The Lock and Dam Park and Campground is located on the Coosa River. The Lock and Dam were built when boats used the Coosa River to transport cargo. It helped control the water level by making it more consistent throughout the year and making the river more navigatable for larger boats during the drier months. The Lock and Dam are no longer in use.
Today the Lock and Dam area is used for a campground, fishing, park, picnic pavilion, and boat ramp. The park is open year-round and has a lot to do on-site. It is also just a short drive to Downtown Rome, Cave Spring, or Cedartown, Georgia.
Visitors can see the water running over the Dam. The lower the water, the more visible it is.
When we went on the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday River Cruise, we could see the Lock and Dam from the Coosa River. That is where we turned around. You can read more about our adventure Going Down The River On The Sulzbacher Roman Holiday.
Along the river, a walkway gets visitors right over the water. It is an excellent place to get a clear view of the river and is right there at the Lock and Dam.
While you are there, stop by the Coosa River Trading Post. They have you covered for most fishing supplies. It is also where you can register for campsites. The lady we talked to was super friendly and helpful. She told us that every year in October, the Lock and Dam hosts the 2nd largest Geocache event in the world. If you have never heard of Geocaching, it is an activity where you search for and find hidden containers or caches using G.P.S. coordinates. The caches may contain small items, or they may only contain a ledger for the person to sign to mark their find. People come from all over the world to this event. It is so popular that campsites are reserved a year in advance. The campers get into the Halloween season and decorate the area outside their campers and tents. It is such a popular place to host the event that one year they tried to move it to a different location, and it caused quite a stir and was returned to the Lock and Dam.
Fishing is prevalent at the Lock and Dam. Someone is always fishing whenever I have been to the Lock and Dam. A boat ramp lets you put in your boat whether you are there for the day or camping.
There is an excellent pavilion that is available to rent. It has power which is a plus. When the boys were younger, they attended the Boy Scout’s Twilight camp held at the pavilion at the Lock and Dam.
My mom has a yearly reunion with all the neighborhood kids she grew up with, and it has been held at the Lock and Dam a few times. It is a great place. There is plenty of shade and a playground. You are also right off the river.
The Coosa River Nature Center used to be on the site, but it has moved to the E.C.O. Center at Ridgeferry Park, which is also fantastic. The boys and I have visited several times, and I always learn something new. It tells all about the Etowah, Coosa, and Oostanaula River ecosystems that flow through Rome. The sign is outside the Coosa River Trading post, but I strongly encourage you to visit the E.C.O. Center.
There are a few campsites on the Coosa River and several in the woods. The ones on the river have a covered patio and a great water view.
I prefer the ones that are nestled among the trees. While we were there, it was the slower season for camping. Camping is much more popular during the spring and fall each year.
The Lock and Dam Park is clean and well-maintained. It is a beautiful place in a great location and a great place to spend a fun-filled day or a relaxing weekend.
You can read more about The Lock And Dam Park And Campground at Explore Georgia Lock & Dam Park or Rome Floyd Parks and Recreation.
