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Palisades-Kepler
Overview
Palisades-Kepler State Park offers a striking landscape defined by its exposed limestone bluffs and dense hardwood forests along the Cedar River. Established in the early 20th century, this park preserves a rugged stretch of terrain that feels worlds away from the surrounding Iowa farmland. It provides a peaceful retreat for travelers who appreciate historic CCC architecture and river-focused recreation in a natural, undisturbed setting.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles from the charming town of Mount Vernon, the park occupies a prime position along the banks of the Cedar River. The surrounding landscape transitions from rolling agricultural hills to dramatic vertical cliffs, offering varied topography for visitors to explore. Its proximity to Highway 30 makes it an accessible stop for those traveling across the state, yet the deep woods provide a quiet, secluded atmosphere that feels remote.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground accommodates RVers with various sites that integrate well into the forest canopy. While the park maintains a rustic vibe, travelers have access to essential modern amenities:
- Electric-only sites featuring 50-amp service for larger rigs.
- Access to modern restrooms and showers during the peak season.
- A central dump station and potable water fill-up area.
The park also features a stone lodge available for rental and several picnic shelters that showcase the craftsmanship of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Anglers often visit the park to fish for channel catfish and walleye, while hikers enjoy the scenic cliff-side overlooks that provide views of the river below. Just a short drive away, the town of Mount Vernon offers boutique shopping and local dining near the Cornell College campus. For those seeking more urban experiences, the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area is within twenty minutes, providing access to the National Czech & Slovak Museum and the historic Brucemore estate.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for RVers who prioritize natural beauty and hiking over resort-style amenities like pools or clubhouses. It is a fantastic choice for bird watchers and photographers who want to capture the unique geology of eastern Iowa. Because of the winding park roads and mature trees, it is best suited for those seeking a rustic state park experience where the focus remains on outdoor exploration and quiet evenings by the river.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Audrey Lindquist
We camped for one night. It was very nice. Good bathrooms and showers. Nice hiking trails
Nas Ronquillo
We absolutely enjoyed our time at this park. The trails can be a little challenging but otherwise they have great views!
Kim Hemm
This Park is beautiful. Surrounded by thick timber. Road down to the cedar river where there are several picnic areas with tables & grills. Across the river is a beautiful stone cabin way up on the top of the bluff. The bluffs & rock formations are beautiful & have small caves in the bluff walls. It's so quiet & relaxing to watch the river twinkle in the sunlight. There's also some trails that go throughout the park. Up front is lodge that can be rented out for wedding, family reunions. Very nice place.
Tammy Bayer
Beautiful park with short trails. Easy accessibility from CR/Mt Vernon area. Roads could be marked better. Trails could use some more cleanup, but they are good to hike. Cedar Cliff Trail, listed on the map as ‘hard’ has a couple of stretches of uphill/downhill, including one long staircase. Some stairs are angled and slick.
Emily Ostwinkle
Very picturesque park with well-maintained trails. There are several restrooms and benches spread throughout. It's on the smaller side for a state park and can pretty easily be done in a day or weekend. Well worth a visit!