Cedar Lake Vacation Rentals

Why Rent On Cedar Lake

A Shawnee National Forest reservoir with quiet water and serious fishing

Cedar Lake is a 1,750-acre reservoir five miles southwest of Carbondale in Jackson County, southern Illinois, created in 1974 by the City of Carbondale to supply drinking water. The northern half of the shoreline is owned by the city; the southern half is surrounded by Shawnee National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Rocky bluffs rise from the water on the north end, creating a visually distinctive setting that stands apart from most downstate Illinois reservoirs. A 10-horsepower motor limit on all watercraft keeps the lake quiet, and shore access is limited, giving Cedar Lake a character closer to a backcountry paddle lake than a recreational motorboat destination.

What to do on Cedar Lake

• Fishing: Cedar Lake is one of the few lakes in Illinois stocked with striped bass; anglers have reported stripers exceeding 20 pounds. Largemouth bass, crappie, redear sunfish, bluegill, and channel catfish round out the fishery. Special regulations apply; consult the current Illinois Department of Natural Resources fishing guide before you go. Fishing permits for tournaments require advance authorization from the City of Carbondale.
• Kayaking and canoeing: The 10 HP motor limit makes the lake calm enough for pleasant paddling throughout the day. Kayak rentals are available at the City of Carbondale boat ramp via a self-service vending machine using a cell phone app.
• Hiking: The U.S. Forest Service maintains the 5.5-mile Cove Hollow Trail and 2.9-mile Cedar Lake Trail on the lake’s southern Shawnee National Forest shore, plus portions of the River to River Trail. A 7-mile natural-surface trail funded by a city grant is planned for the north end of the lake.
• Swimming: Swimming is allowed only at Poplar Camp Beach on the north end of the lake, operated by the City of Carbondale and open during summer months. Swimming or wading is not permitted in any other part of the lake.
• Hunting: Archery deer hunting is allowed on City-managed lake property under specific seasons; no shotgun seasons are permitted. Contact the City for current hunting regulations.

Things to do near Cedar Lake

• Carbondale (5 miles northeast): Southern Illinois University hosts events, exhibitions, and athletics throughout the academic year. The university’s arts and music programs are worth checking before your visit.
• Devil’s Kitchen Lake: Another forested reservoir in the Shawnee National Forest within easy drive of Cedar Lake, with similar quiet-water character.
• Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge: Adjacent to Carbondale, with public fishing, birding, and wildlife viewing across a large managed refuge.
• Shawnee National Forest: The broader forest surrounding Cedar Lake includes Garden of the Gods, the Rim Rock National Recreation Trail, and Clear Springs Wilderness, making this corner of southern Illinois one of the most rewarding natural areas between the Ozarks and the Appalachians.

Is Cedar Lake good for families?

Yes, for families oriented toward fishing, quiet paddling, and forest hiking rather than high-speed water sports. The motor restriction keeps the lake calm for kayakers and canoeists with younger children. Poplar Camp Beach provides a supervised swimming option in summer. The Shawnee National Forest trails offer genuinely interesting terrain without requiring significant backcountry experience. Cabins and vacation rentals in the Carbondale and Murphysboro areas provide a comfortable private base, and Southern Illinois University’s cultural and sporting calendar gives families off-water options during evening hours.

What is the best time to visit Cedar Lake?

Spring and fall are the prime fishing seasons, when the striped bass and bass populations are most active and parking at the boat ramps is manageable. Summer weekday mornings are the best combination of comfortable temperatures and minimal crowds. Peak summer weekends can fill boat ramp parking by mid-morning. Poplar Camp Beach is open through Labor Day weekend. Fall color in the Shawnee Hills from mid-October through early November makes this one of southern Illinois’s most scenic times to visit, and the broader Shawnee National Forest is at its visual best during this period.

Planning your visit to Cedar Lake

Two boat ramps serve Cedar Lake: the City of Carbondale ramp at the end of Cedar Creek Road off Old Route 51 South (north access), and a second ramp south of Murphysboro off State Route 127 via Boat Dock Road. No marina exists on the lake. A 10 HP motor limit is strictly enforced. Kayak rentals at the north ramp use a cell phone app; ensure you have connectivity or the app pre-installed before arriving. The Poplar Camp Beach entrance fee and operating hours are set by the City of Carbondale; check current hours at explorecarbondale.com before your visit.

Where to stay near Cedar Lake

Vacation rentals in Carbondale and Murphysboro put you within a few minutes of the lake’s boat ramps and Poplar Camp Beach, with full-kitchen convenience that suits families spending multiple days fishing and hiking the Shawnee National Forest trails. Browse Lake.com for current cabin and vacation home options near Cedar Lake.