Ward Lake
4.5720 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$11 - $22/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$11 - $22/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsWard Lake
$11.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$22 per night standard rate; $11 senior discount rate.
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$22.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider9285378888camping@rrmofa.com
What Campers Say
4.57
Top-Rated
Based on 20 reviews
42 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleansites
Some mention
signal
"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."
Fees & Passes at Ward Lake
$11 - $22/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled via Recreation.gov with applicable fees: $10 standard cancellation fee ...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Ward Lake
Ward Lake's microclimate keeps visitors on their toes with its famously mercurial weather patterns. Cool breezes sweep across the water throughout the day, bringing refreshing relief in summer but requiring an extra layer when temperatures dip. Local wisdom holds true here: "If you don't like the weather, wait twenty minutes, it'll change." The lake's influence creates fascinating atmospheric shifts, from misty mornings to crystal-clear afternoons, making each camping experience delightfully unpredictable.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
About Ward Lake
Nestled alongside the shimmering waters of Ward Lake, this cherished first-come, first-served campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. Choose between the sun-dappled Upper Ward loop, where morning light filters through scattered trees, or the more sheltered Lower Ward loop, offering cooler retreats beneath a fuller canopy. Essential amenities include vault toilets and convenient water spigots throughout both loops, though RV travelers should note there are no dump stations available. Each campsite promises its own unique perspective of the lake's ever-changing moods.
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 SeasonsWard Lake's microclimate keeps visitors on their toes with its famously mercurial weather patterns. Cool breezes sweep across the water throughout the day, bringing refreshing relief in summer but requiring an extra layer when temperatures dip. Local wisdom holds true here: "If you don't like the weather, wait twenty minutes, it'll change." The lake's influence creates fascinating atmospheric shifts, from misty mornings to crystal-clear afternoons, making each camping experience delightfully unpredictable.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic vistas of Ward Lake's pristine waters, where early morning mist dances across the surface and evening light paints the shoreline in golden hues. This Mesa jewel has earned its reputation as a beloved destination, with campsites positioned to maximize those coveted lakefront views. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent visits from local fauna, including gentle cattle that graze peacefully through the area, adding to the authentic ranching heritage of the region. As one devoted visitor shares, "Ward is one of our favorites to go to on the Mesa, camp sites looking right out to lake, beautiful!"
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites 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.
Sites 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.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLower 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.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features two distinct loops, Upper Ward and Lower Ward, separated by a road that follows the lake.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app and website. Scan and Pay option available on-site.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Sites are claimed physically upon arrival.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via Recreation.gov with applicable fees: $10 standard cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
The campground provides direct access to hiking opportunities around the lake. "The lake is right there so we were able to hike down and go fishing." - Breanna Archuleta.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, although reviews are mixed about the quality of the catch. "Best fishing and camping at a cheap day rate!!!!" - Travis Stratton. "The lake has lots of rises, but mostly very little fish." - Michael Montoya.Wildlife viewing
Campers have noted the presence of abundant wildlife in the area. "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
No specific mention of winter activities is available.Water Sports
No detailed information about non-motorized water sports is provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazards"Different types of fire pits, but all had trash left in them." No cell signal is available at the campground.
Weather at Ward Lake
24
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are on-site for trash disposal, but specific details about recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresWard Lake is the focal point of the campground, offering direct views and access for activities such as fishing and hiking.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention trash left in fire pits and lack of cell phone signal. Upper Ward sites are tight for large RVs or trailers.
HostMultiple reviews praise the camp host's helpfulness and friendliness. Some reviews cite issues with inclusivity.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
20 reviews
Ward Lake is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 20 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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsCamper 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 20 reviewsShow more
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 20 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specific to pet policies or experiences were noted.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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