Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The
refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and
fauna. The major habitats on the refuge include oak hickory upland forest,
bottomland hardwood forest, cropland, grazing units, brushland, prairie,
wetlands and lakes. The refuge also includes a 4,050 acre congressionally
designated wilderness area.

<p>Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge was established on August 5, 1947. The refuge is made up of 44,000 acres of land with a great diversity of flora and fauna. The major habitats on the refuge include oak hickory upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, cropland, grazing units, brushland, prairie, wetlands and lakes. The refuge also includes a 4,050 acre congressionally designated wilderness area.</p>

## 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

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! 

## 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

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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.   </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>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.</p>

<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Disturbing, or collecting animal and plant specimens, natural rocks, stones, minerals, or objects of antiquity is prohibited. </li>
<li>Gathering deer antlers and/or skulls is prohibited.</li>
<li>Grab one of Crab Orchard NWR recreation brochures for more information and a map of the Refuge! </li>
</ul>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>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.</p>

<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Disturbing, or collecting animal and plant specimens, natural rocks, stones, minerals, or objects of antiquity is prohibited. </li>
<li>Gathering deer antlers and/or skulls is prohibited.</li>
<li>Grab one of Crab Orchard NWR recreation brochures for more information and a map of the Refuge! </li>
</ul>
<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>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.  </p>

<p>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. </p>

<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center</p>
<p>Rocky bluff and wild turkey trails</p>

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

A pavilion with picnic tables, concrete floor and brick columns. The pavilion is next to a lake and shaded by trees. A gravel road connects to the pavilion.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Directions

Reviews

Campgrounds

Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion