Newton Hills State Park RV & Campground Guide
South Dakota
- Home
- State Parks
- South Dakota
- Newton Hills State Park
Newton Hills State Park is located 6 miles south of Canton in South Dakota. It’s part of the geological formation called the Coteau des Prairie, which is a narrow strip of rolling hills and forest caused by glacial movement during the last Ice Age. The state park itself features over one thousand acres of open prairie, dark forests featuring black oak and cottonwood trees, and the crystal-clear waters of Lakota Lake and Big Sioux River. The park also has a rich history, with burial mounds and artifacts indicating that the Woodland Indian Culture inhabited the region from 300 B.C. to 900 A.D.
These days, Newton Hills is a popular destination open year-round for recreational activities such as camping, swimming, fishing, hiking and boating. Many species of wildlife call the park home, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, red and gray fox and squirrels. The state experiences cold, dry winters to hot and semi-humid summers, but the park is open for use year-round. If you’re planning a trip to Newton Hills, you’ll certainly want to come prepared. Keep reading to find out all there is to know about campgrounds, in-park activities, how to get here, and more.
Spring 24°F - 73°F
Summer 58°F - 86°F
Fall 24°F - 76°F
Winter 6°F - 32°F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Newton Hills State Park
There are plenty of camping opportunities in and around Newton Hills State Park, including both within tents and RVs. If roughing-it in a sleeping bag and the tiny space that a tent offers isn’t quite your thing, then we whole-heartedly recommend the warmth, comfort, and all-round glamping that an RV offers.
If you don’t own an RV, you can easilyrent an RV from RVshare that suits your individual needs – including size, budget, and more. All rentals come with nationwide insurance, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a world-class team dedicated to helping you succeed.
The state park has its own quiet and shady campground featuring 122 campsites with electrical connections available. Showers, restrooms, water, a dump station, BBQ facilities, and horse facilities are also available. Daily rates are from $17 - $21 per site.
These sites can fill quickly, so we’ve also listed three additional campgrounds within the local area.
Tower Campground
Tower Campground is less than a 40-minute drive from the state park. It offers 116 RV sites, including pull-thru sites and full hookups. The campground is open year-round and is easily accessible from Interstate 29. Rates start at $42.08 per night.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dog park, playground, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, propane exchange, cable TV, fire pits.
Rivers Bend Campground
Rivers Bend Campground is a popular 94-acre campground that also offers fishing, hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and other outdoor activities. 81 campsites are available, including 19 with full hookups. It’s your perfect home away from home whilst visiting the region.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: dump station, water fill station, showers, restrooms, sand beach with swimming pond, fishing ponds, playground, picnic tables, fire rings, sports courts.
Sioux Falls KOA Journey
If you’re after a family-friendly campground with a long list of amenities and on-site activities, thenSioux Falls KOA Journey is the place. It lies just inside the city limits of South Dakota's largest city, but you wouldn't know it from the lush grass campsites.
Water hookup: yes
Electrical hookup: yes
Sewer hookup: yes
Wifi: yes
Pet-friendly: yes
Other amenities: swimming pool, basketball court, mini golf, bike rentals, pavilion, laundry facility, game room, children's play area, cable TV, dog park.
What to Do at
Newton Hills State Park
Inside Newton Hills State Park
Newton Hills State Park might be very popular for camping, but people also flock here because of the wide range of fun outdoor activities on offer. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy hiking, biking, or horse riding the park’s scenic trails, fishing, swimming, boating, or more – there’s certainly something for every type of traveler at Newton Hills State Park.
Trails : The park has six miles of multi-usetrails designed for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Three of the most popular trails include the Woodland Trail, Blue Diamond Trail, and Augie Ridge Trail. In winter, many of these trails are used for cross-country skiing.
Fishing : Lake Lakota and Big Sioux River are both densely populated with bass, panfish, catfish, and perch. Visitors must have a license to fish in Lake Lakota. There is a fishing dock within the park and fishing poles are available for rent at the park office.
Swimming : There is a swimming beach on Lake Lakota, which is a no wake zone, making it safer for swimmers.
Boating : A boat ramp with a dock provides access to Lake Lakota. The entire lake is a designated "no wake" zone. Canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, floating water mats, and life jackets are available for rent at the park office.
Concerts : The amphitheatre within Newton Hill State Park hosts many folk music concerts throughout the year. The most popular folk music concert, the Sioux River Folk Festival, is held each year on the first weekend in August.
Outside Newton Hills State Park
If you thought Newton Hills State Park has lots on offer, then you’re going to be delighted by just how many experiences are available to you outside of the park in the surrounding area, including stunning sightseeing opportunities, award-winning restaurants, and more.
Restaurants
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews
As one of the most popular restaurants within the region,Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews offers a menu of over 50 creative and freshly prepared burgers. This award-winning venue also offers evolving and rotating selections of 50 local craft, domestic, and import brews, so there’s certainly something for everyone.
Type: Burgers / bar
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
The Original Pancake House
Less than a 40-minute drive from the state park isThe Original Pancake House, a popular chain serving all-day breakfast favorites such as omelettes, crepes, waffles, and of course, pancakes. They also have an extensive lunch menu for those more interested in salads, sandwiches, and burgers.
Type: Breakfast diner
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Sanaa's Gourmet
Sanaa's Gourmet is your go-to destination for mouth-watering Mediterranean food, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. If you happen to be passing through on a Friday night, be sure to stop for their popular dinner buffet.
Type: Mediterranean restaurant
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Sightseeing
Wild Water West Waterpark
If you’re up for a day of family fun, theWild Water West Waterpark offers aquatic attractions such as a wave pool, waterslides, swim-up bar, and more. If the weather isn’t hot enough to swim, then you can also enjoy activities such as go-karts, mini-golf, and paintball. Entry costs $24.95.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History
Located within a 40-minute drive from the state park is theGreat Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum of Natural History. The venue features more than 1,000 animals from 137 species and features family-friendly events and activities (such as a national award-winning Snow Monkey exhibit). The museum is home to a world-famous collection of 150 mounted animals. Admission starts at $11.75.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
Falls Park
While you’re in the area, you can’t pass up a chance to visitFalls Park. This park features waterfalls, an observation tower, picnic shelters, sculptures, and modern amenities. Open 5 a.m. to midnight.
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
How to Get to
Newton Hills State Park
The state park is located 6 miles south of Canton off County 135. Follow the signs to the park and your location will be on your right.
Entering Newton Hills State Park
There is a daily fee of $6 per vehicle to enter the state park.
If you’re planning a trip to Newton Hills State Park, then you sure are in for a treat. Once you’ve finished exploring all that the park has to offer, check out the incredible opportunities waiting for you outside of its gates! During or after your stay, we encourage you to tag us in any of your social media posts, or why not share your photos and experience with us at [email protected]? We may even feature your story on our blog or social media channels. Happy camping!