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Activities
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Facilities

Established Camping

Blanding Landing

Blanding Landing, near Hanover, Illinois, is a cozy campground that offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway. With sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, it’s an ideal spot for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire.

The campground features clean facilities, including hot showers and flush toilets, which visitors appreciate after a day spent outdoors. Many campers have enjoyed the shady sites surrounded by tall trees, making it a comfortable place to unwind. One reviewer noted, “Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house.”

If you’re into fishing or boating, you’ll find a boat ramp and dock right on site, making it easy to get out on the water. While some campers mentioned the occasional train noise, it seems to add a bit of character to the experience rather than detract from it. As one camper put it, “We slept through them but are also used to living by a train station.”

Blanding Landing is also conveniently located near Galena and Dubuque, so if you’re looking to explore a bit, you’ve got options. Whether you’re stopping by for a night or planning a longer stay, this campground has a friendly vibe and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Description

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.

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (563) 582-0881.

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.

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Location

Blanding Landing is located in Illinois

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Fair
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Poor
  • T-Mobile
    Available

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

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2021

Blanding 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.

Site30
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 12, 2019

Nice 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.

SiteSite 24
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Blanding Landing by Mary S., August 12, 2019
  • Review photo of Blanding Landing by Mary S., August 12, 2019
Reviewed May. 18, 2018

Army COE campground.

Not the worst but not one of the best COE campgrounds. No nice gravel or concrete pads anywhere. Many sites are not real level. Biggest issue is train tracks with trains running by very often. Maybe an hour or 90 minutes with none then there would be three in a very short period. Kind of like living next to an airport.

Site22
  • Review photo of Blanding Landing by Tony D., May 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Blanding Landing by Tony D., May 18, 2018
  • Review photo of Blanding Landing by Tony D., May 18, 2018
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the max vehicle length at Blanding Landing?

    Blanding Landing allows vehicles up to 40 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Blanding Landing?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Blanding Landing, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Blanding Landing?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is poor, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Blanding Landing?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Blanding Landing. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Blanding Landing, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Blanding Landing?

    There are 38 campsites at Blanding Landing and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts