White Sandy Campground

3.83

149 reviews

6563 HAUSER DAM RD, HELENA, MT 59602, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,737 ft

Price

$25 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

3,737 ft

Price

$25 - $140/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens BLM (Bureau of Land Management) site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

White Sandy Campground

$25.00 - $140.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual campsites cost $25 per night per camping unit, and group sites cost $140 per night. Maximum of two camping units per site. Additional fees...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$140.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

406-458-4744

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What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 149 reviews

73 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationlakefriendly

"White Sandy Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.98. Common praises include spacious sites, beautiful views, and clean facilities. Criticisms highlight issues with water quality, maintenance, and limited shade."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

6563 HAUSER DAM RD, HELENA, MT 59602, USA

White Sandy Campground

6563 HAUSER DAM RD, HELENA, MT 59602, USA

Driving directionsFrom Helena drive north, from Great Falls drive south on I-15 to the Lincoln Road exit, turn east on Lincoln Rd and continue to the T-intersection with Hauser Dam Rd, turn left (North) and continue about 4 miles until you reach White Sandy Recreation Area directly in front of you on the right hand side of the road. If you get to Black Sandy State Park, you have gone too far.

The campground is accessible via paved roads leading to Hauser Dam Road. However, reviews noted that gravel roads might be problematic in some areas, with one reviewer stating, 'Worst was gravel road to get there.' Seasonal snow and ice may also affect accessibility.

Nearby places

Helena, MT (approximately 20 minutes drive)

Great Falls, MT (approximately 90 minutes drive)

Bozeman, MT (approximately 2 hours drive).

Nearby supplies

A small general store is located across from the entrance to White Sandy Campground. Black Sandy State Park, located ¼ mile up the road, offers additional amenities such as an RV dump station. Helena, MT provides comprehensive supplies including groceries, camping equipment, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at White Sandy Campground

Experience the best of Montana's changing seasons at White Sandy. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and warm, inviting days perfect for swimming and water sports, though afternoon temperatures can climb high enough to make that lake dip irresistible. As summer progresses, nature adds its own character with occasional wind patterns and natural algae blooms that paint the water in interesting hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the sagebrush and ice fishing enthusiasts brave the freezing temperatures and moderate winds for the perfect catch.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Warm, active season for swimming/boating, but late summer algae and dry conditions reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Open through Sept 30; early/late season reviewers report better conditions than late summer peak.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 10% in MT

Open beginning May 1; reviewers note earlier season conditions often better than late summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 1–Sept 30; winter not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 through September 30. Reservations required for all seasons.
Current Alerts: Seasonal algae blooms in Hauser Lake include warnings for blue-green algae, which can be toxic to pets and humans. Fire bans may also occur during dry weather.

About White Sandy Campground

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Hauser Lake, White Sandy Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 32 scenic sites and endless opportunities for waterfront adventure. Wake up to the gentle lapping of waves and spend your days casting lines into pristine waters, paddling through morning mist, or quietly observing the abundant wildlife that calls this area home. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with fire rings and picnic tables, perfect for evening gatherings under Montana's vast sky. Modern conveniences include potable water and clean vault toilets, while the convenient boat launch puts you on the water in minutes. The campground's crown jewel is its lakeside ramada pavilion, complete with power and lights, ideal for group celebrations or simply escaping the midday sun.

White Sandy Campground caters to a mix of camping preferences, offering options for tent camping, RVs, and group gatherings. Sites are spacious and equipped for a range of camping setups.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Montana's changing seasons at White Sandy. Summer arrives with golden sunshine and warm, inviting days perfect for swimming and water sports, though afternoon temperatures can climb high enough to make that lake dip irresistible. As summer progresses, nature adds its own character with occasional wind patterns and natural algae blooms that paint the water in interesting hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the sagebrush and ice fishing enthusiasts brave the freezing temperatures and moderate winds for the perfect catch.

ElevationPerched in Montana's iconic shrub-steppe country alongside Hauser Lake, White Sandy Campground immerses visitors in the authentic high desert landscape that defines this region. Here, the rolling terrain creates a natural amphitheater where sagebrush and native bunch grasses paint the hillsides in subtle shades of silver and gold.

Natural Features and SceneryWhite Sandy's landscape tells the story of Montana's rugged beauty through its tapestry of aromatic sagebrush and resilient bunch grasses swaying in the breeze. While shade is a precious commodity among the scattered trees, what the campground lacks in canopy it more than makes up for in spectacular vistas. Every single campsite boasts unobstructed views of Hauser Lake's sparkling waters and the majestic Big Belt Mountains rising beyond, creating picture-perfect sunrises and unforgettable sunset displays that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples.

