What is SIU - Campus Lake like?
SIU - Campus Lake sits in Carbondale, one of 3 courses in the city and 287 across Illinois. The layout runs 9 holes to a par of 27 over 3,042 ft, averaging roughly 338 feet per hole. That is long enough that you will want a driver you can actually control off the tee.
The terrain is prairie/open — wide open prairie fairways, which puts the emphasis on big arms and wind management. Exposed prairie layouts let you throw everything you have, but a crosswind will move a disc thirty feet off line before it lands.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to SIU - Campus Lake?
For a course like this, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers the majority of shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. Because the fairways are open here, it is also worth checking the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
This course is free to play, like the majority of the 7,008 courses in the ThrowSpot directory. There is no booking system and no check-in — turn up and play. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at SIU - Campus Lake
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near SIU - Campus Lake
More disc golf in Carbondale
Carbondale has 3 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hickory Winds Disc Golf Course | 18 | Intermediate | Free |
| SIU - Rec Center | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is SIU - Campus Lake?
SIU - Campus Lake has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 3,042 ft, averaging about 338 feet per hole.
Is SIU - Campus Lake free to play?
Yes. SIU - Campus Lake is free to play, with no booking or check-in required.
Is SIU - Campus Lake good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wide open prairie fairways and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play SIU - Campus Lake?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is SIU - Campus Lake located?
SIU - Campus Lake is in Carbondale, Illinois, at coordinates 37.70872, -89.22610. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to SIU - Campus Lake?
For this layout, a full bag, including distance drivers and something overstable for wind covers most shots. Open ground means wind is the real hazard. An overstable disc you trust into a headwind is worth more here than an extra ten feet of distance.