Blue Heron Marina and Campground
Carterville, IL
Potable Water
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Swimming
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Amenities, activities and location
Amenities
Landscape
Good to know
- Campfires
- Allowed
From Campflare · checked 8 Mar 2026
About this campground
Bluegill Bay Marina and Campground, formerly known as Blue Heron Marina and Campground, sits on the northwestern shore of Crab Orchard Lake within the 44,000-acre Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Operated by The REEF LLC since January 1, 2025, this concession-run facility combines camping, boating, and wildlife recreation in one of the most visited refuges in the nation. The campground offers 34 campsites equipped with water and electric hookups, making it suitable for RVs and trailers seeking lakefront camping with modern amenities. The facility includes a bathhouse, laundry facilities, fish cleaning station, and an activity center.
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The marina component features 137 boat slips available for daily or annual rental, a boat ramp, fishing piers, and boat rentals including pontoons, paddle boats, and canoes. Crab Orchard Lake's 7,000 acres provide excellent opportunities for fishing, with the refuge being a popular destination for catching crappie, bluegill, and bass. The location along the Mississippi Flyway makes it an ideal spot for viewing waterfowl and shorebirds during migration seasons. Campers can enjoy serene sunrises and sunsets over the lake while experiencing the diverse wildlife that calls the refuge home. The refuge's northern side offers numerous recreational opportunities including boating, swimming, hiking, and wildlife photography, with the southern portions featuring pristine lakes, nature trails with waterfalls, and wilderness areas.
From Campflare · checked 8 Mar 2026
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Blue Heron Marina and Campground
Last checked Mar 2026
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