Visitor Services: Camping

Whether you are a camper who likes to rough it or one who prefers more conveniences, camping at Crab Orchard NWR is fun for all.  Family and group campgrounds have been developed at Crab Orchard, Little Grassy, and Devils Kitchen Lakes.  For more information on camping you may contact the following campgrounds:

Campground Operations at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Campers at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge will see a few changes in the upcoming camping season. One of the most significant changes will be the operation of the four campgrounds on the Refuge. Little Grassy Lake and Blue Heron Campgrounds will be operated through concession contracts. The Crab Orchard Recreation Association will be operating the Blue Heron Campground and Marina (formerly known as the Crab Orchard Boat & Yacht Club). The Blue Heron Campground will be operated as a public campground. The Little Grassy Lake Campground & Marina will be operated by Land for Learning Inc., while Refuge personnel will assume operation of the Crab Orchard Lake Campground and the Devils Kitchen Lake Campground.

Campers at the Crab Orchard Lake Campground will experience some facility enhancements. Refuge personnel are currently making improvements at the Crab Orchard Lake Campground utilizing recreation fee dollars. These improvements include upgrading electric service, adding water, new grills, enlarging campsites, and adding sewer to some of the sites. The campground will be open from April 1st to October 31st. The new camping fees for the Crab Orchard Lake Campground are:

The length of stay at a campsite at all four campgrounds has changed.
This season the maximum camping period shall be limited to 14 consecutive days.
All camping units, equipment, and personal property must be removed from the campground for 48 hours at the end of any 14 consecutive days.
Campers may return after the 48 hour time period.

In 2007, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge completed its Comprehensive Conservation Plan which guides the administration and management of the Refuge for the next 15 years. These changes are supported by the guidance from this Plan and are designed to enhance the experience of the visiting public.

For more information about the campgrounds call the refuge visitor center at 618-998-5933, or call the campgrounds directly.
Crab Orchard Campground 618-985-4983
Little Grassy Campground and Marina 618-457-6655
Devils Kitchen Campground 618-998-5933
Blue Heron Campground and Marina 618-985-2572.
 

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