S
Sherri B.
Guide
GuideLake Vermillion Recreation Area
Peaceful and pretty
Paved roads and campsites. Clean bathhouse. Host on premises. Peaceful setting. Quiet during weekdays in late August. Self check in at the entry gate.
Camping near Canton, SD
89 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Canton, South Dakota offers multiple camping options within the surrounding area, featuring both state and municipal park campgrounds. Newton Hills State Park, located approximately 9 miles south of Canton, stands as the primary camping destination with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins available year-round. This 4.6-rated campground provides spacious sites with electrical hookups, modern facilities, and hiking trails through forested hills—an uncommon landscape feature in this predominantly agricultural region. Other nearby options include Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon and Lake Pahoja Recreation Area across the Iowa border.
Road conditions throughout the region remain generally accessible, with most campgrounds situated along maintained roads suitable for standard vehicles. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with hot summers and cold winters typical of the northern plains. "Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing," noted one visitor about Newton Hills. Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when facilities reach capacity. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary in more remote areas of state parks.
Campers consistently highlight the natural scenery and recreational opportunities available despite the relatively flat surrounding terrain. Several visitors mentioned the trails and lake access as key highlights of their camping experience at Newton Hills. According to one camper, "This beautiful park set just 9 miles south of Canton has something for everyone. If you enjoy water activities, spend some time at Lake Lakota swimming, kayaking, fishing, or just relaxing!" The campgrounds generally provide good spacing between sites, though privacy varies by location. Family-friendly amenities are common, with playgrounds and paved areas for biking found at several locations. Countryside Campgrounds near Lennox and Rivers Bend Campground in Rock Valley, Iowa provide additional options for those seeking full-hookup RV sites within a 30-mile radius of Canton.
Best Campgrounds near Canton (89)
1. Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
"South Dakota State Park, Brandon SD. Great stop. We spent 2 days. Very nice campground with lots to do and see. Big spacious sites ours backed up to the bike path and river."
"They have nice long paved trails for walking and biking. We got to walk our dogs on it to avoid tick contact from the grassy trails. There was a cool suspension bridge that was fun to walk on."
2. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
"I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children."
"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!"
3. Sioux Falls KOA
"We decided to stay at this campground because it was close to Falls Park. It’s 4 miles away from the KOA to Downtown. It wasn’t crowded, very clean, met lots of Texans and the pet areas were awesome!"
"Also a neat little micro brewery walking distance, across the road. Very nice staff and an RV dealer next door. Very close to I-90 and it’s noise, but that comes with the easy access."
4. Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
"At the time of our visit I-90 was being rebuilt nearby so access from the interstate was more difficult, but this isn’t the fault of the campground."
"Location is right on interstate and easy to find. Not for nature lovers."
from $40 - $200 / night
Check Availability5. Tower Campground
"You get a lot of road noise and the airport is close by so you get plane noise from time to time. The campground is close to many attractions and eateries."
"The airport is close by which made it neat to watch."
6. Lake Pahoja Recreation Area
"Good distance from others, yet close enough for group. Near everything in the beautiful black hills. Several areas. Clean, comfortable restrooms. Store at entrance to park."
"The Lake offers terrific fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming. Awesome hiking path surrounds the lake with benches to take breaks and educational signs to help you learn about the area!"
7. Palisades State Park Campground
"We passed through Palisades State Park earlier this year and spent some time in the day-use area so we knew it was a good place to camp as we passed through South Dakota on another trip."
"South Dakota is known for its well-maintained state park campgrounds, and this area offers two great options: King and Queen."
8. Countryside Campgrounds
"Nice camp site tucked in near the interstate. 2 things not crazy about sound of trucks exiting off interstate using jakebrake (engine exhaust brakes) and sale barn near by."
9. Rivers Bend Campground
"There is a swimming hole with a little beach and walking/bike trail. They have tent sites that you have to walk to but they are right on the water away from all of the RV sites."
"Only 4 stars due to neighbors leaving their dog outside barking constantly until they returned. Against park rules so maybe a one off. Water front on 80% of spots."
