Blanding Landing
4.1543 reviewsBLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD, HANOVER, IL 61041
Blanding Landing
$14.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard electric sites cost $24 per night during peak season (May 1 - October 25), while non-electric sites cost $14 per night. Group picnic areas are available at $25 per night. Fees do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Thirteen miles south of historic Galena, Illinois, Blanding Landing emerges as a hidden riverside sanctuary where the mighty Mississippi slows into peaceful backwaters. This Army Corps of Engineers campground invites you to pitch your tent or park your RV on spacious, grassy sites beneath towering trees, with both electric and non-electric options available. Modern comforts blend seamlessly with natural beauty here—hot showers and flush toilets ensure convenience, while a well-maintained dump station serves RV travelers. Families will appreciate the playground where children can burn off energy between adventures, all while the river's gentle rhythms provide the soundtrack to your stay. Whether you're casting a line into miles of productive fishing waters or settling in with binoculars to spot rare waterfowl, Blanding Landing promises the kind of tranquil escape that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Blanding Landing accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. Sites are grassy and offer options for electric and non-electric setups.
Historical SignificanceLong before fortune seekers rushed to California's gold fields, this stretch of the Mississippi River witnessed America's very first mineral rush in the early 1800s. The surrounding hills once echoed with the sounds of picks and shovels as prospectors sought their fortunes in lead deposits, establishing a mining legacy that predated the famous Gold Rush by decades. Today's peaceful campground rests on land that helped build a young nation, where riverboats once carried precious minerals downstream and dreams of prosperity drew thousands to these rugged bluffs.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Blanding Landing in different hues, though savvy campers have discovered October's secret charm—when summer crowds thin out and autumn's golden touch transforms the riverside forest. During peak camping months, comfortable temperatures and dry conditions create ideal outdoor living, with gentle breezes off the water keeping even warm afternoons pleasant. Those who time their visits for shoulder seasons often find themselves with nearly private access to this riverside retreat, enjoying crisp mornings perfect for coffee by the campfire and mild afternoons ideal for exploring.
Natural Features and SceneryTucked into a verdant river valley where ancient hardwoods create a natural cathedral overhead, Blanding Landing reveals the Mississippi's gentler side. Here, the river splits into a maze of quiet backwater channels, creating a watery wilderness that draws herons, eagles, and countless songbirds. Campers wake to mist rising off still waters and fall asleep to the evening chorus of frogs and owls. The secluded setting feels like a carefully guarded secret—one visitor captured it perfectly, calling it a 'nice secluded camping spot' where the outside world simply fades away. Whether viewed from your campsite or explored by kayak, these backwater vistas offer moments of profound natural beauty.
Geological RegionBlanding Landing occupies a remarkable piece of geological history on the Mississippi's east bank, where Ice Age glaciers carved a dramatic landscape of rugged hills and deep valleys. This lush river valley showcases nature's patient artistry—ancient glacial forces sculpted the rolling terrain, while the Mississippi carved its own path through mineral-rich deposits that would later spark America's first mining boom. Today, winding country roads trace these glacial contours, leading visitors through a landscape that serves as both a geological textbook and a birder's paradise. The campground's quiet setting allows you to appreciate this natural heritage, where every hillside and river bend tells a story millions of years in the making.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible flush toilets, showers, and vault toilets. It also includes accessible features like boat ramps and picnic areas.
Sites SizeSites are described as "huge" in some reviews, particularly during the off-season. Sites are grassy, and most offer electric hookups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, but one user notes, "Great place to stay, a lot of privacy." Most campsites are wooded, which provides natural seclusion.
Total Campsites37 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor campers sensitive to noise, avoid electric sites on the east side near the train tracks, as they are approximately 20 feet from the railway line, according to user reviews.
Best CampsitesHighly rated sites include campsite 31, noted for its proximity to the playground and river view.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground. Maximum stay within rolling 30 days is also capped at 14 nights.
