🌝 2024 Solar eclipse: Book now for 4/8

The best camping near Palisades-Kepler State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Palisades-Kepler adventure.

Discover the scenic beauty of Palisades-Kepler State Park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Palisades-Kepler State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Palisades-Kepler State Park

100%
(131)

n*Everland Barnyard Camping

24 sites ¡ RVs, Tents20 acres ¡ Anamosa, IA
New for 2024: We have expanded the flat land available for camping while maintaining the privacy of all our campsites. We have added sites, but don't worry, you will still experience the same solitude and peace as if you were our only guests. The promised bathhouse/storm shelter is also nearing completion, and we should be able to offer showers (and safe haven during storms) to guests during the 2024 season! Do you want to hike into a site? We have a few sites in the woods that are not easily accessible by car, if you want that kind of experience just mention it when booking. Follow us on Facebook to stay abreast of our current events! Summer Solstice, Full Moon Sound Baths, and Music planned Summer 2024. AND News coming soon about a 2024 Fall retreat too! We are not very active on FB though, so we may miss your message if you reach out to us that way. https://www.facebook.com/NeverlandBarnyard FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN: Please reach out to us in messaging to determine if this is the right fit for your family vacation as we feel there are better options in the area for kids, but we do make exceptions for the well-behaved and respectful older children. Thank you for your understanding. ABOUT THE BARNYARD: n*Everland Barnyard is an eccentric art installation space created from found, recycled, and repurposed building materials in the heart of Grant Wood Country in Jones County, Iowa. We are not a commercial campground. We focus on Zen, mindfulness, peace, and tranquility. Firmly in the realm of Outsider Art, Gothic and rustic, Bob Kellogg has created a place unlike anywhere else in the world that represents freedom and inspires endless creativity. The land provides multiple camp sites for easy access to bike and walking trails taking visitors into town or through the Wapsipinicon State Park across the river from the property. Anamosa offers several restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses all within walking distance and less than a mile from our land. Kayak the Wapsipinicon River, we recommend a put in at Matsell Bridge, and end only a mile away from your campsite at the Barnyard in Anamosa at the dam takeout. Visit the State Penitentiary Museum, hang out with the Barnyard chickens, hike our wooded trails, or simply unwind. This place is a magical retreat unlike anywhere else in the world. If you are seeking to disconnect from the world, find presence and live in the Now, this is the place for you.  We also offer #ProjectCreatePeace, an initiative to create more peace in the world through art as an art project. Check out the extras listings to get your art on while you are here! There is a beautiful spring-fed water hole ideal for swimming in the state park, as well as access to the river from our property (although we do not recommend swimming in the river due to pollutants.)  Watching the sunset at the river is one of our absolutely favorite ways to end the day.  n*Everland Barnyard and the events we host are the perfect place to meet cool like-minded people, so even if you are single traveler, know that you will find an inviting, safe, and welcome site here for your getaway! We make some of the best pizza you have ever eaten (or so we keep being told) and we have a few special weekends a summer that highlight events such as sound baths that feature garden-fresh, oven-baked foods and pizza. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverlandBarnyard to stay updated on our events!
from 
$55
 / night
98%
(563)

Draco Hill Nature Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents75 acres ¡ West Branch, IA
Early Bird Special! Book an April camping trip and get another 20% off. A convenient 7 miles north of Interstate 80 but feels like an oasis away from it all. Enjoy nature in a private, wooded river valley setting. Go to sleep under the stars to the sound of frogs, cicadas, coyotes, deer and the rustling wind through the tallgrass prairie. Wake to an amazing sunrise over the river. Enjoy a hike through our 75 acres of rolling woodlands and prairie, picking berries, finding mushrooms, scaring up a turkey or pheasant in the brush or listening to the birds. (Pull out your Merlin app to see who's singing!) Play in the river or upland pond, cut cattails and prairie grasses for souvenirs and enjoy being unplugged for a while. Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace.
from 
$34
 / night
99%
(218)

