Newton Hills State Park

Tucked into the far southeastern corner of South Dakota, Newton Hills State Park protects one of the last remaining oak-hickory forests in the state, a landscape more common to Missouri or Iowa than to the Great Plains. The park sits in Lincoln County about 25 miles south of Sioux Falls, covering roughly 950 acres of rolling wooded hills that feel surprisingly remote given their proximity to the metro area. Lake Lakota anchors the park’s recreation, and the combination of shaded forest trails, a swimming beach, and a well-developed campground makes this one of the most heavily used state parks in South Dakota, especially on summer weekends.

The Oak-Hickory Forest

The forest itself is the reason Newton Hills exists as a park. This type of woodland, dominated by bur oak and shagbark hickory with a dense understory of shrubs and wildflowers, once extended across a much wider swath of the Midwest. At Newton Hills, it survives because of the sheltered terrain, where the hills break the wind and hold moisture in ways the surrounding farmland cannot. In spring, the forest floor blooms with trillium, wild ginger, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. By October, the canopy turns gold and rust. Birding is productive throughout the warmer months, with wood thrush, red-bellied woodpecker, and various warblers in the forest interior.

Lake Lakota and Swimming Beach

Lake Lakota is a 17-acre impoundment at the heart of the park and the main draw for families. A supervised swimming beach operates during the summer season, typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with lifeguards on duty during posted hours. The lake also supports fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, and a small fishing pier is available near the beach area. Non-motorized watercraft are permitted on the lake, making it suitable for canoes and kayaks, though the size of the lake limits extended paddling. The beach area includes a bathhouse, picnic shelters, and a playground, and it fills quickly on hot weekends, so arriving early is advisable.

Hiking the Wooded Trails

The park has approximately 13 miles of trails that wind through the forested hills. Routes range from easy lakeside walks to more demanding climbs that gain enough elevation to offer views across the treetops. The trails are well-marked and maintained, and several loops can be combined for longer outings. The terrain underfoot is rooted and uneven in places, particularly on the hillside sections, so sturdy footwear is worthwhile. In winter, some trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow, and the park rents ski equipment on a limited basis.

Camping at Newton Hills

The campground is one of the most popular in the South Dakota state park system, drawing a large number of repeat visitors from Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. Sites are available with electrical hookups as well as primitive tent sites, and the campground includes modern restrooms and shower facilities. There are also several camping cabins available for reservation, which provide a more sheltered option during shoulder-season visits. Reservations are strongly recommended from late May through August, as the campground routinely fills on Friday and Saturday nights. A group camp area is available for organized groups with advance reservations.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome at Newton Hills State Park but must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. This applies to trails, the campground, and picnic areas. Pets are not permitted in the swimming beach area or in the rental cabins. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals throughout the park.

Wildlife to Be Aware Of

Ticks are the most consistent wildlife concern at Newton Hills and should be taken seriously. The oak-hickory woodland provides ideal habitat, and ticks are active from early spring through late fall, with peak activity in May, June, and early July. Both the American dog tick and the blacklegged tick are present. Wear long pants tucked into socks when hiking, use repellent, and do a thorough full-body check on yourself, children, and pets after every outing. Removing a tick promptly reduces the risk of disease transmission significantly.

Coyotes are common throughout the park and are occasionally seen near the campground, particularly at dawn and dusk. They are generally not aggressive toward people, but they should never be fed, as feeding encourages bold behavior. Keep small dogs and cats leashed and close to you during low-light hours, and store food securely at your campsite.

Lake Lakota can experience blue-green algae blooms during hot summer weather, particularly in July and August. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to people and especially dangerous to dogs. Before swimming or allowing pets to enter the water, check current advisories posted at the park or on the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks website. If the water looks discolored, foamy, or has a paint-like surface sheen, avoid contact entirely.

Practical Information

Newton Hills State Park is located at 28771 482nd Avenue, Canton, SD 57013, approximately 25 miles south of Sioux Falls via I-29 south to the Canton exit, then south on county roads to the park entrance. The nearest town is Canton, about 6 miles to the north, where gas, groceries, and basic services are available.

Entry fees are $10 per vehicle per day for South Dakota residents and $15 per vehicle per day for nonresidents. Annual passes are available for $40 for residents and $60 for nonresidents and cover entry to all South Dakota state parks. Camping and cabin fees are charged separately from the entry fee.

Camping reservations can be made through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks reservation system online. The park is open year-round, though facilities including the beach, concessions, and ski rental operate seasonally. Visitors planning a winter or early spring trip should confirm which services are available before arrival.