Grass parking, vault toilets, and direct Mississippi River access define the experience at Blanchard Island, a small US Army Corps of Engineers campground in New Boston, Illinois. The drive in passes through active farmland on rough roads, so low-clearance vehicles may have trouble. Sites sit in open terrain with shade from surrounding trees, and each has water access suited to fishing. A boat launch is on-site. Amenities are limited to water hookups, a dump station, and vault toilets. No showers or electrical hookups are available. Flooding has closed portions of the campground in the past, so conditions can vary by season. At $14 per night with pet-friendly camping spots around Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 also available in the region, Blanchard Island makes the most sense for anglers who want river access without many amenities.
Description
Overview
The Mississippi River Projects Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area. This new way is called "Scan & Pay". Blanchard Islands open fee dates are May 15th through October 15th. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site using the QR Code and Recreation.gov mobile APP. (Cash will no longer be accepted for payment. Credit Card Only.)
Recreation
Fisherman have good luck fishing for catfish from Blanchard Island. If you have a boat, you can launch it from here and find the best catfish holes. In the Fall, hunters enjoy camping and hunting deer from here, as well as the Island; if they bring their boat. Others just enjoy the serenity of the park and the natural views of the river and bottom lands. Wildife viewing is a popular activity here. Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, and the occasional muskrat or otter may be seen.
Facilities
This "off the beaten" path Class B campground is a fisherman' and hunter's and camper's paradise. The park has a boat ramp, concrete vault toilets, 15 campsites-each with a picnic table and fire ring, as well as a beautiful and quiet view of Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River. There are a number of water hydrants throughout the park that provide potable water. A dump station is also available for camper's use.
Natural Features
Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife due to it's serene backcountry feel. It sits along the backwaters of the Mississippi River. You'll have to travel about 2 miles on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it. You'll want to bring the bug spray though to be safe!
Charges & Cancellations
As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.
Fee Info
There are no additional fees to camp at or utilize this park. The "Scan & Pay" way to pay for your campsite is easy to use. However, once payment is made on-site; know that we do not offer refunds or modifications.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBlanchard Island is located in Illinois near Fruitland
Public CampgroundDirections
To get to Blanchard Island Recreation Area you will need to drive on approximately 2.5 miles of gravel road. The address is 34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272. From Muscatine, IA, you will need to cross the Muscatine Bridge into IL. You'll drive about 2 miles on Hwy. 92, then turn right onto 322nd St. W for about 4.5 miles. Then you'll turn right onto 176th St. W, which is a gravel road. Follow this gravel road all the way to the levee for about 2.5 miles, then go up and over the levee to enter the park.
Address
34000 176th Ave. W.
New boston, IL 61272
Coordinates
41.347496 N
91.053715 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 47 min from Davenport, IA
- 57 min from Iowa City, IA
- 1 hr 14 min from Cedar Rapids, IA
- 1 hr 48 min from Dubuque, IA
