Is White Sands Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

White Sands Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at White Sands Campground before I book?

Yes! White Sands Campground has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

Are there showers at White Sands Campground?

White Sands Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does White Sands Campground have?

White Sands Campground has 91 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at White Sands Campground?

Pets are not allowed at White Sands Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at White Sands Campground?

White Sands Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

White Sands Campground

4.73

15 reviews

Top 1% in IDSpring

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Featured in:RV Camping Idaho Boating Camping Idaho

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

91 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

91 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

White Sands Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

White Sands Campground

46.5077, -114.6863

Weather at White Sands Campground

Best Time to Camp at White Sands Campground

Best season: spring. Spring offers the most dramatic river experience at White Sands — late-snowmelt swells the Lochsa, creating prime whitewater conditions for kayakers, rafters, and spectators. Expect daytime temperatures roughly 45–75°F (cool mornings around 30–45°F), with high flows through April–June and riverside access for viewing and early-season fishing as flows begin to subside. Crowds concentrate on weekends and holiday periods around peak runoff, but weekday visits still feel wild and are excellent for a Peak months: May, June, July, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in ID

Described as best season: late snowmelt swells the Lochsa, creating prime whitewater conditions.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About White Sands Campground

White Sands Campground sits along the Lochsa River in Montana's foothills, operated by the Forest Service. Spring brings dramatic high water that draws kayakers and rafters, while the riverside setting offers eagle watching, a kids' fishing pond, and access to nearby trails. Large sites with metal fire rings and vault toilets serve tent campers, RV users, and groups seeking a quiet base away from highway noise.

Mixed-use campground with tent sites, sites suitable for RVs, and group sites; includes a dedicated loop for campers with horses and other stock.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the most dramatic river experience at White Sands — late-snowmelt swells the Lochsa, creating prime whitewater conditions for kayakers, rafters, and spectators. Expect daytime temperatures roughly 45–75°F (cool mornings around 30–45°F), with high flows through April–June and riverside access for viewing and early-season fishing as flows begin to subside. Crowds concentrate on weekends and holiday periods around peak runoff, but weekday visits still feel wild and are excellent for a Peak months: May, June, July, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation2100 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe Lochsa flows past camp year-round, its sound constant through the trees. Dense forest shades most sites, and the setting feels removed from Highway 12 despite proximity to the corridor. Reviewers mention eagles overhead and good river views from certain spots. A trail near camp follows part of the Lewis and Clark route into the backcountry, and moose browse the riverbanks at dawn and dusk. The elevation keeps mornings cool even in summer, and the forest canopy filters afternoon light across picnic tables and fire rings.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Groups

Two group sites available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site Size4 tent-only sites; 85 sites for tents or RVs; 2 group sites; one loop reserved for campers with horses/stock; playground present.

Total Campsites91 campsites

Recommended SitesHorse loop is equipped with hitching rails, stock water, a stock loading ramp and feeders and is suitable for campers with horses/stock. There is one trail outfitter located at the campground to support pack/outfitted trips.

Amenities available

Located at about 2,100 feet elevation on the Lochsa River, the campground offers 4 tent-only sites, 85 sites for tents or RVs, 2 group sites, a playground, and one loop reserved for campers with horses/stock. The horse loop includes hitching rails, stock water, a stock loading ramp and feeders; there is one trail outfitter located at the campground.

Potable water

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at White Sands Campground

Activities center on river recreation, trail access into surrounding wilderness, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Lochsa River and multiple nearby river access points support spring whitewater activities and fishing, while an extensive trail network provides hiking and horseback opportunities into the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness.

Hiking4.0/5

Access to Boulder Creek Trail (to Stanley Hot Springs), Lochsa River Access Trail and Downriver Trail.

Fishing4.0/5

Lochsa offers chinook, steelhead, cutthroat, bull trout and mountain whitefish; kids' fishing pond noted.

Boating4.0/5

Spring high water draws kayakers and rafters; multiple river access points support whitewater use.

Water Sports4.0/5

Lochsa is popular with whitewater kayakers in spring; campground offers river access and viewing.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5River views, eagles and forest scenery offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.7

15 reviews

Top-Rated

White Sands Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers are very positive about White Sands Campground, describing it as a small, quiet, scenic spot right on the river with shady trees and good-sized sites. People appreciate the peaceful, off‑highway setting and say it’s great for both quick overnights and relaxed family trips, with only a few minor drawbacks like close sites and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 15 reviews.

Site 2 (which the reviewer used)Mentioned
Site 1 can take about a 38' trailer or motorhome plus tow vehicle and has several good tent spots; Site 2 (which the reviewer used) can fit around a 42' rig…
Site 2Mentioned
Several of these (1, 2, 6, 7) are noted as satellite‑friendly, though trees are getting bigger around Site 2.

What Campers Love

Campers consistently praise the beautiful riverside setting, with multiple mentions of great views, eagles, and a quiet atmosphere away from the highway. They like the large metal fire rings, picnic...

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

A few reviewers note that some campsites are fairly close together, which can reduce privacy. One reviewer mentions “lots of ants,” and another points out that a nearby fishing pond is used as a...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers emphasize that this is best suited for those who like small, quiet, out‑of‑the‑way campgrounds without full amenities. One camper notes there is no cell service and at least one review...

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you like out-of-the way, small, quiet campgrounds, this is the place for you." "Lots of big shady trees, decent sized campsites with plenty of good tent spots." "Nice camp grounds, spaces are...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer notes the unpaved road within the campground is tight and the sites are small, and they do not recommend it for bigger RVs in general, though another reviewer provides details on which...

Based on 15 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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White Sands Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

Go if

You want a quiet riverside base for whitewater season, eagle watching, and family fishing in Montana's foothills.

Skip if

You need electric hookups or prefer summer camping when river flows are calmer.

Nearby Campgrounds

162 HIGHWAY 12, POWELL, ID 83539, USA

Powell Campground sits along the Lochsa River in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests near Powell, Idaho. Operated by Recreation.gov, this mid-sized campground offers well-spaced tent and RV sites with electric hookups, flush and vault toilets, and potable water. Campers come for river access, wildlife viewing, and trailheads into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, with the Lochsa Lodge a short walk away.

White Sands Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about White Sands Campground

Campground Map

Weather at White Sands Campground

Best Time to Camp at White Sands Campground

Planning Tips

About White Sands Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at White Sands Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about White Sands Campground

Best Time to Camp at White Sands Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at White Sands Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns