Natural swimming hole
Poplar Camp Beach
Lake · Illinois
About this swimming hole
Poplar Camp Beach is the City of Carbondale's public swimming beach on the north end of Cedar Lake, a 1,750-acre municipal reservoir south of the city. Cedar Lake is otherwise a no-swimming lake, and swimming is allowed only at this designated beach. The beach operates seasonally, seven days a week from late May through Labor Day.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer (late May through Labor Day) |
| Fees | $2.50 per person; children under 4 free (per city announcement) |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 11:00 AM-7:00 PM daily during the season (per city announcement; verify current-season hours) |
| Parking | Parking at the Poplar Camp recreation area on the north end of Cedar Lake. |
| Amenities | restrooms, picnic tables, concession stand |
| County | Jackson |
| Nearest town | Carbondale |
| Safety notes | Swim at your own risk; the city states lifeguards are provided based on availability. Swimming is prohibited elsewhere on Cedar Lake outside the designated beach. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Poplar Camp Beach?
Yes — Poplar Camp Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: Swim at your own risk; the city states lifeguards are provided based on availability. Swimming is prohibited elsewhere on Cedar Lake outside the designated beach.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Poplar Camp Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Poplar Camp Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Poplar Camp Beach?
Reported fee info: $2.50 per person; children under 4 free (per city announcement). Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Poplar Camp Beach?
The best season is typically Summer (late May through Labor Day).