Newton Hills State Park offers equestrian-friendly camping 35 miles southeast of Orange City, Iowa. The camp area sits on rolling hills covered by oak and basswood forest, providing shade in summer months. Located near Canton, South Dakota, the park maintains 6 miles of horse trails through wooded terrain. Campground access roads are paved with clearly marked signage directing visitors to appropriate camping areas.
What to do
Trail riding experiences: Newton Hills State Park has multiple hiking and riding paths through wooded terrain. Lisa H. notes, "If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing! If land is more your style, enjoy the multiple hiking trails, search for geocaches, bike around the paved roads or dirt paths."
Explore suspension bridge: A short drive from horse campgrounds near Orange City, Iowa, the Big Sioux Recreation Area features a notable suspension walking bridge. As Tyson K. describes, "Took a short walk on their trail system to the suspension walking bridge."
Frisbee golf: Active campers can enjoy the disc golf course at Big Sioux Recreation Area while camping. MalibuDave42 L. mentions, "Super clean, nicely spaced, tons of trails... I didn't partake but they do have a Frisbee golf course."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Equestrian visitors consistently praise the exceptional cleanliness at Union Grove State Park Campground. Austin and Natasha S. share, "Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I've seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice."
Spacious campsites: Newton Hills campsites offer adequate room for horse trailers and camping gear. Victor E. reports, "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces."
Natural wildlife viewing: The natural landscape around horse camps supports local wildlife. Leni K. explains, "Was very impressed with our spot, the clean, modern shower and bathrooms, and nature (there were turkey feathers from a night visitor when we woke!)"
What you should know
Reservation requirements: For equestrian camping near Orange City, advance planning is essential as sites fill quickly. At Big Sioux Recreation Area, John D. advises, "Make reservations early. It will get filled on weekends and holidays."
Fee structure: Camping costs vary with additional charges for non-residents at some parks. Donna H. explains, "I made my reservations online ($30 for the reservation, $1.26 tax, $0.45 for more tax, and $10 for the non-resident reservation fee)."
Seasonal lake conditions: Water features may change seasonally. At Newton Hills, Zach E. notes, "Everything was great. There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on. The spots are nice. The only thing that could be approved would be more established, kid friendly trails into the woods. Also, the lake is currently dried up but that's no one's fault!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families camping with children at Union Grove State Park can take advantage of play areas. Leslie B. mentions, "Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds near Orange City are busier than others. Cari E. shares about Newton Hills: "I 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."
Evening lighting: Campground lighting varies between parks. Carolyn M. notes about one location: "There was a flush toilet facility close by but there was a very bright light on all night. Good for families needing to navigate in the dark but not wonderful if you like sleeping in darkness."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers should check site specifications before booking at equestrian campgrounds. At Martin Area County Park, both standard and primitive options exist, with Gary E. stating, "Primitive camping was awesome."
Power options: Electric service varies by campground, with some offering multiple amp options. At Union Grove State Park, Riding with S. highlights, "Cozy, shady campground, awesome camp hosts, private restrooms/showers, nice playground for kids. 30& 50 amp service, dump station."
Interstate proximity: RVers should note that some horse camping areas near Orange City have highway noise. Robert at Union Grove State Park explains, "Right off the interstate, great access. On hill, treed sites. Large sites, with power. Some back in and some pull through. Great restrooms with showers. You can hear the interstate, but small nice campground."
