Blue Heron Campground & Marina

Overview

Crab Orchard Lake Campground is situated in the northwestern portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Staying in the Crab Orchard Campground gives you a front row seat to view numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, and various other types of wildlife, also giving you the serene view of sunrises & sunsets on the lake. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, located relatively close to the confluence of two of the Nation's great rivers, the Ohio and Mississippi, the refuge's 44,000 areas is ideally situated to provide a migration haven for the thousands waterfowl and other migrating birds that journey the Mississippi Flyway each fall and spring. The refuge has many faces. On the north side of the refuge Crab Orchard Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true. This 7,000 acre lake offers two campgrounds, marinas, and several boat launching ramps. Throw in fishing sites, hunting opportunities, picnic areas, and swimming and you begin to understand why this refuge is one of the most visited in the Nation. Drive the roads on the refuge's south side and you discover another Crab Orchard filled with pristine lakes, nature trails with waterfalls, and a National Wilderness Area offering a place to seek relaxation, adventure, or something in between. On the refuge's east side, you will find great opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, biking and educational activities at the visitor center and you may find yourself coming back again and again.

Recreation

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is host to a multitude of recreational opportunities including hiking, picnicking, photography, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife observation, and environmental education. You can enjoy fishing on our three lakes, and five ponds. Crab Orchard NWR is popular spot for crappie, bluegill, and bass. Be sure to follow all State and Refuge regulations. The Refuge has six trails that offer visitors numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of the Refuge. A portion of Southern Illinois' River-to-River trail runs through the southern portion of the Refuge. Bicycles are allowed on roads and designated trails. Fruits, nuts, berries, and fruiting bodies of mushrooms may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption. Collection for the purpose of commercial use is prohibited. Disturbing, or collecting animal and plant specimens, natural rocks, stones, minerals, or objects of antiquity is prohibited. Gathering deer antlers and/or skulls is prohibited. We leave them as a winter food source for a wide variety of species that use the Refuge as their home range. Grab one of Crab Orchard NWR recreation &/or hunt brochures for more information and a map of the Refuge!

Nearby Attractions

Accessible SwimmingAmphitheaterAntiquingArcheryAuto TouringBackpackingBadmintonBeach CampingBeachcombingBerry PickingBikingBirdingBoatingCampingCanoeingCavingClam DiggingClimbingCrabbingCrawfishingCross Country SkiingCultural ActivitiesDay Use AreaDisc GolfDivingDocumentary SiteDownhill SkiingEnvironmental EducationEvening ProgramsFire Lookouts/Cabins OvernightFish HatcheryFish Viewing SiteFishingGold PanningGolfGondola RidesGuided Interpretive WalksHikingHistoric & Cultural SiteHorse CampingHorseback RidingHotel/Lodge/Resort Fs OwnedHotel/Lodge/Resort Privately OwnedHuntingIce ClimbingIce FishingIce SkatingInformation SiteInterpretive ProgramsJet SkiingKayakingLookout TowerMotelMotor BoatMountain BikingMountain ClimbingMushroom PickingNon-Motorized BoatingObservation SiteOff Highway Vehicle TrailsOff Road Vehicle TrailsOrganization Site Fs OwnedOrganization Site Privately OwnedOther Recreation Concession SitePaddle BoatingPaddlingPhotographyPicnickingPlayground Park Specialized Sport SiteRaftingRanger StationRecreation ProgramsRecreation ResidenceRecreational ShootingRecreational VehiclesRiver TripsRock ClimbingSailboardingSailingScenic DriveScuba DivingSea KayakingShuffle BoardSkiingSleddingSnorkelingSnow TubingSnowboardingSnowmobileSnowmobile TrailsSnowparkSnowshoeingSoccer FieldsSoftball FieldsStar GazingSurfingSwimmingSwimming SiteTubingVisitor CenterWater AccessWater ActivitiesWater SkiingWater SportsWhale WatchingWhitewater RaftingWild Horse ViewingWildernessWildlife ViewingWindsurfingWinery ToursWinter SportsWood Cutting

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge requires Vehicle and Vessel passes. There are several options to choose from that you can purchase here on Recreation.gov! Day pass - $2 - Covers both your vehicle and vessel Week (7 day) pass - $5 - Covers both your vehicle and vessel Annual vehicle pass - $15 The Federal Duck Stamp and the America the Beautiful passes are also honored as the annual vehicle pass. If you have one bring it in to the Crab Orchard NWR visitor center and we'll give you a hang tag! If you want more information about the Federal Duck Stamp visit: https://www.fws.gov/service/duck-stamps Annual vessel pass - $10 Additional annual vehicle and vessel passes - $5