16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Houston Mesa Campground features a specialized equestrian area with individual corrals at each horse site. Each equestrian campsite includes two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table, with sites spacious enough to accommodate large trailers. Water locations are distributed throughout the campground, and bathroom facilities remain consistently clean. The trails near Houston Mesa are somewhat rocky but suitable for riding, and the campground's location near Payson provides convenient access to supplies. Round Valley Remuda offers another option for horse campers with electric hookups, water, and a dump station, plus horse stalls available for rent. The campground maintains exceptionally clean facilities with paved driving areas and campsite parking except in the equestrian section.
Riders can access multiple trail systems from these campgrounds, with Houston Mesa positioned as an ideal base for exploring the Payson area. The proximity to Water Wheel Falls, approximately ten miles away, provides an additional day-trip opportunity. Colcord Ridge Campground, located along Young Road, offers more dispersed camping with excellent views and regular wildlife sightings including deer, coyotes, and wild horses. Active wildlife makes this area particularly appealing for equestrians seeking natural encounters. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with Houston Mesa operating from February through November, while Colcord Ridge is typically open from mid-May to mid-October. Campers report that sites throughout the region are well-maintained and level, with adequate space between campsites providing privacy despite the popularity of these horse-friendly destinations.
"The second time we came up we managed to grab a spot on the rim side of the road, spot #30, around noon."
"Trailer was about 40 feet from the edge with unparalleled views. I'd stay away from the rim edge on windy days. No worries during our stay."
"All paved driving and campsite parking except equestrian area no hookups they have places to fill water and to dump. Restrooms and showers nice a clean."
"Each horse site has two large corrals, a fire pit, and picnic table. There is water locations around the campground as well as bathrooms."
from $22 - $170 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"The sites are within a 1/4 mile of the highway (close enough to see the vehicle lights at night) but there is no highway noise."
"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. "
from $45 / night
Check Availability"We wanted to get close to the water but that was not what we ended up doing. We had to drive to take our kayaks to the water. There was an old cost ramp there but is was completely unusable."
"A water spigot was nearby with great water. We were fortunate to have inherited a host named Larry who was there for a few months because Covid prevented him from traveling to Europe. "
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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"
"Winter and spring, lake levels are low, which provides access to Camp near the water. I was able to find a relatively flat spot for my 38' fifth wheel."
GuideAMAZING 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.
TravelerAll paved driving and campsite parking except equestrian area no hookups they have places to fill water and to dump. Restrooms and showers nice a clean.
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.
GuideThis campground is awesome. It was the perfect refuge for the rainy week. It’s super well maintained. Free drinking water stations and a picnic area for each spot. Quiet and even with a gas station and Home Depot within a 15 min walk it still feels like you’re in the woods especially when the coyotes start howling at night. I wish we would have gone to the horse camp FF spots instead: they are farther away from the road sounds, more spaced out, and we could’ve stayed another night for the same price on the other side. Only difference is pavement roads/sites.
LegendJake 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!
GuidePROS: 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.
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.
GuideThis spot has great views since half of the sites are directly along the Mogollon Rim, but ultimately it can be tough to grab a spot since first come first serve and it’s a very well known, free campsite. The first time we visited and wanted to camp here all spots were taken. There are other spots in the area to camp in the event you don’t get a spot, you just don’t get the view of being on the rim. (See my reviews if you want to know more about FR 84 in the event you don’t get a spot at FR9350.)
The second time we came up we managed to grab a spot on the rim side of the road, spot #30, around noon. We saw one or two vehicles drive up and back the dirt road with gear in the back searching for a spot within minutes of grabbing the site, so how we managed to nab it I’m not sure—the previous campers must have left minutes before we arrived.
Because some of these sites are next to the Rim without any barrier between you and the drop off, this site may not be for those with young children or pets that wish to roam. If you do come with young kids or roaming animals it may be best to look for a spot on the far side, or the side that is not directly on the Rim.
