Turkey Bayou

Turkey Bayou provides an unimproved boat launch offering access to the Big Muddy River and Town Creek system near Pomona in Jackson County. This public access point is located in the Oakwood Bottoms area and serves as one of several ramps available along this stretch of the Big Muddy River between Grand Tower and Murphysboro. The launch itself is basic in nature, so paddlers and boaters should be prepared for rustic conditions and plan accordingly for vehicle parking and boat handling.

The Big Muddy River in this area is suitable for flatwater paddling and motorized boating, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally. Kayakers and canoeists will find this a useful put-in or take-out point for exploring the river and its oxbow lakes. Note that Turkey Bayou itself (a separate 20-acre lake) has electric motors only and no direct boat ramp access. Visitors should check current water conditions before launching, as reports indicate water levels can be surprisingly low at times. The nearby Oakwood Bottoms area and Little Grand Canyon hiking trail make this location convenient for combining water and land-based recreation.