Newton Hills State Park offers equestrian camping options within 30 miles of Hawarden, Iowa. The park contains multiple wooded trails extending through maple-basswood forests. During spring and fall, temperatures range from 45-75°F, creating prime conditions for trail riding. Winter camping remains available though trails may be snow-covered from December through March.
What to do
Trail riding: Newton Hills State Park features multiple hiking trails that connect to scenic overlooks. One camper notes, "There are plenty of trails and clean restrooms to use. Overall we really like this location. Some of the sites are pretty close together though."
Fishing: Big Sioux Recreation Area provides access to the Big Sioux River. "Located in Brandon not far from Sioux Falls. Clean bathrooms with showers. Firewood available to purchase. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Bike and hiking trails. Plus plenty of privacy," according to one visitor.
Bird watching: Danish Alps State Recreation Area contains habitats for regional birds. A camper reports, "We didn't actually Camp there and truthfully I'm not so sure I ever even saw the campgrounds. But the lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Union Grove State Park maintains excellent bathroom and shower facilities. A camper reports: "Be prepared to higher your campground expectations after this one! Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Multiple camping options: Newton Hills offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces. Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing," one camper writes.
Horse-friendly environments: W.H. Lyon Fairground provides spaces for horse trailers during non-fair periods. A visitor explains, "This a a huge open area at the fairgrounds. There are some hookups. Convenient location to a lot of attractions, stores, and restaurants. Can camp during events. Huge area."
What you should know
Separate horse camping areas: Union Grove State Park has distinct camping sections. "Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly," says one visitor.
Limited privacy: Most horse campgrounds near Hawarden, Iowa have sites positioned close together. A Newton Hills camper states: "I spent a quick night at Newton Hills and found the park to be lovely, but it was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening. If you have a family it'll be a great spot—if you're looking for quiet and calm, maybe something else."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds maintain winter hours but with reduced services. "We stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Restrooms were just as clean and nice. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers play equipment near camping areas. "This campground was great! We had a tent site, number 24, and it was tucked into the woods but still close to the parking lot! Beautiful hiking trails, play grounds, disc golf, volleyball net, and so much more," reports one family.
Educational opportunities: Newton Hills provides nature programs during summer months. "I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city."
Water activities: Several horse campgrounds near Hawarden feature swimming areas. "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton, SD has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing!"
Tips from RVers
Electric hookups: Most equestrian sites include 30-amp service. "I liked this campground so much, I stayed 5 nights instead of 2. Small, cozy, shady campground, awesome camp hosts, private restrooms/showers, nice playground for kids. 30& 50 amp service, dump station."
Site spacing: Danish Alps State Recreation Area provides well-spaced RV sites. "I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It's a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup."
Road conditions: Some horse campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "When you leave, be sure to take the little one lane road out back (from 1E toward the tower)—it's a magical little drive through the hills the park is named after."
