Campers set up, surrounded by evergreen trees with a lake and yellow sunset in the background.
Return to Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Camping

At Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

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-run facilities operated by The REEF LLC. Together these facilities offer more than 120 campsites, 70 boat slips and a beach. For more information and reservations for these facilities, visit craborchardbluegillbay.com. To contact these campgrounds directly send an email to thereefllc2024@gmail.com or call:

  • Crab Orchard Campground 618-364-6289.
  • Bluegill Bay Campground and Marina 618-364-7769

Playport Marina, located on the west side of Crab Orchard Lake, is a concession-run facility operated by PLD Landing. This marina offers year-round boat slips, boat rentals, and cabin rentals. Coming soon! a public beach. For more information, visit pldlanding.com or call:

  • Playport Marina 618-364-2304

The maximum camping period at all refuge campgrounds is limited to 14 days within a 16 day time period. All camping units, equipment, and personal property must be removed from the campground for 48 hours at the end of any 14 consecutive days.

Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.

 

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Activities

kid holding a fish he caught while standing next to a USFWS employing. In the background is a lake with other people fishing along the shore.
Fishing
A small boat travels in the middle of a river with wooded riverbanks
Boating
A woman waterfowl hunting by a wetland at sunset
Hunting
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
6987 Headquarters Road
Marion, IL 62959
(618) 997-3344
8588 Route 148
Marion, IL 62959
CrabOrchard@fws.gov

Visitor Center: (618) 997-3344 ext 1
FWS Crime Tip's Line: 1-844-FWS-TIPS (397-8477)
State of Illinois’ Tip's Hotline: 1-877-236-7529
Medical emergency: 9-1-1