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Map showing campground location near Mono Hot Springs, California
Camper submitted image from Ward Lake CampgroundView 1 Photo
Map showing campground location near Mono Hot Springs, California

Ward Lake Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Kaiser Pass Road leads to this small Forest Service campground positioned alongside Ward Lake, about three miles before Florence Lake. Half the sites sit directly along the lakeshore while others occupy the opposite side of the road with views toward the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear box under forest cover that provides shade throughout the day.

The campground operates from June through October with vault toilets and drinking water available. RVs up to 25 feet can access the sites via the paved road, though reviewers note driving slowly helps locate available spots in the evening. Mosquitoes congregate near the standing water, and campers report encounters with rattlesnakes in the area. The location provides access to Florence Lake, hiking trails, and serves as a base for exploring dog-friendly camping around Sierra National Forest with pets welcome throughout the campground.

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Map & DirectionsWard Lake Campground is located in California near Mono Hot Springs

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

From Lakeshore, CA, take Huntington Lake Rd. east 0.7 miles to Mono Hot Springs sign. Turn left after sign onto Kaiser Pass Trail/Forest Rt. 80 (paved) and go 16.9 miles to Ward Lake/Florence Lake sign and intersection. Continue straight onto Florence Lake Trail and go 3.3 miles to campground.

Coordinates

37.30200022 N
118.98600028 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Ward Lake Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

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67%
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34%

3.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the scenic lakeside sites with good amenities and shade, though several guests reported problems regarding snakes and heavy mosquito activity. Most found it child and dog friendly with access to hiking trails.

Reviewed Jul. 14, 2019

Avoid No running water, terrible toilets, snake nests!

This place is full of snakes and bees. We stopped on the way up and no one was at the campsites because of snakes. 

There’s such better camping at Edison, or mono, or even shaver lake.

I wouldn’t recommend Ward lake to anyone looking for a weekend camping trip. 

There’s so much better out there

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2018

Great family spot

Located about 3 miles before Florence lake off of Kaiser Pass Road is this beautiful campground. Each site has a picnic table, fire pit, bear box, and tons of trees that offer shade throughout the day. Half of the camp sites go along the lake itself. The other half of the sites go along the other side of the road and you can see a beautiful view of Ansel Adams Wilderness. At night you have the most beautiful view of the start sky. I would strongly suggest to bring insect/mosquito repellent because you definitely will get bit up a lot due to the standing water from the lake. The campsite is $23 a night, has at least one vault toilet, is dog friendly. You are close to Florence lake, groceries, hiking trails, and Mono Hot Springs too. It is definitely child friendly as well. Our one year old loved seeing the stars at night and the blue jay that liked hanging out at our campsite. I would also suggest if you come at night to drive slower than normal along the road at the campsite because you can easily miss an empty site and since Jackass Meadows is closed due to flooding and the beetle, Ward lake is the closest alternative.

  • Review photo of Ward Lake Campground by Darlene M., June 11, 2018
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Ward Lake Campground located in California?

Ward Lake Campground is located approximately 3 miles before Florence Lake off Kaiser Pass Road in the Sierra National Forest region of California. This small campground sits alongside a picturesque lake, nestled among trees in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The remote location offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty, making it a destination for those seeking a more secluded camping experience in California's mountains.

Are there photos of Ward Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Ward Lake Campground are available online to help you plan your visit. These images typically showcase the small lake, wooded campsites, and natural surroundings. Photos can give you a good sense of the campground's layout, including lakeside sites and those nestled among the trees. When browsing photos, you'll notice the rustic setting with picnic tables, fire pits, and the overall natural environment. Check official Forest Service websites or camping platforms like The Dyrt for the most current visual references before your trip.

What amenities are available at Ward Lake Campground?

Ward Lake Campground offers basic amenities for a rustic camping experience. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box for food storage. The campground features pit toilets but no running water or shower facilities. Half of the campsites are situated directly along the lake, while the other half are spread throughout the wooded area nearby. The campground provides ample shade from trees throughout the day, enhancing comfort during summer visits.

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