Fishing and paddling opportunities along the Cedar River draw outdoor enthusiasts to Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground, where forested sites accommodate everything from tents to large RVs up to 91 feet. The campground operates from April through December and provides electric, water, and sewer hookups alongside standard amenities like restrooms, showers, and a dump station.
Sites vary in size and terrain, with some positioned on hillier ground that may challenge setup. James M. notes the campground "offers pads, firings, electric, tables" and confirms river access for fishing and paddling. The forested setting provides shade cover, though campers should expect natural sounds from the surrounding woods during evening hours.
Multiple hiking trails wind through the park, offering views of bluffs overlooking the Cedar River. Recent storms have left some tree debris on certain trails. The park includes shelters, overflow parking areas, and a designated youth camping section. Modern restroom facilities receive positive feedback from visitors for cleanliness and maintenance.
Reservations are available and recommended for busy periods. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore campsites near Ely about five miles away. Pets are welcome throughout the campground, and campfires are permitted at individual sites.
Description
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.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
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.
If you are unable to reserve a cabin online because the reservation window has closed, you must call the park office at 319-895-6039 regarding cabin availability. All last minute cabin rentals must be a minimum of 2 nights, are handled by park staff and must be done prior to arriving at the park.
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. Park staff will attend the viewings to answer questions.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPalisades-Kepler State Park Campground 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
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/23/26- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/23/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/23/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 4/23/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/23/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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, IA
- 26 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 3 min from Dubuque, IA
- 1 hr 8 min from Davenport, IA
