Splash Into Adventure: The Best Lakes, Rivers and Paddling Spots Near Dayton, OH

©Journal Communications/Justin Sicking

Weekend getaways across the Dayton region are naturally full of adventure, but the Miami Valley truly shines where the land meets the water. For outdoor enthusiasts looking to dive into the great outdoors, these parks and public recreation spaces showcase the best waterways, parks and rivers in the Dayton, OH, region. Be sure to add these great places to your must-visit list.

©Journal Communications/Justin Sicking

Lake Loramie State Park

Minster
Constructed in 1824 as a reservoir for the Miami & Erie Canal, the 1,655-acre Lake Loramie State Park and its surrounding public lands provide a wide variety of water recreation activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing. For a slower pace, you can relax along the park’s sandy beach and take a refreshing dip in the designated swimming area.

©Journal Communications/Jeff Adkins

RiverScape MetroPark

Dayton
Offering a perfect balance of peaceful serenity and vibrant urban energy, RiverScape MetroPark sits just steps from downtown Dayton along the scenic Great Miami River. Managed by Five Rivers MetroParks, RiverScape MetroPark offers several activities to enjoy, including rental kayaks, an interactive splash fountain, ice skating and community festivals.

Courtesy of Ohio DNR

Cowan Lake State Park

Wilmington
With its wooded shoreline and quiet inlets, Cowan Lake State Park provides an ideal location to view American bald eagles and other migratory waterfowl. Fishing, kayaking, sailing and swimming are also popular activities to enjoy in this peaceful, family-friendly park.

Tawawa Park

Sidney
An idyllic escape from the bustle of city life, Tawawa Park immerses you in the area’s rustic woodlands. Visitors can fish the quiet shores of beautiful Tawawa Lake and Amos Lake or hike near Tawawa Creek and the Great Miami River. The William Ross Covered Bridge also offers a picturesque backdrop for family photos.

Treasure Island Park

Troy
Located in the heart of downtown Troy along the Great Miami River levee, Treasure Island Park serves as the heartbeat of the city’s outdoor recreation scene. Featuring paved walking paths, picnic areas, an outdoor performance pavilion and canoe and kayak rentals, it’s easy to enjoy the park’s beautiful river setting.

Lock 9 Park

Piqua
A tribute to historic Lock 9 on the Miami & Erie Canal, Lock 9 Park provides scenic riverfront recreation along the banks of the Great Miami River. From wide green spaces and walking trails to interactive water features and a community pavilion, Piqua’s outdoor hub has something for everyone.

Jeff Adkins

Riverfront Park

Miamisburg
Located near Franklin and Miamisburg, Riverfront Park is a great starting point for exploring the Great Miami River Recreation Trail by bike or on foot. Featuring 7 acres of green space, the park also provides splash fountains, community events and family picnic areas.

Rentschler Forest MetroPark

Hamilton
Consistently ranked as the No. 1 park in Butler County, Rentschler Forest MetroPark offers direct access to the Great Miami River, reconstructed wetlands and Kennedy Creek. The whole family can enjoy biking, paddling, hiking and fishing within the park’s nearly 400 acres.

Twin Creek MetroPark

Germantown
If you’re looking for convenient yet wild natural beauty, you’ll find some of the best in the region at Twin Creek MetroPark. In addition to hiking, backpacking, camping and mountain biking, park visitors can fish and paddle along Twin Creek, recognized as one of the cleanest waterways in Ohio.

Buck Creek State Park

Springfield
Looking to take your powerboat out on the water? Buck Creek State Park offers unlimited horsepower boating on the expansive 2,120-acre C.J. Brown Reservoir. Additionally, visitors can also swim, fish, water-ski, kayak and hike along protected wetlands.

Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area

Covington
Greenville Falls State Scenic River Area blends unique natural and historic landmarks – all set around beautiful Greenville Creek. A favorite activity is admiring the scenery along the park’s hiking trails, which lead to a cascading waterfall, a natural limestone arch and the historical remains of an electric mill and wooden dam.

Courtesy of Ohio DNR

Grand Lake St. Marys State Park

Saint Marys
In what was once the world’s largest reservoir, the expansive Grand Lake St. Marys State Park contains 52 miles of shoreline for endless water recreation. The 13,500-acre lake offers prime boating and fishing, as well as a family campground on shore when you’re done exploring for the day.

Courtesy of Float Troy

Bucket List Experience: Enjoy Float Troy on the Great Miami River

Maybe you’ve tent-camped by a river. But have you ever tent-camped directly on top of a river? Since 2020, Float Troy has taken tent camping to a whole new level with its one-of-a-kind, family-friendly floating tent experience.

Held annually at Treasure Island Park in Troy, Float Troy invites visitors to sleep in an anchored, inflatable floating tent on the calm, shallow waters of the Great Miami River. Each tent includes a small raft for easy paddling back and forth to shore. Beyond the floating tent, you can kayak along the Miami, enjoy the park’s picnic pavilions and grills on land, and explore downtown restaurants and shops nearby.

“It’s for all ages,” says Matt Clifton, Float Troy coordinator for the City of Troy Recreation Department. “We’ve had 1-year-olds to 94-year-olds participate. It’s a unique and different experience. You won’t find this anywhere else.”