Ward Lake Campground

Star3.96
25 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

7,000 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

17 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens National forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Ward Lake Campground
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$67.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.96

Mixed Reviews

Based on 25 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"User reviews about Ward Lake Campground range from highly positive to strongly negative. Many visitors appreciate the serene environment, beautiful lake views, and fishing opportunities. However, some have reported significant issues with wildlife, including rattlesnakes and bears, as well as the presence of mosquitos and bees."

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Campground Map

Ward Lake Campground

37.3016, -118.9861

Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis to Shaver Lake. Continue thru Shaver Lake to Huntington Lake. At the east end of Huntington Lake, turn right on the Kaiser Pass Road (at Eastwood Visitor Center). Travel 17 miles to the Florence Lake Road. Continue on the Florence Lake Road 3.7 miles to the campground.
"All but the first 5.9 miles of access route is on a roughly paved, single-lane road with numerous blind curves - a 'white knuckle' experience," according to the source. This could be challenging for some drivers and larger vehicles.
Nearby places
Lakeshore, approximately 0.7 miles
Nearby supplies
Florence Lake Store, three miles past Ward Lake on Kaiser Pass Road.

Best Time to Camp at Ward Lake Campground

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Swimming/boating available in summer but mosquitoes and insect activity peak then.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Quaking aspens turn brilliant gold in autumn, enhancing scenery and visitor experience.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

No specific spring info; shoulder-season conditions likely variable with snowmelt and insects.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Planning Tips
  • Current Alerts: null

About Ward Lake Campground

Nestled on the western slopes of the majestic High Sierra, this campground serves as your gateway to the legendary John Muir Wilderness, where dramatic geological wonders and pristine alpine beauty await at every turn.
Ward Lake Campground offers rustic camping options. The campground is divided into two sections along the east and west ends of Ward Lake. Campsites are tucked among natural features such as conifers, boulders, and cliffs.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Camp Store

Activities you can enjoy

Ward Lake Campground provides opportunities for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. Picnicking is also available. Visitors have described the lake as a peaceful spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. However, some have encountered issues with wildlife, including rattlesnakes, water snakes, and bees.
FishingFishing is available at Ward Lake, with rainbow trout being the primary species mentioned.
SwimmingSwimming is permitted in Ward Lake, although some user reviews note the presence of water snakes, which may affect the experience.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Ward Lake. Specifics about boat rentals or facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is possible, but visitors should exercise caution as the area is host to rattlesnakes, bears, and other insects like bees and mosquitos.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alertsbears are frequent visitors; AVOID leaving food out to attract natives. Store bears
Active Alertsnull
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided and required for all food and scented items. This area has active wildlife that may be attracted to improperly stored food.

Weather at Ward Lake Campground

Reviews

4.0
25 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Ward Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews about Ward Lake Campground range from highly positive to strongly negative. Many visitors appreciate the serene environment, beautiful lake views, and fishing opportunities. However, some have reported significant issues with wildlife, including rattlesnakes and bears, as well as the presence of mosquitos and bees.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews highlight the scenic setting, peaceful environment, and excellent fishing opportunities. One user described their experience: 'We had a beautiful campsite surrounded by golden aspens...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the prevalence of rattlesnakes, water snakes, and scorpions, as well as issues with mosquitos and bees. Some reviewers also mentioned the lack of potable water and the...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing mosquito repellent and being cautious of wildlife. A review advised, 'Call ahead before planning your trip, as lots of sites may be out of commission due to dead...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The mosquito population appears to be particularly high during the peak summer months. Some users also mention that the presence of bees and wildlife, including bears, can vary by season.
Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Rattlesnakes everywhere! And our car got thrashed by bears.' 2. 'About 1 hour and 45 minutes from Shaver Lake, this was a remote and scenic campground.' 3. 'This is a bargain campground and well...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are mixed, with some campers praising the lakeside views and others criticizing the proximity to the road.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews specific to accessibility are not available.
Based on 25 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Reviews related to pets are not available.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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