Cedar Lake Campsite #2

For Illinois residents seeking an authentic and immersive outdoor experience, the vast and beautiful landscapes of the Shawnee National Forest offer an abundance of opportunities. Among these natural treasures is Cedar Lake, a serene 1,750-acre body of water known for its clear blue waters, forested shores, and colorful bluffs. For those who prefer a back-to-basics approach to their outdoor adventures, Cedar Lake Campsite #2 provides a truly primitive camping experience, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the untouched beauty of Southern Illinois.

This article will serve as a comprehensive guide for locals in Illinois looking to explore Cedar Lake Campsite #2. We'll delve into its remote yet accessible location, outline the limited but essential services available, and highlight the unique features that make this campsite a favorite for those craving seclusion and natural beauty. While this isn't a campground with modern amenities, its allure lies in its simplicity and the unparalleled natural surroundings it offers, making it a perfect spot for experienced campers, hikers, and water enthusiasts to find their wild side in the heart of Illinois.

Cedar Lake is renowned for being one of the most tranquil water settings within the Shawnee National Forest, beckoning all types of water activities. For those seeking a genuine wilderness escape without venturing too far from home, Cedar Lake Campsite #2 offers a refreshing change of pace and a chance to truly disconnect.

Cedar Lake Campsite #2 is located at Cedar Lake, IL 62905, USA. This places it within the sprawling Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois, a region characterized by its rugged terrain, dense forests, and numerous waterways. Cedar Lake itself is a prominent feature of this area, renowned for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

For Illinois residents, accessing Cedar Lake is generally straightforward, though specific navigation to primitive campsites like #2 requires careful attention to maps and forest service guidelines. The lake is situated near cities like Carbondale and Murphysboro, providing relatively close access to supplies and services before venturing into the more remote camping areas. From Murphysboro, visitors can take Highway 127 south for approximately 10 miles to Boat Dock Road, then turn east (left) for 0.8 miles to reach the lakeside parking lot. From Jonesboro, Highway 146 west for 2.5 miles to Hwy 127, then north 12 miles on Hwy 127 to Boat Dock Road, turning east (right) for 0.8 miles.

Campsite #2 is particularly notable for its "beachfront" access and "incredible" beach experience, as described in some accounts. It is often cited as being located near the Brent access point, making it accessible by a short paddle or walk from certain access points. Primitive campsites within the Shawnee National Forest, including those around Cedar Lake, generally require campers to set up at least 150 feet from trails, trailheads, and lakes or streams, ensuring a dispersed and secluded experience. Overnight parking is usually allowed at designated areas, such as the Boat Dock Road parking lot, which can accommodate boat and horse trailers.

The beauty of this location lies in its direct immersion in the Shawnee National Forest, offering a genuine wilderness feel while still being reachable for Illinois residents seeking an escape into nature.

As a primitive campsite within the Shawnee National Forest, Cedar Lake Campsite #2 offers limited, basic services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles. Visitors should be prepared to be largely self-sufficient, bringing in all necessary supplies and packing out all waste. The services typically available in this primitive setting include:

• Primitive Tent Camping: The primary service is allowing for primitive tent camping. There are no designated RV hookups or developed campsites with amenities like picnic tables or fire rings (beyond what might be naturally established or built by previous campers).
• Vault Toilets: Some areas around Cedar Lake, particularly near boat launches or more frequented access points, may have vault toilets available. However, specific amenities at primitive campsite #2 itself are generally minimal. Campers should be prepared for rustic restroom facilities or to practice proper waste disposal in the wilderness.
• Boat Launch Access: While not directly at Campsite #2, access to Cedar Lake for small boats, canoes, and kayaks is available via designated boat ramps, such as the one at the end of Boat Dock Road.
• Water Access: Cedar Lake provides a natural water source for activities like fishing, kayaking, paddling, and swimming (at designated northern end beaches). However, campers must bring their own potable water or filter/treat water from the lake for consumption.
• Designated Camping Area (within guidelines): Primitive camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive days. Campers are required to set up their campsites at least 150 feet from trails, trailheads, and bodies of water to minimize impact.

