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Humboldt-Toiyabe/Ward Mountain Campground
Overview
Ward Mountain Campground offers a serene high-desert escape within the sprawling Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. Located at an elevation of approximately 7,400 feet, this Forest Service gem provides a refreshing, cooler alternative to the desert valley heat found elsewhere in the Great Basin. It is a traditional dry-camping destination where the focus remains on the rugged natural landscape and the incredibly clear, starry skies that define rural Nevada. Travelers visiting this area will find a quiet, well-maintained environment that emphasizes a true connection with the outdoors.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just seven miles southwest of Ely, NV, the campground is easily accessible via the scenic Highway 6/50/93 corridor. The surrounding environment is a beautiful mix of rolling hills covered in mountain mahogany, juniper, and sagebrush. This unique transition zone provides ample shade and a sense of seclusion despite being a short drive from the historic town of Ely. The site is a central hub for the Ward Mountain Trail System, which offers miles of winding paths through the limestone-rich terrain of the Egan Range.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic facility designed specifically for those who enjoy the simplicity of self-contained RVing. The campground features vault toilets and seasonal potable water, ensuring basic needs are met while maintaining a primitive feel. While there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available, the paved parking pads are generally level and can accommodate a variety of trailer and RV sizes. Each individual site is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring, providing the perfect setting for campfire cooking and evening relaxation under the Milky Way.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the world-class mountain biking and hiking trails that depart directly from the campground loops. For those interested in local history, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely offers a chance to see authentic steam engines in action. The campground also serves as an excellent gateway for those planning a day trip to Great Basin National Park, located about an hour to the east. Additionally, the nearby Cave Lake State Park offers fishing and boating opportunities for those looking to get out on the water.
Who This Park Is Best For
Ward Mountain is an ideal destination for independent RVers and dry campers who prefer the solitude of a National Forest over the crowded atmosphere of a commercial resort. It is particularly well-suited for mountain bikers and hikers who want immediate access to challenging backcountry trails. If your travel style favors high-elevation temperatures, quiet evenings, and the ability to disconnect from the digital world, this scenic mountain outpost near Ely is the perfect stop on your Nevada adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Andrew Erickson
Really nice dry campground, fresh gravel in the spaces. Enough room in our first come campsite for our 34 foot fith wheel and truck. No water at this time. Higher altitude, (7K) so cold overnight but that is what the furnace is for. Some trails for horses and hiking. Tables, grills and fire pits at each site.
Robert Ross
Government was shut down, no big deal, there was a dumpster there, that was good. Primitive camping. Place was clean and peaceful. 6 miles from Ely. Camping fee of about $12 But no envelopes to put cash in.
susan clark
A great campground with trees, the sites were beautiful. There were three loops and sites were well spaced so you wouldn’t feel you had a neighbor. I tent camped, there was a tent pad at every site . (It was fly season which can’t be helped. No host has control over that!) I camped here quite a few years before and I’d camp here again. Love it here!
Martha Pearson
This campground has been completely overhauled and boy is it nice. Sitting at about 7500’ off hiway 6 just outside ely, nv. Great trail system, super quiet even though well subscribed when we overnighted. Sites were well spaced and most had good screening from neighbors. All new fire pits, tables, grill platforms, level parking and good gravel roads. Great infrastructure, but no water available at this time. You can reserve on rec.gov but there were a number of FF sites too.
James Boyle
Clean modern US Forest Service Campground. Has reservable and non reservable sites. Easy access off US 93 out of Ely. The sites have new picnic tables, charcoal grills, camp stove stands, and fire rings. We'll packed gravel for RV or Tent camping. Some of the cleanest Pit Toilets I've seen.
dustyckn
Camped 2 days October, water had been shutdown for winter and no trash cans. Bathrooms could definitely be cleaner and the noise from Hwy 6 at night was annoying but bearable. But all in all a cool campground
Greg Piet
For dry camping it's a great spot. The National Forest Service folks are great and camp sites are roomy compared to other campgrounds. It is generally very quiet so not really the place for late night shenanigans or running generators all day.
Certified Appraiser
Super clean with lots of trails with various levels of difficulty. Convenient location. Great scenery.
MJ Peterman
Beautiful campground. Quiet. Well kept. Stop over while traveling decided to stay 2 nights it was so nice. Price was $8 a night but with my senior pass it was $4 a night. Awesome!
Karl Zellner
Nice and quite place. Facilities are top notch.