🌤 Weather at Cedar Rock State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–70 °F | 59–82 °F | 26–73 °F | 9–30 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Charles City, 10 mi away, elevation 993 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Cedar Rock State Park is a public state park in Iowa near Independence in Buchanan County County. Spanning 423 acres and established in 1981, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Iowa |
| Nearest City | Independence |
| County | Buchanan County |
| Park Size | 423 acres |
| Established | 1981 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Cedar Rock State Park is located near Independence, Iowa. The park’s coordinates are 42.9167, -92.6500.
Things to Do
Iowa state parks offer a surprising diversity of landscapes beyond the classic rolling farm fields, featuring deep river valleys, natural lakes, loess hills, and ancient limestone bluffs. Activities revolve around the water, with excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, boating on natural and man-made lakes, and pleasant beach swimming. Land activities include camping in shaded hardwood forests, hiking expanding trail networks, exploring unique geological formations like the Maquoketa Caves, and cycling on extensive paved rail-trails that frequently connect park units across the state.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June–August) is peak season, ideal for lake activities and family camping, though July and August can bring high heat and humidity. Fall (September–October) is arguably the best time to visit, offering cooler, comfortable temperatures, beautiful hardwood foliage, and excellent conditions for hiking and fishing without the summer crowds. Spring (April–May) provides great mushroom hunting (morels) and spring wildflower blooms. Winter is quiet, but several parks offer cross-country skiing and ice fishing when conditions allow.
Visitor Tips
Iowa stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping fees apply, and reservations can be made through the Iowa State Parks reservation system. Half of all campsites are reservable, while the other half remain first-come, first-served. When visiting cave parks like Maquoketa Caves, check for any temporary closures related to bat protection (White-Nose Syndrome) and wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Cedar Rock State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Iowa. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Iowa guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Cedar Rock SP — preserves a Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home (1950) — one of only a few Wright-designed houses open to the public. The Usonian-style home was designed as an affordable, beautiful middle-class dwelling. The park’s Wapsipinicon River, cedar bluffs, and forest support bald eagles, kingfishers, and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Quasqueton — adjacent. Independence — 10 miles south. Cedar Falls/Waterloo — 25 miles west.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Heery Woods State Park is a short drive away, and George Wyth State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Cedar Rock State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash or chain not to exceed 6 feet, led or carried by the owner, or confined
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Animals are prohibited within designated beach areas statewide
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only dogs or assistive animals are allowed in designated dog-friendly cabins/yurts (limit two dogs); all other cabins are pet-free; dogs must be kenneled if left unattended inside
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Hunting dogs in designated hunting areas during season are exempt from the leash rule; pets may not be left unattended in campgrounds
Are dogs allowed at Cedar Rock State Park?
Pets are allowed in Iowa state parks and recreation areas, including trails and campgrounds, but must be kept on a leash of six feet or less or confined. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via iowadnr.gov. More: Iowa state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Cedar Rock State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
