Best Equestrian Camping near Payson, AZ

Houston Mesa Campground features a dedicated equestrian section with two large corrals at each horse site, making it a practical option for riders visiting Payson. The campground accommodates large horse trailers with spacious pull-through sites that include fire pits and picnic tables. Water stations are available throughout the grounds for horses, though riders should note the terrain in the area is somewhat rocky for trail riding. The equestrian sites are separate from the main non-horse campground, providing a quieter experience for those camping with horses. Clean restrooms and pay showers ($3 for 6 minutes) are accessible in the main campground area across the street.

The surrounding trail system connects riders to multiple routes through the Tonto National Forest, with access points directly from the campground. Riders enjoy proximity to the Mongollon Rim for longer excursions, with most trails showcasing the dramatic pine forest landscape characteristic of Arizona's high country. The campground's location near Payson provides convenient access to feed stores and veterinary services if needed during longer stays. Seasonal operation runs primarily February through November, with summer months offering relief from desert heat with temperatures typically 30 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Horse owners should bring their own feed storage containers as wildlife, including bears, has been reported in the area.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Payson, Arizona (18)

    1. Houston Mesa Campground

    37 Reviews
    Payson, AZ
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 468-7135

    $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."

    2. Little Green Valley - NF405A Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Sun Valley, AZ
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 474-7900

    "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."

    3. Round Valley Remuda

    1 Review
    Payson, AZ
    3 miles
    +1 (928) 595-1182

    $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. "

    4. Milk Ranch Point Road

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 477-2255

    "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."

    5. Mogollon Campground

    11 Reviews
    Kohls Ranch, AZ
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 535-9859

    $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."

    6. Pivot Rock Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Pine, AZ
    16 miles

    "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."

    7. Bartlett Flat

    15 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (480) 595-3300

    "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…."

    8. Rancho Sedona RV Park

    40 Reviews
    Sedona, AZ
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 282-7255

    $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."

    9. Colcord Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Forest Lakes, AZ
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (928) 467-3200

    "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."

    10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park

    19 Reviews
    Rio Verde, AZ
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (602) 506-2930

    $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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Payson, AZ

1 Photos of 18 Payson Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Payson, AZ

173 Reviews of 18 Payson Campgrounds


  • M
    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.

  • Ted B.
    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.

  • K
    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.

  • Donna V.
    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.

  • Rick G.
    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.

  • Don L.
    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.

  • Brad | Britany B.
    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!

  • T
    Jun. 3, 2018

    Mogollon Campground

    Crammed

    Close 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.

  • csey R.
    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

Guide to Payson

Camping near Payson, Arizona offers a retreat from the Phoenix heat, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley. The area sits at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, surrounded by the Tonto National Forest with a mix of pine, juniper, and oak trees creating a diverse woodland setting. Multiple campgrounds around Payson remain open year-round, though higher elevation sites close during winter months due to snow.

What to do

Mountain biking trails: McDowell Mountain Regional Park provides miles of dedicated biking paths with varying difficulty levels. "Rode several trails, including part of the big Pemberton Loop. Everyone was friendly and our group site was well maintained," notes a Scout leader who visited McDowell Mountain Regional Park.

Historic sites exploration: Just 2 miles east of Houston Mesa campground, visitors can explore Shoofly Indian ruins. As one camper mentioned, "2 miles East on Houston Mesa rd. Away you can drive to shofly Indian ruins," making it an easy side trip during your Houston Mesa Campground stay.

Swimming holes: The area features multiple natural swimming spots, especially welcome during summer months. A regular visitor to Little Green Valley explains, "This place is dispersed, meaning no hook-ups. Pack out what you pack in, no trash services. Can get a little loud on the weekends with the side by sides zooming around," while noting the Little Green Valley area offers beautiful spots for cooling off.

What campers like

Rim views: Camping sites along the Mogollon Rim provide dramatic overlooks across Arizona's high country. A camper at Milk Ranch Point Road shared, "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," describing the accessibility of prime viewing locations at Milk Ranch Point Road.

Campground cleanliness: Many Payson area campgrounds receive praise for their maintenance. A Houston Mesa visitor noted, "Clean Campground and Bathrooms," while another mentioned, "Spots are close together but a decent amount of nature separates you and gives you some privacy. Bathrooms were clean."

Wildlife viewing: The forests around Payson support diverse wildlife populations. At Colcord Ridge Campground, campers report seeing "Active wildlife from deer to coyotes to wild horses," making the area excellent for wildlife enthusiasts. The campground offers "Spread out areas all up and down Young Road" where these animals can frequently be spotted.

What you should know

Fire restrictions: The Payson area frequently implements fire restrictions during summer months. A visitor to Colcord Ridge Campground advises, "This forest tends to have fire bans or can be completely closed during summer seasons when the fire risks are high," making it essential to check current regulations before your trip.

Cellular coverage: Mobile service varies greatly around Payson. Some campgrounds offer decent connectivity, with one Mogollon camper noting, "Reasonable cell coverage with Verizon," while others may have limited or no service.

Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping areas can challenge some vehicles. At Little Green Valley, a camper reports, "Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. RVs and campers can make it in with relative ease," though cautions, "Beware monsoons if you have 2wd."

Tips for camping with families

Nearby activities: Multiple family-friendly destinations surround Payson. A visitor suggests, "Perfect for families with kids as there are also lakes, creeks and caves within driving distance," making Colcord Ridge Campground a good base camp for exploration.

Space for play: Look for campgrounds with room for children to explore safely. Houston Mesa campers appreciate that "The campground's proximity to swimming holes, hiking trails, and the charming town of Payson provides endless opportunities for exploration and adventure."

Facilities: When camping with families, clean restrooms matter. At Mogollon Campground, visitors note "The campsites are always clean with clean toilets and drinking water. The campsites are pretty spreadout from each other," providing necessary facilities without feeling crowded.

Tips from RVers

Dump station availability: RV campers should note dump station policies vary. At Houston Mesa, "Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use is when open," while another campground charges "$10, regardless of camping here or not."

Site spacing: RV sites near Payson range from spacious to compact. At Pivot Rock Canyon, campers note "The camping areas are all pretty open and there are plenty of spots to park a trailer or RV," making it suitable for larger rigs without hookups.

Non-hookup options: Many RVers appreciate Houston Mesa's practical design despite lacking full services. "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," reports one visitor, highlighting the campground's convenience for self-contained RVs.

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.