1. Palisades-Kepler State Park

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Mount Vernon, IA

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Palisades-Kepler State Park

4.2 (13 reviews)
Open • 4:30 am - 10:30 pm

Palisades-Kepler State Park Photos

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The entrance
Matt U.

Very pretty drive through the park. We didn't camp, just drove through. The area was very pretty, especially with the sun setting. Good place for a picnic or just some scenery.

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4 months ago

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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16 years ago

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7 years ago

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7 years ago

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19 years ago

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16 years ago

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7 years ago

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14 years ago

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12 years ago

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13 years ago

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15 years ago

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Review Highlights - Palisades-Kepler State Park

“Scenic and popular park with plenty of picturesque spots along the Cedar River and woodsy hiking trails.”

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Sugar Bottom Recreation Area - They have a kids life jacket loan station

Sugar Bottom Recreation Area

3.9(8 reviews)
11.0 mi

We visited Sugar Bottom for a beach day. The area was beautiful! It has a number of paths and what…read moreseems like a nice camping area (although we weren't there for that). The beach area was spacious--lots of room to spread out on the sand. The beach also has a couple of good shady spots, which is helpful on a hot day. However, we ended up heading over to the Lake MacBride beach because the Sugar Bottom area was a little less lively. Could have just been the day, but we were looking for somewhere more high energy on a summer weekend afternoon. They also don't have the boat rental options that MacBride beach has. If you do like quiet spaces then this would be the place! It also seems great if you have kids (which we don't) because there is just more space to run around. Just be prepared to bring all of your own entertainment.

Beautifully maintained campground. Several spaces with a lake view! Great for families and anyone…read morewho likes outdoor recreation. Boat dock available, and honors system firewood available in the evening. We did reservations through Recreation.gov and that made check in super easy! We brought our 2 Yorkies, and about 1/3 or more of the campers also brought dogs. Lots of trees, but also well mowed green spaces. This is now on our top 10 for Iowa campgrounds! Several spots right next to the bathroom / shower house, and great areas for larger camping groups. Would like to see a couple more updates to the shower facility. The water temp was fully adjustable-a knob rather than a button type, so you could have water the full duration of your shower. The water pressure was great, temperature great, but tile could use some updating. That may be in the works because the lighting was motion sensor and LED. There was also a ceiling fan which helped discourage bugs in the bathhouse!

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Sugar Bottom Recreation Area - Saturday afternoon at Sugar Bottom beach

Saturday afternoon at Sugar Bottom beach

Sugar Bottom Recreation Area - Best beach and swim zone in the area!

Best beach and swim zone in the area!

Sugar Bottom Recreation Area - Trails under water

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Trails under water

Lake Macbride State Park - Truck tow as close as we can put her

Lake Macbride State Park

4.0(21 reviews)
8.2 mi

I've never been big on swimming in lakes but summer in Iowa is hot and options are limited, so my…read morehusband and I decided to venture out to Lake Macbride one Saturday afternoon. I was pleasantly surprised! The beach area is a little small, particularly on a crowded hot day, but we were able to find space to spread our towels and enjoy the sun. We spent our time cooling off in the water and laying out. We also drove around the park a bit (honestly because we got lost) and found it to be a beautiful area. I definitely plan to go back and try out the boat rental. It's not a boardwalk along the ocean, but probably the best you can do in this area. Tip: bring a cooler full of snacks and beach chairs and umbrellas. We were a bit spoiled from going to bigger beaches and forgot we couldn't just rent/buy whatever we wanted once we got there .

Another state park that has the physical address of the state park and not the campground. If my…read morehusband didn't call Ohio DNR we would have NEVER found it and gone in circles. We got to the park after given a different address. We had electric for 5 minutes and after that it was gone. We called again and they sent a ranger to our site. A tree had gone down and took electric out. We heard two trees fall at that time. Electric came back about 7 pm. They also make you pay for a two day stay, even if you are staying one night. I understand this in a way, because it keeps them booking entire weekend for others. I believe they would end up booking that day again when they see you left.

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Lake Macbride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park
Lake Macbride State Park - Picnic at the lake

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Picnic at the lake

Palisades-Kepler State Park - parks - Updated October 2026

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