Newton Hills State Park: Forest, Lake, and Visitor Guide
Newton Hills State Park in southeastern South Dakota protects one of the state’s last remaining oak-hickory forests, plus Lake Lakota, hiking trails, and a developed campground. It’s a popular weekend destination for Sioux Falls families.
Hiking Trails
Newton Hills is one of the best places in eastern South Dakota for wooded hiking. The park sits on the Coteau des Prairies, a glacially formed ridge system that rises above the surrounding prairie, so the trails feel hillier and more enclosed than many East River hikes. Expect shaded paths, hardwood forest, creek bottoms, birds, deer, wild turkeys, foxes, and good fall color.
The longer trail experience is the Blue Diamond Multi-Use Trail system, including Trail D, which is also used as the park’s TRACK Trail. Trail D is an easy 2.7-mile round trip with crushed-rock tread, restrooms nearby, a picnic shelter, and views of Sargeant Creek. Other Blue Diamond segments can be combined for a longer hike, though hikers may share parts of the system with bikes and horses.
Woodland Trail is the park’s classic short nature walk. This 1.3-mile loop stays in the forest and is a good choice for visitors who want a quieter, shaded hike without committing to the longer multi-use trail system. It is especially pretty in spring when the woods green up and in fall when the oak-hickory canopy turns color.
Lake Lakota
Lake Lakota is the park’s small recreation lake, located near the beach and boat ramp area. It is not a large boating lake, but it works well for relaxed family outings: swimming at the designated beach, fishing from shore, launching a small boat, or using the fishing pier.
The lake area has a boat ramp, fishing pier, shore-fishing access, picnic areas, restrooms, and nearby parking. In summer, it is a good place to cool off after hiking, especially for families staying in the campground.
Camping
Newton Hills has one of the larger campgrounds in eastern South Dakota. The park includes 126 campsites, 10 horse campsites, 11 camping cabins, a modern cabin, and two group lodges. Both RV and tent campers use the campground, and amenities include electrical campsites, drinking water, showers, flush toilets, vault toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, playgrounds, and picnic shelters.
The park is open year-round, but services change by season. Between October 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets, and other water systems may be closed, though vault toilets usually remain open. Campsites, camping cabins, and lodging can be reserved through South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks.
Pet Policy
Pets are allowed at Newton Hills State Park, but South Dakota state park rules apply. In campgrounds from April 1 through September 30, pets must be under immediate control and on a leash no longer than 10 feet. From October 1 through March 31, leashes are not mandatory in campgrounds, but pets still must remain under immediate control.
Pets are not allowed on designated swimming beaches or inside park buildings, including welcome centers and comfort stations, unless they are service animals. Owners are required to clean up after their pets. If you plan to stay in a cabin or lodge with a pet, reserve a pet-designated unit and check the current pet lodging fee before booking.
Practical Information
Newton Hills State Park is open year-round and is located about 6 miles south of Canton, South Dakota, off County Road 135. From Interstate 29, take Exit 56, drive about 12 miles east on County Road 140, then go about a quarter mile north to the park entrance.
A South Dakota park entrance license is required for motorized vehicles. Current fees are $10 per vehicle for a resident daily license, $15 per vehicle for a nonresident daily license, $40 for a resident annual license, and $60 for a nonresident annual license. Camping and lodging fees are separate.
Fall is one of the best times to visit. The hardwood forest usually reaches its best color from late September into mid-October, and Newton Hills is known for its early October fall events, including FestiFall and the candlelight walk through the woods.