Folk School Farm Stay

7 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents120 acres ¡ Oxford, IA
Come enjoy the natural beauty of a working farm! In our transition to agroforestry, wetland restoration and perennial ag, you'll find some great spaces to walk your dog, let your children run and learn about ecological conservation. The farm is also home to a flower cutting garden, a food forest garden, and a folk school. Guests are welcome to cut flowers for a donation, and enjoy the sheep, chickens and resident cat. The setting is also great for taking in sunrises, sunsets and star gazing. Come explore the landscape, book a farm tour or enjoy some studio space at Land Alliance Folk School.
from 
$40
 / night
100%
(27)

#JTRidge Sites/Clothing Optional

11 sites ¡ Tents15 acres ¡ IA
3/8/24 The site is having some booking issues, if you can’t book a spot drop us a message and we will work with you. Are you looking for the opportunity to be free and connect with nature naturally? A place to reconnect with your soul or reconnect with your significant other(s). Do you need to escape life for even just a little bit? A place to safely be your true self or selves. Our spaces are all about privacy and relaxing in nature peacefully. Perfect for first time clothing optional experiences. To test out your camping skills and or for those who just prefer a quiet natural low key space to relax. Are you a regular camper who is tired of the busy big campgrounds? Need a overnight camping spot that is more nature and less people? Looking for a place to relax in the sun naturally and just take some time for yourself or time with the special people in your life? Along with offering overnight camping sites, we offer day passes for those who just want some chill time within the day. A day pass gives you access to the property, relaxing chairs for that perfect moment in the sun and the woods to wander as you connect with nature. Perfect for a lunch break or just a step away from life for a few hours. Sneak away and take some moments to recharge yourself naturally. We hope you will find that this is a place for everything listed above and so much more. A space to enjoy some downtime, quiet at peace with nature, and a place for restorative just-for-me time. Perfect for yoga in the woods or a natural spot to meditate. Not a commercial campground, just a piece of personal property that we are looking to share with others who enjoy time in nature. We enjoy our natural privacy and welcome you to experience the same. We are stewards of the property and are charged with taking care of all that Mother Nature has given us. If you need space to think, read a book, or just be you, this could be the right fit. Very private and peaceful, perfect for those looking for some alone time or time with family/friends. Forget the news, forget work, forget city life, and just take in the moments; while listening to the birds sing, (Pull out your Merlin app) to see who's singing! Your hosts are here if you need us, but we leave you to enjoy this beautiful place at your own pace. We give you privacy to enjoy your stay fully. We have 15 acres of woods with a natural rock bluff, so many different spaces which allow you to fully bond with nature. Trails to wander and wildlife to see. Clothing is optional through out all the property; overnight camping and sunbathing/day pass spots are available. Day passes are the same as booking a sunbathing spot. Located on the Wapsipinicon River. Camp sites are very private and tucked away from life's stresses. Relax in the woods. Watch the cows and calves moo in the nearby pasture. Walk nature trails with native wildlife and flora. Great photo opportunities abound. Cast a line to catch dinner. Escape to nature is the key to this property; find yourself tucked away from city sounds and light pollution. Come out to see the sunset/sunrise, check out the stars, read a good book, lay out in your favorite hammock, find yourself, and be at peace. Great place for a nice camping fire; treat yourself to some smores. Peaceful sounds at night of the river flowing as you drift off to sleep in your tent. Perfect little spot for peaceful relaxation and just taking some time. Walk the trails in your natural skin, shoot photos of all the different plants, listen to the birds and animals scurry, enjoy the sunshine, and feel the warmth on all of your body. Perfect little spot to float down the river to your camping spot. There are lots of state parks within a short drive; visit the only Presidential library in Iowa; and tour some amazing caves in nearby parks. So much to do, and then come back to a space without crowds and just chill. Welcoming to all, we love to meet new people and let them share in the joy of bonding with nature freely.
from 
$20
 / night
100%
(11)

