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Operating on the northern side of the lake, Crab Orchard Lake Campground is located within the National Wildlife Refuge. The season opens on April 1st and runs through October 31st. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
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.
Whether you're a camper who likes to rough it or one who prefers more convenience, camping at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is fun for all. The refuge offers four campgrounds. Little Grassy Lake and Blue Heron Campgrounds are managed through concession contracts.
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.
Sunset at Crab Orchard Lake shoreline. Refuge is open to fishing as regulations permit. Good access roads. Major available species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, white bass, striped bass, rainbow trout and catfish.
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a 43,890 acre (180 km 2) National Wildlife Refuge primarily in southwestern Williamson County, but with small extensions into adjacent eastern Jackson and northeastern Union counties of southern Illinois, in the United States.
1 day ago · Crab Orchard Lake – Southern Illinois Tourism. Rt. 13 East of Carbondale | Carbondale IL 62901. Jackson County. 618-997-3344. The largest of the three refuge lakes, this 6,965-acre body of water has two marinas, 125 miles of shoreline and a maximum depth of 25 feet.
