A few years ago, Christy and her family spent the day at White Sands Lake Day Beach in Enon, Louisiana, and it turned out to be one of their favorite summer outings. If you’re looking for a fun, low-key place to take the kids, not too far from New Orleans or the Northshore, this hidden gem is definitely a spot worth checking out.
White Sands is a beautiful, spring-fed lake located just north of Folsom, strategically situated between Franklinton, Covington, and Bogalusa. It’s super easy to get to and has everything you need for a full day of swimming, relaxing, and playing in the sun, making it one of the best family-friendly beaches in Louisiana.
Location and Getting to White Sands Lake Beach
Address: White Sands Lake Day Beach is located in Enon, Louisiana (near Covington). Driving Distance:
- From New Orleans: About 1 hour
- From Covington: About 20 minutes
- From Hammond: About 30 minutes
- From Slidell: About 45 minutes
- From Baton Rouge: About 1 hour 15 minutes
This spring-fed lake offers a refreshing alternative to crowded Gulf Coast beaches, with crystal-clear water that stays cool even on the hottest Louisiana summer days.
What Makes White Sands Special: A Relaxed, Family-Friendly Atmosphere
The first thing Christy’s family noticed was how family-friendly the whole place felt. Everyone there was polite and respectful, and it never felt overcrowded or rowdy. The staff does an excellent job of keeping things organized and safe. Although some of the rules may seem strict at first, they really help create a welcoming environment for families with young children.
Unlike some Louisiana swimming spots that can get chaotic, White Sands maintains a peaceful, community-oriented vibe that makes parents feel comfortable and kids feel secure.
Essential Safety Information: Life Jacket Requirements
Life Jackets Are Mandatory (And Honestly, a Lifesaver)
Before you go, please note that children under 12 and anyone who isn’t a confident swimmer must wear a life jacket. This isn’t negotiable, but it’s honestly one of the best safety features about this place.
Life Jacket Details:
- Rentals are only about $2-$3 per person
- Staff ensures proper fit for safety
- Requirement applies to all non-confident swimmers regardless of age
- You can also bring your own Coast Guard-approved life jackets
Once Christy’s girls got used to their life jackets, they explored and swam like little fish. Knowing they were safe and confident in the water made the day so much more enjoyable for everyone.
No Lifeguards, But Attentive Staff Supervision
Although there are no official lifeguards on duty, the staff is incredibly vigilant. While Christy was getting lunch ready, her youngest somehow returned to the water without her life jacket. Before she could even react, a staff member spotted her and gently guided her back to their table. That kind of attentiveness put her completely at ease and shows how seriously they take safety.
Seating and Shade Options: From Budget to Luxury
White Sands Lake Beach offers several options for setting up your family base camp:
Premium Options:
- Cabanas with covered picnic tables and grills – Perfect if you plan to stay all day and want guaranteed shade
- Umbrella and table rentals – Mid-range option for families wanting some shade without the whole cabana experience
Budget-Friendly Options:
- Free unshaded picnic tables – First come, first served basis
- Bring your own setup – Christy brought her own chairs, cooler, and shade tent with no issues
Important Rules: No glass containers or Styrofoam are allowed anywhere in the park. Please pack accordingly.
Water Activities and Rental Equipment
Boat and Kayak Rentals Add Extra Adventure
If your kids love being on the water, White Sands offers several rental options:
- Paddle boats – Great for families with younger kids
- Canoes – Perfect for older kids and adults
- Kayaks – Individual exploration fun
All rentals are available by the half-hour with reasonable pricing. Since the swimming area is roped off, you can paddle around the rest of the lake without worrying about interfering with swimmers. It’s a fantastic way to explore the spring-fed lake and break up the day.
The Inflatable Water Park: Fun But Challenging
White Sands features a floating inflatable play area that looks like a ton of fun, but comes with some practical considerations:
What to Know:
- Best suited for stronger swimmers and older kids
- Water is quite deep around the inflatables, with nothing to push off from
- Younger kids (like Christy’s four and 6-year-olds at the time) may struggle to climb up independently
- Still entertaining to watch and attempt, even if challenging
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Essential Items to Pack:
- Water shoes – Even though the beach area is sandy, the lake bed has rocks and pine needles that can be uncomfortable for sensitive feet
- Sunscreen – Louisiana sun is intense, especially reflecting off the water
- Snacks and drinks in non-glass containers
- Towels and dry clothes for the ride home
- Cash for rentals and admission
What to Expect from the Lake Bottom
The designated beach area features nice sand, but once you venture into the swimming area, expect a natural lake bottom with rocks, sticks, and pine needles. This is completely normal for a spring-fed lake in Louisiana, but water shoes make the experience much more comfortable, especially for kids.
Christy’s girls are a little sensitive to that kind of thing, so having water shoes made a big difference for their family. She’d especially recommend them for younger children.
2025 Admission Prices and Operating Hours
Current Admission Rates:
- Ages 3-11: $12 per day
- Ages 12 and up: $18 per day
- Under 3: Free admission
- Season Passes: $50 for kids, $65 for adults (great value if you plan multiple visits)
Operating Schedule:
- Season: Early May through Labor Day
- Days: Open daily except Mondays (except Memorial Day and Labor Day)
- Hours: May vary after school starts – check before visiting
- Weather Policy: Closed during inclement weather
Why White Sands Lake Beach is Perfect for Louisiana Families
Crystal-Clear Spring Water
Unlike some murky Louisiana swimming holes, White Sands boasts beautiful, spring-fed water that remains refreshingly cool even on the hottest summer days. The natural springs keep the water clean and clear, making it much more appealing than typical pond or river swimming.
Safe, Controlled Environment
The combination of mandatory life jackets, attentive staff, and well-maintained facilities creates a safe environment where parents can relax while kids play. The rules might seem strict initially, but they contribute to the overall family-friendly atmosphere.
Activities for All Ages
Whether your kids want to swim, kayak, build sandcastles, or splash around near the shore, there’s something for everyone. The variety of activities means you can easily spend a whole day without anyone getting bored.
Making the Most of Your Northshore Day Trip
Since you’re already heading to the Covington area, consider combining your White Sands visit with other local attractions:
- Abita Brewery (for adults) – Just a short drive away
- Historic Downtown Covington – Charming shops and restaurants
- Fontainebleau State Park – Nature trails and picnicking
- Local restaurants – Try some authentic Louisiana cuisine
It’s Worth the Trip
White Sands Lake Day Beach was one of those perfect summer memories for Christy’s family. It’s clean, safe, and full of activities for all ages. Whether your kids want to swim, kayak, build sandcastles, or splash around near the shore, there’s something for everyone. If you’re in southeast Louisiana and looking for an easy, family-friendly day trip, this place should be at the top of your list.
The combination of reasonable prices, excellent safety measures, and beautiful spring-fed water makes White Sands a standout destination for Louisiana families seeking a fun, refreshing escape from the summer heat.
Have you visited White Sands Lake Day Beach? Share your own tips or favorite memories in the comments below – we love hearing from fellow families about their Louisiana adventures!
As someone who calls New Orleans home, I enjoy helping others discover what makes this city so unique and special. Whether you’re coming for the food, the music, or just a change of pace, I can help you plan a trip that feels effortless and unforgettable. Email me at cara@magicaldestinationstravel.com or visit this page to start planning your New Orleans getaway.
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