Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Devil's Kitchen Group Campground

Overview

Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion is situated in the south central portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion sits on a small peninsula giving your group solitude to enjoy a front row seat to view numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, 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 top ten most visited in the Nation. Drive the roads on the refuge's south side and you discover a more solitary portion of Crab Orchard NWR filled with the pristine Devils Kitchen and Little Grassy 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, this is the only trail that allows horseback riding from 01 May - 31 October. 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. Grab one of Crab Orchard NWR recreation brochures for more information and a map of the Refuge!

Facilities

The group pavilion offers group primitive camping for events like family reunions, stand up grills, covered picnic tables, a boat ramp, and a bathhouse with hot showers and flushable toilets within a minute drive from the peninsula.

Natural Features

Devils Kitchen lake has breathtaking views. With rocky bluffs hanging over the lake, and the rocky bluff hiking trail. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has various habitats; lakes, ponds, creeks, wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas. All within the 44,000 acres upon which the Refuge was established. If you enjoy being surrounded by nature, and feeling as though your farther away from civilization than you actually are, Devils Kitchen is where you want to be. There are towns within 30 minutes from the lake, but Devils Kitchen has a way of making you feel as though that was not the case.

Nearby Attractions

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Rocky bluff and wild turkey trails