Newton Camping Guide

Harvey County West Park was developed in the late 1930's and early 40's along the sandhills and is the oldest of the three parks. It is approximatly 17.5 miles northwest of Newton on 310 arces. Located on the little Arkansas River, this heavily wooded park provides ample opportunity for enjoying the natural beauty of this area. No hunting is allowed here.

There is a 16 acre fishing lake stocked with crappie, channel catfish, sunfish, and largemouth bass. A swimming area with a sandy beach, camping pads with electrical hookups, covered picnic tables, enclosed shelters, picnic area, nature trails, softball diamonds, and a sand volleyball court are several of the atractions that make this a very popular place in the summertime.

Harvey County East Park was developed in 1972 after the voters authorized the Harvey County Commissioners to enter into an agreement with the State Sail Conservation Service for developing a recreational facility. From I-135, Newton exit 31, the park is located 6.25 miles east on First street and is spread out over 1,300 acres.

Activities in and around the 320 acre lake include nature trails, boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing for walleye, channel catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and sunfish. No hunting is allowed. Camping (electrical hookups available), rest rooms and showers, picnic areas, open and enclosed shelters, softball diamonds, and convenient boat ramps are a few of the features you'll find at Harvey County East Park.

Camp Hawk orginally began in 1945 but was not added as a County park until 1975. The park is located 2 miles south of Newton on I-135, Newton Exit 28 (McLains Rd), and 2 miles west on SW 36th street.

The 43 acre park contains a 4 acre pond stocked with channel catfish, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Park facilities include an enclosed shelter house (available by reservation) which contains a kitchenette, rest rooms, fireplace, and a large meeting room for 100 people. There are covered picnic tables, and outdoor basketball and volleyball court, playground and an 18 hole disc golf course. No hunting is allowed.