Carbondale Alerts

Recently Established Multi-Use Trails and New Primitive Campsites at Cedar Lake

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE - 

Cedar Lake has served as Carbondale’s water reservoir since 1974. It has long welcomed visitors to fish and boat within the 1,750-acre reservoir and swim off of Poplar Camp Beach- but with recent improvements to trails and the introduction of primitive campsites, it now serves as one of Carbondale’s premiere outdoor recreational sites for hikers, mountain bikers, and overnight campers as well! 

Over the past few years, much work has been done to establish two primary multi-use trails- the Cedar Lake Trail and the Woodland Trail.  

Cedar Lake Trail 

The Cedar Lake Trail is comprised of mostly new sections of trail constructed using the Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grant funding awarded two years ago.   

On the map this trail is shown in blue and is marked on the ground with blue diamonds.   

Woodland Trail 

The Woodland Trail is mostly the original trail system that we have carried over and integrated into our trail system. The Woodland trail is shown as green on the map and is marked on the ground with green diamonds.   

Distinctions of Trails 

  • The Cedar Lake Trail tries to keep the user closer to the lake while the Woodland Trail is primarily farther in the woods, with limited access to the water.   

  • There are a few sections where these two trails share the same piece of trail. These are shown on the map in blue/green dashed line. These sections are marked on the ground using a blue and green diamond (shown on the map).   

  • Any other trails are marked with white diamonds with arrows pointing the user in toward the main trail they are heading towards. 

  • Refer to trails map here. 

New Primitive Campsites at Cedar Lake  

Carbondale is thrilled to extend their offerings to residents and visitors to deepen their exploration of Cedar Lake by now offering primitive campsites. There are now 10 primitive campsites at the North end of Cedar Lake.  

  • All campsites are hike in or boat in only 

  • Dispersed camping is allowed only in the designated areas, and is first-come, first-served with a maximum stay of 14 days 

  • Campfires are allowed only in provided campfire rings 

  • No unattended campfires 

  • No permanent structures, nails in trees, or ground disturbance 

  • No downing of trees for firewood 

  • All campsites are marked on our map found here.  

We’re so excited for outdoor lovers of every level to come enjoy Cedar Lake like never before! 

For more information contact Cedar Lake Management at 618-549-8441 or email at: estead@carbondaleil.gov. 

For media requests contact Public Relations Officer, Eva Fisher, at 618-713-0711 or 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.”
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