Blanchard Island Recreation Area
Open for the 2026 season from May 15 through October 15. All sites are first-come, first-served using the Scan & Pay system via the Recreation.gov mobile app. Credit card only; cash not accepted. No refunds for early departure.
Flood Watch issued September 20 at 9:24AM CDT until September 20 at 1:00PM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall overnight continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of Illinois, including the following areas, Bureau, Carroll, Henry IL, Jo Daviess, Mercer, Putnam, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside and Iowa, including the following areas, Benton, Buchanan, Cedar, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Scott and Washington. * WHEN...Until 1 PM CDT this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Heavy rains have ended over the area, but many area creeks are running high and in some cases, are flooding this morning. This areal flooding will continue this morning, with additional rainfall amounts under one quarter inch.
Flood Warning issued September 20 at 9:23AM CDT until September 25 at 6:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The National Weather Service in Quad Cities has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Illinois... Rock River near Joslin affecting Rock Island, Whiteside and Henry IL Counties. Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry IL Counties. .Additional rainfall from today through Monday night is expected to be considerably lighter than what fell Thursday through Saturday night. This helps provide higher confidence in these river forecasts. ...REPLACES RIVER FLOOD WATCH... * WHAT...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Rock River at Moline. * WHEN...From Monday evening to Friday morning. * IMPACTS...At 13.2 feet, water affects 60th Street south of John Deere Road in Moline and 56th Ave from Green Valley Park 48th St. Water is on Canal Road in Big Island. Smith's Island is affected by flood waters. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:30 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 9.5 feet and rising. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage Monday evening to a crest of 13.6 feet Tuesday evening. It will then fall below flood stage late Thursday evening. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
Flood Warning issued September 20 at 9:23AM CDT until September 24 at 2:00AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL
...The National Weather Service in Quad Cities has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Illinois... Rock River near Joslin affecting Rock Island, Whiteside and Henry IL Counties. Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry IL Counties. .Additional rainfall from today through Monday night is expected to be considerably lighter than what fell Thursday through Saturday night. This helps provide higher confidence in these river forecasts. ...REPLACES RIVER FLOOD WATCH... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Rock River near Joslin. * WHEN...From Monday afternoon to late Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...At 13.0 feet, Flooding of unprotected agricultural land occurs. Water also affects Lundeens Landing Campground. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 AM CDT Sunday the stage was 7.3 feet and rising. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage early Monday afternoon to a crest of 13.3 feet Tuesday afternoon. It will then fall below flood stage Wednesday afternoon. - Flood stage is 12.0 feet.
About
Blanchard Island Recreation Area offers a secluded camping experience along Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River backwaters. Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District, this 15-site campground provides a tranquil escape with excellent opportunities for catfish fishing, deer hunting in season, and wildlife observation including bald eagles, pileated woodpeckers, deer, muskrats, and otters. The campground features concrete vault toilets, potable water hydrants distributed throughout the park, and a dump station. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring. A boat ramp provides river access for anglers seeking the best catfish holes. Sites are standard nonelectric with a maximum occupancy of 6 campers and 2 vehicles per site. Reaching the campground requires navigating approximately 2.5 miles of gravel road and crossing over a levee. While the journey adds to the backcountry feel, campers should come prepared with bug spray. The peaceful setting and natural views of the river and bottomlands make it well worth the drive.
Directions
From Muscatine, IA, cross the Muscatine Bridge into Illinois. Drive approximately 2 miles on Highway 92, then turn right onto 322nd St. W for about 4.5 miles. Turn right onto 176th St. W (gravel road) and follow it approximately 2.5 miles to the levee. Cross over the levee to enter the park. Address: 34000 176th Ave. W., New Boston, IL 61272.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mvrodmn16@usace.army.mil | |
| Phone | +1 (563) 263-7913 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov |
Availability
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