
Weekend availability at Blanding Landing
Live from Recreation.gov · checked Sep 19, 3:24 PM PTSold out 1 of the next 6 weekends — exactly when cancellation alerts earn their keep.
- Fri, Sep 18Sold out
- Fri, Sep 25Open35/38 sites
- Fri, Oct 2Open31/38 sites
- Fri, Oct 9Open33/38 sites
- Fri, Oct 16Open35/38 sites
- Fri, Oct 23Open36/38 sites
Friday + Saturday nights, sites bookable both nights. Counts come from a rotating sweep and can lag a cancellation by up to a day — alerts watch your exact dates within minutes.
How booked is Blanding Landing?
as of September 19Sites are open right now — we found space out to Oct. That changes fast at a campground. We check Blanding Landing around the clock, so the moment your dates fill up and a cancellation reopens them, you'll be first to know. Weekdays still have room — for now.
Weekends (Saturday night)
Weekdays (Wednesday night)
Availability checked directly against the reservation system, out to 3 months ahead.
Campsites & amenities
Site-level details from Recreation.gov's official catalog.
- Campsites
- 38
- Electric sites
- 31
- Max rig length
- 40 ft
About this campground
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.
Getting there
13 miles south of Galena, IL off HWY 20, turn west on Blackjack and follow directional signs. DO NOT TAKE DIGGIN HILL RD.
Activities
- DAY USE AREA
- CAMPING
- WILDLIFE VIEWING
- BIRDING
- FISHING
- PICNICKING
- WATER ACCESS
Nearby federal campgrounds
- Thomson CausewayMississippi River - Pools 11-2228 mi
- Fishermans CornerMississippi River - Pools 11-2249 mi
- Blanchard Island Recreation AreaMississippi River - Pools 11-2273 mi
- Illinois Waterway Visitor CenterIllinois Waterway99 mi
- Explosives Road TrailheadMidewin National Tallgrass Prairie133 mi
- The Silversmith HotelChicago145 mi
Never miss an opening at Blanding Landing
Popular Illinois campgrounds book out months ahead — but cancellations happen every day. We watch Blanding Landing around the clock and alert you the moment a sold-out site reopens for your dates, so you don't have to keep refreshing Recreation.gov.
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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office or on Recreation.gov before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.