Ohio River - Smithland Pool
RV Guide
Introduction
Smithland Pool is one of the best-preserved stretches of the Ohio River in Illinois, offering RV campers a mix of activities on water and land. The 72 miles of river are surrounded by dense hardwood forests and rolling hills, giving you a scenic backdrop as you fish or boat. The river is home to a wide range of fish species, and the Smithland Pool is considered one of the best destinations in the country for largemouth bass fishing. The gentle currents of much of the pool make for relaxing kayak and canoe trips in the fall.
In addition to the river, you can enjoy the thousands of acres of forest nearby. The area is known for its raptor migration in the fall, drawing in birdwatchers from all across the region. You’ll also find miles of nature trails that cut through the hardwood stands. Much of the area around Smithland Pool is open to hunting, with deer being the biggest draw.
There are a number of RV campgrounds and day-use areas located along the Smithland Pool. Fort Massac State Park Campground is located right above the Ohio River, giving you beautiful views and easy access to the water. You can also stay at Dixon Springs, which is tucked deeper into the forest.
RV Rentals in Ohio River - Smithland Pool
Transportation
Driving
Located on Illinois’s southern border with Kentucky, Smithland Pool is a 72 mile stretch of river with a number of RV campgrounds and day-use areas.
If you are coming from St. Louis, take I-64 east out of the city to IL-142 and you’ll reach the river in around two and a half hours. From Louisville, take I-64 west out of the city and you’ll arrive in just under three hours.
The area around Smithland Pool is well-trafficked, with a number of major roads making it easy to access most of the main campgrounds in the area by RV. The two main RV campgrounds in the area, located at Dixon Springs and Fort Massac, can easily be reached by taking main roads. There is occasional flooding along some of the smaller roads near the river, so take caution while driving after a major rain storm.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Ohio River - Smithland Pool
Campsites in Ohio River - Smithland Pool
Reservations camping
Fort Massac State Park Campground
This campground, located on the site of Illinois’s oldest state park, sits right on the banks of the Ohio River. There are 56 sites, all of which have electrical hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. The campground has flush toilets, showers, drinking water access points, and dump stations.
The campground sits right on the Ohio River, giving you quick access to the water with a boat launch ramp. Fishing is excellent, whether on a boat or from the shore. The river is great for long kayak or canoe trips, and motorized boats are also allowed.
All of the sites can be booked in advance online. The campground fills up quickly during summer weekends, so try to book early if you plan on visiting during peak season.
Dixon Springs State Park Campground
This campground is located a few miles north of the Ohio River. It sits amid the rocky brooks and hills of the hardwood forests, giving you a secluded camping experience. The sites in the campground have electrical hookups, as well as picnic tables and fire pits. You’ll have access to vault toilets and dump stations.
Although the campground is a few miles from the Ohio River, there are still a few ponds and streams where you can fish. The ponds around the campsite are stocked with bluegill, catfish, and bass. There is a mile-long nature trail that loops around the campground, and you can also enjoy birdwatching and hunting in the surrounding forest.
Reservations for all of the sites can be made up to six months in advance. Although the campground is not usually crowded, you should book well in advance in visiting over a holiday weekend.
Seasonal activities in Ohio River - Smithland Pool
In-Season
Fishing
The Smithland Pool is one of the most popular fishing spots along the Ohio River and attracts a number of pro bass tournaments every year. Largemouth bass are the prize catch in the pool, and you’ll also find trophy flatheads. If you are interested in fishing for bass, try to cast a line between the cypress trees along the banks of the river.
There is a significant amount of commercial traffic around parts of the river, so take caution while fishing.
Boating
Stretching over 27,000 acres, Smithland Pool is the largest pool of the Ohio River. The river cuts through miles of rolling hills and dense forest, making for excellent kayak and canoe trips in the fall. You can also take a larger boat out onto the water
There are a number of public boat ramps located on the Smithland Pool, including at Old Shawneetown, Tower Rock, and Golconda Marina.
Hiking
With thousands of acres of nearby forest, Smithland Pool is also a great destination for RV campers who love to hike. Shawnee National Forest sits on the northern side of the Ohio River and is known for its rolling hills and hardwood stands. You’ll find miles of trails cutting through the forest and along the river.
The favorite time to hike in the area is during the fall when the banks of the river are at their most colorful.
Off-Season
Mountain Biking
Many of the hiking trails near the Smithland Pool are multi-use, making them great for mountain biking. Shawnee National Forest has miles of trails that let you explore the rolling hills, jagged bluffs, and vast wetlands just north of the Ohio River. You’ll find a mix of trail difficulties, so riders of all experience levels are welcome.
There are a number of businesses along the river that offer bike rentals if you don’t want to bring your own.
Hunting
The stretch of the Ohio River that runs along the southern border of Illinois is a popular destination for hunters, especially during fall deer season. Shawnee National Forest is just next to the Smithland Pool, giving you thousands of acres of pristine forest.
You’ll need an Illinois or Kentucky hunting license, depending on which side of the Ohio River you’re on. There are many private lots along the river, so make sure not to trespass while hunting.
Birdwatching
The area on the north side of the Smithland Pool is part of Shawnee National Forest, one of the best-preserved stretches of woodlands in the state. These forests are home to hundreds of species of birds, making it a popular weekend getaway for birdwatchers. The raptor migration in the fall is one of the biggest draws to the Ohio River. You’ll be able to spot peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and red-tailed hawks.
Consult the websites of local birdwatching groups to find out more about the bird species you’ll find in southern Illinois.
