White House Campground
4.5138 reviewsKanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A, Kanab, UT 84747
White House Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Individual campsites cost $12 per site, per night, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment is made via the Recreation.gov Mobile App’s Scan & Pay system.
About this campground
Nestled in a pristine desert valley 43 miles east of Kanab, Utah, White House Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience at the gateway to some of the Southwest's most spectacular slot canyons. This intimate BLM campground features seven drive-in sites and five secluded walk-in tent areas, each thoughtfully positioned to showcase the surrounding sandstone wilderness. As your basecamp for adventures into the legendary Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, White House provides the perfect blend of accessibility and remote desert solitude.
White House Campground is a first-come, first-served facility that caters to individual campers with options for car camping and walk-in tent camping. No group or RV-specific accommodations are available.
Historical SignificanceSince its original construction in the 1970s, White House Campground has welcomed generations of adventurers drawn to the mystique of Paria Canyon. Following an extensive reconstruction from 2017 to 2019, the campground now combines modern amenities with its storied legacy as a launching point for wilderness exploration. Today, it continues to serve as a cherished gathering place where hikers share tales of their canyon discoveries around evening campfires.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic temperature swings that define desert camping, where sun-drenched days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. The desert's moody weather patterns can transform dry washes into rushing torrents during monsoon season, making weather awareness essential for your safety. Before setting out for your adventure, check current conditions and flash flood warnings to ensure your slot canyon explorations remain memorable for all the right reasons.
ElevationSituated in a sheltered desert valley embraced by towering sandstone formations, the campground offers a unique perspective on the Southwest's geological grandeur. This strategic valley location provides natural protection from desert winds while positioning visitors at the perfect elevation to explore both canyon depths and rimrock heights.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a landscape painted in nature's most dramatic palette, where white-grey sandstone buttes rise like ancient sentinels against azure skies. The life-giving waters of the Paria River wind through this desert tableau, creating a ribbon of green that attracts diverse wildlife and offers photographers endless inspiration. From your campsite, watch as sunrise and sunset transform the surrounding rock formations into a kaleidoscope of colors, while desert creatures emerge for their daily routines in this protected wilderness sanctuary.
Geological RegionYour campsite sits at the crossroads of geological wonder, where the broad valley cradles the meandering Paria River between towering white-grey sandstone buttes. This strategic location on the edge of the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness places you amid a landscape sculpted by millions of years of wind and water. Here, vibrant rock layers tell the story of ancient seas and shifting sands, while narrow slot canyons beckon with their mysterious depths, creating an outdoor museum of Earth's creative forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no specific information available on the accessibility of the campsites. However, the Paria Contact Station facilities are noted to meet ADA standards.
Sites SizeThe sites include both car camping and walk-in tent sites. Walk-in sites are located 50-100 yards from the parking lot for a more secluded experience.
Sites PrivacyCampsites offer limited privacy, as they are situated in open spaces with little vegetation or shade. Walk-in sites tend to provide a slightly more secluded experience.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites farther from the parking area provide a more isolated experience, while those close to the pit toilets may be affected by odors depending on wind direction.
Best CampsitesReviews highlight Campsite 1 for its proximity to amenities and scenic views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in is first-come, first-served
- setup can occur immediately upon arrival.
Check-out
Check-out is by 2 PM.
Stay Limit
Stay limit is 14 consecutive days per reservation.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Limit of 10 people per site.
Groups
The campground does not offer group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 7 car camping sites and 5 walk-in tent camping sites, with picnic tables, fire rings, and tent pads available at all locations.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not applicable due to the first-come, first-served model. Payment is made via Recreation.gov's Scan & Pay system.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, without advanced reservations.
Cancellation PolicyNo refunds, modifications, or cancellations are allowed with Scan & Pay payments, as stated in the official policy.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
White House Campground is a hub for outdoor recreational activities, primarily focused on hiking, backpacking, sightseeing, and photography. The campground is situated near the Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness, which features stunning slot canyons and unique geological formations.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, with trails leading to destinations like Buckskin Gulch and the Paria Canyon. Trails vary in difficulty; for instance, the hike to the Buckskin Gulch confluence is about 8 miles each way. Hikers should prepare for challenging terrain, including knee-deep water, slippery mud, and occasional quicksand. Day-use and overnight permits are required for these trails.Wildlife viewing
The campground provides opportunities to observe desert wildlife and enjoy remote, scenic landscapes.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round and may serve as a base for winter hiking or photography, but specific winter activities like snowshoeing or skiing are not noted.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only within designated fire rings. Gathering firewood is prohibited.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7:30 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsFlash floods are a risk in the region during rainy periods. Wildlife, including spiders, may be present in bathrooms at night.
Active alertsNo active alerts were noted in the provided information.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 17%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
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
Paria Contact Station at the northern end of the campground road provides drinking water and trash disposal. For medical emergencies, Kanab, UT (43 miles away) offers hospitals and other emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified; campground is open year-round.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available at the Paria Contact Station, two miles north of the campground access road. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe Paria River is nearby, offering scenic views and a cooling spot during hot days.
Common complaintsSome campers have noted issues such as loud visitors, lack of shade at most sites, and difficulty with the Scan & Pay system when cell service is unreliable.
HostNo information was provided about a campground host.
Campground Map
Kanab Field Office 669 S Highway 89A, Kanab, UT 84747
Driving directionsWhite House campground is located approximately 43 miles east of Kanab, Utah, two miles to the south of Highway 89 and the Paria Contact Station, at the end of Monument Road 751. The campground sits in a broad valley between the Paria River and scenic white-grey sandstone buttes.
Access requires traveling two miles on Monument Road 751, which is described as a washboard gravel road. Reviews note it as rough, but manageable for most vehicles, including RVs up to 26 feet.Nearby places
Kanab (43 miles, approximately 1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials are available in Kanab, UT, approximately 43 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.5
38 reviews
White House Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
White House Campground is widely praised for its scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to popular hiking trails. Common themes in user reviews include the remoteness of the location, well-maintained vault toilets, and the campground's role as a staging area for exploring nearby slot canyons. However, some reviewers noted challenges such as limited shade, dusty conditions, and difficulty with the Scan & Pay system due to poor cell service.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'Very clean pit toilets and very reasonable camping fees put you at the center of a number of permitted trail heads.' - David Hole
- 'Amazing little campsite, seems like you’re in the middle of...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- 'Only one [site] has Shade. Lots of Traffic late at night by Dreamers.' - Jeff Weissman
- 'Watch for large spiders in the bathroom at night.' - Olivia Rust
- 'The road to the campground is a little...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- 'Make sure you take the creek for a few miles too!' - Jeff Weissman
- 'Be sure to download the rec.gov app before you get there. Cell service is very sketchy out there.' - Jon B
- 'Plan on a lot of...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are particularly popular seasons, with users highlighting the pleasant weather and manageable trail conditions. Summer can be very hot and dusty, while winter offers solitude but may...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'White House is a small BLM campsite between Page, AZ and Kanab, UT. It sits at the end of a jarring 2 mile washboard road, but is well worth the journey.' - David Hole
- 'We hiked this trail back...
Based on 38 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1: Mixed reviews; some appreciated its proximity to restroom facilities, while others noted the lack of privacy and noise from late-night arrivals.
Based on 38 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not directly mentioned in user reviews, though the campground’s open layout may pose challenges for some.
Based on 38 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. No specific reviews about pet experiences were provided.
Based on 38 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025