Blanding Landing

Show on mapRANGER STATION: 563-582-0881 / CAMPGROUND ENTRANCE STATION: 815-591-2326 (5-8 PM DAILY)
BLANDING LANDING RECREATION AREA, 5720 SOUTH RIVER ROAD
HANOVER, IL 61041

Overview

Blanding Landing is situated in a lush river valley on the east bank of the great Mississippi, just 13 miles from Galena, Illinois. Rich deposits of minerals line the landscape. In the early 19th century, miners from around the globe flocked to the area in search of wealth from minerals. This was the nation's first mineral rush, predating California's legendary Gold Rush.

Recreation

The Mississippi River draws crowds of anglers each year. The most popular species is the channel catfish. Bluegill, walleye, crappie and northern pike also live in these waters. Other activities include boating, picnicking and hunting.

Facilities

All campsites are on grass and most have electric hookups. A playground and showers are also available. Hardwood trees allow for natural shade in the area.

Natural Features

The campround is off the beaten path offering a quiet camping getaway. Nestled along the backwaters of the Mississippi River, this area is a well known birders paradise plus access to miles of great fishing. Thousands of years ago, Ice Age Glaciers divided and detoured around the northwest corner of Illinois. In their wake, clusters of rugged hills remain. Today, the winding country roads are perfect for leisurely drives.

Nearby Attractions

The town of Galena is 13 miles north, and attracts tourists for its quaint atmosphere, unique shops and historic buildings. Eighty-five percent of the buildings in the town are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (563) 582-0881.

Camp site features

Across 37 camp sites:

  • Electric hookups: 30 of 37 sites
  • Picnic table: all 37 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 37 sites
  • Longest rig: 40 ft
  • Largest party: 6 people
  • Power up to 50 amps
  • Equipment: CARAVAN/CAMPER VAN, FIFTH WHEEL, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

13 miles south of Galena, IL off HWY 20, turn west on Blackjack and follow directional signs. DO NOT TAKE DIGGIN HILL RD.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

66 reviews
5 stars
28
4 stars
21
3 stars
7
2 stars
5
1 stars
5
Anthony O
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
The camp host, Paul I believe, was super professional, helpful with explaining things around the area and kind. He kept the grounds clean, did rounds to ensure safety and kept the restroom/showers super clean. I stayed at site 1, which was by the water. I found ample afternoon shade from the tree cover along the river. The mosquitos were not as bad as expected being close to the water. Though the train did come by, it was not as constant as stated in some reviews. One nite it was about every 2-3 hours while another night, it only went by a few times.
David G
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed 10 days ago
lots of shade, clean out house and shower house, great host. if you don't like noise not the place for you, trains all day and night
Stan L
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
Nice setting and very nice showers
Mark A
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed 19 days ago
There are several really good things about Blanding Landing. If you want to spend time in Galena and Galena Territories, this is a is a great location. The rest rooms are spotless and the park is well kept. The reason for the 3 Star rating is that there are double train tracks right next to it and the trains all blow their horns for a rarely used intersection just up the way. If they (or Recreation.gov) could negotiate a ‘quiet zone’ with the railroads, the rating would jump to a 4-5.
Bonnie W
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed 20 days ago
Bathrooms were clean Easy to pull in and out with RV Not much to do
Darren S
Loop:Blanding Landing
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Lovely location. Nice view of the Miss. Close to the boat ramp. Electrical hook up. Would be excellent EXCEPT --- THe BNSF frieght train is 60 yards from your tent. It is not bad in the daytime. But at night frieght runs every hour. It really is torture having the bells and horn blasting 3 -6 times every hour. Other than that it is a really nice place!
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 5% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 7 years of reservations.

Camp Sites