Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
RV Guide
Introduction
Stretching along the border of Indiana and Kentucky, the McAlpine Pool is an active commercial and recreational hub of the Ohio River. The main portion of the pool is located just outside of Louisville, making it one of the best weekend retreats for fishing and boating. The pool features a number of popular fishing grounds, with large populations of largemouth bass and catfish. Much of the river along the pool has gentle waters, so it’s a favorite spot for recreational boating and water activities.
Visitors will also find plenty to hold their interest on dry land. There are plenty of nature reserves and parks along the river, including Charleston State Park and Clifty Falls State Park. Both have miles of hiking trails that take you down deep ravines and to the top of some of the largest waterfalls in the region. The pool is also a popular weekend getaway for birdwatchers, with over 100 species spotted along the banks of the river. If you visit during the spring, you may be able to catch nesting bald eagles.
There are various RV campgrounds in the area, many just a short drive from Louisville. The campground found at Charleston State Park features full-service RV sites, as well as a boat launch and miles of hiking trails.
RV Rentals in Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
Transportation
Driving
The McAlpine Pool runs from Switzerland County, Indiana down to Louisville. The area around the river is easy to access, as you can reach a number of popular fishing areas without driving far from Louisville.
If you are coming from Louisville, take I-71 east out of the city to US-42 to reach the upriver portion of the McAlpine Pool. From Cincinnati, take I-71 west out of the city and you’ll reach the Switzerland County portion of the pool in around an hour.
There are a number of RV campgrounds within driving range of Louisville. One of the largest is located at Charleston State Park. To reach the campground, take I-65 north out of the city to IN-62 and you’ll arrive in around half an hour.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
Campsites in Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
Reservations camping
Charleston State Park Campground
Located on the Indiana side of the McAlpine Pool, this campground is just a short drive east from Louisville. There are 129 sites with electrical hookups, as well as 58 sites with full hookups. The sites all have picnic tables and grills, and you’ll be within walking distance of modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets. Dogs are allowed at the site but must be kept on a leash.
The campground sits right on the banks of the Ohio River, giving you access to excellent fishing and boating. There is a boat launch near the RV sites, and the river is deep and wide enough for motorized boats. You’ll also find miles of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels that climb the limestone cliffs along the river. Birdwatching and wildlife viewing are also popular near the park.
Reservations must be made for all of the sites at least a day before you arrive, and spots can be booked up to six months in advance. We recommend reservations if you’re visiting over the weekend in the fall, as spots fill up quickly.
Seasonal activities in Ohio River - McAlpine Pool
In-Season
Fishing
This stretch of the Ohio River is a productive fishing ground, with large populations of largemouth bass, sauger, and catfish. Several tournaments are held at the pool every year, especially around Carrollton, Kentucky, an area known for its trophy flatheads.
Do take caution while fishing on the pool, as there are a number of shallow areas, especially around the town of Vevay and near Craigs Bar. There are boat launches located in most of the main towns along the river.
Boating
The long stretches of gentle water make the McAlpine Pool a boater’s paradise. You’ll have miles of river, tributaries, and creeks to explore by kayak or canoe. The river is also wide and deep enough in most areas for motorized boats, so you can enjoy water and jet skiing. Boat launches can be found at a number of areas near Louisville, as well as at Charleston State Park, around 20 miles outside of the city.
Hiking
There are a number of state parks and wildlife preserves along the river, giving RV campers access to miles of hiking trails. Some of the best trails in the pool are found at Charleston State Park. The park’s deep ravines and rock outcroppings are covered in hundreds of acres of lush hardwood forest, home to dozens of species of birds and mammals. You can also drive up to Clifty Falls near Madison, Indiana, where you’ll find large waterfalls that flow into the river.
Off-Season
Wildlife Viewing
Although the McAlpine Pool is located just outside of Louisville, you’ll still be immersed in a diverse ecosystem, featuring dozens of species of birds, mammals, and amphibians. Keep an eye out for frogs, turtles, and toads near the banks of the river. Deer and foxes are often spotted in the forests nearby, and you can see over 100 bird species as well, including bald eagles starting in late spring and running through summer.
Hunting
Hunters visit southern Indiana and northern Kentucky in large numbers every fall for deer season. You can find a number of hunting grounds along McAlpine Pool, including at Charleston State Park. The park has a mix of hills, open fields, and hardwood forest that make for great deer hunting. Just watch out for the many sinkholes in the forest.
You’ll need to have the right state license if you plan on hunting near the pool. The area stretches across Indiana and Kentucky, so always make sure that you’re on the right side of the river.
Birdwatching
The Ohio River is home to one of the most diverse populations of birds in the Midwest, making it a local haven for birdwatchers. Eastern bluebird, red-bellied woodpecker, American goldfinch, and red-shouldered hawk are all common sights in the area, and you can expect to see dozens more while hiking in the area. If you visit in early spring, you may be able to spot nesting bald eagles, whose eaglets usually start to leave the nest during the summer.
