Blanchard Island Recreation Area

Star0
5 reviews
34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272
Blanchard Island Recreation Area
$14.00 - $14.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for camping is $14. The 'Scan & Pay' system requires payment on-site through the Recreation.gov mobile app using a credit card. Cash...
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Standard Site Fee$14.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$14.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
563-263-7913mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil

About this campground

Escape to Blanchard Island Recreation Area, where 15 riverside campsites await along the mighty Mississippi River. This hidden gem delivers an authentic backcountry experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Modern concrete vault toilets, convenient potable water hydrants, and a full-service dump station ensure your stay remains comfortable. Whether you're casting a line into the river's legendary waters, scanning the skies for magnificent wildlife, or simply soaking in the profound peace of this riverine sanctuary, Blanchard Island offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
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 SeasonsOpen from mid-May through mid-October, Blanchard Island welcomes visitors during the Mississippi's most inviting months. Spring arrives with wildflowers and migrating birds, while summer brings warm days perfect for river activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Early fall paints the bottomlands in golden hues, offering crisp mornings and comfortable afternoons. Throughout the camping season, you'll find reliably moderate temperatures and predominantly dry conditions that make outdoor adventures a pleasure.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within the Mississippi River's enchanting backwaters, Blanchard Island reveals a world where time moves at nature's pace. These serene bottomlands create a mosaic of water, wetlands, and wooded islands that serve as a haven for remarkable wildlife. Watch in awe as bald eagles soar overhead, their white heads gleaming against blue skies. Catch glimpses of playful river otters sliding along muddy banks. The tranquil waters reflect towering cottonwoods and willows, while the gentle sounds of the river provide a constant, soothing soundtrack to your backcountry escape.
Geological RegionBlanchard Island sits within the Mississippi River's dynamic backwater ecosystem, where centuries of flooding and sedimentation have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary beauty. These bottomlands represent one of North America's most significant riverine environments, where meandering channels, oxbow lakes, and wetland forests create an ever-changing tapestry. The rich alluvial soils support diverse plant communities, while the intricate waterways serve as crucial corridors for migrating wildlife and resident species alike.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized to accommodate tents and small RVs.
Sites 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

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
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.
Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground consists of 15 individual sites, each featuring a picnic table and a fire ring.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season for reservations is May 15th to October 15th. The campground closes outside of these dates.
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.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites are first-come, first-serve and must be purchased on-site using the Scan & Pay system.
Cancellation PolicyPayments made through the 'Scan & Pay' system cannot be refunded, modified, or canceled. This is treated as a non-refundable transaction.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets

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
Fishing is a popular activity, with visitors reporting good luck catching catfish from the island. A boat launch is available for those seeking to explore the Mississippi River's fishing spots.
Boating
The campground offers a boat ramp, making it convenient for activities like fishing and hunting that require access to the Mississippi River. Boaters can explore the nearby Blanchard Chute.
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight here, with frequent sightings of Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, muskrats, and otters. The serene, natural setting enhances the experience.
Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed, but the campground is closed to reservations from October 25th to May 1st.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned, but a boat ramp suggests potential opportunities for kayaking or canoeing.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings.
  • Quiet hours are 10 PM to 7 AM; generators are not permitted during this time.

Hazards

General hazardsGravel road access may challenge some vehicles. Bug spray is recommended due to mosquitos in the area.

Weather forecast

53
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 93%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 7.9 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)

Slight drizzle possible

Light drizzle

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Emergency services are likely accessible in Muscatine (~10 miles away) or closer towns like New Boston.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 1 to October 25 is peak season.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not described in available materials.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the Mississippi River and its backwaters, offering water activities like boating and fishing.
Common complaintsSpotty cell coverage (noted by multiple user reviews). The Scan & Pay system can be inconvenient in areas with poor reception.
HostHosts are reportedly friendly and helpful but may not always be present on-site (noted in user reviews).

Campground Map

34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272
Driving directionsFrom Muscatine, IA, cross the Muscatine Bridge into IL, drive about 2 miles on Hwy. 92, then turn right onto 322nd St. W for about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto 176th St. W, a gravel road. Follow this road for about 2.5 miles to the levee. Go up and over the levee to enter the park.
Access requires traveling approximately 2.5 miles on a gravel road. This remote location may pose challenges for vehicles not suited for gravel terrain.
Nearby places
Muscatine, IA (~10 miles, 15-minute drive)
New Boston, IL (~5 miles, 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies can be obtained in Muscatine (~10 miles away) or New Boston (~5 miles away).

Camper Reviews

0.0
5 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Blanchard Island Recreation Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 5 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...
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Based on 5 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 5 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...
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Based on 5 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...
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Based on 5 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...
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Based on 5 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 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were found in the source materials.
Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no detailed reviews specific to pet-related experiences.
Based on 5 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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