Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Payson, AZ
Houston Mesa Campground welcomes pets at all sites with multiple accommodation options including tent and RV camping. Located minutes from downtown Payson, this established campground features clean bathrooms with flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits with BBQ grill toppers. Each site provides good spacing between neighbors with ample shade from surrounding trees. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, including on the nature trail that runs through the property. Payson Campground & RV Resort also accommodates pets with full hookup sites for both tents and RVs, though spaces are notably closer together than at Houston Mesa. The property is maintained well with clean facilities including showers, a pool, and a designated dog area, though some visitors note it's quite small compared to expectations.
Several dispersed camping options welcome pets in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, including Little Green Valley and FR414 sites. These free primitive camping areas require pack-in, pack-out practices with no facilities or amenities available. Dog owners frequently mention Water Wheel Falls, located about 15 minutes from Houston Mesa, as a popular spot with swimming opportunities in the small pool beneath the waterfall. Most campgrounds in the area maintain standard pet policies requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, cleaned up after, and not left unattended. Temperature differences between Payson and Phoenix can reach 30 degrees, providing relief for both pets and owners during hot summer months. Wildlife warnings, including bears, are provided by camp hosts upon arrival, making proper food storage and pet supervision essential for safety.
