Golconda Marina Ramp

Golconda Marina is a full-service boat ramp facility located in Pope County along a scenic stretch of the Ohio River. This 274-acre state recreation area offers 206 boat slips and serves as the primary gateway to the Smithland Pool navigation project. The marina features a well-maintained boat ramp, access road, and parking lot managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Wheelchair accessible facilities include a ramp to the store and showers, though boaters should use caution when transferring to vessels.

The Ohio River at this location is a major waterway with substantial flow—averaging over 306,000 cubic feet per second—and a moderate gradient of 0.4 feet per mile. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for the river's size and current conditions typical of this major navigation channel. The Smithland Pool area upstream provides additional recreational opportunities. The site includes shower facilities available to slip renters, making it a convenient base for extended river trips.