Natural swimming hole
Crab Orchard Campground Beach
Lake · Illinois
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge maintains a swimming beach on the east side of the Crab Orchard Campground, on the south shore of 6,965-acre Crab Orchard Lake. Campground references place the swim beach near the Loop B shower house, and refuge information lists a beach among its campground amenities. Listings describe the beach as serving campground guests, so non-campers should verify day-use access with the refuge before visiting.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | Summer |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | 10:30 AM-5:30 PM (per beach listing; seasonal) |
| Parking | Parking within the Crab Orchard Campground on the south shore of Crab Orchard Lake. |
| Amenities | shower house adjacent to the swim area |
| County | Williamson |
| Nearest town | Carterville |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard information is published; swim only in the designated beach area. Note that Illinois DNR fish-consumption advisories for this lake (PCBs) concern eating fish, not swimming. |
Map
Official information
Official park / agency page ↗ — check current conditions, fees, and reservations here before you go.
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Crab Orchard Campground Beach?
Yes — Crab Orchard Campground Beach is listed as a natural swimming spot in Illinois. Heads-up: No lifeguard information is published; swim only in the designated beach area. Note that Illinois DNR fish-consumption advisories for this lake (PCBs) concern eating fish, not swimming.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Crab Orchard Campground Beach require reservations?
No reservations are required at Crab Orchard Campground Beach based on current information — but verify before you go.
When is the best time to visit Crab Orchard Campground Beach?
The best season is typically Summer.
Is Crab Orchard Campground Beach safe for swimming?
Reported safety notes: No lifeguard information is published; swim only in the designated beach area. Note that Illinois DNR fish-consumption advisories for this lake (PCBs) concern eating fish, not swimming.. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — swim at your own risk.