About this site

Locks and Dam No. 53 is located on the Ohio River, upstream of Mound City, IL.

USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Ohio River - Pool 53

PASSLANDS ✦ AMBIGUOUS SEE THE SOURCE CHECK

Maybe — confirm before you go.

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

Where it is
37.2032, -89.0422
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Common questions

Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Ohio River - Pool 53 — always confirm with the managing site before you go.

Depends Does the America the Beautiful pass work here?

Maybe — Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate. Check with the managing agency before you go.

Yes Can you kayak, paddle, or boat here?

Yes — there’s water for boating and paddling at Ohio River - Pool 53. Hand-launched craft usually need no permit; motorized boats may need registration or a launch fee.

Yes Can you camp at Ohio River - Pool 53?

Yes — camping is available. Reserve ahead where required; you can check availability on Recreation.gov.

Depends Can you have a campfire?

Sometimes — campfires are subject to seasonal fire restrictions and bans. Always check current fire conditions first.

Yes Are there hiking trails?

Yes — trails here include Humphrey Creek Road. Check length and difficulty before you go.

Yes Can you bring a dog?

Generally yes — dogs are welcome when kept under control (usually leashed). Confirm any local rules.

Depends Are drones allowed?

Sometimes — often allowed away from wilderness and developed or crowded areas, with rules. Check locally before you fly.

Nearby sites

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

BoatingInterpretive ProgramsFishing
IL · Fee unknown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Ohio River - Pool 52

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

IL · Fee unknown
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Ohio River - Smithland Pool

Check

Army Corps site — the pass gives 50% off day-use fees only and never covers camping. Confirm at the gate.

FishingPicnickingPlayground Park Specialized Sport Site
IL · Fee unknown
Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge Paul Sableman from St. Louis, MO / CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Check

This U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.

Auto TouringBikingBoating
IL · Fee unknown