Houston Mesa Campground sits at 5,200 feet elevation near Pine, Arizona, offering a cooler retreat from summer heat. The campground provides equestrian facilities with direct access to multiple trail systems through the Tonto National Forest. Highway 260 runs nearby, creating occasional traffic noise but providing convenient access to surrounding communities.
What to do
Trail riding access: Equestrians visiting Milk Ranch Point Road can explore dispersed riding opportunities with views of the Mogollon Rim. "Loved this spot! Good roads in. Great views. Some trees, but a lot in this area were burned. No amenities, so pack out what you bring in. Decent cell service," notes Meghan B.
Fishing spots: Multiple fishing locations exist within short driving distance from Little Green Valley dispersed camping area. "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," explains Jessalyn C. The Verde River provides additional fishing access.
Swimming holes: Summer visitors can access natural swimming areas a short drive from camping locations. "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+++," shares Will W. about nearby water features.
What campers like
Shade coverage: Pine trees provide natural shade at many camping areas, particularly valuable during Arizona summers. "Nice campground with lots of space and trees between sites. Pull throughs and pull-in sites. Hosts are helpful," explains Michael B. about the wooded environment that creates natural privacy barriers.
Wildlife viewing: The region around Pine offers opportunities to spot local wildlife in natural settings. "You are only 10 minutes from Cottonwood, 30 minutes from Sedona, 30 minutes to Prescott and an hour and a half to Phoenix," notes Thomas S. at Verde River RV Resort, where natural areas attract various species.
Night sky visibility: The elevation and distance from major cities create excellent stargazing conditions. "Camped here with my son for scouts. Nice campground. You can see so many stars at night, it's wonderful," shares Mike C. about Mogollon Campground, where minimal light pollution enhances astronomical viewing.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans frequently affect the region, particularly during dry summer months. "Something to note is that Tonto National Forest is usually fire restricted this time of year but Coconino is not. This site is barely into Coconino. It is still very dry so be careful with it!" advises Jacob S. about Pivot Rock Canyon.
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires travel on dirt roads of varying quality. "They also do logging out here and as of July 26, they just leveled and packed gravel down so the road is accessible for non 4x4 cars. I brought my Chevy Trax which is front wheel drive and had zero issues," reports Nick V.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate on seasonal schedules due to elevation and weather patterns. "The campground is operational seasonally from February through November, with reservations recommended, especially during weekends when the grounds tend to fill quickly," notes a ranger about Houston Mesa equestrian camping options.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated facilities for children. "We love this campground! We have camped here around 5 times and always had a great stay. They have a pool and hot tub, mini golf, playground, pickle ball court, clubhouse, and lots of crafts and activities for the kids!" shares Mstwister E.
Safety considerations: Parents should note terrain features when selecting campsites. "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," explains Nick V., suggesting families with small children may want sites away from drop-offs.
Educational opportunities: The area offers natural learning experiences for children. "2 miles East on Houston Mesa rd. Away you can drive to Shofly Indian ruins," notes csey R., highlighting historical sites accessible from Houston Mesa Campground.
Tips from RVers
Dump station fees: RVers should budget for sanitation services where available. "The dump station costs $10, regardless of camping here or not," reports Michael B. about facilities at certain campgrounds, an important consideration for extended stays.
Level site selection: Many dispersed areas feature uneven terrain. "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," shares Miguel M. about suitable RV parking areas.
Temperature variations: The elevation creates significant day-to-night temperature shifts. "Expect that the closer you are to the rim, the more wind and it'll be colder. But the views are stunning," advises Dana V. about conditions at Rancho Sedona RV Park, where proper insulation becomes important for comfort.
