State Parks Near Newton, Iowa
11 state park units lie within 50 miles of Newton. The closest is Rock Creek State Park, about 11 mi northeast of town. 2 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.
- Closest park
- Rock Creek State Park11 mi northeast
- Within 25 miles
- 2of 11 within 50 mi
- With camping
- 95 with cabins
- Dog-friendly
- 0pets allowed
State parks near Newton, nearest first
Straight-line distance from central Newton; driving distance is usually longer.
Rock Creek State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, and fishing. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Rock Creek State Park →Elk Rock State Park
Popular activities here are horseback riding and boating. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, equestrian camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Elk Rock State Park →Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park
Visitors come for boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp and a fishing pier.
Hours, fees and rules for Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park →Union Grove State Park
Visitors come for boating and hiking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Overnight options include campsites, with RV sites with full hookups and showers. There are also cabins for rent.
Hours, fees and rules for Union Grove State Park →Big Creek State Park
The park supports golf, disc golf, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Big Creek State Park →Walnut Woods State Park
Popular activities here are boating, wildlife watching, hiking, and picnicking. Water access includes a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups and group camping. Roofed lodging includes lodge rooms.
Hours, fees and rules for Walnut Woods State Park →Lake Keomah State Park
The park supports swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Keomah State Park →Lake Ahquabi State Park
Visitors come for canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.
Hours, fees and rules for Lake Ahquabi State Park →Pine Lake State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach and a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Pine Lake State Park →Ledges State Park
Things to do include hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers.
Hours, fees and rules for Ledges State Park →Red Haw State Park
Things to do include swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Water access includes a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with electric hookups and showers).
Hours, fees and rules for Red Haw State Park →
Best picks by activity
Camping near Newton
- Rock Creek State Park 11 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Elk Rock State Park 21 mi south · Campground listed
- Union Grove State Park 34 mi northeast · Campground listed
- Walnut Woods State Park 38 mi west · Campground listed
- Lake Keomah State Park 38 mi southeast · Campground listed
+ 4 more in the list above
Cabins and lodging near Newton
- Union Grove State Park 34 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Walnut Woods State Park 38 mi west · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Keomah State Park 38 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 40 mi southwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
- Pine Lake State Park 47 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays
Swimming near Newton
- Rock Creek State Park 11 mi northeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Big Creek State Park 37 mi west · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Keomah State Park 38 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 40 mi southwest · Beach, pool or swim area
- Pine Lake State Park 47 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area
+ 1 more in the list above
Hiking near Newton
- Rock Creek State Park 11 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park 32 mi southwest · Hiking trails listed
- Union Grove State Park 34 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
- Big Creek State Park 37 mi west · Hiking trails listed
- Walnut Woods State Park 38 mi west · Hiking trails listed
+ 5 more in the list above
Fishing near Newton
- Rock Creek State Park 11 mi northeast · Fishing listed
- Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park 32 mi southwest · Fishing listed
- Big Creek State Park 37 mi west · Fishing listed
- Lake Keomah State Park 38 mi southeast · Fishing listed
- Lake Ahquabi State Park 40 mi southwest · Fishing listed
+ 2 more in the list above
Questions about state parks near Newton
What is the closest state park to Newton?
Rock Creek State Park is the closest, about 11 miles northeast of Newton in a straight line. Next are Elk Rock State Park and Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park.
How many state parks are near Newton?
11 state park units are within 50 miles, and 2 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.
Which state parks near Newton have camping?
9 parks list camping, the nearest being Rock Creek State Park, Elk Rock State Park and Union Grove State Park. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.
Are dogs allowed at state parks near Newton?
None of the parks listed here say dogs are allowed. Check each park page before bringing a pet.
Are there free state parks near Newton?
None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.
State parks near other cities
- Near Des Moines, IA31 mi west
- Near Oskaloosa, IA35 mi southeast
- Near Ames, IA38 mi northwest
- Near Ottumwa, IA57 mi southeast
- Near Waterloo, IA65 mi northeast
- Near Cedar Rapids, IA72 mi east
- Near Iowa City, IA78 mi east
- Near Fort Dodge, IA81 mi northwest
Or see all Iowa state parks or every city we cover.
Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.