Crab Orchard Campground

Picnic table on campground at sunset overlooking Crab Orchard Lake

Fire pit at Crab Orchard Lake Campground

Sunset and dock at Crab Orchard Lake Campground

Crab Orchard Campground

This 6,965-acre reservoir is the centerpiece of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. It is fed by Devils Kitchen Lake and Little Grassy Lake, which are also within the Refuge. The lake offers opportunities for boating, camping, fishing, and swimming. Two campgrounds: Bluegill Bay and Crab Orchard, operate on the northern side of the lake.

RV campers parked at Crab Orchard Lake Campground

campground with sunset in background with grill campfire in foreground

Highlights

Camping

62 RV campsites
7 Tent campsites

Fees

Full Hook-Up: $25/night
Electric/Water: $20

Open Season

April 1 - October 31

Contact Information

10067 Campground Drive | Carterville, IL 62918 | (618) 889-6270

fws.gov | craborchard@fws.gov

facebook.com/CrabOrchardNWR

twitter.com/usfwsmidwest | instagram.com/usfws

Tips for Crab Orchard

Ring in the new owners! – Effective January 1st, 2025 – The REEF, LLC (locally owned and operated by the Pettigrew family) will take over concessions of Crab Orchard Campground and Bluegill Bay Marina and Campground (formerly Blue Heron).