Request to be notified when Lake Keomah Lodge, Shelters, and Beach reopen: The Lodge and Beach at Lake Keomah State Park are closed from August 1, 2024 - October 15, 2025, due to renovations. Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable. If the project starts later or is completed earlier than expected, DNR can notify you that the closure will be removed for the lodges and shelters. If you would like to be notified, fill out the following form, Lake Keomah Facilities reopens. (Posted 09/18/2023)
Lake Keomah is scheduled for a major reconstruction project. This will improve water quality, provide better amenities for park users and increase structure for fishing. In order for this project to begin the lake will be drained. As a result, a drawdown will start after July 4, 2024. Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. (Posted March 11, 2024)
Lake draw down for renovations will begin Tuesday, July 9th. Project is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. During this project, Lake Keomah will remain open along with camping and its amenities.
Facilities closing due to the renovations include the Beach and Lodge.
Shelters are at a first come first serve availability during this time and are not reservable (Updated 7/23/24)
Please keep out of the lake bed. Conditions of dried silt give the appearance of solid ground, when in fact the soils are very soft. These conditions could lead to entrapment, if you fall into these spots. (Posted 7/23/24)
Shower buildings will be closed October 15th until the spring of 2025. Frost free hydrants and a pit toilets are available. (Posted 10/14/2024)
Attention Campers: Starting in April of 2025, all campsites at Palisades Kepler State Park will become 100-percent reservable and will be accepting same-day reservations. As part of the process, the campground will close on November 4, 2024. Thank you for your patience during this transition! (Posted August 22, 2024)
Seasonal Closures: The Campground, Cabins, Lodge, and Shelters are closed for the season. The Campground will reopen April 1st, and Lodge reopens on May 1st. The river road and the campground road are closed for the winter season. Visitors may use the parking lots and walk through the park. All water systems are off for the season. (Posted November 4th, 2024)
Lodge Viewings, Monthly: Open to the Public, No Reservation Needed, Lodge Viewings are scheduled for the third Wednesday of every month from 2 pm. to 4 pm. Park staff will attend the viewings to answer questions.
FIRST DAY HIKE: Wildcat Den State Park will be having a Self Guided Hike on January 1st, 2025. The start point will be the Punchbowl Trailhead, located just to the East of the Upper Picnic Area Shelter, 3489 State Park Rd., Muscatine, IA 52761. The 1.3-mile hike will follow the Punch Bowl trail through the Devil's Punch Bowl. The hike will then follow the Lower Picnic Area Trail along Pine Creek, past Steamboat Rock, and then loop back up the hill to the shelter. The gravel/dirt trail will have steep, possibly slick, terrain and stairs in several spots. The route will be marked and Trail Maps can be found in one of the Map boxes, located at all the Trailheads. Feel free to participate at your leisure, or as weather permits, and please share photos if you can to wildcat_den@dnr.iowa.gov. If you have questions, please call the Park Office, at 563-263-4337. (Posted 12/16/2024)
WINTER ROAD CLOSURE: The through State Park Rd, from the Upper Picnic Area Shelter to the Lower Picnic Area Road, is closed for the winter. It will reopen sometime in Spring 2025. Visitors can still access the Park from the New Era Rd. entrance and the Verde Ave. entrance. (Posted 12/2/2024)
CAMPGROUND CLOSURE: The Wildcat Den Campground is closed for the winter and water is shut off. The Campground will reopen on March 15th, 2025, with the water being turned back on at the beginning of May 2025. The Vault Toilets will remain open throughout the winter months. (Posted 11/15/2024)
TRAIL CLOSURE: The Cave Trail, from the Lower Picnic Area to the crossing at State Park Rd., will be closed until Park Staff are able to make necessary trail repairs. If you have any questions please contact the Park Office at 563-263-4337. All other Trails are open for use at this time. (Posted 2/5/2024)