Best Glamping near Payson, AZ

Recent Glamping Reviews near Payson, AZ

221 Reviews of 20 Payson Campgrounds

• M

  Michael B.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 18, 2020

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Nice 'in town' campground

  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.

• K

  Kyeri B.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 30, 2019

  Houston Mesa Campground

  A favorite

  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.

• 

  Don L.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 15, 2022

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Houston Mesa

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

• 

  Rick G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 20, 2021

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Nice USFS Park Near Payson

  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.

• 

  Donna V.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 8, 2022

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Nice and quiet

  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.

• 

  Gil P.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 27, 2021

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Nice campground. Well maintained. Wide paved streets.

  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.

• 

  csey R.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2022

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Houston Mesa Campgrounds AZ

  • 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
• 

  Nikki S.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 23, 2021

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Beautifully noisy

  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.

• 

  csey R.

  Traveler

  

  May. 27, 2021

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Houston Mesa Campgrounds

  • 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.
• 

  Ted B.

  Guide

  

  May. 22, 2019

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Really nice horse campground

  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.

• 

  Melissa S.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 24, 2020

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Wonderful campground

  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.

• 

  Brad | Britany B.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 29, 2024

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Close to town, SxS trails, and swimming holes.

  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!

• S

  Sophia S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 4, 2019

  Aspen Campground

  Lots of sites!

  We drove up to Payson spontaneously hoping we would be able to find a campsite and we went to 4 full ones before stumbling on this one. This one luckily had room and we were thrilled about that. It was $25 for the one night. The site was very accommodating too, they sell firewood at their for $8. The owners of the site also helped us get a fire going when we had trouble. The bathrooms were also clean which was nice. Overall a great campsite!

• 

  Deborah C.

  Guide

  

  May. 6, 2021

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Great spot

  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.

• 

  Shari G.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 25, 2021

  Windy Hill Campground

  Not our type of place, too many generators!

  I’m sure that for some, this is their favorite camping area, someplace to return to each and every spring with the family. It has everything one needs to get away from the valley, and out onto the lake for some motorized boating. 

  The smallish spaced campsites are perfect for getting together with friends, yet large enough to accommodate big RV’s. As a plus, the noise of generators from every other campsite, means that if your group gets a little loud nobody will likely notice. Despite the area’s abundance of sunshine, making it perfect to run your camping rig on solar, this place takes the prize for the most generator impacted site that we’ve ever stayed in our lifetimes, which is saying something.  If you like that sort of thing, or can’t hear, this is your place and these are your people. I went for a 45-minute walk around the campground, and counted 13 different generators all going at different frequencies. It was not unlike a walk in a pleasant park while the maintenance staff gather all the leaves with the power of multiple leaf blowers. Despite this trend to all things big and gas-powered, the area is indeed lovely. 

  We enjoyed a splendid paddle out on the water near sundown, after many power boats were already back up on their trailers. Across the road, lies the Tonto National Monument which shows off some terrific examples of early Puebloan cliff dwellings. The mountains surrounding the area are stunning, and there are some fantastic hiking trails in the area. 

  The closest stores can be found at the either ends of the lake, a gas station and Marina store/ restaurant. Their selection is low and inversely proportional to the prices. Within 30 minutes to the north and south, respectively, lie the towns of Payson, and Globe where you can find any kind of supplies you need without the price gouging.

• L

  Lori S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 20, 2020

  Sinkhole Campground

  Favorite of mine

  My dog and I love it up here during an Arizona summer. Nice and cool with the Willow Springs lake nearby. Clean good camping.

• 

  Paulina B.

  Ranger

  

  Dec. 6, 2024

  Thousand Trails Verde Valley

  Our favorite Thousand Trails campground!

  This place is huge! Nestled in the red rock country of Arizona, this Thousand Trails campground offers a scenic and tranquil escape. The sites are well-spaced, and the amenities include a pool, hot tub, 2 dog parks, hiking trails, river access and clubhouse. Its proximity to Sedona, Jerome and local wineries makes it an excellent choice for those seeking relaxation and exploration.

