How much does camping cost at Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Blanchard Island Recreation Area range from $14/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Blanchard Island Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Blanchard Island Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Blanchard Island Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Blanchard Island Recreation Area has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Blanchard Island Recreation Area is open May 01 to October 21. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Blanchard Island Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Blanchard Island Recreation Area have?

Blanchard Island Recreation Area has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Blanchard Island Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Blanchard Island Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Blanchard Island Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Blanchard Island Recreation Area include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

4.75

11 reviews

34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietStargazingBackcountry Feel

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Iowa

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

558 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season for rese...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mississippi River Project, Muscatine Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

558 ft

Price

$14/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Open season for rese...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Mississippi River Project, Muscatine Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

$14.00 - $14.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsites: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

563-263-7913mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272

Nearby places

Muscatine, IA (~10 miles, 15-minute drive)

New Boston, IL (~5 miles, 10-minute drive).

Weather at Blanchard Island Recreation Area

Current alerts(5)

A maximum of 6 campers are allowed per site as well as 2 vehicles.
All dogs must be on a 6 foot leash and not allowed to roam freely for the safety of other campers and the pet.
First, you’ll want to download the Recreation.gov mobile APP to your phone prior to coming to the park, then create an account if you don’t already have one, because some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Practice Leave No Trace Principles

Best Time to Camp at Blanchard Island Recreation Area

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the best balance of mild weather, lower crowds, and spectacular wildlife and color — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-70s°F (5–24°C) from September into early October. Waterfowl and songbird migration are at their peak, river channels quiet compared with summer boat traffic, and fishing remains productive as fish feed ahead of winter. Campground use drops after Labor Day, so you’ll enjoy more solitude for wildlife viewing and campfires while benefitting from凉er Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is a standout season: migration, hunting and pleasant temps noted by visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 21. 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

Blanchard Island Recreation Area sits on the Mississippi River near Muscatine, managed by the Mississippi River Project. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Reviewers praise the tranquility, cleanliness, and excellent fishing and boating access, calling it a paradise for anglers and hunters seeking a quiet riverside escape.

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 SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the best balance of mild weather, lower crowds, and spectacular wildlife and color — daytime highs typically range from the mid-40s to mid-70s°F (5–24°C) from September into early October. Waterfowl and songbird migration are at their peak, river channels quiet compared with summer boat traffic, and fishing remains productive as fish feed ahead of winter. Campground use drops after Labor Day, so you’ll enjoy more solitude for wildlife viewing and campfires while benefitting from凉er Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation558 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies Mississippi River backwaters at 558 feet elevation, where meandering channels, oxbow lakes, and wetland forests create shifting waterways. Alluvial soils support diverse plant communities along these bottomlands. Cottonwoods and willows line the banks. Visitors report frequent bald eagle sightings and river otters along muddy shorelines. The quiet channels and surrounding wetlands form one of North America's most significant riverine ecosystems.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge or cabin-style accommodations are provided at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are noted.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeSites are standard-sized to accommodate tents and small RVs.

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

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a Class B campground located along the serene backwaters of the Mississippi River. This campground features 15 campsites, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Additional facilities include potable water hydrants throughout the park, a dump station for camper use, and concrete vault toilets. The campground has a boat ramp and offers a quiet view of Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River. Visitors must use the "Scan & Pay" system through a mobile app to select and pay for campsites on-site. Cash payments are not accepted.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground is equipped with concrete vault toilets described by a user as 'nice outhouse bathrooms.'

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.8

11 reviews

Top-Rated

Blanchard Island Recreation Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 11 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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site numbers are not mentioned in reviews, but users praise the overall layout and cleanliness of the campground.

Based on 11 reviews

Pro 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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

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 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were found in the source materials.

Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no detailed reviews specific to pet-related experiences.

Based on 11 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable Mississippi River access for fishing or boating with minimal crowds and don't need cell coverage.

Skip if

You rely on cell service or prefer developed campgrounds with flush toilets and electric hookups.

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Campgrounds

Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

About Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Context for the broader area surrounding Blanchard Island Recreation Area, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Fifteen campgrounds dot the shoreline along the upper Mississippi River Project. Facilities include campsites, boat ramps, picnic shelters, interpretive programs, hiking trails and eagle watching in the winter months. Fishing is very popular along ?Old Man River.?