Blanchard Island Recreation Area
05 reviews34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272
Quick Facts
Price
$14/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$14/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Open season for rese...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsBlanchard Island Recreation Area
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for camping is $14. The 'Scan & Pay' system requires payment on-site through the Recreation.gov mobile app using a credit card. Cash...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$14.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider563-263-7913mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 5 reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanwell-maintained
"User reviews highlight the peaceful and serene nature of Blanchard Island Recreation Area, with special praise for its clean facilities and abundant wildlife. Some users noted challenges with cell service and using the "Scan & Pay" system due to poor reception."
Fees & Passes at Blanchard Island Recreation Area
$14/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: There is a maximum stay limit, though no specific days were mentioned in the source materials.
Cancellation: Payments made through the 'Scan & Pay' system cannot be refunded, modified, or canceled. This is tre...
Prices verified November 24, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Mississippi River Project, Muscatine Ranger Station website.
Best Time to Camp at Blanchard Island Recreation Area
Open from mid-May through mid-October, Blanchard Island welcomes visitors during the Mississippi's most inviting months. Spring arrives with wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer brings warm days perfect for river activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Early fall paints the bottomlands in golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. Throughout the camping season, you'll find reliably moderate temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that make outdoor adventures a pleasure.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 1 to October 25 is peak season.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open season for reservations is May 15th to October 15th. The campground closes outside of these dates.
About Blanchard Island Recreation Area
Escape to Blanchard Island Recreation Area, where 15 riverside campsites await along the mighty Mississippi River. This hidden gem delivers an authentic backcountry experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern concrete vault toilets, convenient potable water hydrants, and a full-service dump station ensure your stay remains comfortable. Whether you're casting a line into the river's legendary waters, scanning the skies for magnificent wildlife, or simply soaking in the profound peace of this riverine sanctuary, Blanchard Island offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a first-come, first-serve campground catering primarily to tent and small RV campers. The area offers a peaceful, backcountry setting ideal for primitive camping and outdoor recreation.
Weather and SeasonsOpen from mid-May through mid-October, Blanchard Island welcomes visitors during the Mississippi's most inviting months. Spring arrives with wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer brings warm days perfect for river activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Early fall paints the bottomlands in golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. Throughout the camping season, you'll find reliably moderate temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that make outdoor adventures a pleasure.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the Mississippi River's enchanting backwaters, Blanchard Island reveals a world where time moves at nature's pace. These serene bottomlands create a mosaic of water, wetlands, and wooded islands that serve as a haven for remarkable wildlife. Watch in awe as bald eagles soar overhead, their white heads gleaming against blue skies. Catch glimpses of playful river otters sliding along muddy banks. The tranquil waters reflect towering cottonwoods and willows, while the gentle sounds of the river provide a constant, soothing soundtrack to your backcountry escape.
Geological RegionBlanchard Island sits within the Mississippi River's dynamic backwater ecosystem, where centuries of flooding and sedimentation have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. These bottomlands represent one of North America's most significant riverine environments, where meandering channels, oxbow lakes, and wetland forests create an ever-changing tapestry. The rich alluvial soils support diverse plant communities, while the intricate waterways serve as crucial corridors for migrating wildlife and resident species alike.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized to accommodate tents and small RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers a quiet and serene environment, with a backcountry feel. Several reviewers appreciated the solitude, mentioning instances where they were the sole campers at the site.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
There is a maximum stay limit, though no specific days were mentioned in the source materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of 6 campers are allowed per site.
Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 15 individual sites, each featuring a picnic table and a fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season for reservations is May 15th to October 15th. The campground closes outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can only be made on-site using the Recreation.gov mobile app. The app must be downloaded and set up prior to arrival due to spotty cell service.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come, first-serve and must be purchased on-site using the Scan & Pay system.
Cancellation PolicyPayments made through the 'Scan & Pay' system cannot be refunded, modified, or canceled. This is treated as a non-refundable transaction.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Blanchard Island Recreation Area offers various outdoor activities including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Visitors frequently praise the serenity and close proximity to nature. Fishermen have reported success catching catfish, while wildlife enthusiasts have noted sightings of Bald Eagles, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, and otters.
Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with visitors reporting good luck catching catfish from the island. A boat launch is available for those seeking to explore the Mississippi River's fishing spots.Boating
The campground offers a boat ramp, making it convenient for activities like fishing and hunting that require access to the Mississippi River. Boaters can explore the nearby Blanchard Chute.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight here, with frequent sightings of Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, muskrats, and otters. The serene, natural setting enhances the experience.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed, but the campground is closed to reservations from October 25th to May 1st.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned, but a boat ramp suggests potential opportunities for kayaking or canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM; generators are not permitted during this time.
Hazards
General hazardsGravel road access may challenge some vehicles. Bug spray is recommended due to mosquitos in the area.
Weather at Blanchard Island Recreation Area
23
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 72%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are likely accessible in Muscatine (~10 miles away) or closer towns like New Boston.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to October 25 is peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in available materials.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the Mississippi River and its backwaters, offering water activities like boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSpotty cell coverage (noted by multiple user reviews). The Scan & Pay system can be inconvenient in areas with poor reception.
HostHosts are reportedly friendly and helpful but may not always be present on-site (noted in user reviews).
Campground Map
34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272
Driving directionsFrom Muscatine, IA, cross the Muscatine Bridge into IL, drive about 2 miles on Hwy. 92, then turn right onto 322nd St. W for about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto 176th St. W, a gravel road. Follow this road for about 2.5 miles to the levee. Go up and over the levee to enter the park.
Access requires traveling approximately 2.5 miles on a gravel road. This remote location may pose challenges for vehicles not suited for gravel terrain.Nearby places
Muscatine, IA (~10 miles, 15-minute drive)
New Boston, IL (~5 miles, 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be obtained in Muscatine (~10 miles away) or New Boston (~5 miles away).
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
5 reviews
Blanchard Island Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful and serene nature of Blanchard Island Recreation Area, with special praise for its clean facilities and abundant wildlife. Some users noted challenges with cell service and using the "Scan & Pay" system due to poor reception.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the campground's tranquillity, natural beauty, and cleanliness. Visitors appreciated the well-maintained vault toilets and the opportunity to connect with nature. One user...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some user complaints include spotty cell service, which affected the usability of the "Scan & Pay" system, and the need to bring bug spray due to the backcountry location.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing bug spray to handle insects, being prepared for limited cell service, and downloading the Recreation.gov app before arriving. One visitor recommended carrying a...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends suggest the campground is most popular during its open season (May 15th - October 15th), with fall being particularly favored by hunters. The campground is quieter during the shoulder...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'I loved it. It was quiet and I was the only camper there until late when a motorhome came in.' 2. 'Very pleasant host where payment has to be online by downloading an app, worked well but took 45...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned in reviews, but users praise the overall layout and cleanliness of the campground.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews were found in the source materials.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no detailed reviews specific to pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 24, 2025
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