza at Bentinos
Traveler
RV Sites are gravel w electric hookups. close to major highways. staff were friendly.
Guide
This campground has nice big sites, not the tiny sites that some Ohio state park campgrounds have. Most of them looked relatively level. However, there is no privacy, you are smashed right against your neighbors on both sides, and some parts were essentially just an RV parking lot.
The showerhouse was fine, I wouldn't call it clean as there was hair and scummy stuff everywhere, but I was there on a fully booked weekend so I guess you'll have that. The toilet/sink building nearest to our site reeked of urine, think gas station bathroom that hasn't been cleaned in years- looked clean but smelled terrible. There was also just one pedestal sink in this bathroom, so nowhere to put your things if you want to brush your teeth, even wash your hands.
The big problem was the noise. We were there on "camper appreciation weekend" and they way they "appreciated" us was have an extremely noisy, not-very-talented cover band blare extremely loud 70s and 80s music for three hours on Saturday night. They had big speakers, amps, drum set, the whole bit. You could hear it quite clearly and loudly from every corner of the campground. I go camping for peace and quiet, to hear the crickets and birds and the crackle of our campfire. I do not want to have to endure three hours of men wailing on their guitars and belting out every top forty hit ever written by Lynyrd Skynyrd. It was extremely annoying, disruptive and jarring, and took away from our camping experience of sitting peacefully by our camp fire. If I were to return here, I would call first to make sure they are not "appreciating" the campers and putting on an unsolicited rock concert.
TravelerMe and my partner went during Labor Day and left the fourth. We were there for three days and two nights. It was amazing. Our spot was a small walk to the water so we could fish and still keep up with the fire. We were right against the woods. There was a perfect flat spot for the tent. The trees were great cover from the bright sun. We were also able to walk to the restroom and could see the whole building from our site. We were site 009. So the bathroom was across the road. Everyone was very friendly there as well! The only downside was the grill for the fire pit. It’s at an angle so cooking on it was difficult as it was hard not to spill food
ScoutI have always had great experiences at this campground.
Traveler
This is a great place to take the kids. We go here every year. They have an in-ground pool, a small store for camping needs, firewood delivery and propane refills. Cell service here is awful and there is no WiFi. The antenna will pick up several local channels. There is a Dollar General about 10 mins away for grocery needs. They have several pull-through and full hookup options as well. Sites are somewhat level. This park has beautiful landscaping that is always meticulously maintained. They also host events and if you check their event calendar on their website, you can see what’s going on during your stay. We were fortunate enough to see the band Timestamp and loved it! They even had a community bonfire!
Guide
First, the lake here is beautiful. It has many islands, coves and inlets and is perfect for a couple of days of paddling or fishing. That's where the two stars come in.
BUT. There are many buts. The campground is like a giant RV lot. The sites are tiny. We were in a tent-only site and we had two families right on top of us on either side. We could hear the entire conversations of one family, plus there were 11 people there, three cars, and they were partying the first night and extremely noisy.
The reservation map is incorrect. When I reserved, it showed #13 as being on the end of the tent only area. When we arrived, I found out there was a site #14 that wasn't even pictured on the reservation map, and this is where the giant screaming family was parked! I thought I was going to be on the end- it is not very accommodating for a variety of reasons for a reservation map to be so incorrect.
The air everywhere reeks of sewage, ranging from what you smell outside a giant pig farm, to what you smell outside of a porta potty, to rotten egg smell. I don't know where these smells were coming from but it was nonstop.
The bathrooms were extremely dirty. It looks like they haven't been renovated since the 80s.
The employees in the office never seemed to be able to tell us what we needed to know. We asked on Friday evening where the Saturday morning naturalist paddle would be, and we were told to come back Saturday morning and ask someone else. On Saturday, the person in the office told us to go to a location that was miles away- we spent 40 minutes in the car driving around, trying to find where this activity was, only to give up and find out it was actually adjacent to the campground, not down the road in a different part of the park.
Last, the lake is in the middle of a residential neighborhood. You can see houses around the edge of the park while you are sitting in your campsite. It is not remote, and there is a noisy, busy highway running along the side of the campground.
I enjoyed the lake but I will not camp here again.
