10 Dayton camping getaways that scream heaven on Earth

• 1. Kiser Lake Campground

  
  Source: iWitness 7

  Campers say Kiser Lake is literally “heaven on Earth.” We agree. It has the quiet and relaxing atmosphere, rolling wooded hills, 531 acres of diverse wetlands and crystal clear waters. The options are great, too: you can reserve a cabin or pitch a tent. Picnic tables, fire rings, a trailer waste station and latrines are provided. You can go boating, swimming (okay, maybe save this for the warmer months), picnicking, hunting and walking the trails, just as long as you get out there and explore! 
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Kiser Lake Campground
  WHERE: 4889 N State Route 235, Conover, OH 45317
  CAMPING SEASON:  Open year-round
  HOURS: General camp office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can make a reservation at any time by vising the website.
  INFO: Website | Facebook | (937) 362-3822
  
  

• 2. John Bryan State Park

  
  Source: JohnBryan.org

  You’re really getting the natural experience here! As you see from the photo, the John Bryan State Park is absolutely beautiful, offering everything you could want in a campground—scenic views, exciting activities and an excellent outdoor experience. You have the option to do a group camping experience. Or, if you’re interested in the independent camping experience, you can venture off as an individual. Make sure you’re aware that of their camping guidelines. Campsites can be rented for a minimum of 1 night during weekdays (Sunday through Thursday), 2 nights for weekends (Friday and Saturday, or Saturday and Sunday) and 3 nights holiday weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: John Bryan State Park
  WHERE: 3790 OH-370, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: Trails close at dusk, trail store closes at 10 p.m., park gates never close, yet camping is 24 hours after reservations have been made
  INFO: Website | Facebook |  (937) 767-1274
  
  

• 3. Dayton KOA

  
  Source: KOA.com

  Go here if you’re looking to camp in style. We’d say this is the Cadillac of camping resorts because it offers the camper's dream. Even if you’re unable to book a camping reservation, the Dayton KOA offers plenty of events, especially those that will get you into the fall spirit. As far as the campsite,  they’ve got quite a lot to offer such as basketball, corn hole, Gem Mine, golf car rentals, horseshoes, planned activities/theme weekends, soccer, train rides and volleyball. What more could you ask for? As we said before, they’re offering a list of fall events. You still have a chance to attend their Halloween weekend events coming up!  
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Dayton KOA
  WHERE: 7796 Wellbaum Road, Brookville, OH 45309
  CAMPING SEASON: April 1 - November 1
  HOURS: You can make a reservation online at any time!
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-833-3888

• 4. Frontier Campground

  
  Source: Frontiercamping.com

  These guys are open year round, y'all! So, even during those cold winter months when you have the urge to explore the expansive world that is Mother Earth, Frontier Campground is offering it to you whenever you’d like. If you were not already sold there, they’ve got activities for the whole family to enjoy such as, a state maintained bike trail (Little Miami Scenic Trail), an in-ground swimming pool, mini golf, playground (which comes completed with a swing set and Playhouse), horseshoe and corn hole!
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Frontier Campground
  WHERE: 9580 Collett Rd., Waynesville, OH 45068
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: Office hours are from Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.
  INFO: Website |937-488-1127

• 5. Caesar Creek State Park

  
  Source: Facebook

  If you love camping, you can’t pass up the opportunity to venture out, wander, and explore that natural landscape that is Caesar Creek State Park! This campground has 283 shady or sunny spots with each site offering electric access and a gateway to a spacious campsite.  Caesar Creek has a paved pad that can accommodate a 35 foot trailer or RV, pop-up, tent, or other camping unit, 20 and 30 amp electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring. Whoo! We’d say they’re offer camping at its finest!
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Caesar Creek State Park
  WHERE: 9000 Center Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: The park office is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (it's closed for lunch from 12-12:30 p.m.)
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-488-4595

• 6. Adventures on the Great Miami

  
  Source: Facebook

  Well, who hasn’t heard about Adventures on the Great Miami? This great escape offers camping, canoeing, kayaking and tubing rentals! Do what you want here, as long as it includes running, swimming, splashing, crawling and sliding on this gorgeous riverfront property!
   
