Access Site
IL
Grand Chain
City: IL
County: Pulaski County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 37.23220600, -88.97014000
Air Temp: --
Location
Interactive access map
Loads when you reach this section.
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Ohio River
1 run
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Location & Access:** Grand Chain is a boat ramp facility located on the Ohio River in Pulaski County, Illinois (approximately 18 miles from Metropolis). The site is part of Riverview Campground, which sits on the river bluffs and offers a developed launch point for paddlers and motorboats accessing the Ohio River.
**What to Expect:** The Ohio River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow—averaging over 306,000 cubic feet per second with velocities around 7 feet per second. This is a large, powerful river requiring appropriate skill levels and respect for current conditions. You'll be launching into Pool 53 of the Ohio River system, which extends upstream to Locks and Dam No. 53 near Mound City. The river's substantial size and flow make it suitable for experienced paddlers and boaters, particularly those comfortable with main-channel navigation.
**Facilities & Services:** Riverview Campground offers an RV campground with bathhouse, boat ramp, country store, restaurant, and lodge accommodations—making this a full-service access point for multi-day trips. Nearby recreation includes Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. For additional services and supplies beyond the on-site amenities, plan for a trip to Metropolis, about 18 miles away.
**What to Expect:** The Ohio River at this location is a major waterway with significant flow—averaging over 306,000 cubic feet per second with velocities around 7 feet per second. This is a large, powerful river requiring appropriate skill levels and respect for current conditions. You'll be launching into Pool 53 of the Ohio River system, which extends upstream to Locks and Dam No. 53 near Mound City. The river's substantial size and flow make it suitable for experienced paddlers and boaters, particularly those comfortable with main-channel navigation.
**Facilities & Services:** Riverview Campground offers an RV campground with bathhouse, boat ramp, country store, restaurant, and lodge accommodations—making this a full-service access point for multi-day trips. Nearby recreation includes Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge. For additional services and supplies beyond the on-site amenities, plan for a trip to Metropolis, about 18 miles away.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Located within
Ohio River - Pool 53
Located within