Houston Mesa Campground Near Payson AZ
Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .
Houston Mesa Campground is a large Tonto National Forest campground just north of Payson, Arizona, offering standard campsites, tent-only camping and a separate equestrian camping area in a mixed forest setting. The campground sits at approximately 5,100 to 5,200 feet in elevation and provides convenient access to Payson, Rim Country trails and outdoor recreation below the Mogollon Rim. Houston Mesa currently has 102 campsites, with individual site dimensions and permitted equipment varying throughout the campground.
- Current Campground Status
- Houston Mesa Campground Overview
- Campsites & RV Information
- Campground Amenities
- Equestrian Camping
- Reservations & Stay Limits
- Things To Do Nearby
- Directions From Payson
- Houston Mesa Campground Map
- Houston Mesa Campground FAQ
Current Houston Mesa Campground Status
Temporary Closure: Houston Mesa Campground, Houston Mesa Horse Campground and Houston Mesa Group Campground are currently closed because of broken infrastructure and associated repairs. The current Tonto National Forest closure order is scheduled through October 1, 2026 at 6:00 a.m., unless rescinded earlier.
Houston Mesa Road remains open, but visitors should not enter the closed campground areas. Check the current Tonto National Forest alerts before traveling because the campground may reopen earlier or the closure period may change.
Houston Mesa Campground Overview
- Location: Tonto National Forest just north of Payson, Arizona
- Elevation: Approximately 5,100 to 5,200 feet
- Total campsites: 102
- Camping types: Standard, tent-only and equestrian camping
- RV hookups: Standard campsites are generally nonelectric with no individual water hookups
- Main campground season: Normally open year-round when conditions and closures permit
- Horse camp season: Normally April 1 through November 1
- Maximum stay: 14 days within 30 consecutive days on Tonto National Forest
- Setting: Mixed forest and shrubland with both sun and shade
Houston Mesa Campsites & RV Information
Houston Mesa currently has 102 campsites spread among standard camping, tent-only camping and equestrian areas. Recreation.gov presently lists 46 standard sites, 29 tent-only sites and a separate group of equestrian sites.
There is no single campground-wide maximum RV or trailer length. Campsite dimensions vary considerably, so RV campers should check the individual Recreation.gov site listing before making a reservation. Current standard-site listings include sites accommodating equipment of 45 feet and others accommodating RVs and trailers of 54 feet or more.
Many standard RV campsites have paved driveways, but electrical and individual water hookups should not be expected unless a particular site listing specifically states otherwise.
Houston Mesa Campground Video
Houston Mesa Campground Amenities
- Picnic tables at individual campsites
- Campfire rings and grills
- Flush toilets
- Drinking-water facilities within the recreation area when operational
- Trash receptacles
- Paved driveways at many standard campsites
- Equestrian campsites and corrals in the horse camping area
- Nearby hiking, biking and horseback-riding opportunities
Important: The Forest Service currently states that Houston Mesa has no operating shower building, no dump station and no firewood sales. Campers should arrive prepared rather than relying on those former services.
Houston Mesa Equestrian Camping
Houston Mesa includes a separate horse camping area in the Mule Deer Loop across Houston Mesa Road from the main campground. Equestrian campsites include tables and grills, and corrals are available at many sites.
Campers reserving Mule Deer Loop sites 7 through 18 are required to have a horse or mule. The Forest Service currently lists the normal operating season for Horse Camp as April 1 through November 1, although closures, weather or other conditions can affect availability.
Houston Mesa Reservations & Stay Limits
Many Houston Mesa campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come campsites cannot be guaranteed in advance and must be claimed by physically arriving at the campground.
The Forest Service currently states that reservations must generally be made at least three days before arrival and may be made up to six months in advance. The maximum stay on Tonto National Forest is 14 days within any 30 consecutive days.
Because individual campsites vary in length, camping type and permitted equipment, RV travelers should review the specific site description before reserving.
Houston Mesa Campground Rules & Planning Tips
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Generators may not be operated during quiet hours
- Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash
- No more than two vehicles are normally permitted at an individual campsite
- An additional fee may apply for a second vehicle
- Fireworks are prohibited on National Forest lands
- Campers should check current fire restrictions before using campfires or grills
- Pack in needed firewood because campground firewood sales are currently unavailable
Houston Mesa Campground Map
Things To Do Near Houston Mesa Campground
Houston Mesa provides convenient access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and sightseeing throughout Payson and the surrounding Rim Country. The campground is centrally located for access to trails below the Mogollon Rim, including connections to the National Recreation Highline Trail.
- Payson Arizona for restaurants, shopping and supplies
- Payson area lakes for fishing and outdoor recreation
- Tonto Natural Bridge State Park for hiking and sightseeing
- Highline Trail for hiking and mountain biking beneath the Mogollon Rim
- Houston Mesa area trails for hiking and horseback riding
Directions To Houston Mesa Campground From Payson
From Payson, travel north on State Route 87, the Beeline Highway, for approximately one mile to the junction with Forest Road 199, also known as Houston Mesa Road. Turn right, or east, onto Houston Mesa Road and travel approximately 0.1 mile. The main Houston Mesa Campground is on the north side of the road.
The equestrian camping area is located across Houston Mesa Road from the main campground. Check current Tonto National Forest closure information before traveling.
Official Houston Mesa Campground Information
Campground status, fees, campsite availability and operating conditions can change. Check official Forest Service and Recreation.gov information before traveling.
Payson Ranger District: (928) 474-7900
Houston Mesa Campground FAQ
Is Houston Mesa Campground currently open?
No. Houston Mesa Campground, Houston Mesa Horse Campground and Houston Mesa Group Campground are temporarily closed because of broken infrastructure and repairs. The current closure order is scheduled through October 1, 2026 at 6:00 a.m., unless rescinded earlier.
Where is Houston Mesa Campground?
Houston Mesa Campground is located in Tonto National Forest approximately one mile north of Payson, Arizona, just east of State Route 87 on Houston Mesa Road.
How many campsites are at Houston Mesa?
Current federal campground information lists 102 campsites, including standard, tent-only and equestrian camping areas.
Can RVs camp at Houston Mesa?
Yes. Houston Mesa has standard campsites that accommodate RVs and trailers. Maximum equipment length varies by campsite, so campers should check the individual Recreation.gov site listing before reserving.
Does Houston Mesa Campground have RV hookups?
Most standard Houston Mesa campsites are nonelectric and do not have individual water hookups. Check the specific campsite listing because facilities can vary by site.
Does Houston Mesa Campground have showers?
The Forest Service currently states that there is no operating shower building at Houston Mesa Campground.
Does Houston Mesa Campground have a dump station?
No. The Forest Service currently states that there is no dump station available at Houston Mesa.
Can you camp with horses at Houston Mesa?
Yes. Houston Mesa has a separate equestrian camping area in Mule Deer Loop with corrals at many sites. Campers reserving sites 7 through 18 must have a horse or mule.
Can Houston Mesa campsites be reserved?
Many campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov, while some sites may be available first-come, first-served. Reservation availability varies by site and date.
How long can you camp at Houston Mesa?
The maximum stay is 14 days within 30 consecutive days on Tonto National Forest.
Is Houston Mesa Campground open year-round?
The main campground is normally listed as open year-round, while Horse Camp is normally open April 1 through November 1. Temporary closures, weather and maintenance can override those normal seasons.
Are dogs allowed at Houston Mesa Campground?
Yes. Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash.
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