🌤 Weather at Newton Hills State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22–70 °F | 58–83 °F | 23–74 °F | 6–31 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Canton, 6 mi away, elevation 1,316 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Whether you need somewhere just to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, or a place that provides you with an active outdoor experience, Newton Hills State Park offers something for everyone.
Situated in southeastern South Dakota, just a 40 minute drive south of Sioux Falls, the park encompasses over 2,000 spectacular acres of rolling hills, scenic bluffs and wooded valleys.
A haven for those who enjoy hiking, there are several trails that run through the park, including some that lead to overlooks with jaw-dropping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. In addition to the hiking trails, fishing is also a popular activity. As is birding, with the park being noted as an excellent spot to observe several species of migratory birds.
One of the more popular state parks in South Dakota, Newtown Hills is visited by thousands of people every year from all over the USA.
To accommodate them, there is a splendid campground onsite that has both electrical and non-electrical sites and a range of modern amenities, which are designed to ensure guests have a comfortable stay.
Activities
For visitors to Newton Hills, the park has several draws when it comes to leisure and outdoor recreational activities.
Here is a quick overview of some of the best things you can see and do during your time there.
Fishing at Newton Hills State Park
If you are a keen angler you should bring your rods and reels with you to Newtown Hills State Park.
Fishing is a popular activity at the park, providing visitors with a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a fun and relaxing outdoor activity.
Its fishing pond is stocked with a variety of fish species, including catfish, bass, and bluegill, all of which bite regularly.
Visitors to the park are welcome to bring their own fishing gear or rent equipment from the park office.
In order to cast a line, they need a valid South Dakota fishing license if they are over the age of 16. They will also need to abide by the park’s fishing regulations, including size and catch limits.
Hiking at Newton Hills State Park
For those who want to explore into the heart of the park, there are several hiking trails that wind their way through it.
These trails vary in terms of degrees of difficulty and length, but they all showcase a different aspect of the park’s stunning topography.
If you can only tackle one trail during your time at the park, make it the Newton Hills Trail. Stretching for about 3.5 miles, it takes you through the park’s rolling hills and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Other trails lead to scenic overlooks that provide panoramic views of the picturesque countryside.
Whichever trail you plan to attempt, be sure to wear appropriate footwear and a hat, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during the warmer months.
You should also bring your camera or smartphone with you as you will want to take lots of photos and videos of the park’s scenic beauty.
Birding at Newton Hills State Park
Many people come to Newton Hills State Park specifically for birding.
Throughout its landscapes are various habitats that are conducive for housing several bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.
Some of the breeds you can see include songbirds such as the American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, and Northern Cardinal. Game birds like Wild Turkey and Northern Bobwhite are also prevalent too, whilst migratory birds including warblers, vireos, and flycatchers can be spotted at certain times of the year.
Birders are encouraged to bring a field guide and binoculars to help identify the different species they see. To give yourself the best chance of spotting them you should wear clothes that blend in with the environment.
Nature & Wildlife
Nature and wildlife are a big part of the experience at Newton Hills State Park, providing visitors with the opportunity to connect with the natural world and observe a variety of species in their native habitat.
The park’s varied terrain houses a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, raccoons and squirrels.
Visitors to the park can enjoy wildlife watching from several trails and overlooks, or they can simply sit and relax while observing the wildlife from their campsite or picnic area.
Pets
At Newton Hills State Park, dogs and cats can stay with you in Cabins 1, 2 and 7 and on the main floor of the lodge for a pet accommodation fee (South Dakota pet-friendly cabins list).
South Dakota State Parks rules apply: in campgrounds, keep your pet under immediate control and on a leash no longer than 10 feet from April 1 through September 30; from October 1 through March 31 a leash is not mandatory there, but your pet must stay under your immediate control. Outside campgrounds, your pet may go off leash only if it stays under your immediate control and more than 200 feet away from other park users and camping units. Pets other than service animals are not allowed on designated swimming beaches or in park buildings, including welcome centers and comfort stations, and you must clean up after your pet (South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks regulations, as of October 2026).
Camping
Camping at Newton Hills State Park provides a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of its natural landscape.
The park’s campground is set within rolling hills, wooded valleys, and scenic bluffs. Within it you will find both electrical and non-electrical sites for tents and RVs.
