FACILITIES & AMENITIES

Camping: There are ten campsites at the park that can accommodate 34' RVs, with picnic tables and barbecues. A dump station and restrooms with flush toilets are also available. The camping limit is seven days in a 30-day period.

Fishing: Catch-and-release bank fishing techniques are used to catch walleye, white bass, the hybrid wiper, catfish, trout and other game fish. The Nevada Department of Wildlife maintains fishing regulations. See a Health Warning from the Department of Wildlife on consumption of fish.

Group Area: The park features a shaded group-use area with 10 picnic tables, a sink, electricity, a large barbecue, a lawn area and plenty of parking. The area is available by reservation.

Picnicking/Day Use: Several picnic sites are located throughout the park and the cottonwood grove near the old mill site.

Hiking: Two short hikes can take you from the campground to the Carson River or to the Rock Mill Site.

Geocaching: Geocaching is a popular treasure hunt game using GPS coordinates. There are multiple caches hidden around the park. For more information, please visit geocaching.com.

Programs: Information about program scheduling may be obtained from either park staff or kiosks. Upon request, special presentations can be arranged for groups.

Hours: Open seven days a week, 365 days a year.

FIELD NOTES

• Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash of not more than six feet in length.
• Collection of firewood within the park is not allowed.
• Fires are allowed only in the provided fire rings and barbecue pits.
• Swimming or playing in or near the canals and head gates is dangerous and is not allowed.
• Drive only on established roads. All vehicles and drivers must be licensed.
• Removing, disturbing or damaging any historic structure, artifact, rock, plant life, fossil or other feature is prohibited. State and federal laws protect this area and its resources.
• Hunting is not permitted in the park.
• Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• The use of drones or any remote controlled aircraft is not allowed. Visit B4UFLY for more info.
• Visitors are responsible for knowing all park rules and regulations in effect. Detailed rules and regulations are posted at the park or may be viewed on the Park Rules page.
• Those with developmental and/or physical limitations are invited to enjoy all of the recreational activities of Nevada State Parks. If you would like to request additional support or accommodations, please call the Nevada State Parks division office. We continually seek ways to provide recreational opportunities for people of all abilities and welcome any suggestions you may have.
• View a list of frequently asked questions.

NATURAL RESOURCES/CLIMATE

Dayton State Park consists of 160 acres with typical Great Basin desert topography, such as cottonwoods, sage, rabbitbrush and willows. The lower park borders the Carson River. The upper park includes the remains of old Highway 50 and the Rock Mill site and looks out over Dayton Valley at the foot of the Virginia mountain range. Cottontails and ground squirrels are plentiful, while an observant visitor may see a hawk, coyote, fox, mule deer or porcupine. Dayton summer temperatures range from 80-100˚F with lows around 40-50˚F. The park is 12 miles east of Carson City on U.S. 50.

HISTORY OF DAYTON STATE PARK – Established in 1977

Once a traditional Paiute meeting place, Dayton was used as a base camp for fishing on the Carson River and as a winter camp, sheltered from the snows of the nearby Sierra. The discovery of silver and gold changed that forever. In 1849, Abner Blackburn, during a stopover on his way to the California gold fields, was the first to find gold. Legend has it he used a hunting knife and a frying pan to prospect. It was not a rich strike, however, and as California beckoned, Abner and his friends moved on. (READ MORE)