Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion

The Devils Kitchen Campground and bathhouse are closed this season due to infrastructure repair needs. The group pavilion is closed to camping but open for day use activities as a first come, first served picnic area. Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion is situated in the south central portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, on a small peninsula giving your group solitude to enjoy a front row seat to view numerous species of waterfowl and shorebirds, and the serene view of sunrises and sunsets on the lake. Devils Kitchen lake has breathtaking views, with rocky bluffs hanging over the lake and the rocky bluff hiking trail. 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. The refuge's 44,000 acres sit relatively close to the confluence of two of the Nation's great rivers, the Ohio and the Mississippi, ideally situated to provide a migration haven for the thousands of waterfowl and other migrating birds that journey the Mississippi Flyway each fall and spring. Its habitats include lakes, ponds, creeks, wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas. On the north side, the 7,000-acre Crab Orchard Lake offers two campgrounds, marinas, several boat launching ramps, fishing sites, hunting opportunities, picnic areas and swimming. The south side is more solitary, holding the pristine Devils Kitchen and Little Grassy lakes, nature trails with waterfalls, and a National Wilderness Area. On the east side are opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, biking and educational activities at the visitor center. Recreation across the refuge includes hiking, picnicking, photography, boating, hunting, fishing, camping, wildlife observation and environmental education. Fishing is available on three lakes and five ponds, and the refuge is a popular spot for crappie, bluegill and bass; state and refuge regulations apply. Six trails offer visitors numerous opportunities to experience the beauty of the refuge, and a portion of Southern Illinois' River-to-River trail runs through the southern portion, the only trail that allows horseback riding, from 1 May to 31 October. Bicycles are allowed on roads and designated trails. Fruits, nuts, berries and mushrooms may be gathered by hand for personal use or consumption; collection for commercial use is prohibited, as is disturbing or collecting animal and plant specimens, natural rocks, stones, minerals or objects of antiquity, and gathering deer antlers or skulls. The group pavilion offers group primitive camping for events like family reunions, stand up grills, covered picnic tables and a boat ramp, with a bathhouse with hot showers and flushable toilets within a minute drive from the peninsula. Nearby are the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and the rocky bluff and wild turkey trails.