Nevada / White Pine County / Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

Ward Mtn. Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from late May through mid-October, weather and conditions permitting. Water is not available during the 2025 camping season due to an outage; campers must bring all water needed including drinking water. Reservations available via Recreation.gov during peak season from mid-May to late September.

About

Ward Mountain Recreation Area and Campground sits in the shadow of Ward Mountain, the highest point in the Egan Range at nearly 10,800 feet, just 10 miles southwest of Ely in eastern Nevada. The campground sits at 7,400 feet elevation, well above the desert floor, surrounded by a forest of pinyon pine and juniper trees that provide partial shade and privacy between sites. The campground offers 33 campsites total, including nine back-in and three pull-through RV sites. All sites feature picnic tables, campfire rings, and BBQ pedestals. Additional amenities include three group sites with large shade canopies and concrete areas, a volleyball court, horseshoe pit, historic amphitheater, and underground BBQ roasting facility. The area is a hub for outdoor recreation with miles of trails available for hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and OHV use, many offering panoramic views of the high desert landscape. In winter, the area is popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Nearby attractions include Comins Lake about 13 miles away for boating and fishing, Cave Lake State Park less than 20 miles away with opportunities for trout fishing, and Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park 26 miles away featuring historic stone ovens. The town of Ely offers additional amenities including the Northern Nevada Railway Museum.

Directions

From Ely, travel south on Highway 6 for 10 miles. Turn left just before Murray Summit at the sign for Ward Mountain Recreation Area. From Las Vegas, travel north on Highway 93 for about 86 miles to the junction with State Route 318. Follow State Route 318 north for 124 miles to Murray Summit. Turn right at the sign for the recreation area.

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