Sites & Rates
Average nightly rates60 total sites
RV Sites
30 sites
Tent Sites
17 sites
About Houston Mesa
Number of accommodations: 60
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Year-round
Hiking
Horseback Riding
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Equestrian-Friendly
Restrooms
Water and Hygiene
- Potable Water
- Restrooms
Pets and Policies
- Equestrian-Friendly
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Rates, Sites & Availability
60 Sites Available
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Site Details
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60 Sites Available
No available sites
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Reviews (778)
What Guests Are Saying
Houston Mesa campground offers a pleasant experience with spacious, well-maintained sites nestled among trees, providing a nice atmosphere for relaxation. Many reviewers appreciated the campground's cleanliness, helpful hosts, and convenient location near town amenities. However, some noted issues such as road noise, limited shade, and maintenance concerns with the bathrooms and showers, which could detract from the overall experience.
What Guests Are Saying
Houston Mesa campground offers a pleasant experience with spacious, well-maintained sites nestled among trees, providing a nice atmosphere for relaxation. Many reviewers appreciated the campground's cleanliness, helpful hosts, and convenient location near town amenities. However, some noted issues such as road noise, limited shade, and maintenance concerns with the bathrooms and showers, which could detract from the overall experience.
Review Summary
Jonatan M
VerifiedJune 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 045, Loop: BEAR
Very nice upkeeped campgrounds took the kids for there first camping trip up to payson they enjoyed the whole experience. Would recommend for first time campers
Lauren V
VerifiedJune 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 077, Loop: MOUN
Overall, this is a nice clean campground that is still quite close to town. Bathrooms scattered about were fairly clean with running water and sinks. Camp sites are well spaced for some privacy. Fire rings and picnic tables at each site.
Not all rules seemed to be enforced here. For example some campsites had more than the max number of people which increased noise and use of bathroom near us. People were also driving very fast through campground without repercussion.
Disappointing they still have showers “closed for the season.” It appears these will never be open again. Also dump site is closed for no apparent reason. Good news is you can dump at the gas station across the street.
Overall, I would recommend for people wanting to be close to town but I will probably chose another site next time as I don’t think the price reflects the lack of available amenities.
barbara c
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: MOUN
We LOVED our stay at Houston Mesa! I’ve camped there with horses in the past, which was great, although the trails in the area were fairly limited. This time we took our 4x4’s and were so happy to find lots of great dirt roads to explore along the base of the Rim, up Houston Mesa Rd. and then on the west side of the highway as well. The camp hosts were great and the camp was immaculate! We can’t wait to go back! Perfect temps too for mid May.
barbara c
VerifiedMay 31, 2024 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: MOUN
We LOVED our stay at Houston Mesa! I’ve camped there with horses in the past, which was great, although the trails in the area were fairly limited. This time we took our 4x4’s and were so happy to find lots of great dirt roads to explore along the base of the Rim, up Houston Mesa Rd. and then on the west side of the highway as well. The camp hosts were great and the camp was immaculate! We can’t wait to go back! Perfect temps too for mid May.
Kandace F
VerifiedMay 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: MULE
The camp host was friendly and fun. He kept an eye on things without being intrusive. He gave us great information. It was a very nice experience and we will definitely be back to the horse section of the camp again.
Kandace F
VerifiedMay 30, 2024 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: MULE
The camp host was friendly and fun. He kept an eye on things without being intrusive. He gave us great information. It was a very nice experience and we will definitely be back to the horse section of the camp again.
James B
VerifiedMay 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 060, Loop: MOUN
Excellent
James B
VerifiedMay 18, 2024 • Stayed at: 060, Loop: MOUN
Excellent
Scott B
VerifiedMay 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: MOUN
Overall I love camping at Houston Mesa, most other campers are very friendly and considerate. However, as always, there are a few that are not so considerate of others and are noisy and allow children to scream and be very loud.
But, like I said, overall I love it there!
It would be very nice if the showers and dump station was working again! This is my third year there and they are still out of order! Not sure why it’s not getting rectified…
Scott B
VerifiedMay 14, 2024 • Stayed at: 078, Loop: MOUN
Overall I love camping at Houston Mesa, most other campers are very friendly and considerate. However, as always, there are a few that are not so considerate of others and are noisy and allow children to scream and be very loud.
But, like I said, overall I love it there!
It would be very nice if the showers and dump station was working again! This is my third year there and they are still out of order! Not sure why it’s not getting rectified…
Location Houston Mesa
Address:
2100 Houston Mesa Rd
Payson, AZ, 85541
United States
From Payson, Arizona, go north for 1 mile to the junction of Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) and Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road). Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 199 for .10 miles. The campground is on the north side of Houston Mesa Road.
The campground is accessible via Highway 87 (Beeline Highway), which is located approximately 1 mile south of the junction with Houston Mesa Road.
Elevation: 1546 feet
2.6 mi drive to downtown Payson (about 7 min)
Policies & Rules
Arrival & departure
Check in time
2PM
Check out time
11AM
General
- Extra vehicle charge of $8 per night is required. Fee can be bundled with online reservation or purchased on-site at fee machine.
- No firewood sales available at campground. Plan to purchase ahead of time.
- Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.
- For first come first serve sites, you must physically arrive at the campground to see if the campsite is available. There is no guarantee this site will be available to purchase upon your arrival.
- Campers who reserve sites 7 - 18 in Horse Camp (Mule Loop) are required to have horses or mules present. You do not need to have any to use sites 2 - 6 and 19 - 30
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: September 3, 2026
