Established Camping
Blanding Landing
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 3 Alerts are In Effect
There are 3 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Blanding Landing is a first come, first serve campground. Reservations are not accepted for camping. Registration and payment are processed at a self-service kiosk within the park. Credit Card only.
Attention Campers! Beginning 2024, the Mississippi River Project's new Check-out time will be 12 pm. The new Check-in time will be 2 pm.
Blanding Landing is a first come, first serve campground. Reservations are not accepted for camping. Registration and payment are processed at a self-service kiosk within the park. Credit Card only.
About
US Army Corps of Engineers
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22
Overview
Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape. In the early 19th century, miners from around the globe flocked to the area in search of wealth from minerals. This was the nation's first mineral rush, predating California's legendary Gold Rush.
Recreation
The Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers each year. The most popular species is the channel catfish. Bluegill, walleye, crappie and northern pike also live in these waters. Other activities include boating, picnicking and hunting.
Facilities
All campsites are on grass and most have electric hookups. A playground and showers are also available. Hardwood trees allow for natural shade in the area.
Natural Features
The campround is off the beaten path offering a quiet camping getaway. Nestled along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this area is a well known birders paradise plus access to miles of great fishing. Thousands of years ago, Ice Age Glaciers divided and detoured around the northwest corner of Illinois. In their wake, clusters of rugged hills remain. Today, the winding country roads are perfect for leisurely drives.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Galena is 13 miles north, and attracts tourists for its quaint atmosphere, unique shops and historic buildings. Eighty-five percent of the buildings in the town are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (563) 582-0881.
Location
Blanding Landing is located in Illinois
Directions
13 miles south of Galena, IL off HWY 20, turn west on Blackjack and follow directional signs. DO NOT TAKE DIGGIN HILL RD.
Address
BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA
5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
Hanover, IL 61041
Coordinates
42.2858333 N
90.4033333 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiFair
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
ScoutBlanding Landing, USACE (Corps of Engineers) Campground
Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house. Boat ramp, dock fishing, tall trees all over. Shady sites, water pump faucets, dump station. Our first night here the many trains were loud and woke us up, but if you can laugh instead of being annoyed, it is fine. Groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads.
TravelerNice campground, near river, also near noisy train
Overall nice campground. Hosts are friendly and I saw rangers driving through multiple times. Each site includes picnic table and fire pit. Most have electric.
The toilets in the back part by the electric campsites are pit toilets. Flush toilets, sink, and showers up by the check in area. There’s a playground for kids.
Sites by the river don’t have much shade. Sites by the tracks are the most “wooded” but also right near the trains. Trains are noisy—we slept through them but are also used to living by a train station. Your mileage may vary on that one.
We (tent campers) had site 24. It’s the last site in that part of the driveway and I recommend it because you have a lot of open space to one side plus not far from water or bathrooms. The most wooded sites are at the end farthest away from the entrance but tent campers should know there are a lot of RVs down there usually.
We used this as a stop over on a longer road trip. If you like boating or fishing this is probably a good fit. Galena and Dubuque are not far. Overall not a lot of hiking or activities in the immediate area though. Good option for an overnight.
As a note, we have ATT and had decent cell service here.
LegendNice campground on Mississippi
Nice little campground, quiet except for a train from time to time. Nice shower facilities.