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 30 at 9:57PM MST until October 30 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The Flood Watch will expire for portions of east central and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in east central Arizona, Northern Gila County. In west central Arizona, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. The flash flooding threat has ended. Therefore, the Flood Watch will expire at 10 PM MST this evening.
Flood Watch issued October 30 at 9:57PM MST until November 2 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The Flood Watch will expire for portions of east central and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in east central Arizona, Northern Gila County. In west central Arizona, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. The flash flooding threat has ended. Therefore, the Flood Watch will expire at 10 PM MST this evening.
State Route 260 Lion Springs Construction Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
Closure order due to construction activities associated with the SR260 Lion Springs Project conducted byArizona Department of Transportation on the Tonto National Forest.
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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