Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR

Fish and Wildlife Service manages this lakefront campground with full RV hookups for around $30 per night. Located within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, the campground provides direct access to Little Grassy Lake through multiple entry points including drive-in sites and boat-in options for those arriving by water.

The forested setting includes both lakefront and interior sites, with an on-site marina offering kayak and canoe rentals plus fishing supplies. Daniel P. describes the facility as having a "cute little on site store for nick nacks, boat rentals, and fishing bait." Sites feature electric, water, and sewer connections alongside standard amenities like restrooms, showers, and a dump station.

Fishing and paddling dominate the recreational activities here, with the lake providing the primary draw for most visitors. Campers report that cooler weekends tend to be less crowded, allowing for more privacy between sites. The campground welcomes pets and accepts reservations, though some reviewers note maintenance could be more consistent.

For those exploring beyond this location, campgrounds around Makanda offer additional options in southern Illinois. Book ahead during warmer months when lakefront sites fill quickly.

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Location

RV Park

Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

Directions

788 Hidden Bay Lane, Makanda, IL 62958 From I-57 take 13 west to Giant City Road go south seven miles to Grassy road make a left 2nd road on the right is Hidden Bay Lane. We are at the end of the road.

Coordinates

37.64400085 N
89.16200036 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the family-friendly lakefront setting with recreational activities nearby. Some maintenance concerns were noted, but most found it a pleasant retreat in Southern Illinois.

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

Nice little place

Needs some cleaning up. Maybe a maintenance guy that does something other than leave beer cans at the beach.

Reviewed Apr. 25, 2019

Nice lake-front spots

Around $30/night In 2019 for lake front with RV hookups. Cute little on site store for nick nacks, boat rentals, and fishing bait.

Nice chill vibe.

  • Review photo of Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR by Daniel P., April 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR by Daniel P., April 25, 2019
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2018

Quaint and friendly

This campground is family friendly and right on the lake. We were lucky to come on a cooler weekend and get a more private campsite. You can rent kayaks and canoes for cheap at the marina, it’s close to Giant City, and it is everything I love about Southern IL.

SiteSite 28
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR by Shelby B., August 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR by Shelby B., August 20, 2018
Reviewed May. 30, 2018

Family Friendly

Great place to spend time with family and friends. Quite quaint and easy access to campground.

Month of VisitApril

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Little Grassy Lake - Crab Orchard NWR?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is excellent coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.