List Your RV

BLM Camping

Ward Mountain Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.

Home
Bureau of Land Management
Nevada
Ward Mountain Recreation Area

The Bureau of Land Management, or BLM, is the government agency in charge of administering and protecting federal land. The agency watches over more than 850 separate sites spread across the United States. The majority of these areas feature well-maintained, BLM-operated campgrounds. As a result, BLM camping is a popular pastime amongst outdoor enthusiasts all over the country. Many of these unique natural sites are also popular destinations for visitors looking to engage in a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. If you enjoy camping, hiking, fishing, boating, or any other outdoor recreation, you can locate any BLM sites in your region by searching for "BLM camping near me."

The Ward Mountain Recreation Area is a BLM-protected site in eastern Nevada, located only a short drive west of Great Basin National Park. Many visitors to the area will head to the beautiful national park for all sorts of activities. However, the Ward Mountain BLM site also offers plenty to do, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or even cross-country skiing on the nearby scenic trails.

What to See and Do

Hiking and Biking

Ward Mountain Trail

One of the main attractions at the Ward Mountain Recreation Area is the long and challenging Ward Mountain Trail. If you're hiking or trail running, the trail will likely take more than a day to complete. However, if you're mountain biking, you can potentially travel it in a few hours. The trail is quite popular, but you still should be able to find plenty of solitude.

Length: 31.5 miles

Intensity: Difficult

Alpine Lakes Trail

Located near Great Basin National Park, the Alpine Lakes Trail is a popular loop trail in a gorgeous forested area. The general area around the hike features two small lakes, a river, colorful wildflowers, and great bird-watching opportunities. The trail is best used between March and October, and you'll need to leave your dogs at home or at your campsite.

Length: 2.7 miles

Intensity: Easy

Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail

The Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail is a popular out-and-back trail near Baker, NV. The rocky trail is known for its breathtaking views, which you'll experience throughout its length. Although the hike is open year-round, the best time to visit is between March and October.

Length: 4.5 miles

Intensity: Moderate

Fishing and Boating

Your best bet for quality angling opportunities in the area will be found at Great Basin National Park. Although much of the region is relatively dry, you will find several peaceful creeks around the park. If you cast your line in Baker Creek, Lehman Creek, or Snake Creek, you'll have a solid chance of coming away with some brown, brook, and rainbow trout. Additionally, there are several subalpine lakes in the area. If you like, you can take your kayak or canoe out for a relaxing day on the water.

Climbing

If you're an adventurous climber, you may want to take on nearby Ward Mountain, which is one of the more prominent summits in the region. There are several starting points to work your way up the peak, and the views from the summit will be truly unforgettable. Although the area isn't necessarily known for its climbing opportunities, nearby Great Basin National Park also features several rocky areas that bold climbing enthusiasts may wish to attempt.

Wildlife Viewing

While several species will occasionally wander through the Ward Mountain Recreation Area, the area's best opportunities for wildlife observation will undoubtedly be in the national park to the east. As you explore the rocky and forested landscapes of the Great Basin area, you may spot beavers, bighorn sheep, porcupines, ringtail cats, water shrews, yellow-bellied marmots, mule deer, bobcats, mountain lions, wolverines, and many other fascinating species.

Picnicking

The Ward Mountain Recreation Area features pretty much everything you need for a pleasant picnic. The site offers picnic tables, shade structures, restrooms, and trash cans to dispose of your garbage and unused food. You'll have to supply your own potable water and food, but otherwise, you'll be all set.

Bureau of Land Management Camping

RV Camping

As long as you can get by without water, sewer, or electric hookups, then you can partake in BLM RV camping at the Ward Mountain Recreation Area. The campground has 30 sites available for only a small nightly fee. The area doesn't feature any other official Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, but there are several nearby RV parks with hookups and modern amenities. A couple of great options are the Ely KOA Journey and the West End RV Park.

Free Camping

Although the area around the Ward Mountain Recreation Area is scattered with numerous beautiful and affordable campgrounds, any true Bureau of Land Management free camping will need to be of the primitive variety. If you can find a suitable spot among the mountainous, forested area, you have the option of setting up a makeshift campsite. You should be able to find several decent areas on both sides of the nearby highway.

RV Rentals Near Ward Mountain Recreation Area Plan your next adventure

Credit: Vanna Mae, @vannamaeart

Planning your Ward Mountain Recreation Area BLM trip

Very few of the campgrounds around the Ward Mountain BLM site offer any modern conveniences or potable water, so if you plan to stay overnight at one of them, make sure you're well-packed. Alternatively, if you prefer to stay at a modern site with hookups and amenities, your best option will be to travel into the nearby town of Ely, NV. If you're visiting the area during the summer, remember to prepare for the extreme Nevada heat. Bring lots of extra water as well as sunscreen and any other necessary protection. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.

Leave No Trace

For the sake of preserving the beautiful natural site, please try to keep your impact on the Ward Mountain Recreation Area to a minimum. Properly dispose of all garbage and waste and take it with you when you leave. Keep a safe, respectful distance from any animals you come across. It's also important to leave anything you find in nature undisturbed and to only set up campsites on durable land surfaces. Keep your campfires as small as possible and confined to designated pits.