The 36 miles of the Kaskaskia River Project provides many outdoor recreational opportunities. Fun recreational activities such as swimming, boating, fishing and camping can be found here.
VISITOR CENTER
The Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam) Visitor Center will be open daily from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tours of the lock and dam are available free of charge.
MARINAS
- Waterstreet Bar & Grill
201 South St.
Evansville, IL 62242
(618) 853-2370
- Smitty’s at the Marina
1 Harbor Point Dr.
New Athens, IL 62264
618-475-2223
CAMPGROUND INFORMATION
The Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam Recreation Area has fifteen sites available. These sites are $20/night and include amenities such as electric, picnic tables, grills, asphalt pads, waste receptacles, and comfort stations. A responsible person must register and pay fees within a reasonable amount of time after a camp is established. There is an automated fee machine on site for processing payments (credit card only). Check out time is 4:00 p.m. The maximum number of campers per site is eight.
DAY USE
For those that are planning a day trip to Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam, there is a boat ramp and picnic area located just north of the newly constructed Visitors Center. Amenities include picnic tables, grills, waste receptacles, and comfort stations. The Corps picnic shelter is $30 per day (8:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m.) and may be reserved by contacting the Kaskaskia River Project Office. If the shelter is not reserved, it is available free of charge on a first come, first served basis.
BOAT RAMPS
There are many ways for you to access the Kaskaskia River. There are multiple boat ramps throughout the 36 mile river project.
- City of Fayetteville boat ramp
- City of New Athens boat ramp
- IDNR Wood Duck/Baldwin boat ramp
- Baldwin Beach/Joe's Landing boat ramp
- White Swan boat ramp
- City of Evansville boat ramp
- Camp Creek boat ramp
- Phegley's boat ramp
- Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam (formerly the Kaskaskia Lock and Dam) upper and lower boat ramps
Map with boat ramp information