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.
$22 - $170 / night
"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."
"Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms."
"The woods were awesome and very little noise besides cars driving along the road. Thr road was a very easy drive. Only downside is the campsite was very close to the road."
"This is just a dirt road off of the highway."
$45 / night
"Round Valley Remuda has Electric, water and a Dump Station so you can enjoy your time on this beautiful farm, they even have a horse stall for rent if you want to bring the horses. "
"There are many spots off FR218 where you can pull off and back up basically to the edge of the rim with your car, or at most a 100 foot walk to the rim."
"Thick tree coverage which hid us from the winds that day / night and the rim was a 200 foot walk away. Able to get there in my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive only, without any problems."
$18 / night
"For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it ! 2hrs drive time!"
"Just a 1/2 mile on dirt road so that’s nice but the walk in spots for this campsite are SMALL and VERY tight/close together. Not only that but all spots are parallel."
"Tall pines all around, lots of exploring room for kids. The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV."
"If you want to be more secluded keep following the shore line NW, however the more you travel the more ground clearance you’ll need so bring a vehicle with a little off road abilities of you want to be"
"Great place to get a little bit off road but not really get too off road…."
$42 - $84 / night
"Compared to another campground close by that is a little less but we had double the space and trees and a creek behind us. They’re very busy and we were only able to get two nights."
"Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth."
"Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses. Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes creeks and caves within driving distance."
"Big open spots with lots to do nearby. There are multiple places to pull of of this road and camp. This is a pack in/pack out site with trees and fresh air."
$32 / night
"Gorgeous views, very spaced out sites, and access to great mountain biking and hiking trails. Even the overflow area where we had to spend a couple of nights has a very nice bathroom and shower."
"Lots of hiking and bike riding trails with a bike course! Playground. Pet friendly. Very clean and friendly hosts. Close to fountain hills if you need anything in town."
TravelerNice 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.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerThis 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.
TravelerWe 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.
LegendWell 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.
GuideGreat campground. Next to Payson. Opens up lots of opportunities. Biking & hiking. Excellent and well maintained camp sites. Each site is surrounded by trees. Private.
GuideWe'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!
GuideClose to Woods Canyon Lake, but very small sites. There is tons of national forest land around with large free campgrounds in Payson. About 600 free sites available between this lake and bear lake. I definitely recommend the free site.
TravelerHorse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With various campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the horse camping facilities available at Payson, AZ campgrounds?
Houston Mesa Campground offers dedicated equestrian sites with two large corrals per site, fire pits, and picnic tables. Water sources are available throughout the campground, along with clean bathrooms. The horse camping area is separate from the main campground, providing a more specialized experience for equestrians. Round Valley Remuda offers additional horse-friendly accommodations in the area. Both campgrounds provide spacious sites that can accommodate horse trailers, with Houston Mesa featuring well-maintained facilities and proximity to trails.
Where are the best horseback riding trails near Payson, Arizona?
The Payson area offers excellent horseback riding opportunities on the Mogollon Rim. Windy Hill Campground provides access to scenic trails through ponderosa pine forests with stunning rim views. For more diverse terrain, Colcord Ridge Campground connects to trail networks suitable for various skill levels. The Tonto National Forest surrounding Payson features numerous equestrian trails, including the Highline Trail and paths near Water Wheel Falls. Many trails offer creek crossings, wildlife viewing, and connections to the Arizona Trail system, making Payson a prime destination for horseback riding enthusiasts.
What is the best time of year for horse camping around Payson, Arizona?
Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions for horse camping around Payson with mild temperatures, minimal precipitation, and beautiful scenery. Mogollon Campground provides a perfect base during these seasons with proximity to Woods Canyon Lake. Summer can be enjoyable at higher elevations like Milk Ranch Point Road, though afternoon thunderstorms are common in July-August. Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow, especially at higher elevations, making lower elevation sites preferable. The shoulder seasons provide comfortable riding weather and fewer crowds on trails.
What permits are required for horse camping in Tonto National Forest near Payson?
For horse camping in Tonto National Forest near Payson, you'll need a Tonto Pass for day use areas and some trailheads. For overnight camping at developed sites like Larson Ridge Camping Area, reservations through Recreation.gov are required. When dispersed camping with horses in areas like Little Green Valley, a free 14-day camping permit is needed, available at ranger stations. During fire season (typically May-July), additional fire restrictions may apply. Always check with the Tonto National Forest Payson Ranger District for current regulations, as requirements can change seasonally.
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