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Cedar Island Lake

Oakland County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport requiredIce fishing
Cedar Island Lake Access Map 1 launch
Depth Map → Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Cedar Island Lake
Cedar Island Lake Boat Launch
Proud Lake State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 4 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

Cedar Island Lake is part of the Huron River watershed in Oakland County. The broader area includes a network of lakes and wetlands connected to the Huron River system, with Proud Lake and the Huron River corridor running nearby.

Winter & Ice Safety

Cedar Island Lake likely freezes reliably in a typical Michigan winter given its Oakland County location. Always check current ice thickness before venturing out. Some ice fishing occurs, though the lake isn't specifically known as an ice fishing destination.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a public boat launch on Cedar Island Lake?
Yes, there's one public launch on Cedar Island Lake. However, parking is very limited — there's minimal space for vehicles with trailers. It works best for kayaks, canoes, and car-top boats. Plan to arrive early on weekends.
What fish are in Cedar Island Lake?
Cedar Island Lake holds warm-water species — expect bass and panfish. Locals note there are no walleye in the lake. It's a decent casual fishing lake but not a destination fishery.
Can you swim in Cedar Island Lake?
Yes, people swim in Cedar Island Lake — long-time visitors bring their kids regularly. There's no formal public beach on the lake itself, but nearby options include Teeple Lake Beach and Deer Lake Beach, both a short drive away.
Where is Cedar Island Lake?
Cedar Island Lake is in Oakland County, in the White Lake Township area of southeastern Michigan. It's in the metro Detroit exurbs, surrounded by a mix of residential shoreline and natural areas, with Proud Lake Recreation Area nearby.
Is Cedar Island Lake good for kayaking?
Yes — kayakers love it. The lake is scenic and relatively quiet, especially on weekday mornings. The limited trailer parking actually works in paddlers' favor since it keeps powerboat traffic down. Sunrise paddles get particularly good reviews.
Can you use a pontoon boat on Cedar Island Lake?
Yes, pontoon boats are used on Cedar Island Lake. However, the public launch has very limited parking and may not accommodate larger trailer rigs easily. Many pontoon users likely have lakefront access or private launches.
Are there campgrounds near Cedar Island Lake?
Yes, several. Proud Lake Recreation Area has both rustic and modern campgrounds within a few miles. Highland Recreation Area and Highland State Recreation Area also offer camping, including group sites. All are short drives from the lake.
Is Cedar Island Lake busy on weekends?
The lake is notably quiet during the week. Weekends see more activity, but the limited launch parking naturally caps the number of trailered boats. It's generally considered a peaceful, lower-traffic lake compared to other Oakland County options.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Cedar Island Lake sits in Oakland County's White Lake Township — a sizeable lake that draws kayakers, pontoon boaters, and anglers looking for a quieter alternative to the heavily-trafficked lakes nearby like Cass Lake and Union Lake. The lake earns consistently high marks for its scenery, with multiple reviews calling it beautiful and peaceful, especially for early-morning paddling. Fishing is decent for warm-water species, though don't expect walleye — locals report it's more of a bass and panfish lake.

The biggest knock on Cedar Island Lake is the parking situation at the single public launch. There's limited space and no real room for truck-and-trailer rigs, which keeps the boat traffic manageable but means you'll want to arrive early on summer weekends. The launch works best for kayaks, canoes, and smaller boats. Proud Lake Recreation Area and Highland Recreation Area are both within a short drive, offering camping, hiking, and additional beach access at Teeple Lake and other nearby spots.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment