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
Catherine Z
VerifiedMay 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: ELK
Houston Mesa campground is a super convenient location, right off the highway in Payson. There's a gas station across the highway, and it's perfect for beginner campers. It's nearby several fishing spots on the Verde river, off Houston Mesa Rd. I stayed in Elk loop, and I did hear the highway. Site spacing is decent, and it was peaceful on the Monday night I spent there. I drove through the other 2 circles and they have nice sites too. I might try the tent only loop next time, but I would also stay in Elk loop again.
Catherine Z
VerifiedMay 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 027, Loop: ELK
Houston Mesa campground is a super convenient location, right off the highway in Payson. There's a gas station across the highway, and it's perfect for beginner campers. It's nearby several fishing spots on the Verde river, off Houston Mesa Rd. I stayed in Elk loop, and I did hear the highway. Site spacing is decent, and it was peaceful on the Monday night I spent there. I drove through the other 2 circles and they have nice sites too. I might try the tent only loop next time, but I would also stay in Elk loop again.
Scott Q
VerifiedMay 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 061, Loop: MOUN
We Love Houston Mesa..
The campground has wonderful maintenance crew and hosts. Most of the folks that come to relax are just that ....relaxed and kind!
Scott Q
VerifiedMay 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 061, Loop: MOUN
We Love Houston Mesa..
The campground has wonderful maintenance crew and hosts. Most of the folks that come to relax are just that ....relaxed and kind!
Kenneth S
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: BEAR
The campground, bathrooms, showers are all very clean and well keep. Nice shaded areas to setup your tent in. This is always one of the wife’s favorite places to camp!
Kenneth S
VerifiedJune 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: BEAR
The campground, bathrooms, showers are all very clean and well keep. Nice shaded areas to setup your tent in. This is always one of the wife’s favorite places to camp!
Dale L
VerifiedJune 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK
Perfect valley getaway spot.
Dale L
VerifiedJune 9, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK
Perfect valley getaway spot.
Stephanie e
VerifiedJune 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: BEAR
Nice campsites with flushable toilets. Was quite warm so we headed to the Verde river to swim.
Stephanie e
VerifiedJune 13, 2021 • Stayed at: 051, Loop: BEAR
Nice campsites with flushable toilets. Was quite warm so we headed to the Verde river to swim.
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
