Calm lake with campground

Cedar Creek Vacation Rentals

Cedar Creek, Alabama, United States
31.1897° N, -87.9839° W
Cedar Creek
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Cedar Creek Reservoir, impounded in 1979 as a flood control reservoir, holds 4,200 acres of water at full pool. Located nearly 10 miles west of Russellville in Franklin County, it is one of four Tennessee Valley Authority reservoirs operated by the Bear Creek Development Authority. The primary uses of this reservoir are flood control and recreation. There is some residential development along the shoreline of Cedar Creek Reservoir. Camping and fishing provide the main recreational opportunities. Five public access areas (Cedar Creek Dam, Hellums Mill, Slickrock, Britton Bridge, and Lost Creek) serve Cedar Creek Reservoir, and one campground is located at Slickrock. A BCDA use permit ($3/day or $20/year) is required in addition to an Alabama State fishing license. Pre-impoundment topographic maps are available through the TVA.

Surface area (mi)
10.63
Max depth (ft)
80
Elevation (ft)
577.43
Shoreline length (mi)
64.5
Best time to go
Visit Cedar Creek in late spring, particularly May, when the air is fragrant with blooming dogwoods and the warm sun dances on the water’s surface. This is fishing season, with fewer tourists enjoying quiet, sunlit shores—perfect for leisurely kayaking or paddleboarding in serene tranquility.
Water Quality
Cedar Creek Reservoir in Alabama features water that is often described as tannin-stained or tea-colored, resulting in a murky appearance. The water clarity is moderate, with a Secchi disk depth of about 0.98 feet, indicating it is not crystal-clear or gin-clear but rather somewhat cloudy.

Ideal for

  • Family friendly:
  • Pet friendly:
  • Romantic getaways:

Popular activities

  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Jet Skiing
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Nearby lakes

Catoma

Catoma, Alabama, United States
(~25 mi)

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Cedar Creek has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Cedar Creek Lake. You can swim in the coves on the east side of the lake, which are calmer than the central areas, or at Tom Finley Park, which has a public beach and swimming area.

  • Cedar Creek Reservoir is a popular destination because of its various outdoor activities. It offers hiking, kayaking, pickleball, and fishing, along with boat and jet ski rentals. The area also features local wineries, breweries, and nature parks like McKinney Roughs and Purtis Creek State Park.

  • Yes, you need a Bear Creek Development Authority (BCDA) use permit in addition to an Alabama fishing license to fish in Cedar Creek Reservoir. This permit is required for accessing the reservoir for fishing and other recreational activities. The BCDA permit can be purchased online or at various local vendors.

  • There isn’t a specific beach at Cedar Creek, but families can enjoy the lakefront areas. For example, Kiwanis Park at Cedar Creek Lake has a splash pad, shaded picnic areas, and a toddler playground, making it a great spot for families to spend the day.

  • Towns near Cedar Creek in Alabama include those in the surrounding areas of Franklin and Colbert counties. Since Cedar Creek Lake is one of Alabama’s largest lakes, nearby towns are likely to be in these counties, such as Hodges and Vina in Franklin County.