Pickup Truck Campers along river

Campsite

Campsite 1

Campsite 10

Campsite 11

Campsite 12

Campsite 13

Campsite 14

Campsite 15

Campsite 2

Campsite 3

Campsite 4

Campsite 5

Campsite 6

Campsite 7

Campsite 8

Campsite 9

Pickup Truck Campers along river campsites

Boater on water

Camper looking out over the river from lawn chair and trailer

BI Entrance Sign

Father/Son on table along river with tent

Lounge Chair overlooking the river.

BI Boat Ramp and Boats along shoreline

Popup Camper and Tent along river campsite

Blanchard Island Recreation Area

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>The Mississippi River Project’s Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area.  This new way is called "Scan & Pay".  Blanchard Island’s open fee dates are May 15th through October 15th. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site using the QR Code and Recreation.gov mobile APP.  (Cash will no longer be accepted for payment.  Credit Card Only.)   </p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
<p>Fisherman have good luck fishing for catfish from Blanchard Island.  If you have a boat, you can launch it from here and find the best catfish holes.  In the Fall, hunters enjoy camping and hunting deer from here, as well as the Island; if they bring their boat.</p>

<p>Others just enjoy the serenity of the park and the natural views of the river and bottom lands.  Wildife viewing is a popular activity here.  Bald Eagles, ducks, Pileated Woodpeckers, deer, and the occasional muskrat or otter may be seen.  </p>
<h2>Facilities</h2>
<p>This "off the beaten" path Class B campground is a fisherman' and hunter's and camper's paradise.  The park has a boat ramp, concrete vault toilets, 15 campsites-each with a picnic table and fire ring, as well as a beautiful and quiet view of Blanchard Chute on the Mississippi River.  </p>

<p>There are a number of water hydrants throughout the park that provide potable water.  A dump station is also available for camper's use.  </p>

<h2>Natural Features</h2>
<p>Blanchard Island Recreation Area is a great place to view wildlife due to it's serene backcountry feel. It sits along the backwaters of the Mississippi River. You'll have to travel about 2 miles on a gravel road to get here, but it's well worth it.  You'll want to bring the bug spray though to be safe!</p>
<h2>Charges &amp; Cancellations</h2>
<p>As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.  </p>

The Mississippi River Project’s Muscatine Ranger Station has gone to a new way to pay for First-Come First-Serve campsites at the Blanchard Island Recreation Area.  This new way is called "Scan & Pay".  Blanchard Island’s open fee dates are May 15th through October 15th. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site using the QR Code and Recreation.gov mobile APP.  (Cash will no longer be accepted for payment.  Credit Card Only.)

CAMPGROUND - CAMPSITE 3

Great Facilities and Amenities

Permitted Equipment

Campsites