Camping options near Hanover, Illinois primarily focus on the Mississippi River corridor and its floodplain landscape, with elevations ranging from 585 to 820 feet above sea level. The region sits within the Driftless Area, characterized by deeply carved river valleys and limestone bluffs that escaped glaciation during the last ice age. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from April through October due to the harsh Midwestern winter temperatures.
What to do
Eagle watching: December-March: At Mississippi Palisades State Park Campground, winter camping provides unique wildlife viewing opportunities. "Terrific access to electric site near the bathroom! All to ourselves," notes one off-season camper who rated it five stars. The park features several lookout points along the bluff trails ideal for spotting bald eagles.
Rock climbing: May-October: The limestone formations at Mississippi Palisades offer moderate climbing routes for experienced climbers. "My wife and I tent camped here last weekend... We try and [camp] here whenever we rock climb in the area as it allows us to get to the climbing sites earlier," reports one visitor who frequents the park specifically for climbing.
Cave exploration: April-November: Maquoketa Caves State Park Campground features 13 accessible caves within walking distance of campsites. "This SP offers up more than 370 acres with 6 miles of hiking trails with 13 distinct bat caves to explore, so bring good hiking shoes, headlamps, proper long sleeve shirts and pants to keep the bugs and ticks away," advises a thorough reviewer.
What campers like
Seasonal variations in crowds: October through April offers significantly more privacy at most campgrounds in the area. "We were just passing through the area south of Dubuque and stayed here on a rainy night... It was a decent place to stay for a night, but sites were kinda tight, i.e. close to each other. It's still a bargain at $11/$16 for non-electric/electric sites from 5/1-9/30, and the cost is $6/$11 the rest of the year," notes a visitor to Bellevue State Park Campground.
Affordable riverside camping: Thomson Causeway offers budget-friendly options directly on the Mississippi. "Mississippi River access, playgrounds for the kids, shelter house," summarizes one camper who gave it five stars. Another adds, "The sites are spacious but a little tight to back in. Pit toilets in the loops and flush toilets and showers in central locations. Overall a decent place to relax."
Wooded seclusion: Apple River Canyon provides more tree coverage than riverfront sites. "We absolutely love the quaintness of Apple River. The sites are secluded and provide privacy. Great spot for quiet tent camping. Not a big commercialized campground," shares one frequent visitor who particularly values the lack of development.
What you should know
Bug intensity by location: Low-lying riverfront sites experience intense insect activity, especially after rainfall or during high water periods. A Thomson Causeway visitor warns, "Since it is right on the river and there is also lots of marsh, the bug situation was a bit much, especially when there was no breeze. Bring a screened canopy if you want to enjoy the outdoors without swatting bugs all the time."
Train noise factors: Railroad lines run parallel to the Mississippi throughout the region. At Blanding Landing in Hanover, campers report regular train disturbances: "Quiet, relaxing small campground with super clean hot showers and flush toilets in shower house... 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."
Water level fluctuations: Spring rainfall significantly impacts site conditions at riverside campgrounds. One reviewer at Blanding Landing noted the practical concerns: "Groceries and ice are 13 miles away on hilly pavement roads." Plan accordingly as flooding can limit access to certain facilities and necessitate longer supply runs.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Vel Terra in Woodbine offers well-maintained play areas approximately 15 minutes from Hanover. "The campground has a very nice playground (the favorite of the trip for one of my kids) and a lounge where anyone staying at the campground can rest with A/C, wifi, a phone charging area, and some board games," shares a family who visited during Labor Day.
Best fishing access: Multiple fishing spots exist along the backwaters of the Mississippi near campgrounds. A reviewer at Apple River Canyon recommends: "Quick Tip: Bring sandals for wet wading in the creek. Head upstream for a 1/4 mile for really awesome views."
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies dramatically by location and carrier. At Apple River Canyon, one reviewer notes: "Really peaceful and quiet night here at Apple River Canyon. Not too many people around, but the sites were large and private anyway... Tmobile cell service was spotty at best." Download maps and entertainment before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many riverfront campgrounds feature uneven terrain. A visitor to Thomson Causeway advises: "This is a tidy COE Park right on the Mississippi River. Electric only. Very nice new dump station with a lot of spaces. The sites are spacious but a little tight to back in."
Electric hookup options: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service, with 50-amp availability limited to newer facilities. Palace Campground in Galena provides additional options: "We stayed on site 73, which they call a double. If the campground is full, it would be pretty tight. No negatives I encountered here to mention."
Water access points: While many sites offer electric hookups, water connections are less common. At Thomson Causeway, one RVer reports: "The sites are all level concrete and just about every one have a great view of the Mississippi. Quiet at night. The only improvement I would like to see is water hookups, but there are plenty of spigots scattered around the park."
