Jones Water Campground

Nestled within the vast and beautiful Tonto National Forest, Jones Water Campground offers a unique and intimate camping experience just a short drive from the city of Globe, Arizona. This small, free campground is a hidden gem for those who prefer a more rustic and secluded setting without straying too far from convenience. Its dense foliage and a mix of primitive and developed features make it a comfortable base for a weekend getaway. It's an ideal spot for tent campers and those with smaller vehicles, providing a quiet and scenic retreat that feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

While some larger campgrounds boast expansive amenities and paved roads, Jones Water provides a more down-to-earth experience. It is a primitive site, meaning it has limited services, but the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it. The campground is known for its lush vegetation, providing plenty of shade from the Arizona sun. A recent camper noted the "very dense foliage" and "lots of shade," which are highly valued features, especially during the warmer months. This natural canopy creates a cool and inviting atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

The fact that this is a free campground is a significant draw, offering a budget-friendly option for adventurers. While a trade-off is often a lack of amenities, Jones Water provides some key comforts that elevate it beyond a simple dispersed camping spot. Its blend of a primitive setting with a few essential conveniences makes it a compelling choice for a variety of campers, from those on a long road trip to locals seeking a quick escape.

Jones Water Campground is located in the beautiful Tonto National Forest near Globe, Arizona, with the address Globe, AZ 85501, USA. Its accessibility is a double-edged sword, as it's conveniently close to a major highway but has some limitations for larger vehicles. The campground is situated about 20 minutes north of the city of Globe, making it an easy drive to resupply or explore the town's historic sites.

The road into the campground is a key consideration. Reviewers have noted that it dead-ends down a fairly steep and primitive road. This makes it unsuitable for large trailers and RVs, as there is not much room to turn around. However, it is a perfect spot for tent campers, pop-up trailers, and vans. The on-site parking is described as being long and narrow, but manageable for a single car or a small group with some planning. Despite the close proximity to a highway, the campground itself is noted to be less busy, and while there is some traffic noise, many visitors have found it to be a minor issue that does not detract from the overall experience.

The accessibility of Jones Water is defined by its compact size and specific vehicle limitations. It’s an ideal spot for those who are prepared for a slightly more rugged approach but still want the comfort of a designated campsite. The surrounding area, while beautiful, has some past burn damage, but the camping areas themselves are described as "lush and pretty," retaining their natural charm.

While Jones Water Campground is a primitive site, it does provide some essential services that enhance the camping experience.

• Running Water: The campground has running water available. This is a significant amenity for a free campsite and is a major convenience for campers, as it reduces the need to pack and carry large amounts of water.

• Public Restroom: The site is equipped with a clean public restroom, a welcome feature that provides a comfortable option for campers and is a considerable upgrade from a completely undeveloped camping area.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is furnished with nice concrete benches and fire rings. These amenties provide a designated space for cooking and gathering, making it easy to set up a comfortable camp.

• Tent Sites: The campground is well-suited for tent camping, with spread-out campsites that offer a good amount of privacy.

• On-site Parking: While the parking can be a bit challenging for multiple vehicles, on-site parking is available, allowing campers to keep their cars close to their campsites.

These services, while not extensive, provide the core conveniences needed for an enjoyable and comfortable stay in a natural setting.

Jones Water Campground offers a few key highlights that make it a compelling choice for Arizona campers.

• Good for Kids: The dense foliage and relatively flat campsites provide a safe and engaging environment for children to explore. The compact size of the campground also makes it easy for parents to keep an eye on their kids.

• Free Camping: This is perhaps the most attractive feature. As a free campground, it offers an incredible value for an overnight or weekend stay.

• RV and Water Hookups (Not for All): While reviews suggest the site is not ideal for large RVs, public data indicates some sites have RV electric and water hookups, which may apply to smaller pop-ups or specifically designated sites. Campers should verify this information and be aware of the difficult road conditions for large rigs.

• Quiet and Secluded: Despite the nearby highway noise, the campground itself does not get much traffic, making it a peaceful and quiet spot for a retreat. The sites are well spread out, providing a sense of privacy.

The unique combination of a free site with a few key amenities, all within a scenic and dense forest, makes Jones Water a special place.

For information and inquiries, the address is Globe, AZ 85501, USA. As a public campground managed by the Tonto National Forest, there is no direct phone number for the site itself. However, for general inquiries or to check on current conditions and fire restrictions, you can contact the Tonto National Forest - Globe Ranger District office.

What makes Jones Water Campground worth choosing is its blend of affordability and fundamental amenities in a beautiful setting. For travelers on a budget or those who appreciate the no-fee camping experience, this spot is an excellent find. The availability of running water and clean restrooms is a huge plus, offering a level of comfort that is often missing from other free camping spots.

The compact and secluded nature of the campground, with its dense foliage, creates an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a small group or a solo trip. It’s a great choice for those with tents or smaller vehicles, who are often overlooked in campgrounds designed for large RVs. Despite the highway noise, the overall peacefulness of the area and the lack of traffic within the campground itself make it a serene retreat. The concrete benches and fire rings at each site add a touch of convenience, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time in nature. For a simple, beautiful, and free camping experience near Globe, Jones Water Campground is a top-notch destination.

Jones Water Campground

Globe, AZ 85501, USA