Houston Mesa Campground, near Payson, Arizona, is a fantastic spot for families and those looking to unwind in nature. With spacious sites surrounded by trees, it offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained bathrooms, which visitors appreciate after a day of hiking or exploring. Many campers have highlighted the friendly camp hosts who contribute to the welcoming vibe, making it easy to feel right at home. As one reviewer put it, “The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere.”

Outdoor activities abound here, with nearby swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson just a stone's throw away. Whether you're into biking, fishing, or simply soaking up the sun, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Plus, the campground allows for dry camping, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to stretch their dollars.

While some campers noted a bit of road noise from the nearby freeway, the overall experience remains enjoyable, with many returning for the serene setting and ample opportunities for adventure. If you're looking for a comfortable and scenic camping experience, Houston Mesa Campground is definitely worth a visit.

## Overview

 Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited \"urban\" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
## Recreation

 Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail. 
## Facilities

 Houston Mesa has 102 campsites, including 46 standard sites, 27 equestrian sites for campers with horses or mules, and 29 tent-only sites for those who want a quieter experience. There are several amenities to make campers feel at home, including flush toilets. The horse camping section (Mule Deer Loop) is across the street from the main campground and features 27 individual sites with tables and grills. Corrals are also available. Campers who reserve sites 7 - 18 must have horses or mules.\_\_You do not need to have a horse or mule present to use sites 2 - 6 and 19 - 30 in Horse Camp (First Come, First Serve). Horse Camp closes seasonally from November - March. 
## Natural Features

 The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.

Houston Mesa Campground

Searching for the best camping near Payson, AZ? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Payson, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Payson

The Best Camping Near Payson, Arizona

Beautiful retreat in the Arizona forest. Saw many different birds while there, especially hawks. Could smell skunks but none seen at the campground. Was warned by rangers that bears had been spotted in the area, so keep that in mind with food and trash.

Each site I saw had a good amount of space and wasn't right next to other campsites. We were lucky and got shade in our campsite. Plenty of hiking opportunities nearby, and a caves not too far away.

The restroom facilities were clean and included flush toilets. Showers were available for $3 (coin operated). 

********Gear Review: This contains a review of the LuminAID Packlight 16 and the LuminAID Packlight Spectra, which were provided to me free of charge*********** 

LuminAID's lanterns are a gamechanger. Seriously. They are incredibly lightweight, bright, float when inflated, and most amazingly are solar powered. 

The Packlight 16 resembles a pillow and has several settings depending on how bright you want it. I was able to read a book with the Packlight 16 hanging from the ceiling of my tent. Everyday I set it outside to charge for a couple hours and have yet to see it run out of energy, even when left on the dimmest setting for several hours.

The Packlight Spectra is a fun little box shaped lantern that has seven colors (including white) and a color-changing mode (see the video I included in this review). The first color is red, which is nice when you don't want to scrub your nightvision. 

I'll definitely be ordering these for my friends. They are great for hiking and the perfect addition to an emergency kit (when folded the Packlight 16 is about the size and weight of an  emergency poncho). 

Ranger Review: LuminAIDPacklite 16 at Houston Mesa Campground

Perfect for the campers that still want amenities , such as showers, flush toilets and running water.. Campsites had campfire ring, picnic table at each site.. had cell service every now and then can hear traffic from a nearby Main Street which meant to close to town for me..

Houston Mesa campground

The campground is RIGHT outside of town which is great if you forget a toothbrush BUT it is also very easily accessible and very crowded. The spaces aren't very far apart so you will hear your neighbors. From about half the campground you will also hear highway noise. The bathrooms are uneventful but present which is a plus. The roads are all well maintained (and paved) so most cars should be fine getting around the campground. The sites had picnic tables and metal fire rings with grills. The sites are fairly level and many have spaces for larger tents. The tree coverage isn't SUPER thick so if you go mid summer you may find it a bit warm during the day. There is water available for fire dousing and washing.

Easy getaway - Crowded and loud

Easy to find and plenty of sites. Can be a little confusing in the dark, but we found our site! Our site easily held two tents and had a great fire pit!

