Ward Lake Campground, near Cedaredge, Colorado, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the crowds. This campground is perfect for tent campers and smaller RVs, offering a peaceful atmosphere with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The campground features two sections: the upper area is more wooded and suited for tents, while the lower section accommodates larger RVs and trailers. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the facilities, including the well-maintained vault toilets and the friendly camp hosts who keep everything in order. As one camper noted, “The restrooms were immaculate! Some of the cleanest pit toilets we've seen.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with excellent hiking trails nearby that lead to breathtaking views. Campers have enjoyed fishing and swimming in the lake, although it's wise to be prepared for sudden weather changes, as thunderstorms can roll in unexpectedly. One reviewer mentioned, “Be prepared to put a cover on your tent as intermittent thunderstorms come up out of nowhere.”

With no cell service and a serene environment, Ward Lake Campground is an ideal escape for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just soaking in the views, this campground offers a refreshing retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

## Overview

 This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (928) 537-8888.

Ward Lake Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Mesa Lakes, CO? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Colorado camping adventure.

Mesa Lakes

The Best Camping Near Mesa Lakes, Colorado

**Campground Review:** We stayed at Ward Lake on Colorado's Grand Mesa. Ward Lake sits at about 10,000 feet. So, depending on time of year, it can get a little chilly. We arrived mid morning and the camp hosts were not available. There are two campgrounds, the upper and the lower. We stayed in the lower campground. The upper seemed to house more families and had more wooded sites, the lower seemed more suited to rvs and such but we still put our tent up in the lower section. Our site said that it was a shore line site, but the lake was down something like 40 feet and was supposed to drop another 20 feet. The shoreline was a bit muddy and the rocks made navigating the area difficult for us. Other people went down and fished though and did appear to be catching fish.

Our site was a bit less shaded, which we chose because we were expecting it to be chilly. There were some great shaded spots also but we were looking for sun. It had plenty of room for our two tents (they are small but still), it had a long driveway and a picnic table along with a fire ring. The restrooms were very near by, just across the road. The restrooms were immaculate! Some of the cleanest pit toilets we've seen. No oder and very clean. The whole campground was really clean in fact. The hosts were doing an amazing job.

The chilly weather had us wanting to get moving so we found Ward Lake Trail and hiked all the way to the other side of the lake, which was beautiful! The trail was amazing, the trees were great and it made for a very scenic trail. The hike back was a little less scenic, along the shore line, the rocks were hard to navigate at times, especially with a 3 year old along. When we returned to our site, the rest of the campground had begun to fill up and the host made the rounds to collect our registrations. The fee was $18 for the night. The hosts were very friendly and sociable.

There was a wedding on the other side of the lake and by nightfall the band was in full swing. The music was pleasurable and not over powering. I don't know if weddings are common but we enjoyed listening under the stars.

**Product Review:** As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - today I am testing [Green Goo Pain Relief](https://greengoohelps.com/collections/first-aid/products/pain-relief-arnica-salve-4oz-jar). Our green goo arrived just in time, we hit up the post office, tossed it in our bag and then headed to the mountain. I have chronic knee pain from many years of playing hockey and I was coming off a nasty fall that left my knees swollen, bruised and sore. So while hiking, they definitely started to act up. The green goo pain relief is a bit softer then many of the ointments I've used, making it really easy to rub in. While hiking, I was able to simply pull up my pants leg, rub it on, drop the pants leg and keep right on hiking. To my surprise, it took care of the pain immediately! But, and I hate to have a but, it only lasted 15-20 minutes before my knees got achy again. It didn't really have a cooling/heating effect but it did provide immediate relief. I'll definitely use it again.

Ranger Review: Green Goo Pain Relief at Ward Lake

It's been a while, but we cannot wait to go back - we only got to camp one night so hoping for several this time! Just gorgeous area!!

Nice spacing, on the lake, trails, just beautiful!

Awesome host campground and vey clean,  nice,  awesome views, quit area and easy to get there. 

Private and lake view

Stayed at Ward Lake
Ward Lake is a nice campground that has two sides with about a half mile road, following the lake separating the sides. Not a lot of shade on the far side. 
Different types of fire pits, but all had trash left in them 😢
This is one place that fits the saying that if you don’t like the weather, wait twenty minutes, it’ll change. The wind comes from all directions through the day and the wind blowing off the lake adds a little more bite to the wind chill. 


Nice campground 

This CG has two sections. The upper part is old school FS, narrow roads, small sites, lots of trees...not a good place for larger TYs or RVs.  Best for tenters, Vans, small Class Cs.  The lower section is much better for larger RVs and TT,  lower cg area has less shade but closer to Ward lake.  Vault toilets, trash and water spigots.  $20/$10 senior. Run by a contract host. No cell signal and all sites are FF. Lower sites in sun are best for SL-RV

Nice fcfs CG

A very nice camp ground for tent campers, very few people, beautiful scenes and within a very short distance of good hiking. Campground staff was helpful and we had a beautiful site right by the lake which is open to fishing and swimming. Be prepared to put a cover on your tent as intermittent thunderstorms come up out of no where. There is no cell service unless you go down route 65 a little more to the beautiful views of the valley. 


Hidden Gem

Grand mesa is the largest mesa in the world. For over 150 years cattle have roamed here. They need to go. It is time. The diversity and wildlife will slowly be destroyed and it is exponential. The climate is changing and places like this need to to be protected they are our arks. No atvs no generators no cattle. Would improve.the place.ten fold. And absolutely no logging. Ban all fires!  We are about to lose it all including Grand mesa. Wake up. 

Photos of Ward Lake Campground

Real photos from real campers