Geological RegionWhite Sandy Campground sits at the heart of Montana's dramatic shrub-steppe ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. From your campsite, gaze across Hauser Lake toward the striking Eldorado Bar and the towering Big Belt Mountains beyond. This unique positioning offers visitors a front-row seat to observe the fascinating interplay between water, mountain, and high desert environments, where sagebrush-dotted hills meet pristine waters and scattered trees stand as sentinels against the expansive Montana sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM.

Check-out

11:00 AM.

Stay Limit

Guests may stay up to 14 nights during a visit, and up to 14 nights within any rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum two camping units per site.

Groups

The Group Loop-C is available for $140 per night and includes a ramada/pavilion with power and lights. It accommodates up to 12 camping units across 6 sites.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features loops with gravel parking pads. Loop A is closer to the lake, while Loop B is elevated.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, app, or phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available during the season but limited, especially on weekends.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made earlier than one day before arrival incur a $10 service fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee and incur no refunds for one-night reservations. Specific policy applies to group sites and facilities.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and accessible sites, as well as an accessible boat ramp, picnic area, and parking.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious and suitable for RVs, tents, and travel trailers. Specific dimensions for some sites (e.g., 60 feet) are mentioned in certain contexts.

PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is limited. User feedback indicates that while the sites are large, they lack significant privacy due to sparse vegetation and the layout.

Total Campsites32 campsites

Recommended SitesWaterfront sites in Loop A offer the best views and proximity to the lake. Sites in Loop B sit higher up and may experience more wind and noise.

Amenities available

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

White Sandy Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, leveraging its lakeside location for water-based recreation and its proximity to trails for terrestrial pursuits. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and swimming. There is also a beach area and world-class mountain biking trails nearby.

HikingTrails are available throughout the campground and surrounding areas, with additional trails accessible in the larger Hauser Lake Recreation Area. The trails cater to a range of skill levels and provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.

FishingFishing is a prominent activity at White Sandy, with opportunities to catch species such as rainbow trout and brown trout. However, some reviewers have noted issues like 'the fish cleaning station was closed' during their visits.

SwimmingA designated beach area is available for swimming. However, multiple reviews caution about periodic algae blooms, which can make the water unsafe for swimming. One user noted, 'Hauser Lake was full of green algae so we couldn't swim.'

BikingThe area offers world-class mountain biking trails, appealing to both novice and experienced bikers.

BoatingBoating activities are supported by a concrete boat launch and courtesy dock. Opportunities for kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are also available.

Wildlife viewingThe region's shrub-steppe landscape and proximity to Hauser Lake make it a good location for spotting local wildlife, though specific species are not detailed in the source materials.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPrairie rattlesnakes, bull snakes, and black widows are common in the area. Prickly Pear cactus can damage tents and clothing. Water contamination issues have been reported.

Active AlertsSeasonal algae blooms in Hauser Lake include warnings for blue-green algae, which can be toxic to pets and humans. Fire bans may also occur during dry weather.

Fire PolicyFire rings provided. Restrictions apply during dry seasons. Always check fire status before travel.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators restricted to operational hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Emergency ServicesHelena, MT includes emergency services such as St. Peter's Health Hospital. Police and fire services are readily available in the city.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage dumpsters are provided throughout the campground and day-use areas. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesCampground borders Hauser Lake and features direct access to a boat ramp and beach.

Camp HostCamp hosts are frequently commended for cleanliness and helpfulness. Hosts check in with campers and maintain restrooms.

Weather at White Sandy Campground

Reviews

3.8

149 reviews

Mixed Reviews

White Sandy Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

White Sandy Campground receives mixed reviews, with an average sentiment of 3.98. Common praises include spacious sites, beautiful views, and clean facilities. Criticisms highlight issues with water quality, maintenance, and limited shade.

Review Summaries

Based on 149 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the campground's scenic location ('Nice lake view'), spacious sites ('Large camping spots'), and friendly camp hosts ('The camp hosts were wonderful'). Many reviewers also highlight...

Based on 149 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent issues include water quality ('Water faucets locked,' 'Existing well was contaminated'), maintenance concerns ('Trash and dog feces from previous campers,' 'Weeds were really bad'), and...

Based on 149 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring potable water due to issues with the campground's water quality. Check the algae bloom status before planning water activities. Be prepared for limited shade and harsh summer temperatures.

Based on 149 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Many reviews indicate better conditions earlier in the camping season, while late summer sees increased algae blooms and dry conditions.

Based on 149 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground is great, huge spots and a beautiful location!' - ALLISON B 2. 'The camp hosts were wonderful, and the restrooms were very clean.' - ANNE G 3. 'The water was disgusting the next...

Based on 149 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Positive feedback often highlights lakeside sites like Site 1 as especially desirable ('Site number one and in my opinion that’s the best site there'). Some negative reviews pinpoint specific...

Based on 149 reviews