White Sandy Campground
4.1359 reviews6563 HAUSER DAM RD, HELENA, MT 59602, USA
White Sandy Campground
$25.00 - $140.00 / night
Campsite 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
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 apply for changes and cancellations.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible vault toilets and accessible sites, as well as an accessible boat ramp, picnic area, and parking.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesWaterfront 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.
Best CampsitesSite 1 is frequently noted for its excellent lakefront location. Group sites and waterfront sites along Loop A are recommended.
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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through September 30. Reservations required for all seasons.
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.
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.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
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.
Hiking
Trails 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
A 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.'Biking
The area offers world-class mountain biking trails, appealing to both novice and experienced bikers.Boating
Boating activities are supported by a concrete boat launch and courtesy dock. Opportunities for kayaking, jet skiing, and paddleboarding are also available.Wildlife viewing
The 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.Beach activities
The beach area supports swimming and sunbathing, although water conditions can vary due to algae blooms.Winter Activities
Ice fishing and other winter sports are available, though further specifics are not provided.Water Sports
Activities such as paddleboarding, windsurfing, and water skiing are supported by the lake's facilities.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings provided. Restrictions apply during dry seasons. Always check fire status before travel.
- Quiet hours are Generators restricted to operational hours of 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPrairie 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.
Weather forecast
89
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Helena, MT includes emergency services such as St. Peter's Health Hospital. Police and fire services are readily available in the city.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGarbage dumpsters are provided throughout the campground and day-use areas. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCampground borders Hauser Lake and features direct access to a boat ramp and beach.
Common complaintsComplaints include water quality issues ('Yellow and orange water'), poor maintenance ('Dry grass and weeds, garbage scattered'), and seasonal algae ('Blue-green algae killed lakefront fun').
HostCamp hosts are frequently commended for cleanliness and helpfulness. Hosts check in with campers and maintain restrooms.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.1
59 reviews
White Sandy Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 59 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 59 reviewsShow more
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 59 reviewsShow more
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 59 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Many reviews indicate better conditions earlier in the camping season, while late summer sees increased algae blooms and dry conditions.
Based on 59 reviewsCamper 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...
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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 59 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Reviews do not explicitly comment on accessibility beyond describing vault toilets as 'clean and lit up at night.'
Based on 59 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users report issues with off-leash dogs, including one instance where 'dogs that were not on a leash were running and barking all over.'
Based on 59 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025