Palisades-kepler State Park

Closed — Closed for the season November 16 through March 31. Reopens April 1, 2026. Reservations accepted April 1 through November 15 via Iowa State Parks online reservation system. The campground is 100% reservable and requires advance reservations.

About

Palisades-Kepler State Park encompasses 840 acres along the scenic Cedar River, just 10 miles east of Cedar Rapids. The park showcases dramatic limestone bluffs, deep ravines, and majestic hardwood forests that create stunning vistas, particularly in mid-October when black maple trees turn golden. Native American mounds mark the area's ancient history, and fossils embedded in riverside rocks tell stories of millions of years past. Established in 1922 and expanded in 1928 through Louis H. Kepler's estate donation, the park features rustic structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, including a limestone lodge available for event rentals. Nearly six miles of rugged trails wind through diverse wildlife habitats where spring wildflowers, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey can be spotted. The campground offers 47 total sites including 23 electric sites, 9 non-electric sites, 3 tent-only sites, and 4 buddy sites. Pull-through sites accommodate larger rigs, with driveways ranging from 38 to 91 feet. Modern shower and restroom facilities serve campers, along with a dump station. Four air-conditioned modern cabins provide an alternative lodging option with showers, restrooms, and small kitchens. Cedar River recreation includes fishing for channel catfish, bass, and walleye from shore or boat via the modern boat ramp.

Directions

From Cedar Rapids, travel east 10 miles on U.S. Highway 30. 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.

Nearby Campgrounds