Dayton was founded in April of 1796 by the Thompson Party that had traveled from Cincinnati via the Great Miami River. Dayton was incorporated in 1805 and finally chartered as a city in 1841. Known today as the "Gem City," Dayton is the sixth-largest city in the state and part of the fourth-largest metropolitan area.
Starting in the 1800s, Dayton was known as a city of invention. The Wright brothers first developed and explored powered flight in the city. James Ritty, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and more all hailed from the area and went on to create amazing inventions and written works that bettered the lives of people around the world. Dayton was also key during World War II due to its exceptional manufacturing capabilities.
After the war, Dayton leaders began to expand the downtown area to increase growth opportunities for residents. Along with its reputation for innovation and research, Dayton is known for its state-of-the-art healthcare industry and service economy.
Dayton is home to America's Packard Museum, which displays the largest collection of Packard memorabilia and automobiles. You can also visit the Dayton International Peace Museum or the University of Dayton. The city boasts several amazing green spaces, including the Welcome Park next to the Welcome Stadium and the Old River Park.
Dayton Heritage Day Festival – This exciting festival is held every year during Memorial Day weekend to honor the history of the city.
Art on the Commons - Bring the whole family to this August event to enjoy food, music, and plenty of interactive opportunities.
Dayton Holiday Festival – Started in 1972, this November festival has always tried to give a wonderful holiday parade and experience to families.
Oktoberfest – Dayton Art Institute holds a yearly three-day festival to raise money and celebrate the traditions of the Oktoberfest holiday.
Adventure enthusiasts can explore the exhilarating offerings of ZipZone Outdoor Adventures, located approximately 70 miles away in Columbus. Here, visitors can soar through the treetops on thrilling zip-line courses, providing a unique perspective of the surrounding forested landscapes. For sports fans, the iconic Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, situated around 50 miles from Dayton, offers the opportunity to catch Major League Baseball games and immerse themselves in the excitement of America's favorite pastime.
Aquarium lovers can venture to the Newport Aquarium, which sits about 55 miles from Dayton in Newport, Kentucky. This world-class aquarium features diverse marine life exhibits, including sharks, penguins and exotic fish species, providing an educational and immersive experience for visitors of all ages.
Wine enthusiasts can indulge in tastings at the nearby Valley Vineyards in Morrow, Ohio, approximately 40 miles from Dayton. Here, guests can sample a variety of award-winning wines while enjoying charming vineyard views, making it an ideal destination for RV travelers seeking relaxation and culinary delights.
For beachgoers, the scenic shores of Lake Erie await at East Harbor State Park, situated approximately 180 miles from Dayton. This sprawling beachfront destination offers sandy shores, swimming areas and tranquil picnic spots, providing the perfect backdrop for a day of outdoor recreation and relaxation.
Shopping enthusiasts can explore the vibrant streets of the Oregon District in downtown Dayton, renowned for its eclectic mix of boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Located within walking distance of several RV-friendly campgrounds, including the Dayton KOA, this historic district is famous for its remarkably intact 19th-century architecture, providing a window into the city's history via its brick streets and historic structures.
Cultural enthusiasts tend to enjoy immersing themselves in the vibrant festivities of the annual Dayton Celtic Festival, held in downtown Dayton each July. This lively event celebrates Celtic heritage through live music performances, traditional dance and cultural exhibits, making it a must-visit attraction for those seeking a taste of Dayton's rich cultural heritage.
Dayton doesn't have any nearby national parks. However, you can easily take road trips to some of the closer ones. Each park offers a unique outdoor experience, making them ideal destinations for RV travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park, located approximately 220 miles from Dayton, boasts adventurous hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls and historic landmarks like the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. RV amenities at nearby campgrounds, such as the Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA Holiday, include full hookups, Wi-Fi and recreational facilities.
Indiana Dunes National Park, situated around 250 miles from Dayton, features stunning dunes, pristine beaches and diverse ecosystems along the shores of Lake Michigan. Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching and swimming, with RV-friendly campgrounds like Dunewood Campground offering convenient access to the park's attractions.
Mammoth Cave National Park, located approximately 300 miles from Dayton in Kentucky, boasts the world's longest cave system, providing opportunities for guided cave tours, hiking and wildlife viewing. RV amenities at nearby campgrounds, such as Cave Country RV Campground, include spacious sites, laundry facilities and outdoor recreational areas.
John Bryan State Park (about 20 miles from Dayton) spans over 752 acres and features lovely trails along with the breathtaking Clifton Gorge. Visitors can indulge in hiking, birdwatching and rock climbing along the gorge's cliffs. Unique to this park is its proximity to Clifton Mill, where you can witness the picturesque Clifton Mill covered bridge and historic grist mill. The park offers RV-friendly camping options at the John Bryan State Park Campground, with amenities such as electric hookups, showers and picnic areas.
