Are there park entrance fees?

A visitor license is required for both day use and overnight camping at Newton Hills State Park. Licenses can be purchased online, in person at the Visitor Center, at the kiosk with a credit card or via envelopes at the park entrance (cash and checks accepted). Annual licenses are also available for purchase at the park. Your receipt serves as your temporary license until you receive the official sticker by mail. Daily: $10 for residents $15 for nonresidents Annual: $40 for residents $60 for nonresidents Campsites and Overnight Lodging: Electrical: $30 per night Non-electrical: $16 per night (tent only) Camping Cabins: $60 per night Modern Cabins: $185 per night Group Lodge: $280 per night

Within Newton Hills State Park, there are 126 campsites , 10 horse campsites, 11 camping cabins, one modern cabin and two group lodges . Camping is available all year, though the number of sites is reduced and comfort stations are closed for the winter. Make camping reservations online or call 1-800-710-2267.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Due to seasonal closures and cold winters, the late summer and early fall are the most popular times to visit the park. To enjoy all amenities, it's best to plan for peak season; however, winter and spring offer fewer crowds and other seasonal advantages. Summer brings semi-humid conditions with average daytime highs around 90 degrees and lows near 60 degrees. Fall temperatures are typically mild, with average daytime highs of 57 degrees and lows of 44 degrees. The first freeze usually happens in early October, and fall days are often sunny and mild. Spring temperatures average between 50 and 60 degrees during the day, with cooler nights. Precipitation, including rain and thunderstorms, is frequent in late spring. Winter is cold, with temperatures fluctuating between mild and extreme. Average January highs are below 32 degrees, and average lows are below 10 degrees. Snowfall is common in the region, providing opportunities for snow sports like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Read more about weather and seasons in South Dakota

How do seasonal changes affect things?

Entrance: Open year-round for recreation, Newton Hills State Park is located 6 miles south of Canton off County Road 135. This entrance is accessible year-round. Weather Conditions: The cold, snowy weather frequently impacts road and trail conditions, especially during the winter months, due to snow and ice. Newton Hills shuts down sections of the park where plowing isn't available during the winter. Check current weather conditions and forecasts before you go. Consult the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website or call the park directly for any specific advisories or temporary closures due to weather or maintenance. Facilities: Comfort stations, including showers, flush toilets and other water systems are closed during the late fall, winter and early spring. While these facilities reopen in the spring, vault toilets remain open. Throughout the winter, three campsites and half of the camping cabins remain open on a limited basis. Group lodges are available to rent throughout the year, while the roads to open facilities are plowed to allow access.

Is Newton Hills pet-friendly?

Newton Hills State Park welcomes pets to explore trails and campgrounds with their owners, given they are kept on a leash and cleaned up after.

Is Newton Hills kid-friendly?

The park’s natural and cultural characteristics make for a perfect destination for families . Featuring a playground, cabins and easy trails, Newton Hills State Park allows kids to immerse themselves in nature and learn about South Dakota wildlife.

What is the closest airport?

Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD) is the closest major airport to Newton Hills State Park. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, the airport is a 45-minute drive from the park. Popular connecting flights into Sioux Falls Regional Airport from major hubs include Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN) and Minneapolis (MSP). Other popular destinations with direct flights include Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW) and various cities in Florida, like Orlando (SFB).

What are the busiest times of the week to visit?

Friday evenings and the weekends are the busiest times of the week to visit Newton Hills State Park, while mornings and weekdays tend to be the quietest. The park’s peak season occurs in the late summer and early fall. Even at its busiest, Newton Hills is typically serene.

What other attractions are nearby?

