Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
Ely, NV
Six beehive-shaped stone ovens from 1876, used to make charcoal for silver smelters. They are reached by a good gravel road off US-93 south of Ely; there is a campground nearby.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park lies in White Pine County, Nevada, about 18 to 20 miles (roughly 29 to 32 kilometers) south of Ely at the foot of the Egan Range, at 7,000 to 8,000 feet. The park protects six beehive-shaped stone ovens dating from 1876; Atlas Obscura puts them at about 30 feet (roughly 9 meters) tall.
They produced charcoal for the silver smelters. Silver veins were found here from 1872, and the miner Thomas Ward founded the boomtown of Ward about 2.5 miles to the north, which peaked in 1877 with around 1,500 residents. Each oven held 35 cords of wood. The mines declined, a fire destroyed most of the buildings, and the boom was over by 1885.
Getting there: from US-50/93 go about 7 miles south, then roughly 11 miles on Cave Valley Road, a well-maintained gravel road that Atlas Obscura says passenger cars can use year-round; check snow and conditions in winter. The park is always open and offers hiking, picnicking, camping and yurts. The park's page notes fire restrictions (as of October 2026, check in advance).
- Nearest town
- Ely, NV
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 39.0376, -114.8467
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. Hot in June–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Willow Creek CampgroundCampsite1 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
- Elk Flat CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic ParkDrinking waterShowers
- Lake View CampgroundCampsite13 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic ParkDrinking waterShowers
- Ward Mountain CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park · 33 pitchesDogs allowed
- Cleve Creek CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic ParkToiletsFree
- Berry Creek CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic ParkToiletsDogs allowedFree
All campsites in Nevada · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park?
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is in Ely, NV, at GPS 39.0376, -114.8467. It is about 39 mi from Baker.
Can you camp near Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Willow Creek Campground, about 1 mi away; within 25 mi there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park?
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Great Basin Highway: canyons, ghost towns and charcoal ovens.
What is there to see near Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Nevada Northern Railway Museum (16 mi), Great Basin National Park (34 mi), Cathedral Gorge State Park (88 mi) and Kershaw-Ryan State Park (102 mi).
When is the best time to visit Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and October. Still fine, with some compromises, in September and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)