Amenities at this campground include picnic tables, fire pits, and restroom facilities. Campers can also purchase firewood and other essentials at the park office, and there is also a dump station available for those with RVs.
As the campsite gets busy, visitors are encouraged to reserve their spots in as far in advance of their arrival as possible, especially during the peak summer months, as the campground can fill up quickly.
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing the different campsites at Newton Hills State Park:
Park Location
Newton Hills State Park
28767 482nd Ave
Canton, SD 57013
Phone: 605.987.2263
Map
Explore More South Dakota State Parks
Newton Hills State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in South Dakota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in South Dakota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Nearby parks: If you have extra time, Lake Alvin Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive, and Good Earth State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Newton Hills State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 126 sites — 126 campsites: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. 10 separate horse campsites (Newton Hills Horse Camp). Showers and flush toilets available (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 11 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen (bring bedding/sleeping bag, cooking gear, water container). 1 modern cabin at $185/night with full kitchen (stove, oven, refrigerator, sink, microwave) and WiFi. 2 group lodges at $280/night (4 bedrooms, sleeps 12; additional occupants $10/person). |
| Pets | Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings, including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations. |
| Reservations | Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. Cancellation: campsites forfeit half of one night's fee if canceled within 7 days of arrival; cabins/lodges forfeit half of one night's fee if canceled within 30 days. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year. |
| Special sites | ADA-accessible camping cabins, campsites, group lodge and showers. Dump station on site. Maximum stay 14 consecutive nights; maximum campsite occupancy 6 people. |
| Season notes | Open year-round. Between Oct. 1 and April 30, showers, flush toilets and other water systems may be closed; vault toilets remain open year-round. |
Camping questions about Newton Hills State Park
Can you camp at Newton Hills State Park?
Yes. Newton Hills State Park has 126 campsites. 126 campsites: electrical sites $30/night, non-electrical (tent-only) sites $16/night. 10 separate horse campsites (Newton Hills Horse Camp). Showers and flush toilets available (may close Oct. 1-April 30); vault toilets remain open year-round.
How do you reserve a campsite at Newton Hills State Park?
Book online at reservations.gooutdoorssouthdakota.com (campsd.com) or call 1.800.710.2267. Reservation window opens 90 days before arrival. Phone reservations carry a $6 non-refundable fee; nonresident sites carry an additional $10 non-refundable fee. Cancellation: campsites forfeit half of one night's fee if canceled within 7 days of arrival; cabins/lodges forfeit half of one night's fee if canceled within 30 days. South Dakota park entry license required per vehicle: residents $10/day or $40/year, nonresidents $15/day or $60/year.
Are there cabins at Newton Hills State Park?
11 camping cabins at $60/night: heat, A/C, electricity, bunk bed plus double bed, table and benches, fire grate, picnic table, porch; no restroom, running water, linens or kitchen (bring bedding/sleeping bag, cooking gear, water container). 1 modern cabin at $185/night with full kitchen (stove, oven, refrigerator, sink, microwave) and WiFi. 2 group lodges at $280/night (4 bedrooms, sleeps 12; additional occupants $10/person).
Are pets allowed at the Newton Hills State Park campground?
Statewide SD GFP rule applies: April 1-Sept. 30 pets must be under immediate control on a leash no longer than 10 ft; Oct. 1-March 31 leash not mandatory but pet must be under immediate control. Pets (except service animals) prohibited on swimming beaches and in park buildings, including camping cabins, lodges and comfort stations.
Source: gfp.sd.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Newton Hills State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- April 1 - September 30: leash no longer than 10 ft required at all times; October 1 - March 31: leash optional but pets must be under immediate control
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets (except service animals) are not allowed on designated swimming beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs and cats allowed in pet-designated lodges, cabins and suites (roughly 40 parks/recreation areas have designated pet-friendly cabins) with payment of a pet accommodation fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No day-use or camping pet fee; a pet accommodation fee is charged for pet-designated lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited in all park buildings and on the Summit Trail at Bear Butte State Park
Are dogs allowed at Newton Hills State Park?
Pets are allowed in South Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including campgrounds and most trails, but not in park buildings or on designated swim beaches. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via gfp.sd.gov. More: South Dakota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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