Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion sits among the stunning landscapes of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge in Illinois . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Reservations are required year-round , and the best times to visit are Apr, Jul-Oct when the weather is most comfortable .
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🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion located in Illinois, offering 50 camping sites.
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion
A Rural campground in Illinois
Overview
This 7,000 Acre Lake Offers Two Campgrounds, Marinas, and Several Boat Launching Ramps. All Within the 44,000 Acres Upon Which the Refuge Was Established.
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion Is Situated in the South Central Portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge.
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.
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.
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. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Has Various Habitats; Lakes, Ponds, Creeks, Wetlands, Grasslands, and Forested Areas. 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.
the Refuge Has Many Faces. on the North Side of the Refuge Crab Orchard Lake Is an Outdoor Enthusiasts Dream Come True. 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.
- 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!
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.
Devils Kitchen Lake Has Breathtaking Views. with Rocky Bluffs Hanging Over the Lake, and the Rocky Bluff Hiking Trail.
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
Managed by: Fish and Wildlife ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 50
- Hookup Types: Electric, No Hookups
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: Available
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , Illinois
Coordinates: 37.642756, -89.107077
Area Type: Rural
Phone:
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|marina|swimming|fishing|hiking|biking|picnic|shower|water|lake|river|trail|rv|visitor-center
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $25-35
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 12 stations
Nearest Market: Chicago/PEORIA
Notes: Signals FROM Chicago/PEORIA MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 30 stations (10 AM, 20 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Country, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK
Local News: WGN 720 Am
Market: Chicago/PEORIA
Notes: 10 AM, 20 FM Stations from Chicago/Peoria
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Makanda Inn & Cottages – Tesla Destination
Distance: 6.1 miles away
Address: 855 Old Lower Cobden Rd, Makanda, IL
Network: tesla-destination
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • Tesla-J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 10284754
- Managing Agency: Fish and Wildlife Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
- Park Website: /parks/crab-orchard-national-wildlife-refuge/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: Other
- Parks Post Name: crab-orchard-national-wildlife-refuge
- Parent Park Name: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge
- Correct Park Type Mapping: crab-orchard-national-wildlife-refuge
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 1.0
- States Covered: Illinois
- Managing Agencies: Fish and Wildlife Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 127.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1358
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 127.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1358
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: illinois
- Agency Slug: fish-and-wildlife-service
- Park Type Slug: other
- Parent Park Slug: crab-orchard-national-wildlife-refuge
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: us-fish-and-wildlife-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in Illinois | Browse our Illinois camping guide