Overview

Dayton State Park Nevada, just east of Lake Tahoe, holds much fascination for the traveler desiring a memorable vacation. The park has 160 acres to explore and the town of Dayton is one of the first permanent settlements in Nevada. The area offers up some history worth investigating.

Location & Information

Dayton State Park is located on US 50, east of Lake Tahoe and 12 miles east of Carson City, Nevada.

The best time to visit Dayton State Park is in the spring or in summer when temperatures range from 80 to 100 degrees and lows are only 40 to 50 degrees.

Contact information:

Dayton State Park
P.O. Box 1478
Dayton, NV 89403
775-687-5678
washoela@parks.nv.gov

Activities

• The Rock Point Mill
  This mill was used in the late 1800s to process silver ore brought from Virginia City. The remnants of this historic facility are visible in the park, and you can imagine what it was like here during the silver boom years. View the old wooden flumes that channeled water from the Carson River to the mill.
• Dayton, Nevada
  Get a real taste of the Old West in Dayton, as you tour the town and enjoy the sights.
• The Carson River
  Carson River flows through Dayton State Park, full and strong in the spring with the snow runoff. It’s a great place for picnicking, bird watching and fishing.
• Camping
  You’ll find 10 sites, all first-come, first-served and convenient. There are restrooms and a dump station here as well. Vehicles are limited to 34 feet.
• Hiking
  Hike along the river or take the interpretive trail to gain more insight into this lovely area. You can see wildlife and a large variety of birds.

Fun Facts

When the Comstock Lode was discovered, the first major discovery in the US of silver ore, the area became a bustling hub for miners. Dayton, Nevada prospered by milling the ore for the great mining towns of Virginia City, Gold Hill and Silver City.