Cedar Lake


Area Status: Open

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 and equestrians through lush forests and to bluffs overlooking the lake.

Recreation Area brochure/map

At a Glance

Area Amenities: Accessible,Boat ramp,Tent camping,Toilets,Parking
Open Season: Year-Around
Restrictions:
  • Watercraft motors restricted to 10 hp.
  • Pets are allowed only on a leash.
  • Stay on the designated trail and pack out your trash.
  • Hiker/Equestrian trails only; No mountain biking on trails.
  • 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
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 trailhead.

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 trailhead.


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.

A public swimming beach located on the north end of the lake is administered by the city of Carbondale.

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.


Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Dispersed Camping

Lake and Pond Fishing

Day Hiking

Backpacking

Horse Riding

Big Game Hunting

Small Game Hunting

Viewing Wildlife

Viewing Scenery

Boating - Motorized

Boating - Non-Motorized

Windsurfing

Amenities

Tent camping:
Parking: boat and horse trailer
Toilets: vault toilets
Accessible: vault toilet is accessible
Boat ramp: Small boats, canoes, kayaks

Recreation Areas

Recreation Activities

Location

 
  Latitude : 
37.621387

  Longitude : 
-89.30028