Cedar Lake

Cedar Lake is a 1,750-acre reservoir created by the damming of Cedar Creek, a tributary of the Big Muddy River, in 1974. The lake is located south of Murphysboro and southwest of Carbondale, Illinois. Although the lake was constructed for the purpose of supplying tap water to the residents of Carbondale it provides fishing, swimming, and active recreation purposes. Cedar Lake is managed for bass (largemouth and striped) and crappie fishing. Fishermen can also fish for Channel catfish and bluegill. The city of Carbondale operates a parking lot, swimming beach, and boat dock at Cedar Lake. An admission fee is charged for the beach, but access to other sites is free of charge. The boat power limit for the lake is 10 horsepower or less. There is also an extensive trail system running around the lake that is able to be hiked year-round. The Cedar Lake Trail System totals 14 miles in length, and consists of four separate trails. Four trailheads provide access to the Cedar Lake trail system. For the perfect day-hike try either Wolf Den Hollow loop trail or Little Cedar Lake loop trail. Both feature spectacular scenic overlooks, views of the lake, rock shelters and rock walls. Although there are no developed campsites near the lake, primitive camping is allowed at least 150 ft. from the shoreline on the southern end of the lake.