How much does camping cost at Blanding Landing?

Camping fees at Blanding Landing range from $14-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Blanding Landing first-come first-served or reservation?

Blanding Landing 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 Blanding Landing before I book?

Yes! Blanding Landing has 7 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 Blanding Landing?

Blanding Landing 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 Blanding Landing?

Yes, Blanding Landing has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Blanding Landing have?

Blanding Landing has 37 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Blanding Landing?

Yes, pets are allowed at Blanding Landing. 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 Blanding Landing?

Blanding Landing offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Blanding Landing?

Popular activities at Blanding Landing include Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Blanding Landing

4.11

120 reviews

BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD, HANOVER, IL 61041

Top 24% in ILFall

Featured in:Boating Camping Illinois

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

$14 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

623 ft

Price

$14 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

37 campsites

Season

Open from May 1 to O...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Blanding Landing

$14.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

BLANDING LANDING -STANDARD ELECTRIC: $24.00; GROUP PICNIC AREA-357367: $25.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $14.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

RANGER STATION: 563-582-0881 / CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION: 815-591-2326 (5-8 PM DAILY)

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD, HANOVER, IL 61041

Blanding Landing

BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD, HANOVER, IL 61041

Nearby places

Galena - 13 miles, approximately 25 minutes

Bellevue - across the river

nearest gas station - 25 minutes away

other stores - about 1 hour away.

Weather at Blanding Landing

Best Time to Camp at Blanding Landing

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the signature riverside colors — expect daytime highs in September often in the upper 50s–70s°F and October daytime highs in the 50s with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Autumn is peak time for scenic photography, migratory and resident bird activity, and relaxed fishing/boating in the quieter backwaters; bugs are reduced and trails are dry compared with spring. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day and especially in October, so you get the河 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in IL

Reviews state 'Fall delivers the best conditions'; October often fairly empty with huge sites.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to October 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 1 to October 25 each year; reservations for individual sites available from June 20 during the season.

About Blanding Landing

Blanding Landing is an Army Corps of Engineers campground on the Mississippi River backwaters near Galena, Illinois. The mid-sized facility offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station along a scenic stretch of river known for fishing and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and water access, though freight train noise and unlevel sites are common complaints.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather and the signature riverside colors — expect daytime highs in September often in the upper 50s–70s°F and October daytime highs in the 50s with crisp nights dipping into the 30s–40s. Autumn is peak time for scenic photography, migratory and resident bird activity, and relaxed fishing/boating in the quieter backwaters; bugs are reduced and trails are dry compared with spring. Crowds thin dramatically after Labor Day and especially in October, so you get the河 Peak months: October, September, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation623 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a river valley carved by Ice Age glaciers, where rolling hills descend to the Mississippi's backwater maze. Mature hardwoods provide natural shade and privacy across most sites. The backwaters attract herons, eagles, and migratory waterfowl, especially during spring and fall. Mist rises off still channels at dawn. The setting feels secluded despite the train tracks. One reviewer called it "a nice secluded camping spot" where the outside world fades away. Views from campsites overlook the river's quieter side channels rather than the main channel.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural and educational programs are not referenced in the source materials.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

AccessibilityThe campground provides accessible flush toilets, showers, and vault toilets. It also includes accessible features like boat ramps and picnic areas.

Site SizeSites are described as "huge" in some reviews, particularly during the off-season. Sites are grassy, and most offer electric hookups.

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 SitesFor 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 CampsitesSite 31 gets specific mentions for its river view and proximity to the playground. Reviews describe sites as "huge," particularly outside peak season. Most are wooded, offering good natural privacy. Finding a level spot for RVs can be tricky. Several reviewers noted the challenge.

Need help booking Blanding Landing?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Blanding Landing offers several amenities that cater to campers seeking both comfort and nature immersion. According to official sources, the campground provides accessible flush toilets, accessible showers, and accessible vault toilets, ensuring convenience for all visitors. Additionally, it has amenities like boat docks, ramps, trailer parking, campfire rings, picnic tables, and playground facilities. Drinking water and dump stations are available on-site, and electric hookups are present at most sites. Hardwood trees provide natural shade, contributing to a pleasant environment. User reviews frequently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, with comments such as: "Restrooms were immaculately cleaned" and "Clean showers and restrooms." However, one review noted challenges with finding a level spot for RVs.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

120 reviews

Satisfactory

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 120 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 120 reviews

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 120 reviews

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 120 reviews

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 120 reviews

Seasonal 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 120 reviews

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 120 reviews

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 120 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews about pet experiences are not provided.

Based on 120 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable river access for fishing and boating with full amenities and don't mind train noise.

Skip if

You need a quiet setting or guaranteed level RV pads.

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Blanding Landing

About Mississippi River - Pools 11-22

Context for the broader area surrounding Blanding Landing, 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.?