Canton, SD: The closest town to the park sits 10-15 minutes away by car. This quiet, small town offers attractions like the Canton Depot Museum and hosts an Open Air Market on select evenings during the summer. Good Earth State Park at Blood Run : Just outside of Sioux Falls, Good Earth is located about 18 miles northeast. Formerly a major trading center and gathering place for early Indigenous tribes, the park offers trails with scenic overlooks and a visitor center with educational exhibits. Sioux Falls, SD : The largest city in the region is approximately 25 miles north of the park, a 30-40-minute drive away. As the state's largest city, Sioux Falls offers a wide range of attractions. The most famous is Falls Park, the city's namesake, where the Big Sioux River tumbles over beautiful pink quartzite rocks. And you’ll be very close to some metropolitan dining. Palisades State Park : The drive to Palisades State Park takes around 40-45 minutes. It sits about 33 miles north of Newton Hills on the Coteau des Prairies, a plateau in the northern Great Plains. Split Rock Creek carved a gorge into the prairie, creating the park's dramatic cliffs and spires of Sioux quartzite. Union Grove State Park : Just southeast of Newton Hills State Park, you'll find Union Grove State Park. A half-hour drive takes you to one of the highest elevations in the region, where you’ll find wooded groves and wildlife watching. Visitors typically enjoy camping and hiking in the summer months and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Newton Hills State Park

After World War II, the state established the park as a recreation area for travelers and adventurers, allowing visitors today to camp, swim, hike and fish. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a variety of folk music concerts with the Friends of Traditional Music. Each year on the first Saturday in October, the park hosts the FestiFall event, which features arts and crafts, kids' games, hayrides, bluegrass music and more.

History

Glacial movement during the last Ice Age formed the strip of rolling hills and forest that is Newton Hills State Park. This geological formation, known as the Coteau des Prairies, stretches along the eastern boundary of South Dakota. Artifacts and burial mounds have been found throughout the area, indicating that a Woodland Indian Culture inhabited this region between 300 B.C. and A.D. 900. Later, William Newton, the park’s namesake, settled the area as one of the first European American settlers.

Things to Do: Activities & Amenities

Birdwatching: More than 200 species of birds visit the area each year. The water, thick undergrowth and brush, and large trees make Sergeant Creek area one of the best birding spots in the state. You’ll have a great opportunity to see forest species that are otherwise rare in South Dakota, from woodpeckers to warblers, sparrows, hummingbirds and even green herons and belted kingfishers.
Cross-country Skiing: During the winter, Newton Hills State Park allows cross-country skiing on its trails. Once the snowfall reaches 6 inches, the park creates additional trails through the snow for more winter fun. Explore what winter in South Dakota has to offer.
Fishing: Newton Hills State Park offers fishing opportunities in the park's lake. A valid South Dakota fishing license and applicable permits (like a trout fee) are required for residents and non-residents. Note that residents under 16 years old can fish without a license but may have to pay a trout fee.
Geocaching: Geocaching is a popular activity within the park. GPS units are available for checkout at the Welcome Center. You can use online resources and apps to find geocaches hidden within the park's trails and natural areas.
Horseback Riding: Newton Hills State Park welcomes horses. The Deer Run and Blue Diamond trails allow horseback riding for a 6-mile loop that’s perfect for trail riding. Additionally, a Horse Trail Camp with troughs is available within the campground for those with horses. A valid South Dakota State Park entrance license is required for vehicles entering the park, including those used to transport horses.
Hunting: From October 1 to April 30 each year, shotgun and bow hunting are permitted. Park recreation outside of hunting remains active. Hunters must maintain a distance of at least 120 yards from hiking trails and other high-traffic areas. Uncased bows and firearms are prohibited within the campground and picnic areas. For full details and regulations, hunters should consult the official South Dakota Hunting Handbook.
Water Sports: You can enjoy all sorts of water activities at Newton Hills State Park, like kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming and canoeing. Lake Lakota’s boat ramp makes for a convenient launch. If you need gear, the Welcome Center has canoes, kayaks and paddleboards available for rent. Or, head to the designated swim beaches located within the park's campground for a swim. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboards aren't allowed in the swimming areas. For those with motorboats, please be aware that there are speed restrictions in certain bays and designated restricted speed areas.
- If you’re planning water recreation activities, be sure to contact the Welcome Center beforehand to ensure adequate lake levels.
Picnicking: You’ll find various picnic facilities throughout the park, including picnic areas and tables. Picnic shelters are also available, some of which can be reserved for day use. Reservations for these shelters can be made online through the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website, or by contacting their reservation line.
Snowshoeing: Newton Hills State Park offers numerous snowshoeing trails for all skill levels and abilities.
Recreation Courts: Looking for some friendly competition? Newton Hills State Park offers basketball hoops and a beach volleyball court near the playground. Basketballs and volleyballs can be checked out from the Welcome Center.

