Houston Mesa

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.