Blanding Landing

4.18

120 reviews

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

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Blanding Landing

$14.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

563-582-0881

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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 120 reviews

77 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowerswater

Some mention

noisebugstrain

"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."

Read all reviews

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

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.

Best Time to Camp at Blanding Landing

Each 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Peak season for boating/fishing; clean facilities praised, though bugs and trains noted in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

October singled out for reduced crowds and autumn color; reviewers praise off-peak quiet and views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open May 1; spring offers boating and wildlife but can be busier early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–Apr; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to October 25. 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

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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of grassy campsites, both electric and non-electric, arranged in loops near the river.

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.

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.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

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."

FishingFishing 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."

BoatingBoating 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 viewingThe campground is described as a "birder's paradise" with ample opportunities for observing local wildlife.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe 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.

Fire PolicyCampfire rings and fire pits are available at each site.

Emergency ServicesThe 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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not detailed in the source materials or user feedback.

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.

Camp 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.'

Weather at Blanding Landing

Reviews

4.2

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

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

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