Kilpeck Landing Public Area

Kilpeck Landing provides public access to the Mississippi River near Muscatine, Iowa. This boat ramp serves as a gateway to one of North America's major waterways—a powerful, wide river with significant current and substantial daily flow averaging over 685,000 cubic feet per second. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for strong water movement (average velocity of 11.24 feet/second) and plan their trips accordingly. The landing is conveniently located just across the Muscatine Bridge in Illinois, making it accessible for day trips and longer expeditions.

The adjacent **Blanchard Island Recreation Area** offers camping facilities for those planning extended visits, with campsites available seasonally from May 15th through October 15th. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis with a "Scan & Pay" system—no advance reservations required, though payment must be made on-site with no refunds offered after purchase. For more information or questions about current conditions and amenities, contact the Muscatine Ranger Station at 563-263-7913.

The nearby **Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge** (24,149 acres) offers additional recreational opportunities in the area for wildlife viewing and exploration when not paddling.

Overview
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...

Overview
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.)   
Recreation
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.

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.  
Facilities
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.  

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

Natural Features
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!
Charges & Cancellations
As in the past, no refunds will be given if you must leave the campground early.  

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