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 August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until August 30 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 9:42PM MST until August 29 at 11:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 942 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Globe, Miami, Central Heights-Midland City, Claypool and Cutter.
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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