How much does camping cost at Crab Orchard Campground?

Camping fees at Crab Orchard Campground range from $12-$28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Crab Orchard Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Crab Orchard Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Crab Orchard Campground before I book?

Yes! Crab Orchard Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Crab Orchard Campground?

Yes, Crab Orchard Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Crab Orchard Campground?

Fire policies at Crab Orchard Campground: Only dead, fallen timber may be gathered for firewood.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Crab Orchard Campground have?

Crab Orchard Campground has 74 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Crab Orchard Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Crab Orchard Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Crab Orchard Campground?

Crab Orchard Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Crab Orchard Campground?

Popular activities at Crab Orchard Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Crab Orchard Campground

4.27

192 reviews

Top 4% in ILFall

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping Illinois Swimming Camping Illinois Fishing Camping Illinois +7 more

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$12 - $28/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

417 ft

Price

$12 - $28/night

Booking

Check Site

Sites

74 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Official Website

Get Directions

Crab Orchard Campground

$12.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full Hookup: $28.00; Primitive: $12.00; Water & Electric: $23.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Campground: 618-985-4983 / Headquaters: 618-997-3344

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Crab Orchard Campground

37.7389, -89.1252

Nearby places

Carbondale (referenced in directions)

Marion (visitor center address provided: 6987 Headquarters Rd, Marion IL 62959).

Weather at Crab Orchard Campground

Current alerts(5)

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge requires a vehicle and vessel pass when you are anywhere on the refuge other than the campground. We honor the Federal Duck Stamp and the America the Beautiful passes. You can purchase the Refuge passes here on recreation.gov.
Don’t Move Firewood! Please help protect our forests from tree-killing insects and diseases by obtaining your firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is also illegal in some states. For more information visit http://www.dontmovefirewood.org/
RV tanks containing sewage and wastewater from sinks, toilets, and other plumbing fixtures, must be emptied at the dump station.
Swimming Beach will be open daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Refuge entrance fees will be honored for this use. No person may enter the beach water alone or swim alone. Bathers under 17 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.

Best Time to Camp at Crab Orchard Campground

Best season: fall. Fall brings the best combination of comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) and peak migration — the Mississippi Flyway funnels countless waterfowl and shorebirds through Crab Orchard, making it a top destination for birding and wildlife photography. Cooler temperatures and clearer skies also make hiking, biking, and lakeside exploration much more pleasant than the humid summer months. Expect moderate crowds on weekends from September–10 Peak months: October, September, November, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 4% in IL

Called the best season: comfortable weather and peak migration on the Mississippi Flyway.

Planning Tips

About Crab Orchard Campground

Crab Orchard Campground sits on the shores of Crab Orchard Lake in southern Illinois, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. The mid-sized campground offers both primitive sites and RV spots with electric and water hookups, plus showers and a dump station. Campers fish, boat, and swim on the lake, hike and bike refuge trails, and watch waterfowl during fall migration along the Mississippi Flyway.

The campground contains 74 campsites: 67 sites provide water and electric hookups, and 7 sites are primitive with no water or electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the best combination of comfortable weather (daytime highs typically in the mid-50s to mid-70s°F, nights in the 40s–50s°F) and peak migration — the Mississippi Flyway funnels countless waterfowl and shorebirds through Crab Orchard, making it a top destination for birding and wildlife photography. Cooler temperatures and clearer skies also make hiking, biking, and lakeside exploration much more pleasant than the humid summer months. Expect moderate crowds on weekends from September–10 Peak months: October, September, November, April

Elevation417 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCrab Orchard Lake dominates the view, a sprawling body of water where waterfowl and pelicans work the surface. Beyond the shoreline, the refuge holds hidden waterfalls, quiet ponds, hardwood forests, and a designated National Wilderness Area. The landscape sits at 417 feet elevation in the Ohio and Mississippi River confluence region, positioned along the Mississippi Flyway where wildlife funnels through between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. Herons stalk the shallows. Launch points and trails give access to coves and forested ridges.

Programs & ActivitiesThe refuge offers environmental education and activities at the visitor center and provides opportunities for photography and interpretive experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Total Campsites74 campsites

Recommended SitesOf the 74 sites, 67 sites have water and electric hookups and 7 sites are primitive with no water or electric hookups. A swim beach is located on the eastern side of camping loop B near the shower house. The campground includes a dump station, hot showers, and flush toilets.