GuidePulled in at 9:15pm, pulled out at 5:15am the next morning. The woman running the campground was helpful on the phone when we called a couple hours earlier, and had our pull through spot ready to go. Bathhouse was on the primitive side but very clean. The pool, playground, and gaming covered shelter were closed for the evening, but were clearly in excellent condition. Would be a great place to stay longer if we’re ever back in the area!
ScoutI have stayed here several times. The showers are clean and the staff is friendly. Camp sites are spacious. The full hookup sites are a bit smaller. Over all a nice campground!
Scout
Hospitality was amazing, loaned steps for trailer, helped level, hook up to site! Couldn’t ask for friendlier place to stay! First time camper with trailer!!’
Scout
Hunter is an amazingly hospitable host and was always there to answer any questions and was willing to go above and beyond to make sure our stay was the best possible. Great place to stay if you want to be close to Cincinati without having to stay in the city and pay those crazy hotel prices or the overpriced campgrounds that just make you feel cramped. Not here plenty of space to roam in his backyard. My wife and I actually tried out his disc golf and found out we are better at just tossing frisbee in his spacious backyard. All in all, its a great place with a great host and If plan to be coming back to the area he will be my first call.
Ranger
I was impressed that this KOA had so many trees. 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. Great basecamp to explore the Dayton area.
Guide
Tomorrow Stars Campground is an excellent layover off I-70, offering a family-friendly and quiet atmosphere. The campground features a pool and boasts clean, well-maintained facilities. The staff goes above and beyond to provide assistance, ensuring a pleasant stay for all visitors. With easy in and out pull-through, level sites, Tomorrow Stars Campground guarantees a hassle-free experience for travelers.
ScoutWe've been to Cowan a few times, first time in this loop and was not disappointed. Bathroom was clean and well stocked through the weekend. Additional vehicles have to pay $3.
Scout
Dont go here if you expect peace and quiet. We were in a group campsite and there were partiers on both sides of us. Music blaring and yelling all night long. Complaining doesn't do any good either. Park ranger just went and said quiet time was at 10 but never came back around at night to check to see if people were abiding by the rules. Won't be going back. Too much money to spend only to have to put up with no sleep because of loud music and drunks.
ScoutMy kids always loved fishing here was a great place to hike as well
ScoutThe Cedar Point group camp at Caesar's Creek is a large hillside camp site. Yes, hillside. The site sits at the end of an access road that circles back on itself and has a reasonably large parking lot. A large flat lawn sits inside of the road circle but the majority of the campsite is a steep hill with a few flat spots for tents. There is a fire pit and picnic shelter at the top of the so you'll be lugging your supplies up the hill for meals.
Several trail heads start all around the site, both on top and at the bottom of the hill. One of those trails leads down from the hilltop to a small beach on the water. Since the trailhead starts from the picnic shelter at the top of the hill it's reasonably private and we enjoyed fishing and swimming from the beach. It does sit in the wake zone so you'll have to deal with waves from the boats.
The restrooms are at the bottom of the hill and have flush toilets with running water for washing, though only the cold water was working when we visited. The worst we encountered there were carpenter bees and some spiders. They were reasonably clean when we arrived too. The park service did come and close them early on our checkout day, but they came back and reopened them for us by request.
Overall, there are better group camp sites at Caesar's Creek. Wellman Meadow has the same amenities, except for the beach, and is flat as a board. Book that site if you can but if it isn't available, and the hill won't be a challenge for your group, Cedar Point is fine.
TravelerOnly A & B loop are suitable for campers. The other loops you have to pull off into the grass and " make it work" challenging to get close to level.
Scout
I have been living here for almost a year now and I will have to say it is really nice and well taken care of it’s not a big campground but it has the best people there and they have so many summer time events you can join in on if you are camping
Scout
The new owners of Stillwater Beach does not care about the local community nor do they care about family values. They are only interested in lining their own pockets with your hard earned money. Just ask the 150 campers that left this campgrounds within 4 months of them taking it over.
TravelerIt's very clean and huge. Lots to do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Dayton, OH?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Dayton, OH is Caesar Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 51 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Dayton, OH?
TheDyrt.com has all 71 dog-friendly camping locations near Dayton, OH, with real photos and reviews from campers.