It's crucial for campers to understand that this is not a developed campground with modern conveniences. The emphasis is on experiencing nature in its raw form, and visitors are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles strictly.

• Seclusion and Privacy: One of the most significant highlights of Cedar Lake Campsite #2 is its primitive nature, offering a highly secluded and private camping experience. This contrasts sharply with more developed campgrounds, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
• Direct Lake Access and "Beachfront" Experience: Campsite #2 is noted for its "incredible" beach experience and proximity to the water, offering a unique opportunity for immediate access to Cedar Lake for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
• Ideal for Water Activities: Cedar Lake's clear blue waters are perfect for a variety of water activities, including fishing (known for largemouth bass), kayaking, canoeing, and paddling. The 10 horsepower motor limit helps maintain a tranquil atmosphere.
• Stunning Natural Beauty: The lake's shores are lined with forests and colorful bluffs, creating a picturesque setting. Fall colors are spectacular, and sheer bluffs are visible during winter and spring, offering year-round scenic views.
• Shawnee National Forest Immersion: Being located within the Shawnee National Forest provides access to an extensive trail system for hiking and backpacking, allowing campers to explore lush forests and bluffs overlooking the lake.
• Wildlife Viewing: The undisturbed natural environment offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife, including various bird species and other forest inhabitants.
• True Wilderness Experience: For those who embrace self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles, this campsite delivers an authentic wilderness camping adventure, far removed from the distractions of modern life.
• Overnight Parking: Availability of overnight parking at designated trailheads or boat launches, like the one at Boat Dock Road, facilitates multi-day primitive camping trips.

As Cedar Lake Campsite #2 is a primitive camping area within the Shawnee National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, there are typically no "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense. Primitive camping in designated areas of the Shawnee National Forest is generally free of charge, making it a highly accessible and affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts in Illinois. The value lies in the natural experience itself, rather than monetary discounts.

Visitors are simply asked to adhere to Forest Service regulations, which include a 14-day continuous stay limit for primitive camping and strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles. While there are no financial promotions, the "offer" is the unparalleled opportunity to experience raw, untamed nature at no cost, which is a significant draw for many Illinois residents seeking an authentic wilderness adventure.

For detailed regulations, maps, and any potential (though unlikely for primitive sites) changes to fee structures, visitors should consult the official Shawnee National Forest website or contact the Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District office.

Address: Cedar Lake, IL 62905, USA

For more detailed information regarding primitive camping regulations, area conditions, or maps for Cedar Lake and the Shawnee National Forest, locals are encouraged to contact the relevant Ranger District office:

Mississippi Bluffs Ranger District

Address: 521 N. Main Street, Jonesboro, IL 62952

Phone: (618) 833-8576

Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (closed 11:30 am - 12:30 pm) (Closed on federal holidays)

For Illinois residents, Cedar Lake Campsite #2 offers a remarkable opportunity to engage in a genuine primitive camping experience, deeply rooted in the natural splendor of the Shawnee National Forest. This destination is particularly suitable for locals who possess a spirit of adventure and a desire to truly disconnect from urban life, embracing self-reliance in the wilderness. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Campsite #2 provides an unvarnished encounter with nature, which is a unique and valuable offering within Illinois.

The allure of Cedar Lake lies in its tranquil water settings, vibrant bluffs, and dense forests, creating an ideal backdrop for activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. For those who enjoy spending their days on the water or exploring extensive trail systems, the access provided by this campsite is invaluable. The emphasis on Leave No Trace principles also appeals to environmentally conscious campers who wish to preserve the beauty of their state's natural resources for future generations.

While the lack of modern amenities might deter some, it is precisely this primitive nature that makes Cedar Lake Campsite #2 a perfect fit for seasoned Illinois campers and those looking to develop their wilderness skills. It's a place where the sounds of the forest replace traffic noise, and the stars illuminate the night sky in a way rarely seen near populated areas. For a truly immersive and cost-free outdoor adventure, Cedar Lake Campsite #2 provides an unparalleled opportunity for Illinoisans to explore and appreciate the wild heart of their state.