Jones Bay Campground
3.9815 reviewsLake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122
Jones Bay Campground
$11.50 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak Season (May-September) rates are $23/night. Off-Peak Season (October-April) rates are half-priced at $11.50/night. Additional fees include a $10 one-time dump station fee and $10/7-day boat launch fee (paid online).
About this campground
Tucked away on the rugged shores of Lake Roosevelt, Jones Bay offers adventurers a true back-to-basics camping experience. This intimate, rustic campground embraces its wild character with gravel roads and packed dirt sites carved into the natural landscape. Here, minimal amenities mean maximum connection with nature. As one visitor perfectly captured it: 'Scorching hot in the summer, but the lake is cold and refreshing.' Those seeking solitude and an authentic primitive camping experience will find Jones Bay to be their perfect basecamp for lakeside adventures.
Jones Bay Campground offers primitive, reservation-only campsites suitable for tents and RVs. Group camping is not explicitly mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsJones Bay's weather tells a tale of dramatic contrasts throughout the year. Summer arrives with intensity—temperatures soaring into the 90s create shimmering heat waves across the sagebrush, while evening brings blessed relief as mercury dips into the 50s. Don't forget the bug spray; the warm months bring their share of six-legged companions. Winter transforms this desert oasis into a stark, sometimes snow-dusted landscape where cold winds sweep across the lake. Spring and fall play their own unpredictable symphony—one day might demand shorts and sunscreen, the next could call for fleece and rain gear. Thunderstorms can roll through any season, bringing spectacular light shows over the water.
ElevationNestled at the bottom of a dramatic ravine where ancient geological forces carved a pathway to Lake Roosevelt, Jones Bay sits in nature's amphitheater. This low-lying position creates a unique microclimate and offers campers an intimate, sheltered setting surrounded by towering ravine walls.
Natural Features and SceneryDescending into Jones Bay feels like entering a hidden world where a narrow ravine suddenly opens to reveal sparkling lake waters. The campground's desert aesthetic captivates with its palette of earth tones—silvery sagebrush and bitter antelope brush paint the landscape in muted greens and grays. From your campsite, expansive views stretch across the bay to Lake Roosevelt's vast expanse. As seasoned anglers know, these waters hold promise—prime fishing spots await just a boat ride away. The stark beauty of this brush steppe environment offers photographers endless opportunities to capture the interplay of water, rock, and desert vegetation.
Geological RegionJones Bay showcases the raw beauty of Washington's brush steppe ecosystem, where a dramatic ravine system meets the engineered grandeur of Lake Roosevelt. This unique geological setting creates a natural harbor where desert meets water. The landscape tells an ancient story—layers of rock exposed in the ravine walls, hardy antelope brush and sage adapting to harsh conditions, and the constant sculpting force of wind and weather. This desert-like environment stands in striking contrast to the vast reservoir, creating a distinctive camping experience found nowhere else in the region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampground roads and parking spaces are packed gravel, and campsite areas may be uneven. Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no designated ADA sites are available.
Sites SizeSites are standard and can accommodate tents. RVs and trailers are permitted, but maximum vehicle lengths vary by site.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are noted to be close together, with limited privacy unless multiple adjacent sites (e.g., sites 8 and 9) are reserved together.
Total Campsites9 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring shade devices; limited natural shade. For privacy, avoid sites 8 and 9 unless reserving together.
Best CampsitesSites 8 and 9 are recommended for groups due to proximity and shared facilities. "Would recommend only reserving sites 8 and 9 together as a group because there is not privacy and fire rings are right next to each other," per user review.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
1:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- Maximum consecutive stay 14 nights
- maximum annual stay 60 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each site allows up to 10 people and 2 vehicles.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout9 individual sites, primitive layout with packed gravel and dirt.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from March 15 to December 31. Closed during winter months from December 1 to March 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityJones Bay is a reservation-only campground; no walk-up or first-come sites available.
Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations (day before or day of arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night’s use fee. Reservations for one-night stays will forfeit the entire amount paid.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Jones Bay Campground provides a variety of water-based recreational activities due to its location on Lake Roosevelt. Common activities include fishing, boating, and kayaking. However, the campground lacks hiking trails and designated swimming or beach areas.