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Adventures on the Great Miami
  WHERE: 995 E. Ross Road, Tipp City, OH 45371
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: Camping is a lifestyle: a 24 hour activity. This campsite is open year-round. Office hours are from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Make your camping reservations at any time online!
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-238-6252

• 7. Pine Cove Campground

  
  Source: Facebook

  Unfortunately they’re completely booked for this season, but if you’re interested in making a reservation on this campground the openings are from April 1 through October 31. Spots go fast, so make sure you book for reservation ASAP. Nevertheless, Pine Cove is a private campground that offers the perfect mixture of relaxation and things to do! This family run campsite offers just about everything, especially for those interested in swimming, canoeing, corn hole, grilling, socializing, fishing, hiking, basketball or just relaxing by the fire. If you’re trying to get out there, it’s only a 50 minute drive from Dayton.
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Pine Cove Campground
  WHERE: 764 Osborn Rd., Wilmington, OH 45177
  CAMPING SEASON: April 1 - October 31
  HOURS: You can make reservations from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-382-0806

• 8. Cowan Lake State Park

  
  Source: Facebook, Photo by Keith Pohly

  If you’re into your options, this state park is located on the same lake as Pine Cove Campground. The offerings at the Cowan Lake State Park are endless. You should plan your next adventure here if you like boating, fishing, hunting, picnicking and swimming! They offer a massive list of camp trails, all encompassed within this scenic 1,075-acre campsite! This one is a little further out, but if you’re coming from Dayton, camp representatives suggest that you take US 35 East to SR 68 South. Follow 68 South through Wilmington to Dalton Road. Follow Dalton Road for approximately 2 miles to Osborn Road, then turn right onto Osborn Road. Campground entrance will be on the left. Happy camping!
  
  Want to go?  
  WHAT: Cowan Lake State Park
  WHERE: 1750 Osborn Road, Wilmington, OH 45177
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: General camp office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can make a reservation at any time by vising the camp website.
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-383-3751

• 9. Buck Creek State Park

  
  Source: Bill Lackey/Staff

  The Buck Creek State Park is where you want to go if you’re interested in boating, disc golf, fishing and hunting! They have all this,  in addition to an exceptional-picturesque camping experience! The camping grounds is situated on a fertile agricultural area, that’s loaded with rich in Ohio’s history. The park’s recreational facilities are centered around the 2,120-acre lake, offering endless water-related opportunities. Visitors get a chance to experience natural wetlands, broad meadows and wildlife at this expansive and diverse 1,896-acre park. If you don’t want to pitch your own tent, this site offers a cabin and cottage rental. You should visit the campsite webpage for details on pricing!
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Buck Creek State Park
  WHERE: 1976 Buck Creek Lane, Springfield, OH 45502
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round
  HOURS: General camp office hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can make a reservation at any time by vising the camp website.
  INFO: Website | Facebook | 937-322-5284

• 10. Five Rivers MetroParks
  

  
  Source: Connie Post/Staff
  

  Five Rivers MetroParks offers campsites at Possum Creek, Englewood, Germantown and Twin Creek MetroParks. All four parks have convenient frontcountry camping, which means the campsites are adjacent to the parking lots. For those seeking a more rugged experience, Germantown and Twin Creek also offer hike-in backcountry camping. Amenities vary from park to park, and include fishing ponds, hiking trails, a farm, paddling, a disc golf course and fossil collecting. Reservations are required four business days in advance so park staff have ample time to prep the site, which includes stocking a firewood box. If you've never camped, consider taking a series of camping classes offered by the MetroParks.
  
  Want to go?
  WHAT: Five Rivers MetroParks
  WHERE: Various locations
  CAMPING SEASON: Open year-round; closed Christmas and New Year's Day.
  HOURS: You can make a reservation online or by calling during regular business hours.
  INFO:  Website | Facebook | 937-275-7275