State Parks Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa

7 state park units lie within 50 miles of Cedar Rapids. The closest is Palisades-Kepler State Park, about 10 mi east of town. 4 parks are within 25 miles, close enough for an evening visit.

Closest park
Palisades-Kepler State Park10 mi east
Within 25 miles
4of 7 within 50 mi
With camping
65 with cabins
Dog-friendly
1pets allowed

State parks near Cedar Rapids, nearest first

Straight-line distance from central Cedar Rapids; driving distance is usually longer.

  1. Palisades-Kepler State Park

    10 miles east · Mount Vernon, Iowa · State Park

    Popular activities here are boating and hiking. On the water side, there is a boat ramp. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers. Roofed lodging includes cabins and lodge rooms.

    3 alertsCampingCabins/lodgingHikingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Palisades-Kepler State Park →

  2. Lake Macbride State Park

    12 miles southeast · Solon, Iowa · State Park

    The park supports canoeing and kayaking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals.

    1 alertCampingCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Lake Macbride State Park →

  3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area

    13 miles northwest · Palo, Iowa · State Recreation Area

    The park supports horseback riding, hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, and boating. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and a fishing pier.

    2 alertsCampingCabins/lodgingDogs allowedSwimmingHikingFishingBoatingAccessible features

    Hours, fees and rules for Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area →

  4. Wapsipinicon State Park

    22 miles northeast · Anamosa, Iowa · State Park

    Things to do include golf, historic sites, boating, and hiking. Facilities for water recreation include a boat ramp. For overnight stays there are campsites (RV sites with full hookups, group camping, and showers).

    1 alertCampingCabins/lodgingHikingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Wapsipinicon State Park →

  5. Cedar Rock State Park

    31 miles north · Independence, Iowa · State Park

    The park supports hiking and picnicking.

    1 alertHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Cedar Rock State Park →

  6. Backbone State Park

    45 miles north · Dundee, Iowa · State Park

    Visitors come for historic sites, boating, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, and boat or kayak rentals.

    3 alertsCampingCabins/lodgingSwimmingHikingFishingBoating

    Hours, fees and rules for Backbone State Park →

  7. Maquoketa Caves State Park

    48 miles east · Maquoketa, Iowa · State Park

    Visitors come for historic sites and hiking. Camping is available: campsites, including RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers.

    3 alertsCampingHiking

    Hours, fees and rules for Maquoketa Caves State Park →

Best picks by activity

Camping near Cedar Rapids

  1. Palisades-Kepler State Park 10 mi east · Campground listed
  2. Lake Macbride State Park 12 mi southeast · Campground listed
  3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Campground listed
  4. Wapsipinicon State Park 22 mi northeast · Campground listed
  5. Backbone State Park 45 mi north · Campground listed

+ 1 more in the list above

Cabins and lodging near Cedar Rapids

  1. Palisades-Kepler State Park 10 mi east · Cabins or other roofed stays
  2. Lake Macbride State Park 12 mi southeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Cabins or other roofed stays
  4. Wapsipinicon State Park 22 mi northeast · Cabins or other roofed stays
  5. Backbone State Park 45 mi north · Cabins or other roofed stays

Dog-friendly state parks near Cedar Rapids

  1. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Pets allowed under park rules

Swimming near Cedar Rapids

  1. Lake Macbride State Park 12 mi southeast · Beach, pool or swim area
  2. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Beach, pool or swim area
  3. Backbone State Park 45 mi north · Beach, pool or swim area

Hiking near Cedar Rapids

  1. Palisades-Kepler State Park 10 mi east · Hiking trails listed
  2. Lake Macbride State Park 12 mi southeast · Hiking trails listed
  3. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Hiking trails listed
  4. Wapsipinicon State Park 22 mi northeast · Hiking trails listed
  5. Cedar Rock State Park 31 mi north · Hiking trails listed

+ 2 more in the list above

Fishing near Cedar Rapids

  1. Lake Macbride State Park 12 mi southeast · Fishing listed
  2. Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area 13 mi northwest · Fishing listed
  3. Backbone State Park 45 mi north · Fishing listed

Questions about state parks near Cedar Rapids

What is the closest state park to Cedar Rapids?

Palisades-Kepler State Park is the closest, about 10 miles east of Cedar Rapids in a straight line. Next are Lake Macbride State Park and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area.

How many state parks are near Cedar Rapids?

7 state park units are within 50 miles, and 4 within 25 miles. That includes parks, recreation areas, historic sites and natural areas run by the state.

Which state parks near Cedar Rapids have camping?

6 parks list camping, the nearest being Palisades-Kepler State Park, Lake Macbride State Park and Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Check each park page for site types, hookups and how to reserve.

Are dogs allowed at state parks near Cedar Rapids?

Yes, at 1 park, including Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area. Dogs usually must be leashed, and some areas such as beaches or buildings may be off-limits.

Are there free state parks near Cedar Rapids?

None of the nearby parks list free entry; most charge a daily vehicle fee or accept an annual pass. Fees are on each park page.

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Built from official park data and updated as parks change; this list was last rebuilt Oct 30, 2026. Features shown are those the official source lists. Filter these parks on the map.