Fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching draw campers to Crab Orchard Lake Campground, where a number of sites sit directly on the water's edge. Set within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge outside Carbondale, the campground gives anglers direct access to Crab Orchard Lake, known among regulars as good bass fishing water. Herons, geese, deer, and turtles are common sightings around the shoreline. There is also a small swimming beach on the property, though it typically opens around Memorial Day weekend.
Site quality varies noticeably depending on location within the loops. Exterior, lakeside sites in the B loop have water and 50-amp electric hookups, with some featuring wide grassy yards that extend to the water. Interior sites carry full hookups, including sewer, and are a short walk from the lake. Sites are roomy enough to accommodate rigs up to 45 feet, and several reviewers have confirmed level gravel pads with space for a tow vehicle. Melissa H. describes the shower houses as "older but functional and clean," though at least one more recent reviewer noted the bathrooms had deteriorated. Privacy between sites is limited in the interior sections. Geese are plentiful, and their presence on the grounds is hard to miss.
Campers who choose wooded sites should know that spiders are active in the trees, particularly in the early morning hours. Bugs near the water can be heavy, so an electric bug zapper is worth packing. Wildlife encounters are part of the experience here: raccoons, snakes, and waterfowl move through the sites regularly. AT&T users have reported solid cell coverage, though results vary.
Reservations are now required through Recreation.gov, particularly for weekends, as RV sites fill quickly. The campground runs April 1 through October 31, with nightly rates from $10 to $25 depending on hookup type. America the Beautiful pass holders receive a reduced rate. Nearby, Blue Heron Campground & Marina provides another option on the same lake for campers who want to compare sites before committing. Book lakeside sites well in advance for summer weekends, and arrive early if you want first pick of the waterfront spots.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCrab Orchard Lake Campground is located in Illinois near Bargerville
Directions
From jct US 51 & Hwy 13: Go 4 mi E on Hwy 13 (over bridge), then 1/2 mi S on Campground Rd (at large marina).
Coordinates
37.7397849 N
89.11837518 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/26/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/26/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/26/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 54 min from Paducah, KY
- 1 hr 4 min from Cape Girardeau, MO
- 1 hr 44 min from Evansville, IN
- 1 hr 50 min from St. Louis, MO
