Houston Mesa
The main campground operates year-round. The horse camp (Mule Deer Loop) is open April 1 through November 1. Showers and the dump station are currently unavailable. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect. Reservations available through Recreation.gov; some sites are first-come, first-served.
Flood Watch issued October 9 at 12:59PM MST until October 12 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai, western Coconino, northern Gila, and far southern Navajo counties. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through late Sunday night. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A upper-level trough will help pull moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel up into western Arizona to produce showers and thunderstorms Saturday, followed by extended periods of rainfall through at least Sunday. Thunderstorms will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding, while extended periods of rain can lead to elevated streams, rivers, and flow through washes. Greatest risk of heavy rainfall looks be along higher terrain due to upsloping. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Wind Advisory issued October 9 at 12:58PM MST until October 11 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...South winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...All of central and northern Arizona, including Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...From 8 AM MST /9 AM MDT/ to 8 PM MST /9 PM MDT/ Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could snap resulting in a few power outages. Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...A strong upper-level trough along with the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel will create a synoptic pattern supportive of strong gusts across northern Arizona, especially along the higher terrain.
Lower Sycamore Temporary Target Shooting Prohibition Order For Public Health and Safety
A temporary target shooting closure order for Lower Sycamore on Saturday, Oct. 17, to protect the safety of participants in a volunteer cleanup event within the area.
About
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. The campground sits at 5,200 feet elevation in a mixed forest of ponderosa pine, pinyon, and juniper, offering spacious campsites with both sun and shade. Wildlife including hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, and coyote frequent the area. The campground features 102 sites organized into multiple loops: standard family sites, tent-only sites for a quieter experience, and the Mule Deer Loop with 27 equestrian sites featuring horse corrals. Two group sites accommodate up to 75 people each. All individual sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Flush toilets and potable water from hand pumps are available throughout. Houston Mesa is popular with hikers and equestrians. The Houston Mesa Loop Trail offers a 9-mile round trip through pinyon-juniper woodland accessible from the horse camping area, while the Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail provides a 0.5-mile self-guided nature walk. The town of Payson is just one mile south for supplies and restaurants.
Directions
From Payson, Arizona, go north for 1 mile to the junction of Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) and Forest Road 199 (Houston Mesa Road). Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 199 for 0.1 miles. The campground is on the north side of Houston Mesa Road.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $22 - $170 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 99ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 99ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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