Groups
The group picnic area has a nightly rate of $25 during peak season, accommodating larger groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of grassy campsites, both electric and non-electric, arranged in loops near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to October 25 each year; reservations for individual sites available from June 20 during the season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a reservation-only basis, requiring visitors to check availability via QR codes, the Recreation.gov mobile app, or phone before setting up camp.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the check-in date incur a $10 fee, in addition to forfeiting any reservation fees paid during booking. Late cancellations, defined as occurring one calendar day before check-in for individual campsites, will also forfeit the first night’s recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. These include boating, birding, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. One reviewer states, "If you have a boat and want to get on the Mississippi River, it's a great spot." Another highlights the birding opportunities, calling the location "a well-known birder’s paradise."
Fishing
Fishing is a major draw, with popular species including channel catfish, bluegill, walleye, crappie, and northern pike. User reviews emphasize the need for a boat for fishing access, with one saying, "You need a boat; if not, you're out of luck."Boating
Boating is popular with facilities like boat docks and ramps available. One user review mentions, "Great if you have a boat and want to get on the Mississippi River."Wildlife viewing
The campground is described as a "birder's paradise" with ample opportunities for observing local wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not covered in the materials.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as boating and fishing are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings and fire pits are available at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsThe proximity of a freight train railway adjacent to the campground has been frequently mentioned in reviews. 'Freight train on the edge of the campground comes by EVERY hour ALL night long,' one review states. Train whistles and vibrations can disrupt sleep for sensitive campers.
Weather forecast
53
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The closest emergency service is likely in Galena, located 13 miles north. Contact numbers include Ranger Station: 563-582-0881 and Campground Entrance Station: 815-591-2326.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 25
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the source materials or user feedback.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, with easy access to fishing, kayaking, and boating facilities including a ramp and dock.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include noise from nearby freight trains, difficulty finding level RV spots, and the abundance of bugs during warmer months.
HostThe campground host is consistently praised for cleanliness and hospitality. Reviews mention the host as 'excellent,' and one states, 'Our campground host was excellent. She stopped to visit us and answer any questions we had.'
Campground Map
BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD, HANOVER, IL 61041
Driving directions13 miles south of Galena, IL off HWY 20, turn west on Blackjack and follow directional signs. DO NOT TAKE DIGGIN HILL RD.
The roads out to the campground are described as extremely narrow by user reviews, with one review stating, 'The roads out to the campground are extremely narrow,' while another noted that it is 'way off the beaten path.' Visitors should exercise caution when driving large vehicles or trailers.Nearby places
Galena - 13 miles, approximately 25 minutes
Bellevue - across the river
nearest gas station - 25 minutes away
other stores - about 1 hour away.
Nearby supplies
The nearest town for supplies is approximately 25 minutes away, with a gas station. Other stores are about an hour's drive from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.2
43 reviews
Blanding Landing is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reflect a mix of positive and negative sentiments. Common praises include clean facilities, beautiful views, and friendly hosts, while complaints often center on frequent train noise. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is rated at 3.86.
Review Summaries
Based on 43 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights from reviews emphasize the cleanliness of facilities, scenic views, and accessible recreational activities. For example, "The bathrooms and showers are very clean," and "Great campground...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaint is the constant train noise, with some users stating, "Train goes by every hour, very loud," and "Freight train adjacent to the campground comes by all night." Bugs and...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips included using Google Maps for navigation due to narrow roads and being prepared for train noise with earplugs. One user recommends bringing a boat for fishing and water access.
Based on 43 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is less crowded during off-season months like October, with users commenting on large, secluded sites during this time. However, train noise remains consistent...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "Restrooms were immaculately cleaned." 2. "Great place to stay, a lot of privacy." 3. "Trains rip through all day and night, honking horns." 4. "Wonderful little campground on the banks of the...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback highlights campsite 07 as suitable for boondocking, while campsite 31 is praised for its proximity to the playground. Campsites close to the railroad tracks (e.g., east side...
Based on 43 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible facilities such as clean shower houses and flush toilets receive positive reviews. "Accessible flush toilets and showers are very clean."
Based on 43 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but specific reviews about pet experiences are not provided.
Based on 43 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025