Palisades-kepler State Park
Open for the 2026 camping season. The campground operates April 1 through November 15 and is closed November 16 through March 31. All 47 sites are 100% reservable through ReserveAmerica. Check-in is 4:00 p.m., check-out is 3:00 p.m. Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:40AM CDT until September 23 at 3:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The Flood Watch continues for the following rivers in Iowa... Wapsipinicon River near Anamosa Shaw Rd affecting Linn, Cedar and Jones Counties. * WHAT...Flooding is possible. * WHERE...Wapsipinicon River near Anamosa Shaw Rd. * WHEN...From Monday evening to Wednesday afternoon. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:15 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 13.8 feet and steady. - Forecast...Flood stage may be reached late Monday evening. - Flood stage is 14.5 feet.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:24AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall overnight continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside and Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rains have ended over the area, but many area creeks are running high and in some cases, are flooding this morning. This areal flooding will continue this morning, with additional rainfall amounts under one quarter inch.
Flood Warning issued September 20 at 7:55AM CDT until September 20 at 1:45PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...Benton County in east central Iowa... Northern Cedar County in east central Iowa... Northern Iowa County in east central Iowa... Northern Johnson County in east central Iowa... Jones County in east central Iowa... Linn County in east central Iowa... * WHEN...Until 145 PM CDT. * IMPACTS...Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall. Low-water crossings are inundated with water and may not be passable. Expect many areas of slow moving or standing water. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 755 AM CDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to Runoff from recent heavy rain will lead to flooding of low- lying spots, urban areas, small streams and creeks and poor- drainage areas. The threat for heavy rain has ended, but runoff will delay fall of water levels and improvement in conditions. . Flooding is already occurring in the warned area. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Cedar Rapids, Anamosa, Vinton, Marengo, Mechanicsville, Stanwood, Marion, Hiawatha, Mount Vernon, Robins, Belle Plaine, Center Point, Lisbon, Fairfax, Solon, Ely, Atkins, Walford, Springville and Palo. - This includes Interstate 380 between mile markers 8 and 36.
About
Palisades-Kepler State Park occupies 840 acres along the Cedar River in Linn County, showcasing some of Iowa's most dramatic limestone bluffs and deep ravines. The park is named for the palisade-like rock formations that rise above the river and naturalist Louis Kepler, who advocated for its preservation. Majestic hardwood forests, diverse wildflowers, and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. The campground provides 47 total sites across multiple categories: 23 standard electric sites with 20/30/50-amp service, 9 non-electric sites, 3 tent-only sites, and 4 buddy sites for smaller RVs camping together. Four modern family cabins are also available. All sites include fire rings and picnic tables. Facilities include modern restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and water hydrants throughout. Pull-through sites can accommodate rigs up to 91 feet. Six miles of hiking trails wind through the park's rugged terrain, offering access to scenic overlooks, rock formations popular with climbers, and quiet spots along the river. A boat ramp provides access for fishing and paddling on the Cedar River. The park operates seasonally from April 1 through November 15, with all sites reservable through ReserveAmerica up to three months in advance.
Directions
Located 10 miles east of Cedar Rapids or 4 miles west of Mount Vernon via US Highway 30. The park address is 700 Kepler Dr, Mount Vernon, IA 52314.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 - $350 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 91ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Palisades_Kepler@dnr.iowa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (319) 895-6039 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!