California · Camping · Near Shaver Lake

Ward Lake

June
season
May–Oct
best months

Is Ward Lake open right now?

Closure in the area

There's a closure order in Sierra National Forest. It doesn't name Ward Lake, so check the source for the area it covers (3 listed).

As of · Source: USFS · Sierra National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

  • At 7,392 ft
  • High Sierra Ranger DistrictSierra National Forest

Ward Lake is a Forest Service campground in the High Sierra Ranger District of Sierra National Forest in California. It sits among a cluster of trails and other outdoor spots, with Hell Hole just 0.1 mile away and Florence Lake about 0.3 mile off. The most comfortable months for a visit are July and August, when typical highs reach about 74°F and lows sit near 49°F, based on averages from a nearby weather station at Huntington Lake. Winter is cold, with typical January highs around 43°F and lows near 24°F. Vault toilets are the only amenity listed. A fee is charged for use of the site. Nearby options include the South Fork San Joaquin River, about 1.2 miles away, and Mono Hot Springs, roughly 2.5 miles off. Jackass Meadow and Poison Meadow are both within about 1.4 miles.

Around this trail

Add any of these when you start a trip

Places © OpenStreetMap contributors

More in Shaver Lake

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Ward Lake

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      43° / 24°

      11 wet

    2. Feb

      44° / 23°

      11 wet

    3. Mar

      46° / 26°

      10 wet

    4. Apr

      50° / 29°

      8 wet

    5. May

      56° / 36°

      6 wet

    6. Jun

      66° / 42°

      3 wet

    7. Jul

      74° / 49°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      74° / 49°

      1 wet

    9. Sep

      68° / 44°

      2 wet

    10. Oct

      58° / 37°

      4 wet

    11. Nov

      49° / 31°

      8 wet

    12. Dec

      44° / 25°

      10 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Huntington Lake, CA, 13.9 mi away at 7,020 ft. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.