Whitehouse Campground

Hello, fellow Montanans! When the call of the wild beckons, but you're not quite ready to venture into the deepest backcountry, Whitehouse Campground near Lolo offers the perfect balance. Tucked away in the serene Clearwater National Forest, this charming campground provides a peaceful escape with the comforting sound of the river nearby, all while remaining surprisingly accessible. For those of us who appreciate the beauty of our state's forests and rivers without feeling entirely disconnected, Whitehouse Campground is a gem that offers a refreshing retreat, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature's embrace.

Whitehouse Campground is known for its tranquil atmosphere, where the dense canopy of trees creates a natural sound buffer, allowing the soothing sounds of the Lochsa River to dominate. It's a place where you can truly unwind, whether you're casting a line, enjoying a quiet picnic, or simply relaxing by your campsite. Reviewers praise its clean facilities and the feeling of being "away without having to be way out in the middle of nowhere." This article is crafted specifically for you, our local community, to provide a comprehensive and factual overview of what makes Whitehouse Campground an excellent choice for your next Montana camping adventure, blending natural beauty with convenient access to nearby amenities.

Whitehouse Campground is conveniently located in the Clearwater National Forest, approximately an hour west of Lolo, Montana, at Forest Rd 1685, Lolo, MT 59847, USA. It's situated directly across from the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River, at mile post 158.5 of the famous Northwest Passage Scenic Byway and All American Road (US Highway 12). This makes it highly accessible for Montanans traveling along Highway 12, a major east-west route. Despite its seemingly remote address within the forest, its position right off a well-maintained highway means you can reach it without navigating extensive backcountry roads. This accessibility is a key advantage for campers who want a natural setting without the challenge of extremely remote travel. Furthermore, its proximity to Lochsa Lodge is a significant convenience, providing a nearby option for forgotten items, a meal out, or even gas, adding to its appeal as a comfortable "getaway without having to be way out in the middle of nowhere." While the campground is close to the road, the abundant trees effectively muffle traffic noise, ensuring that the predominant sound is the soothing river.

Whitehouse Campground offers essential services designed for a comfortable and traditional camping experience, focusing on necessary amenities while maintaining a natural ambiance.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides clean vault toilets, which are basic but well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable restroom experience for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available via a centrally located hand pump, providing a reliable source of fresh water for cooking and hydration.
• Picnic Tables & Fire Rings: Each of the 11-13 individual campsites is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and campfires (when local fire restrictions permit).
• No Hookups: The campground does not offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups, making it suitable for tent camping and RVs/trailers that are self-contained.
• RV Accommodation: While basic, the campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, making it an option for smaller recreational vehicles, though it primarily caters to tent campers.
• First-Come, First-Served: Whitehouse Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning campsites cannot be reserved in advance. This can be appealing for spontaneous trips, though it's wise to arrive early during peak season.
• Trash Disposal: The campground provides facilities for trash disposal, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and free of waste.
• Camp Host: While not explicitly mentioned in all reviews, campgrounds managed by the US Forest Service often have camp hosts on-site during the operating season, who provide assistance and information.

Whitehouse Campground is celebrated for several features and highlights that make it a truly appealing destination for Montanans seeking a quiet and beautiful outdoor experience.

• Riverside Location and Views: A major highlight is its direct proximity to the Lochsa Wild and Scenic River. Many sites offer direct river views, and the constant sound of the flowing water creates an incredibly peaceful and natural ambiance, effectively drowning out road noise.
• Abundant Trees and Natural Buffer: The campground is heavily treed, providing ample shade and privacy for campsites. These dense trees also act as a natural sound barrier from the nearby Highway 12, ensuring a serene experience despite the road's proximity.
• Clean Facilities: Reviewers consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, which contributes significantly to a positive camping experience.
• Proximity to Lochsa Lodge: The nearby Lochsa Lodge offers a valuable convenience, providing a small store for forgotten items, a place to eat if you don't feel like cooking, and a gas station, all just a short distance away.
• Access to Lewis and Clark Trail: Due to its close proximity to the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, the campground serves as an excellent base for day hiking or longer backpacking trips, appealing to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
• Fishing Opportunities: The Lochsa River is renowned for its steelhead, salmon, and trout fishing (catch and release only), making Whitehouse an ideal spot for anglers, particularly from mid-August through September.
• Nature Viewing: The area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for viewing deer, elk, moose, various birds, and even bears (requiring caution with food storage). The scenic views of mountains and forests are also spectacular.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being near a highway, the campground's design and natural surroundings ensure a remarkably quiet and laid-back atmosphere, allowing for true relaxation.
• Picnicking Opportunities: The campground is also suitable for day use and picnicking, offering a pleasant spot to stop and enjoy the scenery even if not camping overnight.

For inquiries regarding Whitehouse Campground, including operating seasons, current conditions (e.g., closures due to storms, as has happened in the past), and any fee information, it is best to contact the managing authority, which is typically the US Forest Service. Since it's located within the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the contact information for that district is usually the most relevant.

Address: Clearwater National Forest, Forest Rd 1685, Lolo, MT 59847, USA

Phone: (406) 888-7800 (This is the general number for Glacier National Park, but for specific Forest Service campgrounds, a district office number is often more direct. For the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, the Lochsa-Powell Ranger District can be contacted at 208-926-4274, or the Lolo Pass Visitor Center at 208-942-3113.)

Mobile Phone: +1 406-888-7800 (See note above regarding the more direct numbers for the managing Forest Service district.)

For us Montanans, Whitehouse Campground is a perfect example of how to enjoy our state's incredible wilderness without feeling completely isolated. It offers the peacefulness of a secluded forest retreat, with the soothing constant sound of the Lochsa River, yet provides the convenience of being just off a main highway and near essentials at Lochsa Lodge. We know the value of a clean, well-maintained campground with basic, reliable amenities, and Whitehouse delivers. It's an ideal basecamp for exploring the historic Lewis and Clark Trail, trying your hand at fishing in a blue-ribbon river, or simply unwinding amidst tall trees. The fact that you don't hear road traffic despite being close to it is a testament to its thoughtful design and natural beauty, making it truly feel like a private sanctuary. For those seeking a genuine Montana camping experience that balances accessibility with a profound connection to nature, Whitehouse Campground offers a tranquil and rewarding escape that will have you feeling refreshed and reconnected to our magnificent Big Sky Country.

Whitehouse Campground

Clearwater National Forest, Forest Rd 1685, Lolo, MT 59847, USA