Devils Kitchen Lake

**Location & Facilities**
Devils Kitchen Lake is an 810-acre lake located in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Wolf Creek in Williamson County, Illinois. The access area features a boat ramp along with a nearby group pavilion offering amenities including covered picnic tables, grills, bathhouse with hot showers, and flush toilets. Three boat ramps are available around the lake for launching.

**Paddling & Boating Information**
The lake is heavily timbered, particularly in the southern half with abundant standing timber, making navigation important to plan carefully. A portion of the southeast end is reserved exclusively for electric motors and paddling, and a 10 horsepower outboard motor limit is in effect on the lake. Clear water and scenic forest surroundings make for pleasant paddling conditions, though the numerous stumps can make it hazardous during windy conditions. This is a popular fishing destination for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.

**Fees & Contact**
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge requires vehicle and vessel passes. Day passes cost $2 (covers both vehicle and vessel), 7-day passes cost $5, and annual vessel passes cost $10. For reservations or information, contact the refuge headquarters at 618-997-3344, or visit Recreation.gov to purchase passes and reserve group facilities.

Overview
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion is situated in the south central portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. 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.  
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge,...

Overview
Devils Kitchen Group Pavilion is situated in the south central portion of the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. 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.  
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.   
The refuge has many faces. On the north side of the refuge Crab Orchard Lake is an outdoor enthusiasts dream come true. This 7,000 acre lake offers two campgrounds, marinas, and several boat launching ramps. 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. 
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.
Recreation
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.


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! 

Facilities
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. 
Natural Features
Devils Kitchen lake has breathtaking views. With rocky bluffs hanging over the lake, and the rocky bluff hiking trail. Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge has various habitats; lakes, ponds, creeks, wetlands, grasslands, and forested areas. All within the 44,000 acres upon which the Refuge was established.  

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

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