Newton Hills State Park

Newton Hills is a very family-friendly state park and campground located not too far off I-29 in the southeast corner of the state. The park is very family friendly with 4 playgrounds and family activities, including kids' movies on the Friday night that we were there. The park office rents bikes for use in the park and also sells firewood. The park emailed event information and confirmations in advance of our visit. They also attached a welcome packet with event information and maps on the post at our campsite. We stayed for one night in the Nuthatch Loop, near the showerhouse. We were able to level out our trailer at site 23E by parking near the edge of the site instead of the center. The park has about 120 sites as well as small cabins for rent. It was at about 80% occupancy on a Friday night in August. The park has a few small hiking trails (easy hikes) and one longer multi-use trail. Trailheads are very well marked. Cell reception in the campground was weak, but we were able to get a decent cell signal and even wi-fi at the park office at the entrance to the park.

It was absolutely lovely. We enjoyed every part of it! The trails were stunning. We were in a tent and got a tent camping site. It was so clean and very nice. The showers where grate as well. The only downside to our trip was we couldn't find a place to swim. :(

The park itself was nice. was hassled by a park employee while setting up camp regarding the trailer I was hauling my side by side on. what I don't understand about these workers is you can see that I'm actively trying to set up vamp. why not circle back after you see that camp is setup to tell us where to park our vehicles? something to work on there. also the firewood situation with the state parks is getting out of control. something seriously needs to be done about this. make firewood affordable again or let us bring our own. it's taking all the fun out of camping at state parks.

This was a lovely little park to spend an afternoon. There are multiple trails to choose from and if you go to the D trails it gets a little more hilly for a challenge. I did feel the price of $8 is pretty steep for such a small location when so many parks out there are free for everyone to enjoy (and much larger at that). I do support paying to enter parks in order to maintain trails, facilities, and things of the like. Speaking of, the trails are not marked very well. I'm an avid hiker and got myself lost even when using the maps along the trail route. I did find my way back, but maybe use some of those funds to update the worn away and confusing map system! :) All in all I enjoyed my little visit. If you park out by the horse trails it's a bit more secluded.

2024: The lake is back! The beach is in pretty rough shape. Hopefully they haul in sand soon. Also a ton of weeds and seaweed, which is to be expected, but makes it hard to kayak, fish, and swim. The front office folk are the friendliest park workers we have met yet. So helpful and kind! Our first time camping here did not disappoint. There are beautiful secluded spots for tents, nice cabins, and plenty of electric sites. And you can camp without your phone barely buzzing!! Haha! Not much cell service in the whole park! 2023 Note: there is NO lake, no swimming, no fishing, etc. It is dried up. Besides that, beautiful hiking trails and a great time finding "Sasquatch ". Looks like a wonderful place to bring horses to trail ride!