Chouteau Lock and Dam was built primarily for the improvement of the Arkansas River, but has fun recreation areas, too! Launch your boat and explore the 18.7 miles of navigable waters in the park. Anglers refer to the lock as the “Ditch,” an excellent spot to reel in a large mouth or striped bass. You’ll also find crappie, channel catfish, flatheads, and sunfish. If you want to camp, there are a few spots to choose from along the water. Head up to the small visitor center at Lock 17 for great views, and watch the commercial tug boat captains hard at work! You can also mosey on over to the nearby towns, and check out antique stores while taking in the unique culture: a blend of military families, Cherokee and Creek nations, and Amish communities.
Chouteau Lock and Dam was built primarily for the improvement of the Arkansas River, but has fun recreation areas, too! Launch your boat and explore the 18.7 miles of navigable waters in the park. Anglers refer to the lock as the “Ditch,” an excellent spot to reel in a large mouth or striped bass. You’ll also find crappie, channel catfish, flatheads, and sunfish. If you want to camp, there are a few spots to choose from along the water. Head up to the small visitor center at Lock 17 for great views, and watch the commercial tug boat captains hard at work! You can also mosey on over to the nearby towns, and check out antique stores while taking in the unique culture: a blend of military families, Cherokee and Creek nations, and Amish communities.
Activities in the park
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
2 campgrounds in Arkansas River - Chouteau Lock and Dam
Offering both electrically fed and primitive campsites, Afton Landing sits alongside the Arkansas River. There is excellent wildlife viewing and a fishing pier—we’re told it's the kind of fishing that would make your grandpa smile. So, pack your tackle boxes to the brim, hip campers!
Strung together by just a few primitive campsites, Tullahassee Loop Campground is geared toward the boating enthusiast among us, offering well-angled boating ramps. And, better yet, these campsites must be reserved in advance, eliminating any first-come, first-served anxieties.
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Campgrounds operated by federal and state agencies are not yet bookable on Hipcamp. Learn more.
Arkansas River - Chouteau Lock and Dam
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in Arkansas River - Chouteau Lock and Dam
Offering both electrically fed and primitive campsites, Afton Landing sits alongside the Arkansas River. There is excellent wildlife viewing and a fishing pier—we’re told it's the kind of fishing that would make your grandpa smile. So, pack your tackle boxes to the brim, hip campers!
Strung together by just a few primitive campsites, Tullahassee Loop Campground is geared toward the boating enthusiast among us, offering well-angled boating ramps. And, better yet, these campsites must be reserved in advance, eliminating any first-come, first-served anxieties.
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Public campgrounds (book externally) —