Big Sites

This campground is within a three minute drive of Walmart, Home Depot, and restaurants. You can have a pizza delivered here. Very convenient, very crowded, but I recommend this spot to families with young kids trying to acclimate them to camping or adults who want to camp but also go out for drinks in town. Water Wheel Falls is a 15 minute drive, where a pool collects beneath a small waterfall, popular for swimming. The campsite has a host and firewood available for purchase.

Crowded but great for families

Campground Review

What a great day at Houston Mesa!  We are from Phoenix and the weather has been 115 every day, so we needed a break from the heat.  This campsite was only an hour and a half from our house, and there was a 30 degree temperature drop.  Loved the relief!

Each of the sites has a lot of space and are well spread out and mostly shaded.  Our site was gorgeous with big trees and no one we could see or hear nearby. When we arrived, one of the camp hosts came right to our spot in a golf cart to check if we needed anything and to give us a pamphlet on bears (yikes!).  

There are several bathrooms with flush toilets, and each was clean and well cared for.  Showers are there and are coin operated ($3 for 6 minutes). Firewood is also available to purchase for $7 a bundle.  

Features we loved: privacy, clean bathrooms, and they even had an adorable nature trail!  The kids loved running from sign to sign. There is also an amphitheater there, if you were having a family or group gathering.  

The campground is rather close to the highway, so you do get some noise off of that, but it really wasn’t bad and didn’t bother me a bit.

Really recommend this place, we can’t wait to come back!

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time.  At Houston Mesa, I got to test out some OOFOS OOahh Sport Slide Sandals.

These sandals are SO SOFT and SQUISHY!  They claim to absorb 37% more than other foam type shoes, and I sure believe it.  They are incredible soft and take a lot of pressure off my feet.

I chose the slip on ones because I like to wear socks with my sandals (haha) especially while camping.  Going in and out of the tent I could put these on and off so easily, I loved it.

The only negative thing I have to say about them, is that I got a small blister on my instep while wearing them (barefoot).  This is hardly a negative remark because I have VERY sensitive skin (my feet always get blisters if I’m not wearing socks) and I have been wearing these all day every day since I got them!  

I promise these will be your new favorite sandals!  Perfect for camping, the gym, around town, or lounging around the house!  

Grab your own pair at [https://www.oofos.com/](https://www.oofos.com/)

For a video of the campground from our trip, visit: https://youtu.be/ZAtHtVGTjU4

Ranger Review: OOFOS at Houston Mesa Campground

Nice spot . No hook ups ,full bath and showers .Very nice and quiet but noisy on weekends. Helpful staff.

National Forest Campground

All paved driving and campsite parking except equestrian area no hookups they have places to fill water and to dump. Restrooms and showers nice a clean. 

Nice NFS well kept  

So grateful for the showers. Love this campground. 

Showers!

**Campground Review**

We LOVE Houston Mesa!  This is our second time staying here, and we had an even better time this time then last time  (and we had an amazing time last time, so that was hard to beat).

Located just 1.5 hours from Phoenix, this is a super easy getaway from The Valley.  Houston Mesa Campground is also right off the main highway of town, so if you forgot something (or just want McDonalds instead of hot dogs) you can find civilization about 2 minutes away.

This time we went up with friends and stayed at sites Black Bear 4 and 5\.  These sites were PERFECT to book together, since they made one huge space when connected.  We had 3 families, each with large tents, and had plenty of space. We will stay at these same sites next time.  The bathroom is also right next to site 3, so it was easy to walk to.

Bathrooms are clean and have flush toilets.  There are showers available at a central shower building, but we did not use those.

Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire pit (complete with BBQ grill topper).  I also found the sites to be freshly racked on arrival, so that was nice.

There is also a great nature walk at the park that you can do with young kids.  Every few feet is a sign describing local animals and plants.

A short 15 minute drive away is the Tonto Natural Bridge State Park --  a must see in the area! Beautiful and easy hike to see a absolutely gorgeous natural wonder.

**Product Review**

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - at Houston Mesa I was testing the [GrubStick Deluxe Kit](https://grubstick.com/products/deluxe-kit).  

Wow. Wow.  WOW. This set is a GAME CHANGER for campfire cooking.  We have been using dinky little forks forever and having to buy new ones every few trips because they get bent out of shape or burned up.  This kit will last you FOREVER. They are so well made!

