Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park Campground
Open year-round, 365 days a year. Potable water is typically available seasonally from mid-May through September. Reservations available through Reserve Nevada. Check-in 2 p.m., check-out 11 a.m. Camping limited to 14 consecutive nights per 30-day period.
Hydrologic Outlook issued October 9 at 12:13AM PDT by NWS Elko NV
ESFLKN A low pressure system over the Pacific Northwest will drop southward into Northern California Sunday. This storm system will draw abundant atmospheric moisture associated with Tropical Storm Rachel northward into Eastern Nevada, resulting in the likelihood of rain Sunday and Sunday night. Slow storm motions and/or training cells may produce heavy rainfall and localized flooding. Of particular concern are recent, large burn scars, including the Ward fire south of Ely and the Oxley fire north of Wells. Numerous smaller burn scare from this fire season also remain vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flow. Residents near burn scars should have multiple ways to receive Flash Flood Warning and be prepared to act quickly. Travelers and recreationists should also remain alert and consider alternate plans.
About
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park protects one of Nevada's best-preserved examples of 19th-century industrial heritage. The six beehive-shaped stone kilns, each standing 30 feet tall, were constructed around 1876 to produce charcoal for silver smelting operations in the nearby Ward Mining District. After the mines declined, the ovens served various purposes including shelter for travelers and reportedly even stagecoach robbers. Willow Creek Campground provides a base for exploring this remote corner of eastern Nevada. Set in the Egan Mountain Range at roughly 7,000 feet elevation, the campground features primitive sites amid pinyon-juniper forest. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and barbecue grill. Two large pull-through spaces accommodate RVs, while standard sites suit tent campers and smaller rigs. A group camping area is available for larger parties. The park offers excellent opportunities for solitude-seekers. Dark skies make it a prime stargazing destination. Hiking trails explore the surrounding ridgelines and canyons, and wildlife including mule deer, elk, and grouse are commonly spotted. The Legacy OHV Trail provides off-highway vehicle access to adjacent public lands.
Directions
From Ely, Nevada, head south on US-93 for about 7 miles to Cave Valley Road (SR 486). Turn west and follow Cave Valley Road approximately 11 miles to the park entrance. The road is paved to the park.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 - $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| wcosp@parks.nv.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (775) 289-1693 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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