Ward Lake Campground
4.2410 reviewsWard 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
About this 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.
Historical Significancenull
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryTowering pine forests create a natural cathedral overhead, while groves of quaking aspen paint the landscape in shimmering greens during summer and brilliant golds come autumn, offering an ever-changing tapestry of High Sierra splendor.
Geological RegionPerched within the heart of Sierra National Forest, this remarkable location showcases the High Sierra's dramatic geological story through ancient granite formations and diverse ecosystems. Here, where pine and aspen forests thrive, you'll find yourself immersed in the very wilderness that inspired John Muir's conservation legacy.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly described for this campground.
Sites SizeCampsites are located within a corridor in the John Muir Wilderness. Site sizes are not explicitly detailed, but some are lakeside with great views of Ward Lake.
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer a degree of privacy, with some being nestled among conifer trees and boulders. However, some user reviews mention that sites are close to the road.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No information is available about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Reservation Platformsnull
Walk-in Availabilitynull
Cancellation Policynull
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.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Ward Lake, with rainbow trout being the primary species mentioned.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Ward Lake, although some user reviews note the presence of water snakes, which may affect the experience.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Ward Lake. Specifics about boat rentals or facilities are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, but visitors should exercise caution as the area is host to rattlesnakes, bears, and other insects like bees and mosquitos.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsbears are frequent visitors; AVOID leaving food out to attract natives. Store bears
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Moderate drizzle
Precipitation: 0.8%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Very Light Rain - (0.80% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate drizzle
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned; visitors are advised to practice safe food storage given the presence of bears.
Proximity to water featuresnull
Common complaintsvisitor cited too many water snakes, rattle snakes, mosquitos ,
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.2
10 reviews
Ward Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 10 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
Reviews specific to accessibility are not available.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews related to pets are not available.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025