Reservations are available at Newton Hills Campground, a state park facility set roughly 9 miles south of Canton that operates year-round and accommodates RVs up to 60 feet with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer. The campground sits within a forested pocket of southeast South Dakota, a region where wooded terrain is comparatively rare among the surrounding agricultural land. A dump station is on-site, and the facilities include showers, drinking water, and flush toilets.
Sites vary between shaded and open configurations. Reviewers consistently note that the sites are level and well-spaced, though privacy is limited. "Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy," writes Cari E. Tent campers in particular find themselves close to the tree line without much screening between neighbors. Several open sites get extended sun exposure, so a shade canopy is worth packing. Stargazing gets favorable mentions from multiple visitors, which tracks given the low light pollution in the area.
Lake Lakota gives campers access to fishing, swimming, and kayaking, though water levels have varied across seasons and at least one reviewer noted the lake was dry during their visit. Hiking trails are a consistent draw. The park road looping toward the observation tower draws specific mention for its route through the wooded hills the park is named after. Dogs are welcome, which adds to the family-oriented feel most reviewers describe.
Crowd levels rise noticeably on summer weekends. Families with children are the dominant demographic during peak season, and evenings can get noisy. Early season visits, particularly May and early June, tend to be quieter and well-suited to solo travelers or those who want more of the trails to themselves. Nearby alternatives include Gate City Events & Lodging to the north and Countryside Campgrounds to the northwest for camping near Newton Hills with different crowd dynamics. Book ahead for summer weekends, as the park fills quickly with families during peak months.
Description
Newton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.
Map & DirectionsNewton Hills Campground is located in South Dakota near Canton
Public CampgroundDirections
In Southeastern South Dakota: 6 miles south of Canton off County Road 135 From I-29: Exit 56, 12 miles east on County Road 140, 1/4 mile north.
Address
28771 482nd Ave
Canton, SD 57013
Coordinates
43.22400023 N
96.58000018 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/21/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/14/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/21/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 6/14/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 30 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 1 hr 2 min from Sioux City, IA
- 2 hrs 22 min from Omaha, NE
- 2 hrs 46 min from Mankato, MN
