Mile 178.9 - LBD Small Sandbar below Rocky Point

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

178.9 LBD Small Sandbar below Rocky Point

Good protection from North wind, East wind or SE wind. Look for unusual rocky bluff outcropping less than 100 feet below the Illinois side of the MacArthur Bridge. Below the rocks a protected bar is tucked into the bank. This small sandbar is usable at all river levels up to high water 25 SLG, and then becomes a possible emergency stop or camp up to FS 30SLG. You might have company here in the form of fishermen, river rats, and other riff-raff. Never leave your gear or camp unattended. Small drainage south of bar runs with rusty-colored water and caustic aromas. Be careful paddling amongst fleeted barges. Tows often make unexpected appearances and power through unusually close to shore, making tight steep waves that crash strongly against shoreline. Always pull completely out of water when landing for any duration. Never leave your vessel in the water here. Crashing waves will possibly lead to flip and capsize and loss of all goods. A short walk over the levee will bring you to some all-night hard rock/electronica clubs of ill-repute. Unless you’re itching for a fight and a place to lose all your money, avoid.

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