Ward Lake Campground

There are several campgrounds in the beautiful Grand Mesa area that are clustered in the Mesa Lakes and Island Lake recreation areas. One of the best for both those with tents and RVs is Ward Lake. Located less than a mile from the visitor center and in a very scenic part of the mesa, Ward Lake Campground is surrounded by lakes. It is also less than a mile from the visitor center and the western trailhead for the spectacular Crags Crest Trail.

The campground has the typical Forest Service amenities: vault toilets, dirt roads, campsites that range from small to large and level to not-so-level. There is no drinking water, and all sites are first-come, first-served. There are two loops in the campground. The upper loop is nearest the entrance and sits about 30 feet above the lake level. There are several lake view sites on this loop, and the elevation makes for great views, while the other sites border a beautiful meadow. At the end of the upper loop a dirt road winds down along the lakeshore to the lower loop. These sites are close to lake level and provide great access for fishing. Many of the lakeside sites in this loop are simply spectacular. As can be expected, the lakeside and lakeview sites are the first to be taken, and getting one of these sites involves planning and a bit of luck during the busy months.

Note: Bring bug spray as the entire Grand Mesa is notorious for swarms of mosquitos in June and July, and Ward Lake is no exception.