Ward Mountain Campground

Ward Mountain Recreation Area and Campground sits at Murray Summit a short distance southwest of the town of Ely, Nevada. Its high desert environment sets the campground on a mountainside covered in pinyon, juniper woodland and sagebrush, while the campground itself is clean and well-maintained, though without certain amenities such as running water or electrical hookups.

Located at the Ward Mountain Recreation Area South Trailhead, a network of over 20 miles of mountain trails ideal for hiking, mountain biking, equestrian riding, and cross-country skiing in the winter, the campground includes large parking areas for those accessing the trails, and serves as an ideal spot to camp out, whether that be in a tent or an RV. The trailhead is located at the far end of Loop B, with day-use parking for the trail in the center of that loop.

Two loop roads make up the tent and car camping area of the campground, and there is an additional loop for oversize RVs. Additionally, three large group sites able to accommodate groups of up to 100 people sit between the camping loops. The campground also has an amphitheater and horseshoe and volleyball areas located adjacent to the group camps.

Rates are $4 per standard vehicle nightly. Leashed pets are allowed, and no horses are permitted in the campground. Vault toilets serve the campgrounds, and they are located in the center of each loop. While 20 sites, as well as the group sites, are available by reservation, there are an additional 10 sites that are on a first-come, first-served basis.

One downside of the campground is that the different loops and parking areas aren't signed very well. While a map exists on the Recreation.gov website, it is also possible to park in the first parking area on the left of the main gravel road and see the campground host in Loop A. 

Payment is required at the self-serve kiosk upon driving into the campground. All amenities and groceries are available in the town of Ely about 7 miles away.