1. Palisades-Kepler State Park

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
Updated 3 months ago

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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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22 days ago

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3 years ago

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6 years ago

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15 years ago

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7 years ago

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6 years ago

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18 years ago

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7 years ago

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16 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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FW Kent County Park

FW Kent County Park

4.3
(9 reviews)
17.0 mi

FW Kent Park continues to be a family favorite. Both because of how close it is to Iowa City (it's…read morejust three miles west of Tiffin on Highway 6) and it's beauty. We popped over this weekend for some fresh air and fall family photos. I am always just in awe of how busy the park is year round. Since my last review both of my kiddos have had the chance to take school field trips out to visit the Conservation Education Center, which is located at the park. It offers year-round educational programs and workshops. The staff is knowledgeable and the kids always have a blast. There's something for everyone at this gem. A bird blind for bird watchers. Access to the entire shoreline for anglers. Nine miles of trails for hikers and cross-country skiers. Seven historic bridges for photographers and families looking for fun family photos :) A large campground for campers-- available April through October. As well as a handful of picnic shelters (available via reservation). And, of course, Kent Park beach, my family's favorite (open Memorial Day through Labor Day) -- it is pristine, free and a great time. Overall, FW Kent Park is a wonderful place to get outside and clear your head. Drive over and explore today!

Definitely a favorite! Now that the lake has been re-opened, the park is better than ever. What I…read moreenjoy most about Kent Park is the diversity of options for activities. The park boasts a swimming beach, a nice trail around the entirety of the lake with benches if you want to stop and enjoy the views. There are many picnic shelters around the park, and a gazebo in the middle of a prairie area. I recommend taking a hike through the prairie trails. I'm also partial to taking a hike through the forest as well, or around the lake...heck, try them all at whatever length or difficulty you choose! There is a large playground area as well as a campground, so something for everyone. It's common to see many people out around the lake fishing and kayakers exploring the water.

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FW Kent County Park
FW Kent County Park
FW Kent County Park

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Sugar Bottom Recreation Area

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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Saturday afternoon at Sugar Bottom beach
Saturday afternoon at Sugar Bottom beach
Best beach and swim zone in the area!
Best beach and swim zone in the area!
Trails under water

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Trails under water

Palisades-Kepler State Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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