Originally built to manage water flow for farming and commercial activity, the Kaskaskia River Project has become a popular recreational area. The river is stocked with several fish species so that anglers can reel in carp, sauger, flathead and channel catfish, white bass, and freshwater drum. With over 30 miles of river to explore, much of it shaded by pristine hardwood forest, the area is also perfect for fall kayak and canoe trips.
The Kaskaskia River is a haven for local wildlife, attracting a wide range of mammal and bird species. Birdwatchers can catch seasonal migrations in the spring and fall, when hundreds of species of birds cross the Kaskaskia River. Much of the maintained land around the river is open to hunting, where you’ll find large populations of waterfowl and deer.
The main RV campground in the area is located near Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, which also houses the visitor center. The campground has 15 sites, all of which feature electrical hookups. There are two boat launches located just outside of the campground, making it easy to get out onto the water.
Located in the soutwestern tip of Illinois, the Kaskaskia River is a short drive from St. Louis, and can also be reached from a number of major cities in the region. The area around the river is easy to navigate if you are driving an RV, although you should keep an eye out for flooding.
If you are driving from St. Louis, take IL-3 and you’ll reach the Kaskaskia River Project in around an hour. From Nashville, you’ll take I-24 to arrive in just over four hours.
The main RV campground by the river is located at Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, which is just a few minutes from IL-3. You should have few issues navigating an RV to the campground. However, the area around the dam is prone to flooding, so you should check the road conditions before venturing out.
This 15 site RV campground is located near Jerry F. Costello Visitor Center. All of the sites have electrical hookups, as well as picnic tables and grills. There are also a number of drinking water access points in the campground, as well as vault toilets. Pets are allowed at the campground, although all dogs must be kept on a leash.
Situated right on the banks of the Kaskaskia River, the main recreation activities near the campground are boating and fishing. The river is well stocked with a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, carp, channel catfish, and drum. You’ll also find two boat ramps near the campground, with one located above the dam and the other below.
Reservations are not accepted for any of the sites, so try to arrive early in the day, especially if visiting over the weekend. There is occasional flooding in the area, which may cause the campground to close. Check the campground conditions before setting out on your trip.
The Kaskaskia River is a popular destination for local anglers, with a wide range of fish species, many of which are stocked by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. You’ll be able to catch bluegill, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, freshwater drum, carp, sauger, and flathead catfish. There are ten boat ramps located along the 36 miles of the Kaskaskia, so you shouldn’t have any issues getting onto the water. Illinois fishing licenses are required if you plan on fishing on the river.
The Kaskaskia River is also a popular boating destination, with 36 miles of water cutting through rolling hills and hardwood forests. The area is perfect for kayaking and canoe trips in the fall, when the banks of the river are colored in rich autumn hues.
There are ten boat ramps located along the river, giving you quick access to the river. The main RV campground in the area, located at Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, has two boat ramps, so you won’t have to travel far from your rig to get to the water.
The areas of the Kaskaskia River near Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam are safe for swimming, making the campground an excellent destination for hot summer days. You can access the swimming areas directly from the RV sites, so you won’t have to walk far to get to the water.
Although the river is safe for swimming, it is not monitored, so you venture into the water at your own risk. Water levels will also vary throughout the year, so check before your visit.
Jerry. F Costello Visitor Center offers a range of events, exhibits, and tours that teach you more about the Kaskaskia River Project. The dam was built to help manage waterflow in the upper Mississippi River, making it an important part of the local economy. You’ll learn all about this history, as well as the impact that the dam has had one local wildlife. Tours are offered for free throughout the year, although hours may vary depending on the season.
The Kaskaskia River Project maintains over 450 acres of public land nearby, most of which is open to hunting. The main draw for hunters is the wide range of waterfowl species, but you’ll also find a significant number of deer in the area.
You’ll need an Illinois state hunting license if you plan on hunting anywhere near the Kaskaskia River Project. The land near the river is a mix of private and public plots, so make sure not to trespass as you hunt.
The area around the Kaskaskia River is maintained by the state, making it a popular refuge for dozens of bird species. You’ll also be able to spot a wide range of waterfowl along the river. If you visit during the spring or fall, you can catch one of the major bird migrations, where you can see hundreds of bird species on the move.
If you want more information on the birds in the area, consult the websites of southern Illinois birdwatching societies, many of which provide excellent field guides and checklists.
