Cedar Lake
Discover Cedar Lake: a serene Indiana gem with warm swimming waters, affordable camping, historic CCC dams, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer mosquitoes, calmer waters
Cedar Lake
Best Time
Fewer mosquitoes, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Cedar Lake: a serene Indiana gem with warm swimming waters, affordable camping, historic CCC dams, and abundant wildlife.
"Amazingly beautiful set of lakes worth a hike. Back water no frills camping at its best."
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent, candles, or essence to enjoy your time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Campsites can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive before checkout time for best selection.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cedar Lake Swimming
Sandy Beach Area
Enjoy the warmest lake waters for a refreshing dip, perfect for families and swimmers.
CCC Dams & Waterfalls
Near Cleburne State Park
Discover historic 1930s dams creating picturesque waterfalls and moving creeks.
Cedar Lake Farmers Market
Cedar Lake Town Grounds
Midweek market with local produce, food trucks, live music, and artisan crafts by the lake.
+1
Wildlife Encounters
Campsites and Trails
Spot chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, and even black bears in their natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Bugs & Book Ahead
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent, candles, or essence to enjoy your time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Campsites can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive before checkout time for best selection.
🎣 Pier Fishing Fun
The pier is a beautiful spot for fishing or a scenic walk.
🚲 Easy Bike Trails
Enjoy lovely bike rides around the lake on easy single-track paths.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Pack Serious Bug Spray
Mosquitoes are notorious here. Bring strong repellent, candles, or essence to enjoy your time.
🚗 Arrive Early for Spots
Campsites can fill up, especially on weekends. Arrive before checkout time for best selection.
🎣 Pier Fishing Fun
The pier is a beautiful spot for fishing or a scenic walk.
🚲 Easy Bike Trails
Enjoy lovely bike rides around the lake on easy single-track paths.
💰 Affordable Camping
Campsites are a bargain at around $15 per night, with reasonable fees for extra vehicles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cedar Lake is praised for its beautiful, warm waters and affordable, serene camping experience. Visitors enjoy the natural beauty, wildlife, and historic CCC dams. However, the significant mosquito population can be a major drawback for some, requiring diligent preparation.
"Amazingly beautiful set of lakes worth a hike. We rode bikes around and was lovely, easy single-track. Back water no frills camping at its best. Swimming was the warmest we've done. Sadly the mosquito population was off the scale and was a huge struggle tbh. On a different day, and for those lucky enough not to get nailed by the little biters its a great place to spend a day or camp. Can't reserve it though checkout is 12 (i think). We arrived 11.30 and had pick of half a dozen places"
Andy Harrison
"Beautiful lake area just down the road from the Kicking Horse Resort. Plenty of parking and tables for picnics. The pier is beautiful to walk along or fish from. We swam in the lake and took a walk around it. Beautiful spot."
Samantha Platt
"We loved this campsite!! $15 a night and $7.50 for extra vehicles on the same site. An absolute bargain, beautifully serene lake and immaculate toilets. Big thanks to Trina who looks after the campsite, she does an amazing job at keeping it clear and was so welcoming."
mimi affleck-rodger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cedar Lake, Indiana is located about an hour from downtown Chicago. The drive is mostly paved, with a short stretch of flat dirt road leading to the campsite pull-off.
Information on public transport to Cedar Lake, Indiana is limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access.
The roads leading to Cedar Lake are generally paved, with the final approach to the campsite being a flat dirt road. If you can navigate a speed bump, you can get there.
Yes, there is a new trailhead near the boat launch at Cedar Lake, inviting visitors to enjoy the trails when conditions are dry.
For exploring the lake area, biking on the easy single-track trails is a great option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While some spots are first-come, first-served, booking ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, to guarantee a spot.
Camping fees are very affordable, around $15 per night, with an additional charge for extra vehicles on the same site.
Checkout time is typically around 12 PM, so arriving before then can increase your chances of securing a good spot.
There is no explicit admission fee mentioned for general access to Cedar Lake, but camping fees apply for overnight stays.
Yes, visitors are advised to enjoy the trails when conditions are dry and to stay on the designated paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include swimming in the warm lake waters, fishing from the pier, biking on easy trails, and wildlife viewing.
Yes, the lake is known for its warm water and sandy beach, making it a great spot for swimming.
You might encounter chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, and even black bears. Always maintain a safe distance.
Campsites are described as having immaculate toilets and being well-spaced, offering a clean and comfortable camping experience.
Absolutely! Kids can enjoy catching minnows, swimming in the lake, and exploring the natural surroundings.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The Cedar Lake Farmers Market typically runs every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from May to October, with hours varying slightly by month.
You can find fresh produce, food trucks, live music, and artisan shopping, all with beautiful lake views.
The market is held at the Cedar Lake Town Grounds, located at 7408 Constitution Ave, Cedar Lake, IN 46303.
While specific restaurant recommendations aren't detailed, the farmers market offers food trucks, and the surrounding towns likely have dining options.
Yes, the Cedar Lake Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh, local produce.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the serene lake, historic CCC dams and waterfalls, the picturesque pier, and abundant wildlife.
The combination of water, forests, and historic structures offers excellent opportunities for landscape photography.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can photograph various wildlife species found in the area.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
The pier offers a beautiful vantage point for lake views, and the areas around the CCC dams provide unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While camping, the well-spaced sites and clean facilities provide a comfortable base.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there might be a small fee for extra vehicles, the overall cost of a trip to Cedar Lake is significantly lower than many other destinations.
🏞️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
For hikers, the trails offer a pleasant way to immerse yourself in the natural environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic CCC Dams
These historic dams are a fascinating aspect of Cedar Lake, offering a glimpse into the past while contributing to the present-day beauty of the location. They are a must-see for anyone interested in history or simply appreciating the blend of nature and human endeavor.
Camping at Cedar Lake
It's important to note that campsites are often first-come, first-served, so arriving earlier in the day, particularly before the 12 PM checkout time, is advised to secure a good spot.
Despite the rustic nature, the community aspect is strong, with fellow campers often being friendly and respectful.
Navigating the Mosquito Season
Timing your visit can also make a difference. Mornings and evenings, when mosquitoes are often most active, might be more challenging.
Consider packing long-sleeved clothing and pants, especially for dawn and dusk activities, to minimize exposed skin.
Social
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