Jones Bay Campground

3.93

48 reviews

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$11.5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,342 ft

Price

$11.5 - $23/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Jones Bay Campground

$11.50 - $23.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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...

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

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

509-754-7889

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What Campers Say

3.93

Mixed Reviews

Based on 48 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslocationlakewell-maintained

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, ATTN: Fee Program Manager, 44150 District Office Lane N., Davenport, WA, 99122

Jones Bay Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Jones Bay Campground

Jones 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season for boating/fishing but reviews cite extreme heat and mosquitoes in summer.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Should offer milder weather, good boating/fishing and quiet conditions after peak season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Open from March 15; spring likely pleasant for boating/fishing though variable weather noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed winter (Dec 1–Mar 31).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from March 15 to December 31. Closed during winter months from December 1 to March 31.
Current Alerts: Partial fire restrictions implemented due to risk (effective June 13, 2025).

About Jones Bay 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.

Best Campsites

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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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layout9 individual sites, primitive layout with packed gravel and dirt.

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.

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.

Site SizeSites are standard and can accommodate tents. RVs and trailers are permitted, but maximum vehicle lengths vary by site.

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 SitesBring shade devices; limited natural shade. For privacy, avoid sites 8 and 9 unless reserving together.

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.

FishingFishing is popular, with opportunities to fish from both the shore and boats. Lake Roosevelt is known for its excellent fishing conditions.

SwimmingSwimming 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.

BoatingThe campground features a boat launch and dock, making it a suitable location for various boating activities, including kayaking and canoeing.

Beach activitiesBeach activities are limited due to the rocky nature of the shoreline. Some campers noted nearby sandbars accessible by boat.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos 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).

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires allowed in designated rings unless fire danger rating reaches critical level.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesDavenport (nearest hospital and emergency services); Wilbur (closest basic services); no ranger station at this campground.

Trash & RecyclingLimited trash services are available; campers are expected to pack out their trash. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Lake Roosevelt with shoreline access. Includes a boat dock and launch.

Camp HostUnstaffed; main office contact for general information: (509) 754-7889.

Weather at Jones Bay Campground

Reviews

3.9

48 reviews

Mixed 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 48 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 48 reviews

Common 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 48 reviews

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 48 reviews

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 48 reviews

Camper 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 48 reviews