This kit includes two grippy telescoping handles, and then a ton of accessories (2 fork toppers, a cage for whole S’mores, a cage for burgers, a small metal rod to make bacon cups, and a large metal rod to cook dough). There are also 4 other accessories, like hot pags and cage openers that are thoughtful additions.  AND they come in their own mini duffel bag!

My friends were seriously blown away when they saw our set and were asking so many questions about it.  My favorite part was the dough rod, because we made delicious campfire cinnamon-sugar crescent roll cylinders!!

5 Stars for GrubStick, can’t wait to try out new recipes!

Check out my video review here: [https://youtu.be/JPNznJ7wApE](https://youtu.be/JPNznJ7wApE)

Ranger Review: GrubStick at Houston Mesa 

This campground has really nice sites, that can accommodate large trailers. Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table.  There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms. Across the street is the main non horse campground, there is pay showers if needed and an amphitheater there. The trails weren't my favorite, a bit rocky, but were not bad either. The campground is a great location near Payson.

Really nice horse campground

This site is well kept and spacious. And the closest site to Water Wheel which is about ten miles away and Arizona’s best kept secret. I usually set up camp the afternoon before and get up early to make the drive to Water Wheel and get in a day hike. This place has extraordinary water falls and swimming holes. I have probably camped at Mesa Houston more than any other place in Arizona just so I can hike Water Wheel and have never had a negative experience. Payson is beautiful and this camp site is near amenities and great hiking spots.  

A favorite

We had a great time here, sites are good size and well kept! Amenities were in great condition and our favorite day use river spot is 15 minutes away👌🏻 A+++

Such a great site!!

We really liked this camp ground, we just didn't like the experience. The spaces are spread apart and there is plenty of room. But you can have up to 10 people, 2 car and ONLY 2 tents. So be prepared to sleep in groups I guess, we weren't. Also the camp host was nice but seemed to cater to the people she knew, she drives by A LOT and checked up on us almost every hour, we go to camp to get away, not be bothered. She really did not make us feel welcomed but we really did like where the camp site was so we're just hoping a new host is there if we ever go back.

Good

We were able to escape the valley and up to beautiful Payson for an extended weekend. This campground was very well maintained. There are bathrooms and showers, drinking water available and many hiking trails throughout. Most spots had a good amount of space between the other. Most are pretty level. 
There are a handful of pull thru spots but most all are back in. Each spot as a fire ring, paved driveway and picnic table. 

Wonderful campground 

 Beautiful country with a lot of campgrounds down the road. Close to creeks and water wheel and some hidden hiking gems.

Gorgeous area

Very clean and quiet lots of hiking areas. Short drive to water

Awsome

Great spot for tent camping. Awesome for beginners and young families. Bathrooms were clean. Fellow campers were respectable. Site overall very clean. Would go again. 

Solid campground

Overall the campground was fine. Spaces were large enough and the site I was in was pretty secluded. 
I had problems with people getting loud and staying loud until 3 am. Obviously whoever is supposed to be taking care of that was not aware or just didn’t care. 
I literally screamed 3 times “Please be quite” to be avail. 
Also you could totally hear the traffic from the nearby road for the entire night. It’s was a minor annoyance but still an annoyance. 
It was a trip for me and my sister and the first one we had ever been on together. 
It would have been much nicer had the camp host done their job and the road noise was more quite. 

Noisy

Nice campground with lots of space and trees between sites. Pull throughs and pull-in sites. Hosts are helpful. Recreation.gov app said there were no sites available on a recent Sunday, but a drive through found 3 of every 4 sites open. The web site was more accurate. The dump station costs $10, regardless of camping here or not. There IS a lot of traffic noise - and there's a Home Depot across the road from the entrance. Less than 10 minutes from Payson. 

Nice 'in town' campground

These spots are fairly large and allow for some large rigs and is located right on the edge of town. No hook ups though but you can fill your tanks on site. 

Quiet spacious 

Close drive to home and nice setup that makes you feel like you are in the woods. No hookups here at all but nice clean bathrooms to use.  Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open.  Overall we like it here and will come back again. 

Nice Campground

Nice little campground. Spots are close together but a decent amount of nature separates you and gives you some privacy. Bathrooms were clean. 

Small, clean, and quiet  

Well maintained with good privacy between sites. Enjoyed the close proximity to Payson with all the amenities. Also, close to the Mongollon Rim. Reasonable cell coverage with Verizon. 

