Newton Hills adds first modern lodge for campers

Pigeon605 Staff

February 22, 2021

newton hills

By Patrick Lalley, for Pigeon605

There’s a new option at Newton Hills State Park for campers who like their outdoor experience a little less rustic.

The first of what will be many modern lodges in the state parks system is available for reservations.

The “lodge” is more like a small house with two bedrooms, a full bath and a kitchen.

newton hills

It also comes a fire ring, gas grill and everything you need for a weekend getaway.

Just bring your own linens.

“It’s a beautiful view,” said Jason Baumann, district supervisor for South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. “The essence of Newton Hills.”

newton hills

The park is 30 miles south of Sioux Falls, making it a favorite among weekend campers and outdoor day-trippers.

Newton Hills is a forested oasis among the surrounding prairie and farmland. The hills and ravines were formed by glaciers, part of the geological formation called the Coteau des Prairie, which spans the eastern edge of South Dakota.

The lodge rents for $150 a night and can sleep up to eight people.

newton hills

The size and price point are right in the middle of what previously was available, Baumann said.

The state parks system has basic cabins with heat, air conditioning and a couple of beds, which rent for $55 a night. There are also a few large lodges, such as one at Newton Hills that sleeps 12 and rents for $280.

The new modern version is perfect for a family, Baumann said.

“We really had nothing in between, and we felt like we were missing something,” he said.

While Newton Hills is the first park with one of the new lodges, expect to see them gradually spread through the system.

newton hills

Palisades State Park, just 20 miles northeast of Sioux Falls, is in the midst of an expansion that will more than double the acreage. Modern lodges are part of those plans as well. Another is under construction at Pickerel Lake in northeast South Dakota.

Additions will continue as budgets allow, Baumann said. “It’s a slow process.”

All outdoor and camping options are in demand in the area. COVID-19 restrictions on indoor activities have pushed people outside more than ever before.

Newton Hills had a record year in 2020 with visitation up 72 percent, Baumann said.

“We understand that COVID is horrible and caused a lot of hardship for people,” he said. “In the state parks system, we are proud we can offer people a place they can come out and enjoy the outdoors, get away and recreate safely.”

Reservations for camping of all types can be made here.

For information on the modern lodge at Newton Hills, including photos, click here.

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