10. Blue Mounds State Park Campground
"Quiet place with nice bike and walking paths. Electric only 30amp water close by. Full dump station."
"Even though it's just adjacent, 13 had a nice little secluded area for our tent, and a *private* riverside walk out to the cliffs overlooking the river!"
from $24 - $50 / night
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Drive Time
- 24 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 4 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 24 min from Omaha, NE
- 2 hrs 39 min from Mankato, MN
Recent Camping Photos near Canton, SD
92 Photos of 89 Canton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux
Fruit of the CoopS
Sioux Falls Yogi Bear
Sioux Falls KOA
Peder Larsen City Park
Gunderson Park
Palisades State Park Campground
Union Grove State Park Campground
Split Rock ParkC
Blue Mounds State Park CampgroundN
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Recent Reviews near Canton, SD
476 Reviews of 89 Canton Campgrounds
sarah L.
TravelerUncle B's Farm
So great stayed twice
Last year in August myself and my sister went on a road trip through s..d. on the way in and back home we stayed and it was amazing so calm and relaxing. Home away from home thanks again uncle b
- BBrett S.Traveler
Oak Grove Big Sioux County Park
Beautiful place
Campfires, hiking, superb interpretive center, live animal viewing, river access
- BBrett S.Traveler
Hillview County Rec Area
Great place
Very nice place. Swimming, fishing, hiking, geocaching, campfires, and beautiful spots
- BBill C.Guide
Lake Vermillion Recreation Area
Lake Vermillion rec area
Moderately easy to get to. Not crowded. You can’t register onsite but there was hardly anyone here so we drove around and found a spot that was not reserved, back in and proceeded to reserve online. 30-50 amp service provided. No water at site. Dump station available.
David L.GuideDakota Sunsets RV Park
Convenient stop
Pros: convenient one night stop, grassy sites, quiet, friendly, and very helpful staff Cons: restrooms could use upgrades
- JJim Z.
ScoutUncle B's Farm
Good place to rest
The host Brian is friendly and helpful. Offers fresh veggies in season. It has little bit of the hippie vibe. The bathroom and showers are clean. If I'm thru this way again I would stay here.
Sacred E.TravelerSplit Rock Creek State Park Campground
Very nice!
There were lots of sites available and the women in the office was really helpful. Showers were clean but push button and temp wasn't adjustable.
- KKarla F.Scout
River Road Campground
I90 $35 per night sewer and electric
Hot shower, clean bathroom, playground, close to town and I 90
Guide to Canton
Canton, South Dakota features several well-developed campgrounds within a short drive of the city. Newton Hills State Park, located 9 miles south of Canton, serves as the primary camping destination with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. The area includes both state park and privately managed facilities such as Countryside Campgrounds and Rivers Bend Campground in nearby Iowa. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, drinking water, and modern restroom facilities, with many offering both primitive tent sites and full-service RV connections.
Campground access remains available year-round at several locations including Newton Hills State Park, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Most sites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly. Water access at Lake Lakota within Newton Hills provides popular recreation opportunities. According to one visitor, "Beautiful campground with all the amenities. The lakes are wonderful for swimming, fishing, and beaching." Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, with paved access to major campgrounds and some sites designed specifically for larger recreational vehicles with full hookups.
Campers consistently rate Newton Hills State Park highly for its combination of wooded sites and recreational opportunities. The park features hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, and swimming areas that complement its camping facilities. Sites vary in terms of shade coverage and privacy, with some reviewers noting that certain locations receive full sun exposure throughout the day. A camper noted that many sites are "spacious and clean" though "some of the sites are pretty close together." Family-friendly amenities including playgrounds appear frequently in positive reviews. Surrounding campgrounds like Lake Pahoja Recreation Area provide alternatives with different settings and amenities, creating a diverse camping landscape within a 30-mile radius of Canton.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Canton, SD?
What camping is available near Canton, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, Canton, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Canton, SD and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Canton, SD?
Which is the most popular campground near Canton, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Canton, SD is Big Sioux Recreation Area — Big Sioux with a 4.5-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Canton, SD?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Canton, SD?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Canton, SD.
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