Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site park
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site
The main highlight of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site is the collection of six well-preserved charcoal ovens. These ovens were built in the late 19th century to supply fuel for the nearby silver mines. These massive stone structures, standing over 30 feet tall, were used to convert wood into charcoal, which was then utilized in smelting silver ore. Visitors can explore these ovens up close, experiencing the impressive craftsmanship and engineering of the time.
Apart from the charcoal ovens, there are other points of interest to see in the area. The site is surrounded by lovely landscapes, including the impressive Schell Creek Range and the Lehman Caves, which are a short drive away. Wildlife enthusiasts may also catch a glimpse of deer, elk, or various bird species that inhabit the area.
Interesting facts about Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site include its association with Nevada's mining history. The ovens were built in 1876 and operated for approximately 20 years until the silver mines became less profitable. The charcoal produced by these ovens was of exceptional quality and was highly sought after due to its purity.
The best time to visit Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is generally pleasant and conducive to exploration. It is important to note that the site is located at an elevation of around 7,000 feet, so visitors should be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the evenings.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify the information across multiple independent sources, such as the official Nevada State Parks website, travel guides, and reputable publications on Nevada's history and tourist attractions.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ward Charcoal Ovens State Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Ely Elk Viewing Area - Recreation Site | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Cave Lake State Park | ✗ | ✓ | → |
| Ward Mountain | ✓ | ✓ | → |
| Ward Mountain Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Ward Mountain Recreation Area | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site
What can I do at Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site.