Palisades-Kepler State Park

The turns in the campground were a bit tight. We were able to do it with our 40′ fifth wheel, but had to be creative when turning around at the dump station after getting fresh water. We had to use the visitor parking area and fortunately there weren’t any cars there at the time. Turning out of our site was also a problem as the roads were not really designed to make that turn for a big rig. Our site was not level, but we were able to position it back far enough to help with some of the angle.

Down by the cabins (northwest side), there is a walkway to go down to the river. There’s a gazebo and walking path down there. There were quite a few chipmunks and deer down there and also a lot of bugs so keep your screen doors shut. It was otherwise quiet here and we had a peaceful stay.

We had electric only. Fresh water and sewer dump was located in the dump area. There are also a few fresh water spigots scattered throughout. There is a men’s and women’s toilet near the far west side of the campground. There is a bathhouse with 3 showers and toilets located on the southeastern side.

We got 23 down/9 up on Starlink. 2 bars on the Verizon phones and 2 bars with the cell antenna (26/8). AT&T was 3 bars with the cell antenna (12/0.3).

I arrived at dusk. A sign at the registration kiosk indicated sites available. Signage also indicated the requirement to pay first and select. I self registered with a cash fee to comply. The only sites available were not level enough to accommodate my trailer.

We came on to Scott County Park at Eldridge and found staff on duty til 10PM. Surely the State of Iowa could provide better arrangements.

We stopped here for two nights and loved it. Cleanest bathrooms and park grounds we have seen in a year- we have been traveling around the country for that long. Shower and bathroom are immaculate. Camp hosts do an amazing job with upkeep and are very active. Park grounds are beautiful. Trails are plentiful and just challenging enough. You can do a 3+ mile hike if you link several trails, or a short 1 mile stroll. River nearby. Great park. No water at sites; that’s the only downfall. Spigots aren’t close. Sites are gravel and relatively level. Some have good shade.

This is a nice small park with lots of hiking potential. The two loops of the campground are separated by a wooded ravine. Our site was very level and had electricity But many of the non-electric sites did not have level parking pads. We were early in the season but the shower/latrine building was open and clean. The men's side had 3 shower stalls.

Being close to Cedar Rapids, I would expect heavy use during prime season.