Caesar Creek State Park, roughly 30 miles from Dayton, encompasses over 7,086 acres and features a sprawling reservoir, limestone cliffs and diverse wildlife habitats. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and fossil hunting along the park's scenic trails. A unique attraction is the Caesar Creek Pioneer Village, offering a glimpse into Ohio's early pioneer life. RV travelers can find accommodations at the Caesar Creek State Park Campground, which offers electric hookups, dump stations and waterfront sites.
Buck Creek State Park (also about 30 miles from Dayton), covering over 3,700 acres, boasts a shiny lake, sandy beaches and lush woodlands. Activities include boating, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Unique to this park is its 18-hole disc golf course, providing entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts. RV accommodations are available at the Buck Creek State Park Campground, offering electric hookups, showers and a camp store.
Only one mile from Dayton is the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, which celebrates the legacy of the Wright brothers and their pioneering achievements in aviation. Visitors can explore the Wright Cycle Company complex and the Wright brothers' printing shop, gaining insights into their innovative spirit.
The Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument, about 18 miles from Dayton, commemorates the life and legacy of Colonel Charles Young. He was the third Black person to graduate from West Point and the first Black national park superintendent. The site offers interpretive programs highlighting Young's military career and contributions to American history.
Right at 60 miles away from Dayton is the William Howard Taft National Historic Site which preserves the childhood home of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States and the 10th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Visitors can tour the restored home and learn about Taft's early life and political career.
Frontier Campground, located just 25 miles from Dayton, boasts spacious RV sites with full hookups, modern facilities and recreational amenities such as fishing ponds and hiking trails.
Dayton KOA, situated within 19 miles of the city, offers RV sites with deluxe amenities including Wi-Fi, cable TV and a swimming pool, making it a family-friendly option.
Bass Lake Campground, about 23 miles away, provides serene lakeside RV sites with opportunities for fishing, boating and nature walks. Rei Lakes, approximately 30 miles from Dayton, offers secluded RV sites surrounded by lush greenery and access to unique hiking trails.
Olive Branch Campground, located just 35 miles away, features RV sites nestled in a wooded setting, along with amenities like a swimming pool, playground and basketball court.
Thousand Trails Preserve/Wilmington, about 32 miles from Dayton, provides spacious RV sites in a wooded environment with amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and recreational activities.
Adventure RV Services, situated about 40 miles from Dayton, has reliable dump station services with a $10 dump fee. You'll also find dump station services at Hueston Woods State Park. The dump station there is free for registered guests or $10 for non-guests. Camp America, Inc. has a dump station that is free for guests though non-guests must pay a fee. This spot is located approximately 50 miles from Dayton.
With RVshare, renting a recreational vehicle (RV) close to Dayton, OH, is a breeze. Taking road trips in an RV makes the trip more enjoyable because it offers a sense of freedom and flexibility that traditional forms of travel may lack. With an RV, you have the ability to explore different attractions like the Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge at your own pace. You can stop whenever you want to take a break or admire majestic views, such as those at Buck Creek State Park.
RVs like fifth wheels and Class B camping vans provide comfortable and personalized accommodations, allowing you to bring along familiar comforts from home. This means you can avoid the hassle of packing and unpacking at different hotels. The self-contained nature of RVs also means you can enjoy meals on the go from local restaurants like the Wheat Penny Oven and Bar.
Moreover, RV travel means you can camp in the Indiana Sand Dunes National Park, stay at beachside campgrounds like Caesar Creek State Park or even in remote wilderness areas. Selecting the right type of RV is crucial to having a good trip. Class A motorhomes work well for those who want a lot of living space and luxurious amenities. Class B motorhomes are perfect for individuals or couples looking for a compact and maneuverable option with basic amenities. A Class C motorhome works best for travelers who desire a balance between space, amenities and maneuverability. These motorhomes typically offer more living space than Class B models while still being manageable on the road.
When renting an RV in Dayton, Ohio, you can expect to pay $240 a night for motorhomes and $130 a night for travel trailers.
What does RVshare Protection cover with my Dayton, OH RV rental?RVshare's protection plan standard package covers up to $300,000 in comprehensive and collision coverage based on the value of the RV. It also includes free 24/7 roadside assistance, towing and tire service. For more information on RVshare insurance, click here.
What is included in my Dayton, OH RV rental?You should find any amenities that are included with your rental in the listing details. But it never hurts to check in with the owner before you arrive at the RV or have it delivered to ensure you have everything that is needed to have a fun and enjoyable trip!
Can I have my Dayton, OH RV rental delivered to a specified location?Many owners on RVshare.com offer delivery, and will even set it up for you at the campsite. Choose the 'Delivery' filter to narrow down your search results to RVs that can be brought to your home or destination. Check the listing details for any information regarding extra fees for delivery, or ask the owner if you are unsure.
