Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
Crab Orchard Lake Campground is situated in the northwestern portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Staying in the Crab Orchard Campground gives you a front row seat to view numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, and various other types of wildlife, also giving you the serene view of sunrises & sunsets on the lake.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, located relatively close to the confluence of two of the Nation's great rivers, the Ohio and Mississippi, the refuge's 44,000 areas is ideally situated to provide a migration haven for the thousands waterfowl and other migrating birds that journey the Mississippi Flyway each fall and spring.
The refuge has many faces. On the north side of the refuge Crab Orchard Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true. This 7,000 acre lake offers two campgrounds, marinas, and several boat launching ramps. Throw in fishing sites, hunting opportunities, picnic areas, and swimming and you begin to understand why this refuge is one of the most visited in the Nation. Drive the roads on the refuge's south side and you discover another Crab Orchard filled with pristine lakes, nature trails with waterfalls, and a National Wilderness Area offering a place to seek relaxation, adventure, or something in between. On the refuge's east side, you will find great opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, biking and educational activities at the visitor center and you may find yourself coming back again and again.
Blue Heron Campground offers 34 campsites. Water and electric hookups are provided on all sites. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, and flush toilets in order to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge requires a vehicle and vessel pass when you are anywhere on the refuge other than the campground. We honor the Federal Duck Stamp and the America the Beautiful passes. You can purchase the Refuge passes here on recreation.gov.
There is a 14 day maximum stay, after the 14 days are up you must pack up and leave for 48 hours before you can return. Please abide by this rule to give other visitors a chance to enjoy our public lands. Campers may only occupy the same campsite 14 days in a 30 day period.
RV tanks containing sewage and wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, must be emptied at the dump station.
Only dead, fallen timber may be gathered for firewood.
Only dead, fallen timber may be gathered for firewood.
Accessible SwimmingAmphitheaterAntiquingArcheryAuto TouringBackpackingBadmintonBeach CampingBeachcombingBerry PickingBikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingCavingClam DiggingClimbingCrabbingCrawfishingCross Country SkiingCultural ActivitiesDay Use AreaDisc GolfDivingDocumentary SiteDownhill SkiingEnvironmental EducationEvening ProgramsFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightFish HatcheryFish Viewing SiteFishingGold PanningGolfGondola RidesGuided Interpretive WalksHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteHorse CampingHorseback RidingHotel/Lodge/Resort Fs OwnedHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedHuntingIce ClimbingIce FishingIce SkatingInformation SiteInterpretive ProgramsJet SkiingKayakingLookout TowerMotelMotor BoatMountain BikingMountain ClimbingMushroom PickingNon-Motorized BoatingObservation SiteOff Highway Vehicle TrailsOff Road Vehicle TrailsOrganization Site Fs OwnedOrganization Site Privately OwnedOther Recreation Concession SitePaddle BoatingPaddlingPhotographyPicnickingPlayground Park Specialized Sport SiteRaftingRanger StationRecreation ProgramsRecreation ResidenceRecreational ShootingRecreational VehiclesRiver TripsRock ClimbingSailboardingSailingScenic DriveScuba DivingSea KayakingShuffle BoardSkiingSleddingSnorkelingSnow TubingSnowboardingSnowmobileSnowmobile TrailsSnowparkSnowshoeingSoccer FieldsSoftball FieldsStar GazingSurfingSwimmingSwimming SiteTubingVisitor CenterWater AccessWater ActivitiesWater SkiingWater SportsWhale WatchingWhitewater RaftingWild Horse ViewingWildernessWildlife ViewingWindsurfingWinery ToursWinter SportsWood Cutting
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is host to a multitude of recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, photography, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife observation, and environmental education.
You can enjoy fishing on our three lakes, and five ponds. Crab Orchard NWR is popular spot for crappie, bluegill, and bass. Be sure to follow all State and Refuge regulations. The Refuge has six trails that offer visitors numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of the Refuge. A portion of Southern Illinois' River-to-River trail runs through the southern portion of the Refuge.
Bicycles are allowed on roads and designated trails.
Fruits, nuts, berries, and fruiting bodies of mushrooms may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. Collection for the purpose of commercial use is prohibited.
Disturbing, or collecting animal and plant specimens, natural rocks, stones, minerals, or objects of antiquity is prohibited.
Gathering deer antlers and/or skulls is prohibited. We leave them as a winter food source for a wide variety of species that use the Refuge as their home range.
Grab one of Crab Orchard NWR recreation &/or hunt brochures for more information and a map of the Refuge!
3697 Old State Route 13 Carterville IL 62918
For campground inquiries, please call: Refuge Office - 618-997-3344
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip