How much does camping cost at Jones Water Campground?

Camping fees at Jones Water Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Jones Water Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Jones Water Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All 12 sites are first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Jones Water Campground?

Jones Water Campground is open Open year-round.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Jones Water Campground?

Jones Water Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Jones Water Campground?

Fire policies at Jones Water Campground: Campfires are permitted only in designated areas, and only when fire regulations allow.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Jones Water Campground have?

Jones Water Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Jones Water Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Jones Water Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Jones Water Campground?

Jones Water Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Jones Water Campground?

Popular activities at Jones Water Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Jones Water Campground

3.93

45 reviews

7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501

Featured in:Tent Camping Arizona

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Jones Water Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are required to camp at this site.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

928-402-6200

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501

Jones Water Campground

7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501

Nearby places

Globe (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in the town of Globe, approximately 17 miles away.

Weather at Jones Water Campground

Best Time to Camp at Jones Water Campground

Spring is best. Temperatures run 32–54°F in early spring, with occasional late snow or rain and generally stable road access. The riparian corridor comes alive with migrating and breeding birds, fresh green growth, and sometimes wildflowers. Summer hits 94°F under clear skies. Autumn settles into 34–58°F. Winter brings crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Spring offers the wildlife without summer heat or winter crowds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Overview: 'Spring is best' — migrating/breeding birds, riparian corridor comes alive, stable road access.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Jones Water Campground

Jones Water Campground sits in a riparian corridor within Tonto National Forest, about 12 dispersed sites tucked among live oaks and junipers at 4,500 feet elevation. It's free, primitive, and attracts bird watchers who don't mind highway noise from nearby US 60. Pack in water and pack out trash.

Jones Water Campground is a primitive, dispersed camping site suitable for tents and small vehicles. It is not designed for RVs or trailers over 20 feet and lacks modern amenities such as water, electricity, or sewer hookups.

Weather and SeasonsSpring is best. Temperatures run 32–54°F in early spring, with occasional late snow or rain and generally stable road access. The riparian corridor comes alive with migrating and breeding birds, fresh green growth, and sometimes wildflowers. Summer hits 94°F under clear skies. Autumn settles into 34–58°F. Winter brings crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Spring offers the wildlife without summer heat or winter crowds.

ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet above sea level, Jones Water Campground enjoys the sweet spot of Arizona's elevation zones. This altitude blessing delivers refreshingly cool nights that invite deep sleep in your tent, while moderating the intensity of summer days. The elevation creates ideal conditions for both the diverse plant life and comfortable camping throughout most of the year.

Natural Features and SceneryWater creates a green ribbon through the chaparral here. Live oaks provide shade, junipers scent the air, and a seasonal stream supports vegetation that draws resident and migratory birds. The surrounding area shows some burn damage, but the campground itself stays lush. Birders bring binoculars for flashes of color and movement from dawn through dusk.

Geological RegionJones Water Campground claims its place within the vast tapestry of the Tonto National Forest, where ancient geological forces have created a unique riparian refuge. Here, the typically dry chaparral landscape gives way to a water-blessed corridor where resilient live oaks sink their roots deep and junipers stand sentinel over this precious ecosystem. This convergence of water, elevation, and Mediterranean-like vegetation creates a distinctive camping environment found in only select pockets of Arizona's diverse terrain.

Scenic ViewsSome sites offer views of the surrounding chaparral and riparian vegetation.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14-day stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided.

Groups

No group sites are available at the campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutTwelve dispersed sites along narrow, dead-end roads. Sites are small, suited for tents or vehicles under 20 feet. Dense chaparral and low oaks create seclusion between sites, but highway noise carries. High-clearance vehicles help on the rough access roads.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not accepted.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll 12 sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservations are accepted; first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe campsites are small, dispersed, and suitable for tents or small vehicles. Trailers are restricted to under 20 feet due to narrow and dead-end roads.

PrivacyThe sites are dispersed and surrounded by dense chaparral, low-growing live oaks, and junipers, offering a sense of seclusion. However, proximity to the highway may diminish privacy due to noise.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the seasonal stream provide better shade and proximity to riparian scenery.

Amenities available

Jones Water Campground is a small primitive dispersed camping site located in a riparian area. It is ideal for bird watchers due to the abundance of native bird species. There are 12 campsites, each equipped with picnic tables and fire grates (rings with cooking grates). Restrooms are available but are vault toilets, and they are described as generally clean but occasionally smelly by reviewers. However, potable water is not provided, and campers must bring their own water. Trash services are also not available, enforcing a strict 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' policy. The campground’s road is narrow and rough, making it unsuitable for trailers over 20 feet.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Jones Water Campground offers limited recreational activities, primarily focused on enjoying the natural surroundings. Birdwatching is a particularly popular activity due to the diverse native bird species found in the area. Picnicking facilities are available, making it a good spot for day visits.

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe narrow, rough interior road may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Seasonal stream levels can vary, potentially affecting accessibility.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. The campground uses vault toilets, which are wheelchair accessible but can occasionally emit odors.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted only in designated areas, and only when fire regulations allow.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe Globe Ranger Station (7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd., Globe, AZ 85501, Phone: 928-402-6200) serves as the nearest point for emergencies during operational hours (Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Trash & RecyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesThe site is located along a seasonal stream, although it may be dry at certain times of the year.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

45 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Jones Water Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the rustic and primitive nature of the campground, highlighting its free access, scenic beauty, and appeal to bird watchers. Proximity to the highway causes some noise, and the lack of water and trash services is noted as a drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 45 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the clean vault toilets, the availability of fire rings and tables at each site, the lush environment despite some burn damage in the surrounding area, and the free camping access....

Based on 45 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include highway noise, narrow and rough roads, lack of potable water, occasional odors from the vault toilets, and limited parking space for multiple cars. Some users also mentioned that...

Based on 45 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

User reviews highlighted that sites with better shade are more desirable. Parking can be challenging due to narrow, roadside spaces.

Based on 45 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and be prepared for a 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' camping experience. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to the rough roads. Early arrivals are...

Based on 45 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users report cold nights during spring (e.g., March) and quieter off-season periods. Highway noise is a consistent concern but is less noticeable at night. Summer months may offer warmer...

Based on 45 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We camped in March and it was pretty cold at night, but really beautiful during the day.' - Sarah Wilde 2. 'There are nice concrete benches and fire rings at each site.' - Sarah Wilde 3. 'This...

Based on 45 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.

Based on 45 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and related experiences are not mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 45 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Birders and tent campers who haul their own water and don't need hookups will do well here in April or May. Twelve dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire rings, all free, first-come. Arrive early for the shaded spots under the live oaks.

Skip if

Highway noise from US 60 is real and consistent after dark, making this a rough choice for light sleepers. No potable water on site means a 17-mile run to Globe for resupply, and anything over 20 feet won't fit the narrow access road.

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Campgrounds

Tonto National Forest

Jones Water Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Jones Water Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/53108273@N03/albums/72177720309346470" title="Jones Water Campground"><img alt="Jones Water Campground" height="375" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53003789486_ec4a678ea7_w.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p><div style="clear: both;">Jones Water is a small primitive site nestled in a riparian area. It is an ideal dispersed camping site that allows for a fun weekend getaway. Many desert animals can be spotted at this camping site. Bird watchers enjoy this location because of the abundance of native bird species that can spotted for the campgrounds.</div>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,500 ft. The campground is pack it in, pack it out and primitive. The interior road is narrow, dirt and rough. Some sites are accessible only with high clearance vehicle or by foot. The campground is in low-growing Live oaks and junipers. The camping sites are located in a riparian area, surrounded by a chaparral area, along a seasonal stream. Bird watching is a popular activity.

Directions

In Globe, AZ, take US Rt. 60 east for 16.4 miles to campground sign. Bear right at sign into campground.

National Forest: Tonto National Forest
Ranger District: Globe
Elevation: 4500
Rate: No charge
Maximum Stay: 14