Rainbow's End Farm

3 sites ¡ Tents55 acres ¡ Lisbon, IA
Rainbows End Farm is a 55 acre property with a mix of pasture, field, forest, and creek bottom. Mown paths are maintained for exploring the landscape. The creek is spring-fed and has several spots for access and recreation. Campsites are located south of the house/barn. Each includes a fire ring, with wood provided.
from 
$25
 / night
98%
(27)

River Camp

3 sites ¡ RVs28 acres ¡ Iowa City, IA
Learn more about this land:Private 28 acre parcel with scattering of cabins and houses. Includes many feet of river frontage with private road along river that makes for good biking or walking. Some trails in forest. Lots of birds and wildlife. Large 100 year old oak trees, giant sycamores and cottonwood trees on the property. Short trail to river provides access for kayaking or fishing. Put in at Sturgis Ferry Park by airport in Iowa City and kayak to campsite or go further to Hills Access at Hills, Iowa. Camp site is close to Iowa City, but the quiet site seems 100's of miles away. River Camp is close to Ryerson's Woods State Forest Preserve, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Terry Trueblood Recreation Area and a 10 minute drive to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
from 
$49
 / night
99%
(410)

Windy Goat Acres

6 sites ¡ Lodging15 acres ¡ Chelsea, IA
We love animals, plants, art, and outdoor recreation and love sharing these things with people! We found the perfect little plot for all of these things we love. Nature, art, animals, and lots of space! The hilly, lush land is also known as the Bohemie Alps and it's quite a beautiful area tucked away in Iowa.Visit with the llamas, goats, peacocks, potbelly pigs and the horses and hike around the property or stay in for a quiet stay with a good book and enjoy all the sights and sounds. Lots of extra 'add ons' to enhance the experience!Semi wooded property with hiking trails, hammocks, aerial silks, campfire pit. 5 mi away is Otter Creek Lake, a recreational park for fishing, kayaking, swimming, etc. We have 2 kayaks available. So much to do! Also perfect to just relax, meditate, yoga, sleep...
from 
$65
 / night

The Dewdrop

1 site ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Cedar Rapids, IA
Experience the best of both worlds - the proximity of the city and the tranquility of the countryside - during your stay at our 40-acre nature retreat near Cedar Rapids. Indulge in leisurely hikes along scenic trails and delight in meeting our friendly farm residents. "The Dewdrop" offers a dreamy nature getaway, complete with a cozy queen bed, solar power, and WiFi. Whether you choose to disconnect and unwind or stay connected with our unique amenities, this retreat promises an unforgettable experience.
from 
$132
 / night
100%
(13)

Blueberry Hill

1 site ¡ RV, Tent10 acres ¡ Oxford, IA
Welcome to our idyllic 10-acre historic farmstead in rural Johnson County, Iowa (about 8 miles west of Iowa City). We are a bookish, quiet couple with a 6-year-old daughter, 2 llamas, 12 chickens, 3 housecats, and 5-10 barn cats. In June and July, we open our farm to the public for U-pick organic blueberries. We're looking for Hipcampers who are respectful and clean.
from 
$50
 / night

The best camping near Palisades-Kepler State Park guide

Overview

About

From reunions to wedding receptions, you couldn’t find a more perfect place than Palisades-Kepler State Park. Reserve the gorgeous stone 1930’s lodge for your gathering, and you won’t be disappointed. For more of a relaxed outdoor adventure, hike the trails in the park. Walk along the river for the outstanding views of the bluffs, wildflowers, and hardwood trees. History majors, rejoice: the exposed cliffs house fossils from millions of years ago ready for the viewing! Palisades-Kepler State Park is perfect for any activity you’re looking for.

When to go

The best time to visit Palisades-Kepler State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for exploring, though it can be quite busy. Winters are cold and quiet, ideal for those seeking solitude amid the park's stark beauty.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season, as conditions can change rapidly.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 6am to 10:30pm, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Stay on designated trails to protect the park's delicate ecosystems and your own safety.
  • Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials like water and snacks.
  • Remember to leave no trace and dispose of trash responsibly to preserve the park's natural beauty.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.