This site has two pit style toilets at the entrance; however, we bushed it. Some sites have a picnic table but some do not— if you are not in an RV or camper and require a camp table, it is best to bring one. (Our site did not have a picnic table when we visited but we did pack a camp table and were happy we did.) In addition, it sometimes has a camp host; I did not notice a camp host the first time we drove thru but there was one there the second time when we got the chance to camp here. We did not encounter any noisy neighbors while we were here. Depending on when you visits, weather may be unpredictable. While weather was perfect during our visit in early July, I have seen and heard weather can change quickly on the Rim. It is also good to know this campsite can be very dusty; so I highly recommend bringing a pack or two of baby wipes and any allergy meds you might need. A headlamp is a good idea too since you always want to be able to see at nighttime being so close to a large drop off. Last, I have Verizon and got service at our campsite.
TravelerDid a quick overnight trip. Easy to access in any vehicle. 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 away from the trailers and RVS. Tons of pre made stone fire pits all over to adopt as your own. Bathrooms and trash drop off at the entrance. Overall great scenic spot. Hate seeing trash anywhere, unfortunately there was some left from previous campers (slobs). Tonto pass needed.
Dispersed camping opportunities near Young, Arizona, are situated in the Tonto National Forest at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet. The area features primarily ponderosa pine forest terrain with summer temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix. Several forest roads provide access to dispersed sites with varying levels of privacy and amenities depending on proximity to established campgrounds.
Hiking near water features: Water Wheel Falls offers a popular day trip approximately 10 miles from Houston Mesa Campground. "My favorite day use river spot is 15 minutes away. A+++," notes Will W. The trail is suitable for most skill levels but requires crossing streams during wetter months.
Wildlife observation: The pine forest environment supports diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. At Colcord Ridge Campground, visitors regularly encounter "deer, coyotes, and wild horses" according to Caitlin S., who added that "active wildlife makes this area particularly appealing" for nature photographers and birders.
Explore historic sites: Archaeological points of interest can be found within short drives of most campsites. As camper Csey R. points out, "2 miles East on Houston Mesa rd. you can drive to Shofly Indian ruins," providing access to well-preserved prehistoric structures without extensive hiking requirements.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at Mogollon Campground where Jessica C. observed the "campsites are pretty spreadout from each other. Woods Canyon Lake is just a short drive away to enjoy hiking and you are within walking distance to the Rim."
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation camping provides relief from summer heat. Jacob T. at Mogollon Campground says it offers "awesome high elevation! Very cool for AZ summers! For the distance it is away from Phoenix you can beat it! 2hrs drive time!"
Proximity to supplies: Campers value the balance between wilderness feel and access to necessities. Rick G. at Houston Mesa Campground appreciated the "close proximity to Payson with all the amenities. Also, close to the Mongollon Rim. Reasonable cell coverage with Verizon."
Fire restrictions: Due to high fire danger, restrictions vary by location and season. Jacob S. noted an important detail about Pivot Rock Canyon: "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!"
Road conditions: Access varies significantly by location and recent weather. For Little Green Valley dispersed camping, Jessalyn C. cautions, "Roads are a bit bumpy, and they have some shallow water crossings. RVs and campers can make it in with relative ease."
Site availability: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. Michael B. observed at Houston Mesa Campground: "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."
Look for water recreation: Families with children may prefer sites near lakes or streams. According to Will W., at Houston Mesa Campground, "sites are good size and well kept! Amenities were in great condition and our favorite day use river spot is 15 minutes away."
Find natural play areas: Kids enjoy exploration opportunities in safe natural settings. At Little Green Valley, Jessalyn C. describes it as "a beautiful spot off AZ state highway 260" where children can explore the "shallow water crossings" and natural surroundings under supervision.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings can be significant. Brad and Britany B. recommend Houston Mesa Campground because "the abundance of trees creates a peaceful and shady environment, perfect for escaping the Arizona sun." Bring layers as evening temperatures drop considerably even in summer.
Dump station availability: Services vary between horse campgrounds near Young, Arizona. Chris P. noted about Houston Mesa: "Dump station was closed while we were here and it looks like they charge to use it when open." Plan accordingly for waste management.
Site size considerations: For those with larger rigs, Miguel M. points out that Houston Mesa 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."
Hookup options: Limited electrical options exist in the area. Round Valley Remuda offers more amenities for equestrian campers, with "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," according to Jake C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Young, AZ?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Young, AZ is Carr Lake Campground on Forest Road 9350 with a 4.7-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Young, AZ?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Young, AZ, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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