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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.
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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 Availability"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!"
"The airport is close by which made it neat to watch."
"This campground is a great location when passing through Sioux Falls. It is right off I29, and there a quick in and out sites up front."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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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GuideVery pretty campground very quiet and peaceful. Only down side is the cost ! For an out of state traveler you have to pay $15 entry fee then an additional $67.71 to camp that seems a lot for a site that has electricity only. The overall campground is spotless and from what I read the bathrooms are very nice and clean.
GuideOnly 20-25 electric sites, no water or sewer at sites. Minor inconvenience, water and dump station at entrance. Bathhouse was clean, had plenty of hot water Site 08E pull thru, easy in and out. Campground on hill top hidden in the trees.
TravelerWe have grown fond of the city parks we have discovered in our travels - this is no exception. It has the added bonus of being an historical landmark for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Great looking park, walking paths, ball fields and an electrical hook up. Only $15. Total bargain.
ScoutThe campground is nice, well kept. As others noted the traffic noise can be a lot. That’s the only reason for a 4 rating
ScoutAfter a very windy drive from Iowa it was a blessing to find a Jellystone Park on the map. The office girl was so sweet; she took our reservation over the phone because we would arrive after losing and our paperwork was ready right by the office. Sites are clean and level and the grounds are kept up nicely. It is mid-April so nothing is open but it’s safe and clean with full hookups, and it’s Yogi so who couldn’t love it!
LegendAll sorts of activities are possible. Stopped for a night early in the camping season and I think we were the only ones in the entire park. Nice and quiet. Boatloads of trails.
RangerWe stayed one night on our way back home to CT after a trip out west. We weren't exactly sure where the free camping was at first, but eventually found a sign with a map. Bathrooms with flushing toilets were a welcome surprise. My 14 to dog and I slept in a tent while hubby and the other dog slept in the van. Had to hurry to take the tent down the next morning before they turned the sprinklers on.
ScoutThis location would be an ideal setting for a horror film centered around a motel/campground. The establishment appears to be in a state of disrepair, with concerns regarding drug activity and unprofessional staff. Furthermore, the pricing is exorbitant, making it an undesirable option for accommodation. I wouldn't even give it 1 star, I should be getting 5 stars just for warning everyone.
GuideThe site and facilities were well maintained and the palisades are a cool place to explore for a day. We visited in November so there was hardly anyone else, it’s a very large campground that is a good spot for families with young kids.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Canton, SD offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Canton, SD and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
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 38 reviews.
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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