• 

  Ellen W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 15, 2018

  Verde River RV Resort & Cottages

  Revamping in progress

  The campground is being totally overhauled. It looks great so far and the facilities are very clean and nice. there is a nice big pool. the major thing missing are trees for shade and some privacy. there are only a few spots with nice big trees, all other sites have nothing. Which is OK in the Arizona winter, but not when it is still hot.

  We were here when it as really slow, not sure what it will like when the campground is full.

• J

  Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure ☀.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 16, 2021

  Thousand Trails Verde Valley

  Beautiful Thousand Trails RV Resort

  The Thousand Trails Verde Valley RV Resort is a lovely Thousand Trails RV park located in Cottonwood, Arizona in the Verde Valley. The park is very well-kept and maintained and the staff is friendly and helpful. The premium sites are unbelievably huge in size and have upgraded FHU. The views from them are worth the extra $5-7.50 per night alone! They are level and gravel which makes parking a dream! The amenities here include pool, sauna, community room, shuffleboard, volleyball, basketball, tennis, mini golf, hiking trails, game room, pool tables, horseshoes, ping pong, dog runs, etc. The park is located just down the road from Cottonwood and the historic downtown district. There is a lot of things to do nearby including hiking trails, wineries and vineyards, shopping, historical sites, state parks and more! The only downside we have found to this park is the Wifi. Our signals have been pretty spotty here. This is definitely one of the nicer Thousand Trails parks we’ve been to and we will certainly be back. 👍🏻

  For campground videos and more, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

• 

  Alejandro D.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 25, 2021

  Windy Hill Campground

  50/50

  For every good thing there was a bad. We stayed at Coyote Loop. You can’t fish from the shore because all the dead trees that go out about 10 feet along the entire shore (awesome if you have a boat; I guess). I expected lots of generators and the sound that it makes, myself included. I didn’t expect three campsites to be taken up by the same group of people and here F-bombs all night till 10 o’clock. Then people turn high power lamps on you and everyone for long periods of time because they can afford expensive toys but not a simple flashlight. It was peaceful at 10:00pm and we could hear the lake wildlife. Maybe not a good place to take children. There seem to be one super secret place to dump your trailer water, grey & black. While you can dump there for free; you cannot find it without a treasure map, a devining rod, and a map of the stars. Don’t bother asking the site Camp Host because his directions were equally as cryptic; if you can find them at all. I and to wait to get home and map it so here it is:

  PQJV+2J Tonto Basin, Arizona

• 

  Stephanie T.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 18, 2016

  Houston Mesa Campground

  Ranger Review: LuminAIDPacklite 16 at Houston Mesa Campground

  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).

• C

  Chuck S.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 14, 2024

  Thousand Trails Verde Valley

  Great Desert Stay

  If you're seeking a convenient and comfortable RV park amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Verde Valley in Arizona look no further than the Verde Valley Campground and RV Park. This hidden gem offers a remarkable combination of friendly service, spacious sites, modern facilities, and a refreshing swimming pool. Our during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays turned out to be a delightful surprise!

  From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel right at home. The warm and welcoming team greeted us with genuine smiles, providing excellent customer service that went above and beyond our expectations. Their knowledge of the area and willingness to offer helpful advice truly enhanced our stay.

  The spacious sites at the park were a pleasant surprise, providing ample room for our RV and additional outdoor living space. The park's layout ensured a sense of privacy and tranquility, shielding us from the noise of nearby AZ 260 and offering a peaceful atmosphere.

  One highlight of our stay was the modern and clean restrooms and showers. Maintained to a high standard, these facilities were a welcome sight after a long day of travel. The attention to cleanliness and the availability of hot water left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It's evident that the management takes pride in providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience for their guests.

  Of course, the cherry on top was the great swimming pool that beckoned us to cool off and relax. The pool area was immaculate, with plenty of seating options to soak up the sun or enjoy a refreshing dip. It was the perfect spot to unwind and escape, providing endless fun for both children and adults alike.

