FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE -  Poplar Camp Beach is officially opening for the season the Friday leading into Memorial Day weekend, May 22, 2026, and will be open all summer through Labor Day weekend. Operating hours are 11 AM- 7 PM daily.  

Located a few miles South of Carbondale, Poplar Camp Beach provides a spot for family and friends to gather on the sand and enjoy swimming in Cedar Lake- this is the only section of Cedar Lake where swimming is permitted. Poplar Camp Beach is a swim at your own risk facility. Lifeguards will not always be on duty- if you or your group requires a lifeguard to be on duty during your visit, please call 618-549-8441 for up-to-date staffing information. 

Restrooms, picnic tables, and concessions are available Guests are free to bring their own food and beverages- no glass bottles and no alcohol permitted.  

We encourage all visitors to please review the rest of our beach rules here. 

Daily Rates: 

$2.50/per person,  

$20/10 visit passes 

$35/20 visit passes 

FREE for individuals four and under 

We are eager to have our community and visitors enjoy some fun in the sun this summer at Poplar Camp Beach! 

For media requests contact Public Relations Officer, Eva Fisher, at 618-713-0711 or email at efisher@carbondaleil.gov.  

“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
# # #