White Sands Campground

Star4.73
15 reviews
White Sands Campground

Quick Facts

2,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

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Sites

91 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

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White Sands Campground
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulhiking

"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."

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Best Time to Camp at White Sands Campground

Spring transforms the Lochsa River into a whitewater paradise, drawing kayakers and rafters to test their skills against its rushing rapids. As snowmelt swells the river, the campground becomes a front-row seat to some of the region's most thrilling water sports action.

Best
Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About White Sands Campground

    Nestled along the pristine Lochsa River at 2,100 feet elevation, White Sands Campground welcomes everyone from tent campers to RV travelers, families, and equestrians. A dedicated stock loop with specialized facilities offers direct trail access into the legendary Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness and the beloved Stanley Hot Springs, while a playground keeps younger adventurers entertained.
    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 SeasonsSpring transforms the Lochsa River into a whitewater paradise, drawing kayakers and rafters to test their skills against its rushing rapids. As snowmelt swells the river, the campground becomes a front-row seat to some of the region's most thrilling water sports action.
    ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,100 feet above sea level, the campground sits in that perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets accessible terrain.
    Natural Features and SceneryThe Lochsa River flows right through camp, its clear waters providing a constant soundtrack to your wilderness experience. Ancient forests surround the campground, creating a cathedral of towering trees that shelter a network of trails leading deep into adventure. Boulder Creek Trail, Lochsa River Access Trail, Downriver Trail Scenic Overlook, and Lochsa Park Trail branch out from camp like veins, offering both hikers and horseback riders passage into the vast Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness. Lucky visitors often spot moose browsing near the riverbanks at dawn and dusk, while the promise of Stanley Hot Springs awaits those willing to venture further into the backcountry.
    Geological RegionThe campground serves as a gateway to the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness, positioned perfectly along the wild and scenic Lochsa River corridor where rugged mountain terrain meets accessible riverside camping.
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    Campsite details

    Sites 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 CampsitesHorse 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.

    Best Campsites

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    Reserving a campsite

    Groups
    Two group sites available.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutCampground includes 4 tent-only sites, 85 sites for tents or RVs, 2 group sites, a playground, and one horse/stock loop with related facilities. Trails provide direct access to nearby wilderness trails and hot springs.

    Accomodation available

    GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

    Activities you can enjoy

    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.
    Hiking
    Hiking and horseback riding available on Boulder Creek Trail (which leads to Stanley Hot Springs), Lochsa River Access Trail, Downriver Trail Scenic Overlook and Lochsa Park Trail; most trails access the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness.
    Fishing
    Fishing for chinook salmon, steelhead, cutthroat and bull trout and mountain whitefish is available on the Lochsa River; catch-and-release rules apply to some species—check current regulations.
    Boating
    The Lochsa River is popular in the spring for whitewater sports; there are a number of river accesses near the campground along US 12.
    Wildlife viewing
    Campground is often visited by moose and other wildlife, offering wildlife viewing opportunities.
    Water Sports
    Whitewater sports on the Lochsa River in spring
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazardsThe campground is often visited by moose and other wildlife. The Lochsa River is popular for spring whitewater activities (river hazards associated with whitewater).

    Weather at White Sands Campground

    39
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Mainly clear
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 72%
    Wind: 5.1 mph
    Mainly clear

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Good to know

    Proximity to water featuresCampground sits on the Lochsa River with multiple nearby river access points along US 12; river is used for whitewater sports and fishing.

    Campground Map

    White Sands Campground
    Access and river accesses are located along US 12 (Lochsa River corridor).

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.7
    15 reviews
    Top-Rated
    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

    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...
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    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...
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    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...
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    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...
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    Based on 15 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    One detailed review breaks down several sites by size and suitability, especially for RVs. Site 1 can take about a 38' trailer or motorhome plus tow vehicle and has several good tent spots; Site 2...
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    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...
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    Based on 15 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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