Established Camping
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Open to the Public, No Reservation Needed, Lodge Viewings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. October 2025 lodge viewing is scheduled for Thursday 10/16/2025. Park staff will attend the viewings to answer questions.
This campground is 100 percent reservable and accepts reservations April 1 - November 15 until 10:00 pm CST the day of arrival.
The campground is closed each year from November 16 - March 31.
Palisades-Kepler State Park, near Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying some modern comforts. With a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and even cabins, there's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out.
The campground boasts clean and modern bathroom facilities, which visitors have praised for their upkeep. Many campers have enjoyed the spaciousness of the sites, especially those with ample shade, making it a great place to relax and unwind. One camper noted, “Super chill and plenty of space,” highlighting the peaceful vibe that many have experienced here.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers excellent hiking trails that wind through beautiful wooded areas and alongside the Cedar River, perfect for fishing. Reviewers have mentioned the stunning views and the variety of trails available, making it a great place to explore. As one visitor put it, “Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river.”
If you're planning a visit, keep in mind that the park is open from April to December, so there's plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're roasting marshmallows by the fire or taking a leisurely stroll along the river, Palisades-Kepler State Park is a solid choice for your next camping adventure.
Description
DNR - Parks
Palisades-Kepler State Park
Palisades-Kepler State Park lies along the beautiful Cedar River in Linn County. The 840 acre park has dramatic river bluffs, deep ravines, majestic hardwood trees, a large variety of wildflowers and an abundance of wildlife.
This park has a historic past. A molar tooth of a mammoth was once found here and the exposed rocks along the Cedar River are laden with fossils of millions of years of history. The presence of Indian Mounds reminds us that this was a favorite haunt of Native Americans hundreds of years ago.
Cabin renters must provide their own bedding, pillows, towels, toiletry items, cooking utensils, pots and pans and dinnerware. Parking is not allowed along the roadways. Fires are not allowed on the sandbars of the river. Fires are only allowed in the fire grills provided in the park. Swimming is allowed in the Cedar River, but dangerous currents warrant using extreme caution.
Location
Palisades-Kepler State Park is located in Iowa
Directions
From Cedar Rapids, travel east 10 miles. The Palisades entrance is well marked and is directly off of Highway 30. From Mount Vernon, travel west 4 miles on Highway 30 to the park entrance.
Address
700 Kepler Drive
Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Coordinates
41.90900048 N
91.508 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonPoor
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 10 min from Cedar Rapids
- 26 min from Iowa City
- 1 hr 3 min from Dubuque
- 1 hr 8 min from Davenport
