A person looks on with a yellow tent in the foreground and a sun setting behind a hill under a cloudy sky in the background

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. The Crab Orchard Recreation Association oversees the Blue Heron Campground and Marina. The Little Grassy Lake Campground & Marina is operated by Land for Learning Inc., while Refuge personnel manage the Crab Orchard Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake Campgrounds.  Together these facilities offer more than 250 campsites. (Campsites are on a first come, first served basis - reservations are not available)

Campgrounds are open from April 1st until Mid- November. The maximum camping period is 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. Cab Orchard Lake Campground, campers may only camp at a specific campsite for 14 day in a 30 day period.

Camping fees for the Crab Orchard Lake and Devils Kitchen Campgrounds are:

Camp Site Daily Fee 
Full Hook Up $28.00       Electric/Water $23.00   
Non Electric $12.00         Group N/E $45.00       For  Reservations click on Crab Orchard Lake Campground.

For more information about the campgrounds call the refuge visitor center at 618-997-3344 ext. 1, or call the campgrounds directly.
Crab Orchard Campground 618-997-3344
Little Grassy Campground and Marina 618-457-6655
Devils Kitchen Campground 618-997-3344 ext. 1 
Blue Heron Campground and Marina 618-985-2572

Learn more about camping opportunities in the National Wildlife Refuge System.