Houston Mesa
Open — The main campground is open year-round. The equestrian camp (Mule Deer Loop) operates April 1 through November 1. Sites can be reserved up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov or are available first-come, first-served. Firewood sales, dump station, and shower building are currently unavailable. 14-day stay limit applies.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Lower Salt River Area Temporary Emergency Equestrian Closure for Public Health & Safety
Click to view closure order for details.
Granite Reef Developed Recreation Site Public Health and Safety Closure Order
See order for details.
TERMINATION ORDER: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
There are no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest as of Sept. 5, 2025, 8 a.m.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
About
Houston Mesa Campground sits in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just one mile north of Payson and less than two hours from Phoenix. At an elevation of 5,200 feet, the campground is situated in a mixed forest and shrub area with spacious sites offering both sun and shade. The facility features 102 campsites designed to accommodate various camping styles, including 28 equestrian sites with corrals in the Mule Deer Loop area, 29 tent-only sites for a quieter experience, and one group site that can accommodate up to 75 people. The campground is particularly popular with equestrian campers who come to explore the area's extensive trail system. The Houston Mesa Loop Trail offers a 9-mile round trip through pinyon and juniper woodland, accessible from the horse camping area. For a shorter outing, the Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail provides a 0.5-mile self-guided experience. Wildlife in the area includes hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk, and coyote. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring with grill. Winters at Houston Mesa are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing an ideal escape from the hotter desert areas around Phoenix. The town of Payson, just one mile south, offers restaurants, shopping, and other conveniences. The surrounding Tonto National Forest encompasses nearly 3 million acres of diverse terrain ranging from saguaro-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
Directions
From Payson, 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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