  In conclusion, Verde Valley RV Park exceeded our expectations in every way. The combination of friendly service, spacious sites, modern facilities, and a fantastic swimming pool make it a standout choice for RV enthusiasts passing through the Verde Valley. Whether you're planning ahead or seeking a last-minute retreat, this hidden gem offers a convenient oasis.

• 

  Kaysha R.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 4, 2020

  Double Springs Campground

  Pretty, secluded retreat

  What a great find! This spot seemed quite unique in comparison to the surrounding camping areas. The town of Mormon Lake was bustling with 4 wheelers and camper trailers, but this "first-come, first-served" camp ground had an entirely different vibe. Of course, it is 4th of July weekend, but campers here were quiet and respectful, observed quite hours. I arrived early, having taken a Thursday off and snagged campsite #11, what I felt was one of the best spots. Sites 10, 11 and 12 are large, with parking for 2 cars and very spread apart. Not near the dumpster (one site is … why they would do that, I don't know). There is a fresh water spigot right across from the site and the restroom is just a short jaunt away. At the moment there is a strict fire ban, so no late night campfires this time around.

  The back of the campsite is walled by trees, ready for exploring. The tiny nearby creek can almost be heard from the site, and to the right there is a small field that the Arizona Trail crosses through. I made use of my time her by hiking both directions of the trail straight from the campground. This time of year I also found an ample butterfly population! The hummingbirds were sociable, and the bugs weren't bad, I made it without bug spray but I came across a mosquito or two. 

  Just across the street from Mormon Lake - notorious for never actually having any water - this time it also didn't.So … don't expect much as far attractions at this spot. However, just down the road you can visit Upper Lake Mary and play in the slighter quieter area away from the bustle of the main part of the lake. 

  The camp hosts are very friendly, the sites are $20 a night per group for 1 vehicle (up to 8 people) and any additional cars are $8 each. There is no recycling - I packed mine up to take home and recycle.  They are dog friendly and I found it really a great spot to camp with a dog. The toilets are decent-ish, cleaned (really as clean as those standard campground toilet pots can be)  and at the moment there is a sanitizer jug with a squirt top outside, which is helpful. I didn't see the nearby Dairy Springs campground but I would DEFINITELY come back to this one. On Thursday night they didn't fill up but about 2pm on Friday all the sites were full.

  Do note: Campsite does not have cell service (and I have Verizon). You can walk out to the camp entrance just at the main road and pick up some service there if needed.

• P

  Paul Z.

  Traveler

  

  Feb. 17, 2025

  Payson Campground & RV Resort

  Neat little place

  We chose this camp ground due to it having full hooks up's. 

  Our spot was a bit tight with camper & 2 SUV's but we managed. 

  Our stay was the end of April 2024, We're volunteer HAM radio operators assisting with the Zane Grey foot race.

  We'll be back in April 2025 to support the event again and have already reserved a spot for our stay.

• 

  Joffrey H.

  Ranger

  

  Jul. 9, 2018

  Payson Campground & RV Resort

  Great Hiking and Hammock Camping

  I got to tryout my new hammock setup, and although it was very chilly at night, I was a great testing ground for my new gear!

• 

  Brandy La Shea S.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 2, 2018

  Payson Campground & RV Resort

  Nice place to stay

  I am not sure where the pictures posted here are from but it is definitely not from this campground.

  It is a nice little campground with a pool and small launder mat room. Bathrooms are always clean. The spaces are close together so if you are spot picky (want more of a personal space feel) you will need to get recommendations or visit it to mark your spots.

  Saturday nights include karaoke by the pool or live cover band. My kids enjoy staying here but be warned that "resort" should be taken lightly. There is a "playground" which consists of a metal swing set, uncovered and a small basketball court. This is also right near the dog pin area.

  You are off a major road so near by shopping is a breeze but you will not be forced to hear the traffic so no worries there.

• N

  Norman C.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 20, 2019

  Payson Campground & RV Resort

  Nice place but tight!

  Nice fairly quiet well kept. Only complaint spaces are tight if you have slide outs on both sides and the only trash disposal is at the office.