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
Dena A
VerifiedNovember 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: MOUN
Reservation fee is a little steep, would be nice for it to be lower so it’s more affordable for campers. Gas prices are so high now as well as food etc. A Javelina pack walked through our individual campsite around 1:30 am our first night there! It was a bit scary as we weren’t sure if it was a bear or javelinas, other than the nonstop, constant throughout the day and night LOUD traffic driving on the Houston Mesa Road (a main thoroughfare) it was a fun time!
Dena A
VerifiedNovember 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 064, Loop: MOUN
Reservation fee is a little steep, would be nice for it to be lower so it’s more affordable for campers. Gas prices are so high now as well as food etc. A Javelina pack walked through our individual campsite around 1:30 am our first night there! It was a bit scary as we weren’t sure if it was a bear or javelinas, other than the nonstop, constant throughout the day and night LOUD traffic driving on the Houston Mesa Road (a main thoroughfare) it was a fun time!
tina S
VerifiedNovember 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK
We love camping at Houston Mesa. There is plenty of space to spread out and for the kids to run around. The elk loop has the best rangers, they are always so friendly and helpful. We try and stay at least twice a year.
tina S
VerifiedNovember 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: ELK
We love camping at Houston Mesa. There is plenty of space to spread out and for the kids to run around. The elk loop has the best rangers, they are always so friendly and helpful. We try and stay at least twice a year.
Richard H
VerifiedNovember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 052, Loop: BEAR
VERY clean! Road noise is heard 24/7 throughout the campground (knew this going in). Loud partying noise was heard at 2:45am (did not know this going in).
Richard H
VerifiedNovember 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 052, Loop: BEAR
VERY clean! Road noise is heard 24/7 throughout the campground (knew this going in). Loud partying noise was heard at 2:45am (did not know this going in).
Cheryl F
VerifiedOctober 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 058, Loop: MOUN
While the location didn't work for us, it is by far one of my favorite campgrounds in Arizona for boondocking. Lots of trails, sits in the middle of the trees with amazing smells, and campsites are very dispersed; however because my husband and I were working we require there to be wifi. We were told it was fairly strong there but even with our booster we could not connect well enough to work. Unfortunately for us that is a no go. I highly recommend this location if you're able to unplug and just enjoy the outdoors. We have Verizon and AT&T. We ended up having to leave early and go to another not so wonderful campground with better wifi. We did take breaks and lunches walking the trails at Houston Mesa!
Cheryl F
VerifiedOctober 28, 2021 • Stayed at: 058, Loop: MOUN
While the location didn't work for us, it is by far one of my favorite campgrounds in Arizona for boondocking. Lots of trails, sits in the middle of the trees with amazing smells, and campsites are very dispersed; however because my husband and I were working we require there to be wifi. We were told it was fairly strong there but even with our booster we could not connect well enough to work. Unfortunately for us that is a no go. I highly recommend this location if you're able to unplug and just enjoy the outdoors. We have Verizon and AT&T. We ended up having to leave early and go to another not so wonderful campground with better wifi. We did take breaks and lunches walking the trails at Houston Mesa!
brian b
VerifiedOctober 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 041, Loop: BEAR
Always a great stay at Houston mesa. Camp host is super nice. Bathrooms clean, grounds manicured and clean. Will definitely be going back again
brian b
VerifiedOctober 21, 2021 • Stayed at: 041, Loop: BEAR
Always a great stay at Houston mesa. Camp host is super nice. Bathrooms clean, grounds manicured and clean. Will definitely be going back again
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
