Palisades-Kepler State Park

4.27

55 reviews

700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314, United States

Romantic GetawayScenic Views

Quick Facts

856 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Cabins available spr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens DISTRICT 5 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

856 ft

Price

$15 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Cabins available spr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens DISTRICT 5 site

Official Website

Get Directions

Palisades-Kepler State Park

$15.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $15 for primitive sites to $35 for full hookup sites.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 55 reviews

1369 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomswell-maintained

"User reviews consistently praise the park's natural beauty, variety of trails, and clean facilities. However, complaints about site proximity, maintenance issues, and campground hosts were also noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314, United States

Palisades-Kepler State Park

700 Kepler Drive, Mount Vernon, Iowa, 52314, United States

Driving directionsFrom 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.

Accessible directly off Highway 30, with a well-marked entrance. The roads to the park appear to be paved with no mention of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.

Nearby places

Mount Vernon (4 miles, ~7-minute drive), Cedar Rapids (12 miles, ~20-minute drive), Marion (~12 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, fuel, firewood, and snacks are available within 10 miles, along with retail stores such as Hardee's, Casey's, and Subway.

Best Time to Camp at Palisades-Kepler State Park

Experience the park's ever-changing personality throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the bluffs and creating perfect conditions for peaceful solitude. Spring awakens the forest floor with vibrant wildflower displays and gentle rains that refresh the trails. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for river activities, though afternoon showers often provide welcome relief. Autumn paints the hardwood canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise with crisp air and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for boating, swimming and cabins; positive summer reviews and activities available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Popular for cabins and autumn foliage; reviewers highlight seasonal views and hikes.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and cabin stays but reviewers note mud and trail conditions at times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Winter offers snowy scenery but cabins closed and trails cited as muddy/difficult after snowmelt.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Cabins available spring to fall; two-day minimum in spring/fall and weekly rentals during summer.
Current Alerts: Null

About Palisades-Kepler State Park

Nestled along the Cedar River, Palisades-Kepler State Park beckons adventurers with a perfect blend of modern comfort and natural wonder. Choose from electric and non-electric campsites beneath towering hardwoods, or retreat to cozy rental cabins after days spent exploring winding hiking trails. Modern restroom and shower facilities ensure comfort during your stay, while the park's ancient Indian Mounds and fossil-rich landscapes whisper stories of Iowa's deep past. Every turn reveals another scenic river vista, making this a true gem for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.

The park provides a variety of camping options, including electric, non-electric, and primitive sites, as well as cabins for rent. Seasonal variations apply to cabin rentals.

Historical SignificanceStep back through millennia at Palisades-Kepler, where ancient mysteries await discovery. The park's sacred Indian Mounds stand as silent sentinels, preserving the legacy of indigenous peoples who once called this land home. Beneath your feet lie fossils dating back millions of years, including the remarkable discovery of a mammoth molar tooth that connects visitors to Iowa's prehistoric past. These archaeological treasures transform every hike into a journey through time, where each fossil-laden rock tells a story of ancient seas and ice age giants.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's ever-changing personality throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the bluffs and creating perfect conditions for peaceful solitude. Spring awakens the forest floor with vibrant wildflower displays and gentle rains that refresh the trails. Summer brings warm, humid days ideal for river activities, though afternoon showers often provide welcome relief. Autumn paints the hardwood canopy in brilliant golds and crimsons, creating a photographer's paradise with crisp air and moderate temperatures perfect for hiking.

ElevationNull

Natural Features and SceneryDramatic limestone bluffs rise majestically above the Cedar River, creating a landscape that captivates at every glance. Deep ravines carved by centuries of flowing water harbor secret groves of towering hardwoods, their canopy creating cathedral-like spaces filled with dappled light. In spring and summer, carpets of native wildflowers paint the forest floor in nature's palette, while sandy river bars invite exploration and quiet contemplation. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing canvas that rewards visitors in every season.

