Joppa

The Joppa boat ramp offers a concrete launch facility on the Ohio River in Massac County, Illinois, at river mile 944, near Pool 52 (Locks and Dam No. 52). This is a bare-bones access point with no amenities—the nearest facilities, including food, flush toilets, and showers, are located 12 miles away in Metropolis, Illinois. The ramp has limited space suitable for small camping or parking bicycles and paddlers, but visitors should be prepared to be self-sufficient.

Paddlers and boaters should be aware that the Ohio River at this location is a major waterway with significant current and traffic. The river averages 7 feet per second in velocity and handles substantial tow traffic regularly. Water conditions can change rapidly, particularly after thunderstorms, with high flows and debris common during wet periods. The nearby Joppa power plant is visible downstream. This site is best suited for experienced paddlers and boaters familiar with large river conditions, and caution is especially advised during high water events.