A few years ago, my family and I spent the day at White Sands Lake Day Beach in Enon, Louisiana, and it ended up being one of our 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 is definitely a spot worth checking out.
White Sands is a spring-fed lake just north of Folsom, 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.
A Relaxed, Family-Friendly Vibe
The first thing we 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 a great job of keeping things in order, and even though some of the rules might seem strict at first, they really help make it feel safe and welcoming for families with young kids.
Life Jackets Are a Must (And Honestly, a Lifesaver)
Before you go, one important thing to know is that kids under 12 and anyone who isn’t a confident swimmer must wear a life jacket. Rentals are only about $2 or $3 per person, and the staff ensures they fit correctly. Once my girls got used to them, they explored and swam like little fish. Knowing they were safe and confident in the water made the day so much more enjoyable.
No Lifeguards, But The Staff Pays Close Attention
There aren’t official lifeguards on duty, but the staff is vigilant. While we were getting lunch ready, my youngest somehow returned to the water without her life jacket. Before I could react, a staff member spotted her and gently guided her back to our table. That kind of attentiveness put me at ease.
Cabanas, Tables, and Plenty of Shade
White Sands has lots of options when it comes to setting up for the day. You can rent a cabana with a covered picnic table and a grill, which is excellent if you plan to stay a while. There are also umbrellas and tables you can rent for less, and a handful of free, unshaded picnic tables that are first come, first served. We brought our own chairs, cooler, and shade tent with no issues. Just remember, no glass containers or Styrofoam are allowed.
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Boats and Kayaks Add Extra Fun
If your kids love being on the water, White Sands offers paddle boats, canoes, and kayaks for rent. They’re available by the half-hour, and the prices were reasonable. Since the swimming area is roped off, you can paddle around the rest of the lake without worrying about running into swimmers. It’s a nice way to explore and break up the day.
Bring Water Shoes
Even though the beach area is sandy, the lake bed has rocks and pine needles. My girls are a little sensitive to that kind of thing, so having water shoes made a big difference. I’d recommend them, especially for younger kids.
Inflatable Water Park Is Fun, But Can Be Tricky
White Sands has a floating inflatable play area that looks like a ton of fun. My kids were four and six at the time, and they didn’t quite have the strength to climb up on their own. The water is pretty deep around the inflatables, so there’s nothing to push off of, which made it a bit tough even for me. Still, it was fun to watch older kids make the most of it.
2025 Admission and Hours
Admission this season is $12 for kids ages 3 to 11, and $18 for anyone 12 and older. Kids under 3 get in free. If you think you’ll go more than once, the season passes are worth it; the fees are $50 for kids and $65 for adults. The beach is open daily from early May through Labor Day but is closed on Mondays, except for Memorial Day and Labor Day. After school starts back, weekday hours may shift a bit, so be sure to check before you go.
It’s Totally Worth the Trip
White Sands Lake Day Beach was one of those perfect summer memories for our family. It’s clean, safe, and full of things to do 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.
As someone who calls New Orleans home, I love helping others discover what makes this city so 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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