Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Mississippi River - Pools 11-22 - COE/Blanding Landing
Overview
Blanding Landing is a hidden gem managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offering a peaceful retreat along the shores of the Mississippi River. Located just south of Hanover, Illinois, this campground is part of the expansive Mississippi River Pools 11-22 project. It provides travelers with a unique opportunity to stay right on the water’s edge while enjoying the natural beauty of the Driftless Area. This park captures a rustic charm that appeals to those looking for a quiet escape from the bustle of city life, providing a front-row seat to the river's daily rhythms.
Location & Surroundings
The park is situated within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, providing a lush backdrop of mature trees and river vistas. While the setting is serene, visitors should note the proximity to active BNSF railroad tracks, which adds a rhythmic, industrial character to the site. The surrounding landscape features rolling hills and limestone bluffs characteristic of Jo Daviess County, making it a scenic riverfront destination for photography and nature observation. The dense foliage provides plenty of shade, keeping the campsites cool during the warm Illinois summers.
Amenities & Park Features
Blanding Landing features well-spaced campsites, many of which offer reliable power for modern rigs. While the facilities are intentionally simple to preserve the natural atmosphere, the park provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for self-contained travelers. Guests can enjoy the following features:
- Spacious sites equipped with 30 and 50-amp electrical service.
- A functional boat launch providing direct entry to the Mississippi River.
- Access to potable water hydrants and a central dump station for waste management.
- Individual fire rings and sturdy picnic tables perfect for outdoor dining.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing and boating are the primary draws here, with easy access to the river for catching walleye, bass, or catfish. A short drive away, the historic town of Galena, Illinois, offers boutique shopping, fine dining, and fascinating architectural tours. For those who enjoy heights, Chestnut Mountain Resort provides alpine slides and stunning views of the river valley. Birdwatchers will find the area particularly rewarding, as the refuge is a major flyway for migratory waterfowl and bald eagles, which are frequently spotted soaring above the water.
Who This Park Is Best For
This campground is an ideal match for avid anglers and boaters who want direct access to the Mississippi River’s intricate channels. It is also a fantastic choice for budget-conscious travelers who appreciate the value and reliability found at Corps of Engineers parks. If you enjoy a rustic environment, value large site footprints, and don't mind the occasional sound of a passing train, you will find this park to be a tranquil home base for exploring the scenic tri-state region of Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Jake Shugarman
Camp sites are nice, some a little close together but nothing major. There are trains that run through the recreation area and blow their horn, so if you dont want it to be too loud just make sure to look at the site map and choose one further from the tracks as it wasn't too bad this time around. (Been many times) Bathrooms are very all very clean!
Melina Paan
*TRAIN NOISE WARNING* Overall campground was great, bathrooms were super clean, easy to access, and anne who was the camp host was extremely kind. We got to the campground around 9pm and she greeted us and directed us on how to get to our site. However, we read the reviews and still were not prepared for how LOUD the trains were. I am a deep sleeper and did not think it would be a problem. It genuinely sounds like you are about to be ran over. We bought Earplugs after waking up every 2 hours the first night and would say its a must if you plan to tent camp as we did. Overall campground is great but the trains really damaged our experience unfortunately. Would recommend for cleanliness but warn visitors to bring Earplugs.
Alex R
Last moment camping and this was great place to stay. Clean bathrooms; ea with shower. There is clean and nice kids playground.
Paul Schreck
It’s a lovely campground with very clean facilities. The shower house was spotless, and even the outhouse close to the campground was in great condition (we know because we sheltered inside it during 90 MPH wind gusts and torrential rain during our stay). Great access to the river if you have watercraft. It’s located in an isolated area down hilly, narrow, sometimes gravel roads. We love the isolation but it might not be everybody’s cup of tea. The only downside was the frequent railroad traffic. There’s a crossing right at the entrance to the campsite. The alarms go off and the train horns sound DOZENS of times during the day and night. If you’re a light sleeper be sure to bring earplugs.
Andrea Hatfield
Absolutely beautiful campground, wooded, birds singing everywhere, charming and helpful host! Some people might object to the train, which is definitely frequent and loud, but I liked it myself. I would highly recommend this place, and compliments to the host, Anne.
