🌤 Weather at Palisades-Kepler State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–74 °F | 60–86 °F | 29–77 °F | 12–35 °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 Cedar Rapids #1, 11 mi away, elevation 813 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Palisades-Kepler State Park features dramatic limestone bluffs rising above the Cedar River – making it one of the few places in Iowa where rock climbing is possible. This 840-acre park in Linn County offers deep ravines, hardwood forests, and rugged trails along imposing river bluffs just minutes from Cedar Rapids.
Named for the striking “palisades” (sheer limestone walls) that line the river and for James Kepler, a University of Iowa professor who worked to establish the park, this destination combines geology, history, and challenging recreation.
Park Highlights
Rock Climbing
One of Iowa’s only rock climbing destinations. Limestone faces with multiple routes. Registration required at Ranger’s office.
Limestone Palisades
Dramatic limestone cliffs and bluffs line the Cedar River. The Cedar Cliff Trail offers stunning views.
Cedar River
River access for fishing, kayaking, and scenic views. Perfect for paddling along the bluffs.
CCC Heritage
Stone shelters, trails, and structures built during the Depression showcase enduring craftsmanship.
Rock Climbing
Palisades-Kepler is one of the few places in Iowa where outdoor rock climbing is permitted. The limestone formations offer routes from beginner to intermediate.
| Area | Difficulty | Style | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Bluffs | 5.5–5.10 | Top-rope, some trad | Established anchors in some areas |
| River Cliffs | 5.6–5.9 | Bouldering | Lower walls along river |
🧗 Climbing Rules
- Register at Ranger’s office before climbing
- Cleaning/chipping routes is prohibited
- Leave no trace: remove chalk and tape
- “The Wave” bouldering area is on private property – not open to climbing
Hiking Trails
| Trail Name | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔥 Cedar Cliff Trail | 2.0 mi | ⚫ Difficult | Bluff-top views, river overlooks, challenging terrain |
| River Trail | 1.5 mi | 🟢 Easy | Along Cedar River; river access points |
| Woodland Trail | 2.5 mi | 🟡 Moderate | Deep ravines, hardwood forest |
| Campground Trail | 0.8 mi | 🟢 Easy | Connects camping to main trails |
Camping Information
| Site Type | Count | Hookups | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Sites | ~40 | Electric | Near facilities |
| Non-Electric | ~20 | None | Wooded, more private |
Amenities: Modern restrooms, showers, dump station. All sites reservable.
Cedar River Activities
- 🛶 Kayaking/Canoeing: Paddle along the limestone bluffs for dramatic scenery
- 🎣 Fishing: Smallmouth bass, catfish, walleye. Bank fishing and boat access.
- 🏊 Swimming: Not officially designated, but river wading is popular
FAQ
Do I need climbing experience?
Yes, this is outdoor climbing with real risks. Beginners should come with experienced climbers or join a guided group.
Is kayak rental available?
No rentals in the park, but outfitters in Cedar Rapids offer kayak rentals and Cedar River shuttle services.
🧗 Climb Iowa’s Limestone Walls
Palisades-Kepler delivers adventure just minutes from Cedar Rapids – challenging climbs, dramatic bluffs, and the scenic Cedar River.
📍 Address: 700 Kepler Dr, Mt Vernon, IA 52314
📞 Phone: (319) 895-6039
🌐 Reservations: iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Explore More Iowa State Parks
Palisades-Kepler 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
Palisades-Kepler SP — 840 acres — features spectacular limestone palisades (cliffs) along the Cedar River rising 75 feet above the water. The park’s cliffs, cedar forest, and river support bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and timber rattlesnakes. Devonian-era fossils (375 million years old) are embedded in the limestone.
Nearby Attractions
Mount Vernon — 5 miles west — home of Cornell College. Cedar Rapids — 15 miles north. Iowa City — 25 miles south.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Lake Macbride State Park (a short drive away) and Wapsipinicon State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
⛺ Camping at Palisades-Kepler State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 40 sites — Standard Electric sites: 23, 20/30/50 amp, $26/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). Standard Non-Electric sites: 9, $18/night peak. Tent Only sites: 3, $26/night peak. Buddy sites (double sites): 4. Youth Group Only site: 1, $20/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 81 feet depending on site; pull-through sites available. Modern shower and restroom facilities and a trailer dump station serve the campground. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | 4 Modern Family Cabins, each with shower, restroom, stovetop and refrigerator. $80/night, $480/week peak season. Renters must provide their own bedding, towels and cooking supplies. |
| Reservations | 100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance; cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice and can be booked up to 12 months in advance. |
| Special sites | 2 shelters and a day-use lodge available for rent. Trailer dump station on site. |
| Season notes | Campground accepts reservations April 1-November 15 and is closed November 16-March 31. |
Camping questions about Palisades-Kepler State Park
Can you camp at Palisades-Kepler State Park?
Yes. Palisades-Kepler State Park has 40 campsites. Standard Electric sites: 23, 20/30/50 amp, $26/night peak season (May 1-Oct 15). Standard Non-Electric sites: 9, $18/night peak. Tent Only sites: 3, $26/night peak. Buddy sites (double sites): 4. Youth Group Only site: 1, $20/night peak. RV lengths accommodated from 20 to 81 feet depending on site; pull-through sites available. Modern shower and restroom facilities and a trailer dump station serve the campground.
How do you reserve a campsite at Palisades-Kepler State Park?
100% of sites reservable, reservation required. Book online at iowastateparks.reserveamerica.com or by phone at (877) 427-2757. Standard sites bookable same-day up to 3 months in advance; cabins and shelters require at least 4 days' notice and can be booked up to 12 months in advance.
Are there cabins at Palisades-Kepler State Park?
4 Modern Family Cabins, each with shower, restroom, stovetop and refrigerator. $80/night, $480/week peak season. Renters must provide their own bedding, towels and cooking supplies.
Source: iowadnr.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Palisades-Kepler 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 Palisades-Kepler 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 Palisades-Kepler State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
