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Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including several miles of hiking and horseback riding trails nearby. As the fifth largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Loop Trail is a 9-mile round trip through a pinyon and juniper woodland and can be accessed from the horse camping area. The Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail is a 0.5-mile self-guided trail.
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 474-7900.
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
$20 - $22 / night
Quail Loop Campground
$20 - $60 / night
The peaceful, tranquil setting at Rancho Sedona is unrivaled. Rancho Sedona is fully shaded by grand Sycamore and Cottonwood trees and is in the heart of town, next to beautiful Oak Creek. The park is within walking distance to galleries, shops and restaurants. Enjoy mountain biking, hiking and trout fishing all year long right from the park. In the summer enjoy swimming in the creek. Rancho Sedona is beautifully maintained and includes spacious sites, clean facilities, laundry, volleyball, fielded areas, and Free Wi-Fi and Digital Cable TV. Sedona is a wondrous place and we look forward to hosting you for your stay.
$42 - $84 / night
Mogollon Campground, although not directly in the Woods Canyon Recreation area, sits just outside and is only two miles from the lake. For those who like spectacular views, this campground is one of the closest to the Mogollon Rim.
Fishing and boating are available at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately three miles from the campground on Road 105.
Mogollon Campground is surrounded by ponderosa pines. The road to Mogollon is a sandy road off of Road 300. The campground itself is also sandy and gravel.
For facility specific information, please call (928) 535-0181.
Some groceries are available at the Marina Store at Woods Canyon Lake which is approximately three miles from the campground. The store also offers boat and kayak rentals. Woods Canyon Lake is a great lake for fishing.
$18 / night
Bartlett Flat Bartlett Reservoir and the Arizona Upland phase of the Sonoran Desert. This site offers beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains. Bartlett Flat has primitive boat launch opportunities for small boats. River Access Point (RAP) for Verde River. There are no designated campsites at this shoreline area but camping along the shore is allowed. High water levels will limit the amount of available shoreline in this area.
Located just 2 miles south of Payson, AZ just off highway 87.
Large area for big rigs to pull in and turn around.
This is a horse facility but you do not have to have horses to stay here.
Campers with horses can reserve a 15' x 32' partially covered stall for $15 per night.
Pets are welcome but must be contained or on a leash at all times.
Facility is in a very quiet neighborhood and is a 5 minute walk to several different surround trails.
$45 / night
Traveler
An exceptionally well run site, easy out of hours check in, very clean. We stayed in the adults only section near ish to the creek. Very shady, and really good sized spaces. The creek is lovely to sit in or swim in and chill down. It's walking distance from Sedona town, and also walking distance to some great trails. Would totally stay here again.
LegendNicely laid out park. Lots of trees and shade. The site we had was nice but the utilities were in the very back of the site. I had one extension on the sewer hose and almost need another.The water hose was a stretch too. Lots of rules at this place, one of them, no fires, propane, wood or otherwise.
Traveler
Went down here mid August and it was a beautiful view. 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. There are there are plenty of spot to pull off into on that forest road. If you don’t get this exact spot just keep driving the road and you’ll find something in no time. A lot of dead trees laying around for firewood, but did need axe and hacksaw to cut size them down. Area had a lot of pine needles on the ground.
Scout
This place is really uneven, there’s literally nothing around. Do not recommend unless it’s an emergency stop and you need to spend the night there.
Guide
AMAZING campgrounds if you’re looking to escape the heat in the summer months. Spread out areas all up and down Young Road. 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.
Traveler
This campground is very well kept up. Camp hosts are friendly and responsive. Bathrooms are extremely clean with nice showers. Dump station clean and in perfect working order.
Good cell service (Verizon and T-mobile).
Traveler
We really enjoyed our stay. We had an end/corner spot, which felt very spacious. The landscaping was nice with grass between units and trees in some areas. Felt more like a park than packed in parking lot feel of others. We also really enjoyed the pool and jacuzzi.
Scout
Campers nearby but overall felt secluded
Guide
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!
TravelerLovely spot near the creek with plenty of trees but contrary to the listing here they don’t allow fires despite having a lovely fire pit area!!! Could do with another shower/ toilet block too. Good late check in setup though.
ScoutCamp ground is maintained, organized. Sites a little close to each other. Grounds were surrounded by nature and close by main Sedona street. Check in after hours were smooth.