Nice USFS Park Near Payson

This is a well maintained beautiful campground.  Lots of trees and space between sites.
The only negative is a big one!  Like big trucks going by the nearby highway in to Payson.  Earplugs help, but not completely.  Lots to do in the area. Tonto National Bridge down the road and also Indian Ruins just a few miles past the campground. 

Beautifully noisy

We spent 4 nights in #3 Mountain Lion loop. Pull through site that our 30' toy hauler fit nicely in. Would be tight for anything larger. 

Really beautiful place with many trees. Convient toilets and showers. Showers are $3 for 6 minutes. We didn't use them. Lots of bear proof dumpsters. 

Hosts were friendly and not intrusive. Firewood available for $8 a bundle. You can get the same firewood at the Circle K in Payson for $6. 

Water fill and dump station at the campground entrance and several water hydrants throughout the campground. 

The only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is because of the road and aircraft noise. It was pretty loud during the day but we didn't have any trouble sleeping. 

Would definitely come back here. 

Great spot

We stayed in Mule 20. The site was perfectly level. Got a good nights sleep and breakfast.

Nice and peaceful.

* Peaceful and relaxation!
* Some hiking, read a book, and close to Payson.
* my android had service to check in with my family.
* Clean Campground and Bathrooms.
* 2 miles East on Houston Mesa rd. Away  you can drive to shofly Indian ruins.
* 2 miles north on 260 is creek on the West side of the road.
* Cons, rode noise route 260
* Overall I still give the Campgrounds  5 stars.

Houston Mesa Campgrounds

This is a horse campground.  Most sites have a small corral. Sites are decent size, easy access. Several sites are a pull through semi circle.  Staff is very helpful and kind. Campground is very clean and cared for.  

Very clean

Campground sites are well spaced with lots of privacy. The dump and showers were out of service due to mechanical problems. The only downside is trying to find enough level sites when they are busy. The campground is also very close to Payson so you will hear Street noise if you listen.

Nice campground. Well maintained. Wide paved streets. 

Well-spaced sites, clean flush toilets and sinks. Pretty with trees. Close to road. We could hear traffic, but it didn't impede our good time.

Great camping!

Great campground. Next to Payson. Opens up lots of opportunities. Biking &amp; hiking. Excellent and well maintained camp sites. Each site is surrounded by trees. Private. 

Houston Mesa 

We enjoyed a couple of days car/tent camping at this multiuser campground . We parked on a private shaded pad next to a fire pit and table.  Very quiet (mid week). Showers were closed but the bathrooms were spotless. Camp host on grounds firewood for sale. Close by Payson.

Nice and quiet

Deer in campground in trees! The bathrooms are immaculate! Very friendly people!

Amazing

* Great information 
* app easy to use
* Great updates

Dyrt

* Great location 
* close to Phoenix
* close to Payson
* close Tonto Natural Bridge 
* close to undian ruins, creeks, hiking, and fishing
* we came the day after July fourth Independence Day!  Many of the holiday campers did
 not clean.  Leave no trace!  The Campgrounds stewards slow to cleaning campsites.
* overall camp host are great and helpful and the campsites nice

Houston Mesa Campgrounds AZ

We've camped at Houston Mesa Campground several times and consistently have a fantastic experience. Here's why we give it 5 stars: 

  

Amazing Staff: The camp hosts are incredibly friendly and helpful, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. 

  

Spacious Sites: We love the ample space at each campsite, allowing us to park comfortably and spread out for a relaxing stay. Our kids adore playing in the dirt and exploring the trees. 

  

Nature's Playground: The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Serene Setting: The abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun. 

  

Clean Facilities: The bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, ensuring a comfortable stay. 

  

Dry Camping Friendly: We appreciate the ability to dry camp at Houston Mesa, making it a budget-friendly option. 

  

Heads Up: While Verizon service isn't optimal, it's manageable. Additionally, campsites near the freeway can experience some road noise. However, the convenience of having Home Depot and Walmart nearby outweighs these minor drawbacks. Overall, Houston Mesa Campground is a fantastic choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a comfortable and scenic camping experience. We highly recommend it and will definitely be back soon!

Photos of Houston Mesa Campground

Real photos from real campers