How much does camping cost at Ward Lake?

Camping fees at Ward Lake range from $11-$22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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.

What activities can I do at Ward Lake?

Popular activities at Ward Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ward Lake

4.62

46 reviews

Summer Destination

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

10,331 ft

Price

$11 - $22/night

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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

10,331 ft

Price

$11 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Ward 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Provider

9285378888camping@rrmofa.com

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What Campers Say

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 46 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ward Lake

39.0401, -107.9784

Best Time to Camp at Ward Lake

Summer is the reliable access window, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to low-70s and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Layers are necessary. Cool breezes sweep off the lake throughout the day. The weather shifts quickly at this elevation. This is peak season for fishing, hiking the mesa trails, and wildlife viewing, though weekends see moderate crowds since all sites are first-come, first-served.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Reviews identify summer as best time: wildflowers, lake activities and pleasant weather.

Planning Tips

About Ward Lake

Ward Lake sits at 10,331 feet on Grand Mesa, offering first-come, first-served camping in two loops near the lake's edge. The campground has vault toilets and water spigots but no dump stations. Sites run $11-$22 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs, though the upper loop is tight for larger rigs.

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 SeasonsSummer is the reliable access window, with daytime highs in the mid-50s to low-70s and nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. Layers are necessary. Cool breezes sweep off the lake throughout the day. The weather shifts quickly at this elevation. This is peak season for fishing, hiking the mesa trails, and wildlife viewing, though weekends see moderate crowds since all sites are first-come, first-served.

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.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops separated by a road that follows the lake. Upper Ward has small, shady sites tight for larger RVs or trailers. Lower Ward opens up with sunnier, more spacious sites. Site spacing varies, with some offering good privacy and others more exposed.

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.

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?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

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

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Different types of fire pits, but all had trash left in them." No cell signal is available at the campground.

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

Weather at Ward Lake

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

46 reviews

Top-Rated

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 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

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

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