State Parks

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Newton Hills State Park

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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
  • Biking
  • Birdwatching
  • Boating
  • Camping
  • Canoeing/Kayaking
  • Cross country skiing
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Horseback Riding
  • Horseshoes
  • Paddleboarding
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Volleyball
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Fees

  • Daily: $6 per vehicle
  • Annual: $30 first vehicle | $15 for second vehicle | $65 transferable license
  • Campsites - electrical: $19
  • Campsites - non-electrical: $15
  • Camping Cabins: $40 per night
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Park Specs

Open: Year-round

Park Size: 126 campsites, 9 cabins (each sleeps 4 people) and 10 horse campsites

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

  • Beach
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Boat Ramp
  • Campground
  • Camping cabins
  • Drinking water
  • Event tent rentals
  • Fishing dock
  • Fishing pole checkout
  • Floating water mat rental
  • Flush toilets/showers
  • Game checkout
  • Horse camp
  • Kayak Rentals
  • Lodge
  • Paddleboard rentals
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Playground
  • Snowshoe checkout
  • Stage for events
  • Vault toilets
  • Warming shelter
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Park Rating


GPS Coordinates

GPS Coordinates
Latitude: 43.21904
Longitude: -96.57019
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