Available sites
60 total sites
RV Sites
Tent Sites
About Houston Mesa
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
Rates, Sites & Availability
60 Sites Available
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No available sites
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Site Details
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60 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Reviews (784)
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
Michael C
VerifiedFebruary 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: BEAR
I had reserved a spot on the Bear Loop but because of the heavy snow the week before I was re-routed to the Elk Loop. No complaints! Very nice and accommodating Camp Hosts. Will return again.
Michael C
VerifiedFebruary 20, 2021 • Stayed at: 047, Loop: BEAR
I had reserved a spot on the Bear Loop but because of the heavy snow the week before I was re-routed to the Elk Loop. No complaints! Very nice and accommodating Camp Hosts. Will return again.
jason m
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ELK
Beautiful camping area with lots of trees. Each site has lots of unpaved room to spread out and mix tents and RV camping on the same site. The paved areas for cars and RVs are quite narrow. We had trouble fitting a truck with 20' trailer and a compact car and used creative parking. If you are planning multiple cars you might need two sites or possibly there is some overflow parking. This campground is a mix of beautiful forest camping and medium level amenities. There is no power hook up so forget summer camping. The ELK LOOP where we camped was right near a busy road where semi trucks like to use the very loud compression braking so it was hard to feel like we were really away from the world camping. For the price there are other camping areas that have power hook ups and better amenities. Overall having been here twice I'm probably done with this place as a tent camper, but would consider coming back if I owned an RV with batteries/solar.
jason m
VerifiedFebruary 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ELK
Beautiful camping area with lots of trees. Each site has lots of unpaved room to spread out and mix tents and RV camping on the same site. The paved areas for cars and RVs are quite narrow. We had trouble fitting a truck with 20' trailer and a compact car and used creative parking. If you are planning multiple cars you might need two sites or possibly there is some overflow parking. This campground is a mix of beautiful forest camping and medium level amenities. There is no power hook up so forget summer camping. The ELK LOOP where we camped was right near a busy road where semi trucks like to use the very loud compression braking so it was hard to feel like we were really away from the world camping. For the price there are other camping areas that have power hook ups and better amenities. Overall having been here twice I'm probably done with this place as a tent camper, but would consider coming back if I owned an RV with batteries/solar.
Stephen V
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: ELK
Excellent stay. Greeted as we came in: advised we had a site reserved for next day but req'd it for current day. Park host contacted Elk loop host & was advised that the site was open for current day & cleared of snow.. Perfect!
Stephen V
VerifiedFebruary 11, 2021 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: ELK
Excellent stay. Greeted as we came in: advised we had a site reserved for next day but req'd it for current day. Park host contacted Elk loop host & was advised that the site was open for current day & cleared of snow.. Perfect!
Anthony V
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 077, Loop: MOUN
Was a great experience! Awesome site.
Anthony V
VerifiedFebruary 2, 2021 • Stayed at: 077, Loop: MOUN
Was a great experience! Awesome site.
Judith W
VerifiedFebruary 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ELK
Unfortunately showers were closed due to COVID-19. Also the dump station was closed. Good hiking trails in the area! Close proximity to Walmart!
Judith W
VerifiedFebruary 1, 2021 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: ELK
Unfortunately showers were closed due to COVID-19. Also the dump station was closed. Good hiking trails in the area! Close proximity to Walmart!
Location & Directions for Houston Mesa
2100 Houston Mesa Rd, Payson, AZ 85541 United States
Elevation: 1,546 ft
Getting There
From Payson, Arizona, go north for 1 mi to the junction of Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) and Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road). Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 199 for .10 mi. The campground is on the north side of Houston Mesa Road.
Highway access
The campground is accessible via Highway 87 (Beeline Highway), which is located approximately 1 mile south of the junction with Houston Mesa Road.
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: October 18, 2026
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Population: 16,622
Elevation: 4,961 ft
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