Jones Water Campground
4.1012 reviews7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501
Jones Water Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required to camp at this site.
About this campground
Tucked away in a serene riparian corridor, Jones Water Campground offers an authentic back-to-nature experience for those seeking solitude and simplicity. This intimate, primitive campground invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in a verdant oasis where low-growing live oaks and aromatic junipers create a natural cathedral. Here, the morning chorus of native birds replaces alarm clocks, and wildlife sightings reward patient observers who embrace the unhurried pace of dispersed camping.
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.
Historical SignificanceWhile Jones Water Campground may not bear ancient petroglyphs or pioneer tales, its significance lies in providing a timeless escape where modern adventurers can create their own stories beneath star-filled skies.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of the high desert through four distinct seasons at Jones Water. Spring awakens the landscape with temperatures dancing between 32°F and 54°F, occasionally dusted with late snow or refreshed by gentle rains. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched retreat, with temperatures climbing to a toasty 94°F under brilliant blue skies. As autumn arrives, the mercury settles into a comfortable range of 34°F to 58°F, while winter brings crisp mornings and mild afternoons perfect for exploration.
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 SceneryStep into a hidden pocket of wilderness where water has carved out a ribbon of life through the surrounding chaparral. The campground's riparian setting creates a lush microclimate where gnarled live oaks provide natural shade canopies and fragrant junipers perfume the air. A seasonal stream meanders through the area, its presence marked by verdant vegetation that attracts an impressive variety of birdlife. From dawn's first light to dusk's final glow, binoculars reveal flashes of color and movement as resident and migratory species feast on the bounty of this thriving ecosystem.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSites closer to the seasonal stream provide better shade and proximity to riparian scenery.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 12 dispersed sites with picnic tables and fire rings. The layout is compact, with narrow access roads.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
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.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
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
Campers frequently spot various desert animals and native bird species. Bird watching is highlighted as a key activity.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter recreation activities are mentioned.Water Sports
No water sports are supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted only in designated areas, and only when fire regulations allow.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsThe narrow, rough interior road may pose challenges for larger vehicles. Seasonal stream levels can vary, potentially affecting accessibility.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 30%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
The 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.).
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe site is located along a seasonal stream, although it may be dry at certain times of the year.
Common complaintsHighway noise, especially at night, due to proximity to US 60. Limited parking space and narrow camping sites are additional concerns.
Campground Map
7680 S. Six Shooter, Canyon Rd. Globe, AZ 85501
Driving directionsIn Globe, AZ, take US Rt. 60 east for 16.4 miles to campground sign. Bear right at sign into campground.
The interior road to the campground is narrow, dirt, and rough. Some sites are only accessible with high-clearance vehicles or on foot.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.
Camper Reviews
4.1
12 reviews
Jones Water Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 12 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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsShow more
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 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but no additional accessibility features are mentioned.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related experiences are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025