Set within the breathtaking 44,000-acre Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, this family-owned destination offers a serene lakeside camping experience. Catering to RVs, tents, and boaters, it features full‑service hookup sites, waterfront primitive camping, and marina boat slips- all amidst forested trails and three spacious lakes.
Featuring RV and primitive campsites right on Crab Orchard Lake, plus 137 boat slips with daily/annual rental options at Bluegill Bay Marina.
Explore trails for hiking and biking, year‑round fishing and boating, seasonal beach (Memorial Day-Labor Day), and kayak rentals coming soon!
Choices vary from full-hookup RV ($45/night) to budget primitive sites ($18/night), on-site bathhouses with hot showers, camp store, fish-cleaning station, and more.
Bluegill Bay Marina & CG: 3697 Old Route 13 | Carterville, IL 62918 | Reservations
Crab Orchard CG: 10067 Campground Drive | Carbondale, IL 62901 | Reservations
craborchardbluegillbay.com | [email protected] | (618) 922-4075
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Book Early for Boat Slips & RV Sites – Especially during summer; boat slip rentals fill fast (annual $650 or $5/day) and RV sites tend to book up.
Bring Senior/Access Passes – Visitors can get 50% off camping fees with a valid America the Beautiful senior or Access Pass- just show it at check-in!
Plan Around Quiet Hours & Stay Limits – Quiet hours run 10 pm-7am, max stay is 14 nights, and weekend/holiday minimum stays apply. It’s a peaceful retreat, so come prepared to unplug.
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