Facility Activities

There is a wide variety of recreational opportunities at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.  Whether you like to fish, camp, or photograph, Crab Orchard has plenty of recreational opportunities for everyone!

Auto tour

Enjoy the beauty of nature year-round as you wander along a paved, drivable-route through the restricted area. Runners, bicyclists, photographers and wildlife watchers all enjoy sightings of deer, turkey, owls, songbirds and hawks as the route passes through different habitats.

This route...

Backpacking

The beautiful River to River trail spans over 160 miles of Southern Illinois with a three mile section through the refuge. Backpackers may utilize the parking area off Rocky Comfort Road or at the Pleasant Hill Spur Trailhead to access this trail. Backpackers wishing to camp, may camp at Giant...

Biking

Bicycling, including traditional and e-bikes, is permitted only on roads open to motorized vehicles and trails established specifically for bicycles.Coming soon! The Greenway Bike Trail is currently under construction to allow bicyclists travel from Marion to Carbondale by bike. A portion of the...

Birding

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for birders to find a variety of birds due to the wide variety of habitats. Check out what fellow birders have been seeing recently at Cornell Lab's eBird website.

Boating - motorized

Boating on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to get to your favorite fishing or hunting spot. 

To protect the lakes and other visitors, there is a "no wake" zone within 150 feet (45 meters) of any shoreline, swimming area, marina entrance, boat ramp and causeway...

Boating - non-motorized

Many Fish and Wildlife Service sites make great destinations for flatwater canoeing or kayaking. Some sites have concessions that rent canoes or kayaks. Some sites offer scheduled paddle tours. Visit the Refuge's official concessionaires, REEF LLC and PLD Landing, for more information on boat...

Camping

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 Crab Orchard Lake Campground and Bluegill Bay Marina and Campground (formerly Blue Heron) are concession ran facilities operated by...

Dog walking

Dogs are welcomed on Crab Orchard Wildlife as long as they are under the control of their owners/handlers or on a leash and any pet waste is picked up and removed from the refuge. We prohibit dogs from roaming. All other domestic animals on the refuge must be confined in a vehicle, boat, trailer...

Firewood cutting

Seasonal firewood gathering is available by permit. Tree cutting is generally limited to dead and downed trees. Firewood permits can be obtained at the Visitor Center during business hours. 

Fishing

Fishing on Crab Orchard National Wildlife is a popular pastime. There is a mixture of developed boat ramps, primitive access locations, accessible fishing piers, bank fishing, lake fishing and pond fishing.The following locations are open to fishing and boat access:

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Hiking
The Refuge System offers hundreds of miles of refreshing trails and boardwalks. Whether you want a short, easy walk or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you want. Some trails are paved and universally accessible. Some trails include displays on visual arts, local history and culture or environmental education.
Hunting

Hunters in southern Illinois enjoy a rich tradition of hunting on public lands. Each year thousands of hunters from across the nation are attracted to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to hunt an exceptionally diverse list of species, including trophy bucks, turkeys, small game and waterfowl...

Horseback riding

Horseback riding is allowed on public roads, the River to River and Pleasant Hill Trails only. The River to River and Pleasant Hill trails are open to horseback riding from May 1st – October 31st.

Photography
Whether you wield a smartphone or a zoom lens, you’ll find photo-worthy subjects at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries. Wildlife photography is a priority public use on national wildlife refuges, so you’ll find wildlife drives and blinds and overlooks to help you get the images you’re after.
Picnicking

Visitors may enjoy picnicking at one of several developed sites on Crab Orchard NWR. All picnic tables are first come, first served.

Visitor Center Bogard PointPrairie Creek Recreation AreaGreenbriar Boat RampDevils Kitchen OverlookDevils Kitchen Pavilion

 

Please note, Crab...

Ranger-led programs
Rangers lead wildlife walks, tours and educational programs at many sites. Events may focus on wildflowers or birds or on seasonal spectacles, such as elk bugling or sea turtle nesting. Some programs may be limited in size or require advance registration. See individual websites for details.
Running
Many multi-purpose trails are open to runners and joggers as well as walkers and, in some cases, bicyclists. Some sites host annual fun runs. Check individual refuge websites for details.
Trapping
Trapping is carefully managed to ensure safety and the sustainability of wildlife populations. Permitted trapping on refuges typically mirrors state regulations, and trappers who access refuge lands for recreation must possess state licenses and follow state regulations as well as permit stipulations.
Wild edible foraging
Some refuges allow people to forage in designated areas for seasonal nuts, berries and mushrooms.
Wildlife watching
Many refuges champion wildlife viewing as a key recreational activity.