Blue Heron Marina And Campground
The campground is currently showing as closed on Recreation.gov. The facility normally operates year-round with winter reservations available by calling the campground directly at 618-364-6289.
Extreme Heat Warning issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 3 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
Heat Advisory issued July 2 at 10:16AM CDT until July 4 at 8:00PM CDT by NWS Paducah KY
* WHAT...For the Extreme Heat Warning, dangerously hot conditions with peak afternoon heat index values up to around 110 degrees can be expected. For the Heat Advisory on Independence Day, peak afternoon heat index values up to around 105 degrees are anticipated. * WHERE...All of southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast Missouri. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Friday to 8 PM CDT /9 PM EDT/ Saturday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses increase significantly during prolonged duration extreme heat and high humidity events. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Overnight lows will only fall into the mid 70s, providing little relief during this prolonged, extended duration of dangerously high heat and humidity.
About
Blue Heron Marina and Campground, now operating as Bluegill Bay Marina and Campground, occupies a prime location on the northwestern shore of Crab Orchard Lake. The campground is situated within Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, a 44,000-acre refuge near the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers that serves as a critical migration haven along the Mississippi Flyway. The facility has been operated by The REEF LLC since January 2025. The campground offers 34 campsites equipped with water and 50-amp electric hookups, with pricing ranging from $18/night for primitive sites to $45/night for full hookup sites. Three bathhouses provide hot showers and flush toilets, and a dump station is available on-site. The camp store sells bait, firewood, ice, and snacks. Fire pits are permitted, and campers must observe quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. The marina component features 137 boat slips for daily or annual rental, a boat ramp, fishing piers, and watercraft rentals including kayaks, pontoons, and paddle boats. The refuge offers excellent fishing for crappie, bluegill, and bass, along with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and beach access. Pets are allowed but must be leashed (10 feet maximum) and are not permitted in restrooms, the beach, or picnic areas.
Directions
From I-57 in Marion, go west on Illinois Route 13 about three miles to Illinois Route 148, then turn left (south) and go two and one-half miles to the refuge entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $23 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| thereefllc2024@gmail.com | |
| Phone | +1 (618) 364-6289 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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