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Established Camping

Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground

9 Reviews

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 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.

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.

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.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground is located in Iowa

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

Wanatee Park (formerly Squaw Creek)

7 min away

Central Park

Central Park

31 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites 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

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Reviews

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9 Reviews

James M.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2025

Nice Park & CG off US-30

Park offers lots of amenities and recreation opportunities. Situated along the Cedar river, fishing and paddling can be done. Lots of trails, CG and cabins closed for winter season for improvements and online reservations. Campground offers pads, firings, electric, tables, and there is a dump station. Restrooms, shelters, overflow parking, and a youth campsite is available. Sites include tent and RV sites.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground by James M., January 18, 2025
  • Review photo of Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground by James M., January 18, 2025
  • Review photo of Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground by James M., January 18, 2025
  • (18) View All
Khenia F.
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2022

First time, one night

Super chill and plenty of space, especially for tents on site 39. Bathrooms are very nice and modern and clean, maintenance was very nice to let me shower before he could clean it. It was our only night there and we heard a lot of movements by the woods that it creeped us out but we were hearing haunted stories before arriving so the Halloween vibes was definitely there. Loads of shade and quiet nice neighbors.

Site39
Month of VisitSeptember
Danni J.
Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

Good hiking & fishing!

Lots of intense trails to explore but some tree were in the way due to a past storm. Close to cedar river for awesome fishing!

Site013
Month of VisitMay
Carrie V.
Reviewed May. 15, 2021

Will stay again!

The park is reopened! We have stayed here and will stay again. One of our favorite places to camp.

Site39
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Palisades-Kepler State Park Campground by Carrie V., May 15, 2021
R
Reviewed Feb. 20, 2021

Great park

Fun beginner hikes, As a local to the area it's a park i visit often

LeAnn D.
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2019

Maybe we hit a bad weekend

We made a reservation for a nice summer weekend but when we arrived someone was in our site. Luckily there was one more site available where the ranger asked us to stay instead since the other group was set up already. People were listening to loud music and chopping down green trees to burn. Overall sites are nice and park is pretty. Just not sure if we will go back - at least not on a busy weekend.

Amber R.
Reviewed Jun. 16, 2019

Great view

Campsites kinda small and hilly. Great hiking trails and views of the bluffs over the river.

Showing results 1-9 of 9 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Palisades Kepler State Park campground?

The campground offers campsites with level pads, fire rings, picnic tables, and electric hookups. Modern, clean bathroom facilities are available and regularly maintained. There's a dump station on-site for RV campers. Recreational amenities include hiking trails through wooded areas, fishing access to the Cedar River, and paddling opportunities. The park features a stone gazebo and scenic overlooks of the river bluffs. Note that the campground and facilities close during winter months for improvements, so availability is seasonal.

What do visitors say about Palisades Kepler State Park in their reviews?

Palisades Kepler State Park receives positive feedback for its beautiful hiking trails and scenic views along the Cedar River. Visitors particularly enjoy the stone gazebo and bluffs overlooking the river. The campground is described as peaceful with modern, clean bathrooms, though some mention the campsites can be somewhat small and hilly. The park offers excellent recreational opportunities including fishing and paddling on the Cedar River. While most experiences are positive, occasional issues with other campers not following rules have been noted during busy weekends.

Where is Palisades Kepler State Park located in Iowa?

Palisades Kepler State Park is located along the Cedar River in eastern Iowa. It's easily accessible for locals and visitors to the Cedar Rapids area. The park is known for its distinctive limestone bluffs and wooded terrain along the river corridor. Its proximity to the Cedar River makes it a popular destination for both day use and overnight camping.

Are there cabins available at Palisades Kepler State Park?

Yes, cabins are available at Palisades Kepler State Park. Like the campground, the cabins are closed during the winter season for improvements. For current availability and reservation information, it's recommended to check with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or use their online reservation system. The cabins provide an alternative accommodation option for visitors who prefer not to tent camp.

Where can I find a campground map for Palisades Kepler State Park?

Campground maps for Palisades Kepler State Park are available through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources website. Maps can also be obtained at the park entrance or from the park office during operating hours. When making online reservations through the Iowa DNR reservation system, you can view the campground layout to help select your site. For the most up-to-date maps and site-specific information, contact the park directly or visit the official Iowa State Parks website.

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