Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy the beauty of nature year-round as you cruise along a paved, drivable-route. 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 includes Pigeon Creek Road,...

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...

Bicycling, including traditional and e-bikes, is permitted only on roads open to motorized vehicles and trails established specifically for bicycles. 

Coming soon! The Crab Orchard Greenway path is currently under construction to allow bicyclists, runners and walkers to travel from...

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 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...

Kayakers and canoers can find quiet spots to explore along the shorelines of Crab Orchard Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake year-round. Devils Kitchen Lake has a primitive kayak/canoe landing located on the south end of the lake. An accessible kayak and canoe launch is located within the Bluegill Bay...

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...

Dogs are welcome on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge as long as they are under the control of their owners/handlers or on a leash. Within the Visitor Center, only registered service animals are allowed. 

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 on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge 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:

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has eight designated hiking trails through different habitats.

Homestead trail

This is a great trail for groups and birders. This trail starts near the Visitor Center and will take you along the lake, past a prairie and through a...

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 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.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers many wonderful opportunities for patient photographers. Photographers can travel the wildlife drive for wildlife, hike one of our many designated trails for scenic pictures, or wander the open area of the refuge for unique foliage. Stunning sunset or...

Visitors may enjoy picnicking at one of several developed sites on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. All picnic tables are first come, first served. Picnic areas include: 

Visitors wishing to run in a quiet and serene environment may utilize the wildlife drive or any of the designated hiking trails.  

Please note, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a fee use area. Learn more about fees at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.

Limited trapping is permitted with a Special Use Permit. To inquire about trapping opportunities and inquire about a Special Use Permit, email CrabOrchard@fws.gov. 

Fruits, nuts, berries, and fruiting bodies of mushrooms may be gathered by hand for personal use in the open area only. Commercial use of the products is prohibited. 

Please note, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a fee use area. Learn more about fees at Crab Orchard National...

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has a wildlife drive that is open year-round. Common wildlife one might see include white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl and song birds. Other, more elusive wildlife are occasionally sighted. The variety of wildlife sighting opportunities is thanks to the...