Campgrounds and RV parks near Doon, IA

Doon is a small town in Lyon County in the far northwest corner of Iowa, roughly a half hour from Sioux Falls and within easy reach of the South Dakota and Minnesota borders. The surrounding landscape is rolling prairie and river-bottom country along the Rock and Big Sioux Rivers, and most developed RV camping is found at nearby state parks rather than in Doon itself. The closest major public campground is Newton Hills State Park, about a half-hour drive northwest across the state line south of Canton, South Dakota. The park sits on the Coteau des Prairies, a strip of glacial hills and hardwood forest that contrasts sharply with the surrounding farmland. It offers a main campground with 126 campsites plus a separate horse camp, camping cabins, a modern cabin, and two group lodges. Closer to town, Gate City Lodging and Gate City Events & Lodging give travelers a base with lodging on site. About 40 miles north, Blue Mounds State Park in Minnesota adds a second state-park option with quartzite cliffs, a resident bison herd, and prairie hiking.

Newton Hills State Park sites are reserved through the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks system at Go Outdoors South Dakota or by phone. Campsites and camping cabins open 90 days before the arrival date, while modern lodges, modern cabins, and suites can be reserved up to a year ahead. A daily or annual park entrance license is required in addition to the site fee. Blue Mounds State Park is reserved through the Minnesota DNR state parks system. Campsite reservations open 120 days in advance, and same-day bookings are possible when sites are available. A Minnesota vehicle permit is required in addition to camping fees. Gate City Lodging and Gate City Events & Lodging are booked directly with the property. Summer weekends and holidays fill first, so lock in dates early.