Traveler
My first time here was over Veteran’s Day weekend and we woke up to F15s flying low overhead for Veteran’s Day. Campsites are disbursed and pleasantly of area to set up your site. Ground is flat and somewhat sandy like a beach. Other campsites seemed quite respectful and aware we are all sharing the same experience. sides were relatively clean, however, people do venture off into the Forrest area to use the restroom. That is my only concern is people do not pack out their toilet paper or their human feces. Please keep this area beautiful the way it naturally is and pack out your waste which is toxic to wildlife.
ScoutMy wife and I stayed here 2 nights for a quick trip through Sedona. It was overall a good experience. It’s a little tight but the grounds are pretty and peaceful. Everything was well organized. While not private showers the bathrooms were very clean. My only real complaint is that the Wi-Fi signal was not strong in our section. Would definitely stay again.
TravelerEverything you need for a good getaway. Definitely a good amount of people but lots of spots and not crowded feeling at all. Leave it nicer than you found it!
TravelerGreat area with lots to do and see. We stayed in Red Tail Hawk campground. Host was helpful and friendly. Restroom was clean!
Traveler
We went up and tried our luck in the Forrest lakes area to find a spot with no reservations. Pretty much every site was full but this one. So we ended up there out of necessity. Ended up being a cool little spot with a concrete pad, picnic table, fire pit and vault toilets. Awesome trails that take you around the rim with some awesome views. Would stay again!
GuideI love Sedona! This palace is great, I stayed another day. Close access to creek, nice spaces, nice laundry room, and so quiet! Wish they allowed fires and only 2 showers for whole park, but wasn’t a huge issue.
Scout
Lots of shade. Easy dirt road for RV's. No cell reception. No WI-FI. Lots of cows, bulls, deer, seen mountain lion, fox, coyote. There are at least 100 camping spots and of course some are meant for 4 wheel truck and others are meant for RV's. Lots of hiking trails.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! 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. Check them out and make sure to share some pictures of your stay on the Dyrt!
Guide
PROS: Spacious campsites; some have phenomenal views overlooking a canyon. Free entry and a toilet near the entrance. Saw some deer while on a hike and seems like a great area for off-roading in an ATV or dirt bike. CONS: some of the campsites are close to the road and passing trucks can be loud. It was kind of crowded and noisy until late this Memorial Day weekend.
ScoutThis is a beautiful spot off AZ state highway 260. Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. Rvs and campers can make it in with relative ease.
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.
TravelerWas disappointed with premium pull thru spot 325. No shade and no where to place your outdoor carpet. It must be placed inside the railroad ties which is impossible with a class A motor coach. To make this worse they placed plastic runners between the railroad ties which did nothing other than a trip hazard especially at night. The patio tables were worn and unsightly to look at let alone eat at. They don’t want you to put your mat outside of the railroad ties since they are trying to grow grass. Good luck. Nice club house and recreation room. Very clean and pleasant.
GuideWe stayed 2 nights in Red Tail Hawk loop and one night in Quail loop. We preferred being on the hill in Red Tail Hawk. Great amenities. Bathhouse, playgrounds etc.
GuideThe quail campground is a nice spot for small to midsize campers and tents. Our spot number 19 is perfect. It was close to a trail going down to the river. We like it so much we will try to book that spot again next year. The hosts were very nice and the bathrooms were very clean. What more could you ask for?
ScoutWith all this rain and snow melt Bartlett flats is under water
GuideNice park, located close to downtown Sedona near shops and restaurants. Long list of rules but makes for a quiet and relaxing experience. Convenient to near by attractions and hiking trails. Only real complaint was the restroom and showers close for 2-3 hrs daily in the afternoon and there is only one restroom.
LegendWe pulled into our spot at Dead Horse Ranch as the temps crept below freezing. This was our first night ever in a campervan, and we were feeling very fortunate for scoring the last site with electricity.
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It snowed in the night (February) and we woke to discover that the bathhouse was heated with free hot showers. This, combined with dishwashing stations (again with hot water) and friendly campground hosts, made for a lovely stay at Dead Horse Ranch.
The only downside was the lack of privacy between sites - fine for van or RV camping, but not ideal for tenters.
There are a couple of nice trails in the park, one leading into Old Town Cottonwood - try Old Town Cafe for their flaky croissants! Dead Horse Ranch is about 30 minutes from Sedona and fantastic hiking, which we took advantage of all three nights we were there.
Bottom line, this was not a wilderness experience, but Dead Horse Ranch provides nice sites and great amenities, and you can't beat the convenience of the location.
We preferred the Red Tailed Hawk loop to all the others, and really liked sites 57 - 64 for the views and access to trails.
Horse camping in Arizona offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pine, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pine, AZ is Houston Mesa Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pine, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 equestrian camping locations near Pine, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
