Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
RV Guide
Introduction
Cannelton Lock and Dam is located on mile 720 of the majestic Ohio River and lies just three miles upstream from Cannelton, Indiana. The construction of the Lock and Dam began in 1963 and was overlooked by the US Army Corps of Engineers who completed building the locks in 1967 and the dam was completed in 1974.
Cannelton Pool is one of the more popular pools on the Ohio River as its surroundings comprise of both urban and rural areas. The pool flows from the dam at Louisville, Kentucky to the dam at Cannelton, Indiana which is an area of 130 miles of vast open water.
The waters at Cannelton Pool are teaming with a variety of fish species that can be caught all year round and the waters by the dam are especially renowned for catching large-sized flathead catfish and several hybrids traveling the currents. The Cannelton Pool area is also the ideal fishing grounds for bass in years when weed growth is excessive at the upstream side of the dam. This makes it a sought after destination for anglers around the world.
Cannelton Pool is Indiana’s longest lake and offers plenty of water-based recreational activities to all those who visit its shores. The lock and dam system offers access for commercial boat traffic on the Ohio River and is also a popular visiting site for recreational boaters.
The Overlook property surrounding the pool is about 123 acres of preserved wilderness that is under the care and management of the US Fish & Wildlife that help preserve the natural ecosystem around the lake.
RV Rentals in Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
Transportation
Driving
Cannelton lock and dam is located just a mile east of Cannelton, Indiana. The dam itself is located on IN 66 and can be reached by car, bike or even on foot. This region is along the Louis and Clark National Historic Trail that extends from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania to Astoria, Oregon, a distance of approximately 4,900 miles.
The nearest RV campground to Cannelton lock and dam is Tipsaw Lake Campground that lies about five miles from St. Croix, Indiana. Travel south of Route 37 for five miles until you reach the Tipsaw Lake sign. From here turn right and continue 3 miles to the campground. The campground is located just three miles away from Interstate 64 and makes for an ideal stopover point when traveling through the region.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
Campsites in Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
First-come first-served
Tipsaw Lake Campground
They are no RV campgrounds at Cannelton lock and dam area. The closest campground to Ohio River - Cannelton Pool is Tipsaw Lake Campground. The campground offers 35 spacious campsites that come equipped with their own picnic table, fire pit, and grill. You can find campsites to suit your preferred camping style as Tipsaw Lake Campground offers full-service sites, electric-only sites and un-serviced primitive campsites for a more rustic camping experience. Hot showers, flush toilets, and water hydrants are also provided at the campground for a more comfortable and luxurious stay. A boat ramp, beach and playground ensure plenty to do here during your stay.
Seasonal activities in Ohio River - Cannelton Pool
In-Season
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Cannelton Pool and fishing facilities can be found at the Public Access Park. In years where weed growth is abundant in the area in front of the dam, the waters here are teeming with bass and many other hybrid fish species that make for some truly rewarding fishing spots that skilled anglers can take full advantage of. The area surrounding the lock and dam is also a wildlife habitat, supporting many species of flora and fauna that can make for some truly amazing fishing expeditions.
Boating
Cannelton Pool is a recreational boater's paradise. This vast area of water offers limitless access to a variety of water recreational activities that are splendid fun in these calm river and lake waters. The lock and dam area also offers access to commercial boat traffic on the Ohio River and you can often float past barges and large commercial boats making for some truly spectacular sights.
A boat ramp can be found at the Middle Creek Boat Ramp located near the lock and dam that can be used by recreational boaters to take to the waters.
Hiking
128 acres of preserved land surrounds the Cannelton lock and dam that was initially built during the construction of the project. In 1995 this region was handed over to the US Fish & Wildlife to use as a wildlife habitat for a variety of flora and fauna that has flourished in the region since then.
The land has also helped increase the fish population in the pool and increased the number of species present in these deep pool waters. Visitors can hike along the lock and dam area and explore the nearby wilderness to immerse themselves in nature.
Off-Season
Picnicking
Cannelton Pool offers everything you need to have a relaxing and entertaining picnic with family and friends. Cannelton Locks has a dedicated picnic area that offers group picnic spots and group picnic shelters. The area is located right by the dam and lock systems and offers a terrific view of the Ohio River and the boats floating past its calm waters. Picnic tables and grills are available as well for visitors to enjoy a bit of outdoor barbequing by the pool waters.
Cannelton Town
If you are driving down to Cannelton Pool lock and dam, stopping by the picturesque Cannelton town and checking out this historical sandstone community is definitely worth it. The sandstone architecture makes for a unique-looking town that offers visitors camping, fishing, watersports, and hiking trails.
Photography
This beautiful lake and river-side location offer the perfect habitat for some breathtaking pictures of sunsets, wildlife, and quaint river-side towns. If you are visiting Cannelton Pool don’t forget to bring your cameras along to capture those memorable moments and the beautiful wildflowers growing by the lake shores.
