Crab Orchard Lake, Carbondale

We just went for the day but it was great. Grass and shade near the lake, picnic table, life guard, roped off swimming area. Warm water and only $2.00 per person. On the downside, the sand is very rough and coarse, not beachy. I wouldn't mind camping there sometime. We stayed in a cabin though a few miles away.

My father use to take all the kids to Crab Orchard every year for 2 weeks of camping and boating - this was back in the late 60s and early 70s. Last year, my family and my father returned to camp, boat, and fish. Instead of camping in tents - we now camp in a travel trailer. The atmosphere, people, and fellow campers have not changed a bit - I own my own business and can't wait to head to the lake each weekend. A sense of relaxation comes over me as soon as I pull through the check in station. When driving through the camp ground - you'll get a wave from everyone you pass. My daughter loves it - my wife relaxes - my Dad still loves camping and fishing. Instead of the old saying " Not like it use to be" Dad says " Just like it use to be but better". Dad and I catch anywhere between 100 and 200 crappie and bluegill every weekend we go! Love it! Oh - if you have a problem with someone possibly seeing you sit on a toilet - you may not like the bathrooms - Showers are great and Clean! Keep up the good work - WE WILL BE BACK!!

I camped at Crab Orchard this past weekend with my husband, children and grandchildren. We all loved it. The campsites were roomy, and we could put our tents anyplace on the site we wanted to. Sleeping in a tent set up on grass is much more comfortable than on GRAVEL like we had to the last place we camped. The restrooms and showers were very clean, but the restrooms could have been better lighted. Also, the temperature of the women's showers cannot be adjusted, the water starts out warm and quickly goes to hot. And the handle was nearly unreachable for my daughter's and myself. The swimming was great (and free!). I was glad to be wearing swimshoes, tho, since the sand under the water turned to mud a ways out. All said, it was a great experience. I recommend Crab Orchard Lake to all who enjoy the outdoors.

The Rest Rooms were clean and very informitive. We enjoyed everyone we met there and will definetly camp there again. many thanks to all the employes that keep the park up and going, and CLEAN. thanks, thanks,thsnks. Richard Hanes

great people great fishing and the food is worth the trip. camping was best time with good people. skiing was great and water was fine. happy trails leaves are turning.

-Excellent scenery and a variety of good gamefish make Crab Orchard Lake a great place to visit if you're in southern Illinois.