Pictures courtesy of the Tonto National Forest. -Jones Water Primitive Campground.
Campground Overview:
Jones Water Primitive Campground is a small primitive site nestled in a riparian area located on the Tonto National Forest. 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. The campground includes 12 camp units with picnic tables and grills. A vault toilet is available.
East of the campground the area eventually meets the ledges and beautiful vistas of the Salt River Canyon and the Salt River Canyon Wilderness. Abundant recreation opportunities such as cross-country horseback riding, hiking, in-season hunting, exploring, off-highway vehicle use, and wildlife viewing are in close proximity. In the spring, whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Salt River launch a mere 20 minute drive from the site.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Globe |
Fishing: |
None |
Campground Website: |
Jones Water Primitive Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Salt River Canyon Wilderness Area contains approximately 32,100 very rugged acres and was established in 1984. The Salt River and its spectacular canyon bisect the wilderness for its entire length. Elevations range from 2,200 feet at the canyon’s lower end to 4,200 feet on White Ledge Mountain. This area can be visited practically any time; however, there are no maintained trails within the entire wilderness. Travel is basically done by raft or kayak during the short and dangerous river-running season.
Weather is more often ideal in the fall and spring. The area is at an elevation of 6,000 ft. and may receive as much as a foot of snow during a winter storm. The summer months are warm but tolerable, with the temperature ranging from 85-100 degrees. During Arizona’s monsoon season, in the months of July and August, frequent afternoon or evening thunderstorms occur and there is the possibility of flash flooding in the surrounding area. Bears and other wildlife live in the forest, so be familiar with avoidance practices.
Seneca Lake Trading Post and Resort is located about 10 miles north on Hwy 60 in the Seneca Lake Recreation Area. If you are into old, abandoned ghost towns this site is worth the trip. Back in the early 1970s, the San Carlos Apache Tribe built a resort and recreational facility called cinema park. The location cost $524,000 to build with plans to build an 80 unit motel and possibly a golf course and riding stables the following year. The plans came to a screeching halt when the tribe defaulted on payment to their lenders. It didn’t take long for the lenders to go out and take back all of the stuff like restaurant equipment. This place was abandoned in the late 70s.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
