State Parks

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Newton Hills State Park

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Due to ongoing drought conditions, Lake Lakota levels are currently low. Water rentals and lake access are suspended until further notice.


Newton Hills State Park was named after William Newton who settled in the area in the 1850s. Newton's wife was a mid-wife; until the 1870s, she was the only European American north of Vermillion who could deliver babies and cure the sick.

Glaciers created this narrow strip of rolling hills and forest that is part of the geological formation called the Coteau des Prairie, which extends along the eastern boundary of South Dakota. At its highest point, the Coteau rises to more than 2,000 feet above sea level. Artifacts and burial mounds found near the park indicate that a Woodland Indian Culture inhabited this region between 300 B.C. and 900 A.D. The area's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many recent legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves.

Over 200 species of birds visit the area each year. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, marmots, rabbits, red and gray fox and squirrels are also found within the park. Between October 1 and April 30 each year, bow hunting is allowed in the park. Hunters will not be using the high traffic areas located near the hiking trails. Uncased bows and firearms are not allowed within the campground and picnic areas.

See Hunting Handbook for more information.

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Activities

  • Basketball
  • Basketball Checkout
  • Bicycle Rental
  • Biking (on park roads)
  • Biking (on trails)
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Cross-country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Fishing Pole Checkout
  • Floating Water Mat Rental
  • Geocaching
  • GPS Unit Checkout
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Horseshoe Checkout
  • Horseshoes
  • Hunting
  • Kayak Rental
  • Kayaking
  • Lawn Game Checkout
  • Life Jacket Checkout
  • Paddleboard Rental
  • Paddleboarding
  • Picnicking
  • Snowshoe Checkout
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
  • Volleyball Checkout
  • Walking (on park roads)
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Fees

  • Daily: $8 per vehicle
  • Annual: $36 first vehicle | $18 second vehicle (with coupon) | $80 transferable license

    Purchase Online

  • Campsites - electrical: $26 per night
  • Campsites - non-electrical: $22 per night
  • Camping Cabins: $55 per night
  • Modern Cabins: $185 per night
  • Group Lodge: $280 per night
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Park Specs

Open: Year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed. Please contact the park directly for current status. Vault toilets usually remain open.

Park Size: 126 campsites, 10 horse campsites, 9 camping cabins, modern cabin, and group lodge.

Directions: 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

Nearest Town: Canton

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Make Reservations

Make reservation online or call 1.800.710.2267.

Contact Info

Newton Hills State Park
28767 482nd Avenue
Canton, SD 57013
605.987.2263
Email: NewtonHills@state.sd.us
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Amenities

  • ADA/Accessible Features
  • Basketball Hoop(s)
  • Biking Trail(s)
  • Boat Ramp(s)
  • Campground(s)
  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Cross-country Ski Trail(s)
  • Drinking Water
  • Dump Station
  • Electrical Campsite(s)
  • Fishing Pier(s)
  • Flush Toilets
  • Group Picnic Shelter(s)
  • Hiking Trail(s)
  • Horse Campsite(s)
  • Horse Trail(s)
  • Modern Lodging
  • Picnic Tables
  • Playground(s)
  • Self-serve Entrance Kiosk(s)
  • Shore Fishing Access
  • Showers
  • Swim Beach(es)
  • Tent-only Campsite(s)
  • TRACK Trail(s)
  • Vault Toilets (open year-round)
  • Warming Shelter(s)
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Modern Lodging

The modern lodging accommodations at Newton Hills offer increased comforts in an outdoor setting any time of the year.
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ADA / Accessible

  • Camping Cabin(s)
  • Campsite(s)
  • Group Lodge
  • Showers
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GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 43.21904
Longitude: -96.57019
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Additional Info

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