Newton Hills State Park offers spacious campsites with adequate distance between neighbors, making it suitable for overnight stays within driving distance of Sheldon, Iowa. The park features both sunny and shaded sites across its terrain of rolling hills. While there are no dedicated horse corrals at campgrounds in the immediate area, several parks accommodate visitors who bring their own portable corrals or tethering systems.
What to do
Hiking trails: Newton Hills State Park provides multiple hiking trails through wooded areas and hills. "There are plenty of trails for hiking," notes Gene S., who found the campground clean and the hiking opportunities good.
Kayaking opportunities: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers water activities with convenient river access. "Loading area for kayaks and canoes right next to the campgrounds," reports Ashley E., who appreciated the easy access to the river.
Bike riding: The paved roadways at Newton Hills State Park are ideal for casual cycling. "There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on," states Zach E., though he mentions that more kid-friendly trails into the woods would be an improvement.
Stargazing: The rural location allows for excellent night sky viewing. "Great stargazing," notes Victor E. about his experience at Newton Hills, highlighting an activity that requires no special equipment.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Big Sioux Recreation Area offers campsites with tree coverage. "Very shaded by trees in the RV camping spots," mentions Ashley E., describing the natural ambiance of the campground.
Trail system: The trail networks receive positive feedback for their variety and accessibility. "Tons of trails," reports MalibuDave42 L., who initially had concerns while driving to Big Sioux Recreation Area but ultimately found it to be a "great campsite."
Campsite spacing: The distance between sites at Newton Hills creates a more private camping experience. "Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between," Victor E. shares about Newton Hills State Park, though he notes the bath facilities are only "marginally maintained."
Rural setting: The landscape around these campgrounds offers a contrast to farmland. "The location is a hidden gem among a lot of farmland kind of in the middle of nowhere," Cari E. observes about Newton Hills State Park.
What you should know
Facilities condition: Bathroom and shower facilities vary in quality. "Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained," reports Victor E. about his stay at Newton Hills.
Site exposure: Martin Area County Park offers primitive camping options. "Primitive camping was awesome," according to Gary E., which may appeal to those seeking a more rustic experience near Sheldon.
Campground busyness: Some locations can be busy, especially during peak times. "It was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening," notes Cari E. about Newton Hills State Park.
Water levels: Lake conditions can vary with seasonal changes. "The lake is currently dried up but that's no one's fault!" mentions Zach E. about his Newton Hills experience, suggesting visitors should check current conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Brown County Park provides spacious grounds along a river. "Besides the beautiful grounds and reasonably price, it was nice because it wasn't very crowded," reports Sharrie T., though she notes not all sites have electric hookups.
