Crab Orchard E10

For Illinois residents eager to embrace the beauty of the outdoors, a great campground offers more than just a place to stay; it provides an opportunity to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories. Nestled within the expansive Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Crab Orchard Campground, specifically Site E10, offers a gateway to adventure and relaxation in the heart of Southern Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a significant natural resource for our state, offering a vast landscape dedicated to conservation and public enjoyment. Within this refuge, various camping options exist, and Crab Orchard Campground stands as a popular choice for those looking to experience the region's natural splendor. While one past volunteer's review mentioned concerns about financial practices, which are important to acknowledge, the primary focus for campers is often the quality of the site and the overall experience. Our aim is to provide you, a local Illinois user, with a factual and engaging overview of what makes this campground a compelling destination for your next outdoor escape.

This campground, particularly a specific site like E10, emphasizes providing a direct connection to nature with the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. Whether you're an avid RVer or prefer the simplicity of tent camping, understanding the features and services available can help you plan your ideal trip. Let’s explore what Crab Orchard Campground, and specifically site E10, has to offer to make your Southern Illinois adventure truly memorable.

Crab Orchard Campground, including Site E10, is located at 10015 Campground Dr, Carterville, IL 62918, USA. This address places it squarely within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, a prominent natural area in Southern Illinois, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The refuge itself spans a vast area, centered around the beautiful Crab Orchard Lake.

Its location in Carterville, near Carbondale, ensures a good balance between a secluded natural environment and access to local services. While you'll feel immersed in nature, essential amenities such as grocery stores, gas stations, and various dining options are within a reasonable driving distance in nearby towns. This convenience is a significant advantage for Illinois residents who appreciate a natural getaway without feeling completely isolated.

Access to the campground is typically straightforward, with well-maintained roads leading into the refuge and the camping areas. For RVers, navigating to the sites should be manageable. The strategic position within the refuge also means excellent accessibility to the myriad of outdoor activities offered by the refuge itself, including various parts of Crab Orchard Lake, making it an ideal base camp for exploring the wider Southern Illinois region. For Illinois locals, this offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a rich natural experience without an overly long journey from home.

• Electric Hookups: Site E10 specifically offers electric hookups (50 amp/20/50/30), providing power for RVs and other camping equipment. Other sites in the broader Crab Orchard Campground may also offer full hookups (electric, water, sewer) or be non-electric.

• Restrooms and Showers: The broader Crab Orchard Lake Campground generally provides clean bathrooms and showers, which are essential amenities for campers after a day of outdoor activities.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is typically available at the entrance to the campground for RV waste disposal.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Individual campsites, including E10, are equipped with a fire ring or grate and a picnic table, perfect for cooking, dining, and enjoying campfires.

• Water Access: While Site E10 itself does not have a water hookup, general water access points are usually available within the campground loops. Some sites within the larger campground may offer water hookups.

• Boat Ramps: Given its proximity to Crab Orchard Lake, the refuge offers boat ramps for launching watercraft, with Bluegill Bay Marina nearby.

• Shaded Sites: Site E10 is noted to have "Shade," which is a significant advantage, especially during warm Illinois summers, providing a cooler and more comfortable camping experience.

• Proximity to Crab Orchard Lake: The campground is located within the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, with the lake as its centerpiece. This offers abundant opportunities for fishing (smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, and more), boating, swimming (at designated beaches), and other water-based activities.

• Wildlife Viewing and Photography: As part of a National Wildlife Refuge, the area is rich in diverse wildlife, including various bird species (including bald eagles), deer, and other animals, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: The refuge boasts numerous trails for hiking and biking, allowing campers to explore the beautiful natural landscapes, bluffs, and wooded areas.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Many aspects of the campground, from outdoor activities to the natural setting, make it a suitable destination for families looking to create outdoor memories.

• Well-Spaced Sites: While privacy can vary, reviews often mention spacious sites, providing ample room for camping equipment and personal space.

• Access to Ranger Programs and Visitor Center: Being within a National Wildlife Refuge, campers may have access to educational programs, a visitor center, and information about the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

• Seasonal Operation: The campground typically operates from April 1st through October 31st (or mid-November for some areas), catering to the prime camping season in Illinois.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are generally allowed in the campground with certain rules (e.g., leashed), which is a key feature for many campers traveling with their furry companions.

As part of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Crab Orchard Campground (including sites like E10) operates under federal fee structures. While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are uncommon, certain discounts are available:

• Interagency Senior Pass and Access Pass: These federal passes are honored, often providing a 50% discount on the camping fee for eligible individuals.

• Every Kid Outdoors Pass: This pass allows 4th graders and their families free access to federal lands, though specific camping discounts may vary by site.

Daily camping fees for Crab Orchard Lake Campground generally range: Full Hook-Up $25, Electric/Water $20, Non-Electric $10 (as per older data, current rates may vary slightly but typically remain affordable). For the most current pricing and to confirm any applicable discounts for your specific stay, it is always recommended to check the official Recreation.gov website for Crab Orchard Campground or contact the concessionaire directly.

To book your site, inquire about availability, or learn more about Crab Orchard Campground (including site specifics like E10), please use the following contact details:

Address: 10015 Campground Dr, Carterville, IL 62918, USA

Primary Contact for Campgrounds (The REEF LLC, concessionaire for Crab Orchard Lake Campground and Bluegill Bay Marina and Campground):

Phone: (618) 922-4075

Email: thereefllc2024@gmail.com

Website for Reservations (operated by The REEF LLC): craborchardbluegillbay.com

For general refuge information, you can also contact the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center:

Phone: (618) 997-3344 ext. 1

Website for Federal Reservations: Recreation.gov (search for Crab Orchard Campground)

For Illinois locals, Crab Orchard Campground, particularly a site like E10, offers an ideal blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and essential amenities, making it a highly suitable destination for various outdoor pursuits. Its location within the vast Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge means residents have immediate access to one of Southern Illinois's most significant natural assets, providing endless opportunities for recreation right on their doorstep.

The availability of electric hookups at sites like E10 caters perfectly to modern RVers, ensuring a comfortable stay regardless of the weather. The added benefit of shade, common in many sites here, enhances the camping experience during warmer months. Beyond the individual site amenities, the broader campground and refuge offer a wealth of activities—from fishing and boating on the expansive Crab Orchard Lake to hiking through diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing. This makes it a perfect spot for families, solo adventurers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

While a past review raised concerns about financial practices, it's important for local users to weigh that against the tangible benefits of the campground itself: its beautiful setting, the range of available activities, and the convenience of being close to home in Southern Illinois. Being able to escape into such a rich natural environment without a long drive is a major draw for Illinois residents. Crab Orchard Campground allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility and adventure that our state's natural areas have to offer, making it an excellent choice for your next outdoor getaway or a recurring favorite.