Geological RegionPerched along the Cedar River in Linn County, Iowa, Palisades-Kepler showcases the dramatic results of millions of years of geological artistry. Towering river bluffs and deep ravines reveal layers of ancient history, while fossil-laden limestone tells tales of prehistoric seas that once covered the region. Majestic hardwood forests crown the bluffs, their roots anchored in soil enriched by countless seasons. Vibrant wildflower communities thrive in this diverse ecosystem, while the presence of ancient Indian Mounds adds a layer of human history to this geological wonderland, making every visit a journey through both natural and cultural time.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Null

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

No details about group camping sites were provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNull

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations available for picnic shelters and cabins.

Walk-in AvailabilityNull

Cancellation PolicyNull

AccessibilityThe park features modern restrooms and reportedly offers handicap access, but no additional details on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were provided.

Site SizeNo specific details about the size of the campsites are mentioned, but some reviewers noted that sites could be more level or too close together.

PrivacyPrivacy varies across the park, with some reviewers stating that sites are 'really close together' and others appreciating the secluded picnic shelters.

Recommended SitesNull

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Palisades-Kepler State Park offers a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park also provides picnic areas, a lodge for events, and opportunities for birdwatching and rock climbing. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy seasonal wildflowers and vibrant autumn foliage.

HikingThe park features nearly six miles of trails that traverse rugged terrain, offering opportunities to see wildflowers, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys. One reviewer noted, 'The paths were well-constructed with fossil rocks that have textures on them that make for good grip.' However, some trails, like Campers Trail, were described as overgrown and not well-maintained.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is permitted along the Cedar River, with a wide variety of species available, including channel catfish, bass, and walleye. Sandbars and picnic areas offer convenient access. One reviewer noted, 'The fishing was off the hook!'

SwimmingSwimming is allowed in the Cedar River, but visitors are warned about strong currents. A reviewer shared, 'The current here can be strong... always wear a life vest.'

BoatingThe park has a modern boat-launching ramp for convenient river access, allowing for boating and other water activities.

Wildlife viewingVisitors can observe a variety of wildlife, such as bald eagles, whitetail deer, and wild turkeys. One reviewer remarked on the abundance of bald eagles, calling it 'such a treat to see so many of them here!'

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCedar River currents pose risks for swimmers. Wildlife may enter campsites. Muddy paths after snowmelt can be difficult for hiking.

Active AlertsNull

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire grills.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Null

Emergency ServicesMedical Clinic within 10 miles. Closest hospitals are beyond 10 miles. Police services likely handled by Linn County or local towns.

Trash & RecyclingTrash dumpsters are available on-site, but no specific recycling options were mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe park is situated along the Cedar River, which offers fishing, boating, and sandbar access.

Camp HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, offering local insights and maintaining clean facilities.

Weather at Palisades-Kepler State Park

Reviews

4.3

55 reviews

Satisfactory

Palisades-Kepler State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the park's natural beauty, variety of trails, and clean facilities. However, complaints about site proximity, maintenance issues, and campground hosts were also noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 55 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlighted the park's cleanliness, scenic trails, abundant wildlife, and well-maintained facilities. Many appreciated the modern amenities, such as AC-equipped cabins and clean restrooms.

Based on 55 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints included the close proximity of campsites, maintenance inconsistencies, and unhelpful or unfriendly park staff. One user mentioned an issue with DNR personnel allegedly targeting a...

Based on 55 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommended wearing footwear for the beach, bringing a walking stick for muddy trails, and using life vests in the river due to strong currents. One reviewer suggested avoiding Campers Trail...

Based on 55 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are popular for cabin stays and enjoying seasonal views like wildflowers and autumn foliage. Winter reviews emphasized the mud and difficulty of trails after snowmelt. Summer is noted...

Based on 55 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The fishing was off the hook!' 2. 'The view of the Cedar River from the lookout point is breathtaking!' 3. 'The paths were well-constructed with fossil rocks that have textures on them that make...

Based on 55 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Some reviewers mentioned that campsites are closely packed, with '15 feet at most maybe between campsites.' Several praised the proximity of trails to the campsites.

Based on 55 reviews