Fishing
Fishing is popular, with opportunities to fish from both the shore and boats. Lake Roosevelt is known for its excellent fishing conditions.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the lake, but there is no designated swimming area or beach. The shoreline consists of sharp rocks, and water shoes or rafts are recommended.Boating
The campground features a boat launch and dock, making it a suitable location for various boating activities, including kayaking and canoeing.Beach activities
Beach activities are limited due to the rocky nature of the shoreline. Some campers noted nearby sandbars accessible by boat.Water Sports
Campers can engage in kayaking, canoeing, and other non-motorized water sports on the lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed in designated rings unless fire danger rating reaches critical level.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitos are prevalent during summer. Navigation difficulty on rocky unpaved roads. "My daughter stepped on an old fishing hook," per user review.
Active alertsPartial fire restrictions implemented due to risk (effective June 13, 2025).
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 2.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Davenport (nearest hospital and emergency services); Wilbur (closest basic services); no ranger station at this campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingLimited trash services are available; campers are expected to pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Lake Roosevelt with shoreline access. Includes a boat dock and launch.
Common complaintsAccess road is long, narrow, and unpaved. Lack of potable water and shade at campsites. "Bathrooms were out of toilet paper the entire time," per user review.
HostUnstaffed; main office contact for general information: (509) 754-7889.
Campground Map
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122
Driving directionsFrom Spokane: Head west on I-90 for 3 miles and take exit 277 for US 2 West toward Spokane Airport/Davenport. Continue on US 2 for about 55 miles, turn right onto Sherman Draw Rd N. After 4.3 miles, turn left onto Sherman Rd E, drive 2 miles, then turn right onto Jones Bay Rd N. The campground is 3 miles down a sandy, narrow road. From Wilbur, WA: Head East on NW Main Ave for 0.2 miles, turn left onto NE Brace St, follow for 2 miles, turn right onto Sherman Rd E, then left onto Hanson Harbor Rd for 7.6 miles. Slight right onto Jones Bay Rd N, and in 3 miles you will reach the campground. ALERT: Ensure your destination is Jones Bay on Lake Roosevelt, not the Jones Bay at Steamboat Rock State Park.
The campground is accessible by sandy, narrow roads, which may be difficult to navigate. "Warning!!! - If you have a BOAT, do not go to this campground, the 10-mile unpaved (and highly rocky and unstable) and sometimes narrow road you need to take will frustrate you before you even get there." Roads are not paved and may require low speed travel.Nearby places
Wilbur (1 mile, approximately 30 minutes due to road conditions)
Spokane (77 miles, approximately 90-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Wilbur, WA (closest location for groceries, fuel, and essentials) is approximately 30 minutes away due to road conditions. "Bring what you need!" as per user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Jones Bay Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Average user sentiment indicates a mixed experience, with a campground rating of 3.91 overall. Positive highlights include its natural beauty, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for boating and fishing. Negative remarks focus on difficult access, lack of shade, and absence of potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its serene and remote location, beautiful views of Lake Roosevelt, and well-maintained docks. Boating and fishing were frequently mentioned as highlights.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include the challenging gravel road access, the absence of potable water, limited shade, and rocky swimming conditions. Some noted that the vault toilets were occasionally out of toilet...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing shade structures, plenty of water, and supplies due to the remote location. Water shoes or rafts are advised for swimming. Reserving adjacent campsites (e.g., 8 and 9) is...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews often mention extreme heat, mosquitoes, and the refreshing lake water. Winter camping is not possible due to seasonal closure from December to March.
Based on 15 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bring shade, water, and ice! Primitive camping; no running water." - Jesse Larsen; "Beautiful view. I like that it's a small campsite." - Eflyn Hall; "Long gravel road to get there, but the place is...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Users recommend sites 8 and 9 for groups due to their proximity. Site 1 was noted to lack shade after the removal of dead trees.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews from users with disabilities are available, though general accessibility details indicate uneven terrain.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and one reviewer mentioned enjoying the lake experience with their dogs. However, no specific pet amenities are described.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025