Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Dayton State Park adventure.
In the historic town of Dayton, this Nevada park is known for its huge cottonwood trees and Carson River access.
A small enclave just below the Virginia Range, Dayton, Nevada, features 1860s mining history and a state park in the center of town. Once an important commercial hub for the historic Comstock Lode in nearby Virginia City, the on-site Rock Point Mill once processed ore for the mines and is now open for tours. Dayton today draws campers to its treed day-use areas and grassy campsites—the sole Dayton State Park campground features 10 campsites, each with picnic tables and barbecues. Fresh water, restrooms with flush toilets, and a dump station are available. The sites are shaded by the park’s massive cottonwood trees with easy access to the Carson River as well as the amenities in Dayton.
Any time is a good time to head to this high desert area. Fall is best, when the trees turn their golden colors, while spring offers the best water flow in the Carson River. Summers can be hot, but there is plenty of shade at Dayton State Park. Winters can be mild, but an occasional cold wind can blow hard through the canyon.