Amenities available

Crab Orchard Campground offers 74 campsites. Water and electric hookups are provided on 67 sites, 7 sites are primitive with no water or electric hookups. The campground offers a dump station, hot showers, and flush toilets in order to provide a comfortable camping experience for guests.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The refuge and campground offer a wide array of outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife observation, swimming, biking, photography, hunting, and environmental education. Multiple trails, lakes, marinas, and a visitor center support these activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

Rate Crab Orchard Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.3

192 reviews

Satisfactory

Crab Orchard Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about Crab Orchard Campground, frequently describing it as clean, peaceful, and beautifully situated on the lake. Guests highlight the friendly staff and hosts, well‑maintained facilities (especially restrooms), and a relaxed, family‑oriented atmosphere that keeps many returning year after year.

Review Summaries

Based on 192 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 192 reviews.

Loop ELoved
Site E‑1 (Loop E) is described as easy to book even last minute for a small camper, with desired hookups and clean bath house/showers nearby plus convenient…
Loop ALoved
Sites in Loop A (A‑3, A‑4, A‑20, A‑22) and Loop B (B‑9, B‑19) are consistently described as clean, quiet, and well‑kept, with A‑22’s reviewer emphasizing the…
Loop BMentioned
One reviewer mentioned that all of Loop B was closed during their visit, limiting site options at that time.

What Campers Love

Campers love the beautiful lakeside setting, with many noting great views, quiet surroundings, and opportunities for fishing, kayaking, swimming, and relaxing by the water. Cleanliness is repeatedly...

Based on 192 reviews

Common Concerns

Very few complaints appear in the reviews. One camper wished the tent sites had electric, and another noted that loop B was closed at the time of their visit. Several mention that bugs can be an...

Based on 192 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend bringing bug repellent and citronella candles, especially for early September when insects can be heavy. They suggest enjoying the lakefront tent and RV sites for views and access...

Based on 192 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Some September reviewers report it being particularly buggy, suggesting late summer/early fall may require extra insect protection. One review mentions the beach was closed during COVID, indicating...

Based on 192 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is our third year camping at Crab Orchard Lake. We intend to return. The staff are extremely helpful and friendly. The entire park is well maintained. The rest rooms are extremely...

Based on 192 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer notes that dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and not aggressive, indicating the campground is pet‑friendly with basic behavior and leash requirements.

Based on 192 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Crab Orchard Campground

$12.00 - $28.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full Hookup: $28.00; Primitive: $12.00; Water & Electric: $23.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Campground: 618-985-4983 / Headquaters: 618-997-3344

Go if

You want lakeside access, wildlife viewing, and clean facilities at a refuge campground during peak fall migration.

Skip if

You need full hookups or prefer a private campground with more amenities.

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Campgrounds

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Crab Orchard Campground

C+

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 41% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 85 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Value
Grade A-.Getting there
Grade B.Scenery

Watch-outs

Grade D.Rules & policies
Grade D.Safety
Grade C-.Belonging

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Missouri grades overall

About Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Context for the broader area surrounding Crab Orchard Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

<p>Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge's 44,000 acres of land and water contain a wide diversity of flora and fauna. Major habitat types on the refuge include hardwood forest, agricultural land, grazing units, brushland, wetlands, and lakes. <p>The refuge provides significant resting areas for migratory birds utilizing the Mississippi Flyway. Wintering numbers of Canada Geese can peak at 200,000. A total of 700 plant species, 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 reptile and amphibian species have been documented on the refuge. <p>The western 24,000 acres of the refuge provide a wide range of recreational opportunities and also includea 4,050-acre wilderness area. The eastern portion, 20,000 acres, is a wildlife sanctuary, and public use is limited. <p>Annual visitation is approximately 1,000,000 visitors. Industrial activities on the refuge range from manufacturing and storage facilities to administrative offices. Many buildings now housing industries were used in the manufacturing of explosives during World War II, and they are still used for military ordnance production today. The concrete igloos built for munition storage are now leased to private industry for storage of many types of products.

Directions

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is located five miles west of Marion, Illinois, and five miles south of Herrin, Illinois, on State Route 148. From I-57 in Marion, go west on Illinois Route 13 about three miles to Illinois Route 148. Turn left (south) and go two and one-half miles. The refuge Visitor Information Center is located on the left.

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