Cedar Lake

Area Status: Open

Blue lake surrounded by cliffs and trees with fall foliage

The shores of this 1,750-acre lake is lined with forests and colorful bluffs. National forest land encompasses the south end of the lake and provides one of the most tranquil water settings in the Shawnee National Forest.

The clear blue waters beckon all types of water activities with fishing, kayaking, paddling and swimming (north end only) being the most popular. During the winter and spring is a great time of year to view the sheer bluff along the shores. In autumn the fall colors are spectacular. The extensive trail system leads hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers through lush forests and to bluffs overlooking the lake.

Cedar Lake brochure/map

At a Glance

Area Amenities:	Tent camping Parking: boat and horse trailer Toilets: vault toilets Accessible: vault toilet is accessible Boat ramp: Small boats, canoes, kayaks
Open Season:	Year-round
Restrictions:	Watercraft motors restricted to 10 hp. Pets are allowed only on a leash. Stay on the designated trail and pack out your trash. No fee to primitive camp in this area; Set up campsite at least 150 feet from trails, trailheads and lakes or streams. Camping allowed up to 14-days continuous stay away from trails and parking lot. Drown campfires completely and naturalize your campsite by practicing Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.
Closest Towns:	Murphysboro, IL 62966
Water:	no
Restroom:	vault toilet
Information Center:	Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District (618) 833-8576

General Information

Directions:

From Murphysboro: Take Highway 127 south 10 miles to Boat Dock Road. Turn east (left) onto Boat Dock Rd., continue 0.8 mile to the lakeside parking lot.

From Jonesboro: Take Highway 146 west 2.5 miles, to Hwy 127, then north 12 miles on Hwy 127 to Boat Dock Road. Turn east (right) onto Boat Dock Rd., continue 0.8 mile to the lakeside parking lot.

General Notes:

Primitive camping is allowed up to 14-days continuous stay. Set up campsite at least 150 feet from trails, trailheads and lakes or streams. Drown campfires completely and naturalize your campsite by practicing Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics.

Swimming: The city of Carbondale operates a public beach, called Poplar Camp Beach, which is located on the north end of Cedar Lake. The beach is open during the summertime. For hours of operation, rules and regulations, beach entrance fees and driving directions visit the Poplar Camp Beach website.

Boat Launch and parking is located at the end of Boat Dock Road (see brochure/map).

Watercraft Motor Restrictions: 10 horsepower limit

Fishing Regulations:

2 pole & line fishing only
Lg./Smallmouth bass or spotted bass -15” min.
Channel Catfish – Daily limit = 6
For site specific regulations or to obtain a fishing license go to Illinois fishing regulations.

Parking:

Parking lot located at end of Boat Dock Road accommodates boat and horse trailers. Overnight parking is allowed. Other Trailheads have limited parking.