Is Ward Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Ward Lake accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Are there showers at Ward Lake?

Ward Lake does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Ward Lake?

Pets are not allowed at Ward Lake. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ward Lake?

Ward Lake offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Ward Lake

4.43

46 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison#3

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

10,331 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

10,331 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Ward Lake

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Ward Lake

39.0401, -107.9784

Weather at Ward Lake

Best Time to Camp at Ward Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access to Ward Lake and its trails—daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to low-70s °F while nights commonly drop into the 30s–40s, so layers are essential. This is peak time for fishing, hiking the surrounding mesa, and steady wildlife viewing (early morning and dusk), with the campground fully accessible and all amenities (vault toilets, water spigots) available. Weekends can be moderately busy because sites are first-come/first-served, so arrive早y Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is the reliable access window; reviewers say summer offers best conditions and wildflowers.

Planning Tips

About Ward Lake

Ward Lake sits high in the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest, offering alpine camping with potable water and vault toilets. The campground accommodates both tent and RV campers, with friendly hosts maintaining clean facilities and well-spaced sites. Summer brings reliable access for fishing, hiking the mesa, and wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk.

Ward Lake Campground is suitable for both tent and RV camping, with distinct upper and lower loops catering to different needs. "Upper Ward CG is shady and sites are small and very tight for any larger TTs or RVs. Lower Ward CG is much more open sunny and sites are better for TTs and RVs." - Greg D. Lind.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable access to Ward Lake and its trails—daytime highs are typically in the mid-50s to low-70s °F while nights commonly drop into the 30s–40s, so layers are essential. This is peak time for fishing, hiking the surrounding mesa, and steady wildlife viewing (early morning and dusk), with the campground fully accessible and all amenities (vault toilets, water spigots) available. Weekends can be moderately busy because sites are first-come/first-served, so arrive早y Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation10331 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground flanks Ward Lake, with many sites positioned for direct lake views. Cattle graze through the area occasionally, adding to the working-ranch character of this high-elevation mesa landscape. Wildlife appears regularly at dawn and dusk. The upper loop has scattered tree cover that provides dappled shade, while the lower loop opens to more sun and sky. Early mornings often bring mist across the water.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information about hotel or lodge-style accommodations is provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app and website. Scan and Pay option available on-site.

AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.

Site SizeThe sites are described as small and tight for larger RVs in some areas. "Upper Ward CG is shady and sites are small and very tight for any larger TTs or RVs." - Greg D. Lind.

PrivacyReviews suggest that while some sites offer good privacy, others are more open and exposed. "The fire camps were close but far enough apart that you had your privacy but the comfort of neighbors as well." - Breanna Archuleta.

Recommended SitesLower Ward Campground is recommended for larger RVs and trailers due to its openness and size of sites. Upper Ward Campground is more shaded and better suited for smaller setups.

Need help booking Ward Lake?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Ward Lake Campground provides basic amenities typical of a federal campground. There are vault toilets and water spigots on-site, but no additional services such as dump stations or RV hookups. "Vault toilets, dumpsters and water spigots. No RV dump though" - Greg D. Lind. Sites vary in shade and privacy depending on location, with the upper loop being more shady and the lower loop more open and sunny as noted in user reviews.

Potable water

Fire rings

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ward Lake Campground offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities including fishing, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Many reviewers praised the scenic beauty of the lake and surroundings. "Ward is one of our favorites to go to on the Mesa, camp sites looking right out to lake, beautiful! A lot of wildlife." - Teresa White.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Facilities are limited to vault toilets.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

46 reviews

Recommended

Ward Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Ward Lake Campground are generally positive, with an average sentiment rating of 4.45 specific to campgrounds. Visitors frequently mention clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and scenic lake views as highlights.

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities, the friendliness of the camp hosts, and the scenic beauty. "Beautiful and clean campground, good space between most sites." - Michael Montoya. "One...

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews noted the lack of cell phone service, tight spaces for larger RVs, and trash left in fire pits. "Neither CG has cell signal." - Greg D. Lind. "Different types of fire pits, but all had...

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The upper loop is shaded but tight for large RVs, while the lower loop is more open and sunny with better accommodation for trailers and RVs. "Upper Ward CG is shady and sites are small and very...

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Download the Recreation.gov mobile app ahead of time due to limited cellular service. Choose the lower loop for more open, sunny sites suitable for RVs. Bring your own firewood as availability is...

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest summer as the best time to visit, with visitors enjoying lake views, wildlife, and blooming wildflowers. "Beautiful seeing the wildflowers in bloom." - Jonny Hedler.

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Ward is one of our favorites to go to on the Mesa, camp sites looking right out to lake, beautiful! A lot of wildlife." - Teresa White. 2. "Friendly Cab hosts. Very clean bathroom and campsite....

Based on 46 reviews