Welcome Center & History

The Welcome Center is located at 28767 482nd Ave., Canton, SD 57013.

Visitor Center Hours:

October-May (Winter):
- Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Weekends: Email staff for assistance.
June-September (Summer):
- Daily: 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday-Saturday: Open until 10 p.m.
- Sunday: Open until 8 p.m.

Newton Hills State Park offers equipment rentals for various activities. Visitors can rent volleyballs, basketballs, bicycles and fishing poles. GPS units are also available for trail navigation and geocaching. The park offers classic outdoor lawn games and water sport rentals like kayaks, paddleboards and floating mats. During the colder months, snowshoes are available. In the summer, life jackets are available for all water activities to ensure safety.

Hiking & Biking Trails

Newton Hills State Park features a network of trails for hiking across the park. Deer Run Trail is situated on the north end of the park. It’s 0.3 miles long, allows biking and horseback riding, and connects to the 6-mile Blue Diamond Trail. The Blue Diamond Trail also permits horseback riding and biking, and is the longest in the park, offering a challenging route with hills and wooded areas.

At the end of the Blue Diamond Trail loop, visitors can access the 0.5-mile Turkey Trot Trail. This trail leads to the 1.7-mile Woodland Trail, a loop that includes the 0.5-mile Augie Ridge Trail, providing a shortcut through its center.

Lakota Reservoir

Lakota Reservoir, colloquially known as Lake Lakota, is a popular, peaceful fishing spot, one mile southeast of the park. The reservoir is also popular for kayaking and boating. However, while motorized boats are permitted, note that it is a no-wake lake, meaning boats may operate at idle speed only.

Be aware that due to recent droughts, water levels might not be sufficient for boating. Be sure to call ahead and check first.

Outside view of Kate's Cottage at Peterson Farm — Kate's Cottage at Peterson Farm

Inside view of a Milbank's Grandstay Hotel and Suites bedroom with two beds with white sheets set in a cozy space with furniture and a television. — Milbank's GrandStay Hotel & Suites

Outside building view of Sioux Valley Grille with red rusted brick walls and facing the entrance. — Sioux Valley Grille

Where to Stay

The park itself offers a variety of overnight experiences, from tent camping to RV hookups to cabin lodging. If you’re looking for something less rustic, check out the hotels in the surrounding area. Gate City Events & Lodging, located in Canton, 6.2 miles from the park, offers a motel, campground and a large rental home frequently used for weddings and other events. Kate’s Cottage at Peterson Farm is a slice of homestead heaven located half an hour from the park in Beresford. Milbank’s GrandStay Hotel & Suites is conveniently located off U.S. Highway 12, 30 minutes outside the park.

Dining Nearby

Ten minutes north of the park, Canton, SD, offers homestyle Midwestern cuisine with flavors like comfort food. Get burgers and fries from Laurie’s Cafe, a local favorite. Similarly, Sioux Valley Grille is a comfort-food grill, serving steaks and other classic fare, along with beer, wine and cocktails. Looking for more adventure? Continue north to Sioux Falls, the largest city in the region, offering a variety of cuisines and dining experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Address, Hours & Contact Info

Address:
28767 482nd Ave.
Canton, SD 57013

Phone:
605-987-2263

Email:
[email protected]

Park Hours: 6 a.m.-11 p.m. daily