Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including miles of non-motorized trails nearby. Easy access to the Town of Payson amenities makes this campground ideal! As one of the largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Houston Mesa
Near Mesa del Caballo CDP, Arizona · 34.27000, -111.31417
4.3(403)403 reviews AT&T rated 3.2/5 by campersOfficial notices
Second (extra) vehicle charge of $8 per night is required. An RV towing a car counts as one vehicle and a vehicle pulling a trailer counts as one vehicle. Fee can be bundled with online reservation or purchased on-site at fee machine. No more than 2 vehicles per site.
No firewood sales available at campground. Plan to purchase ahead of time.
Check in time is 2:00pm and check out time is 11:00am. Quiet Hours are from 10:00pm to 6:00am.
Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest Land.
For first come first serve sites, you must physically arrive at the campground to see if the campsite is available. There is no guarantee this site will be available to purchase upon your arrival.
Maximum stay limit is 14 days within 30 consecutive days on the Tonto National Forest including dispersed areas.
Campers who reserve sites 7 - 18 in Mule Loop are required to have horse or mule.
About Houston Mesa
Overview
Houston Mesa Campground is located in the forested northern section of Tonto National Forest, just north of Payson, Arizona and less than two hours from Phoenix. With family, equestrian and tent-only campsites, this campground can accommodate a range of visitors and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, including miles of non-motorized trails nearby. Easy access to the Town of Payson amenities makes this campground ideal! As one of the largest forest in the United States, the Tonto National Forest is one of the most-visited "urban" forests in the United States (approximately 5.8 million visitors annually). Its boundaries are Phoenix to the south, the Mogollon Rim to the north and the San Carlos and Fort Apache Indian reservations to the east.
Recreation
Many visitors come to Payson to ride, hike, camp and picnic. Houston Mesa Campground is centrally located for access to Rim Country's best trails. Check out the National Recreation Highline Trail from its many access points along the control road (beginning or ending at Pine TH or 260 TH) or travel a short distance to the Pine trailhead to access over 20 miles of non motorized trails in the Pine Strawberry area.
Facilities
Houston Mesa has 102 campsites, including 46 standard sites, 27 equestrian sites for campers with horses or mules, and 29 tent-only sites for those who want a quieter experience. There are several amenities to make campers feel at home, including flush toilets.
The horse camping section (Mule Deer Loop) is across the street from the main campground and features 27 individual sites with tables and grills. Corrals are also available. Campers who reserve sites 7 - 18 must have horses or mules.
Natural Features
The campground is located at an elevation of 5,200 ft. in a mixed forest and shrub area, with spacious campsites offering both sun and shade. Winters are pleasant and cool with cold nighttime temperatures, while summers are warm and sunny, providing a nice getaway from the hotter deserts around Phoenix. Elk, javelina, skunk and coyote live in the area and can be seen in the campground.
Contact Info
Nearby Attractions
Campers who make the quick trip to the town of Payson, one mile south, will find restaurants, shopping and other conveniences. Scenic driving and outdoor recreation abound in the surrounding Tonto National Forest, which embraces almost 3 million acres of rugged and spectacularly beautiful country, ranging from saguaro cactus-studded desert to pine-forested mountains beneath the Mogollon Rim.
If you are an avid mountain biker or hiker please check out the National Recreation Highline Trail-which spans 63 miles below the Mogollon Rim.
Campground calendar
Live from Recreation.gov, refreshed every 10 minutes. Booking happens only on the official page.
- A Available
- R Reserved
- F First-come, first-served
- X Not reservable / not available
- NYR Not yet released
Individual campsites (126)
Site-level fields prevent campground amenities from being applied to every campsite. Open a site for its photos, dimensions and fit check.


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent



Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent



Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent



Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent
Show the remaining 102 sites


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 40 ft, Trailer ≤ 40 ft



Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 99 ft, Trailer ≤ 99 ft



Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 40 ft, Trailer ≤ 40 ft



Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 99 ft, Trailer ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 20 ft, Trailer ≤ 20 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 99 ft, Trailer ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 45 ft, Trailer ≤ 45 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 45 ft, Trailer ≤ 45 ft



Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 30 ft, Trailer ≤ 30 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 99 ft, Trailer ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 60 ft, Trailer ≤ 60 ft



Permitted equipment: RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent, RV

Permitted equipment: Tent, RV, PICKUP CAMPER, VEHICLE



Permitted equipment: Tent, RV, PICKUP CAMPER, VEHICLE


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 40 ft, RV ≤ 40 ft, Trailer ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 54 ft, RV ≤ 54 ft, Trailer ≤ 54 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 75 ft, RV ≤ 75 ft, Trailer ≤ 75 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 75 ft, RV ≤ 75 ft, Trailer ≤ 75 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 45 ft, RV ≤ 45 ft, Trailer ≤ 45 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 50 ft, RV ≤ 50 ft, Trailer ≤ 50 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 99 ft, RV ≤ 99 ft, Trailer ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 20 ft, RV ≤ 20 ft, Trailer ≤ 20 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 35 ft, RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 45 ft, RV ≤ 45 ft, Trailer ≤ 45 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 60 ft, RV ≤ 60 ft, Trailer ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 35 ft, RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 35 ft, RV ≤ 35 ft, Trailer ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 30 ft, RV ≤ 30 ft, Trailer ≤ 30 ft


Permitted equipment: Tent ≤ 30 ft, RV ≤ 30 ft, Trailer ≤ 30 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 45 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 45 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 45 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 99 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 30 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 50 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 30 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 30 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 35 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 40 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 45 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft


Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft



Permitted equipment: Horse ≤ 60 ft
Facility rates
Facility rates by season dates, as published on Recreation.gov.
| Season dates | Site type | Nightly / daily rates * |
|---|---|---|
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2028 – Dec 31, 2028 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2028 – Nov 2, 2028 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2028 – Apr 30, 2028 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 3, 2027 – Dec 31, 2027 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2027 – Nov 2, 2027 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2027 – Apr 30, 2027 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2026 – Dec 31, 2026 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 4, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2025 – Nov 3, 2025 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2025 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Nov 5, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season May 1, 2024 – Nov 4, 2024 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Jan 1, 2024 – Apr 3, 2024 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Walk In Oct 31, 2023 – Dec 31, 2023 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Mar 31, 2023 – Oct 30, 2023 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| First-come, First-served Season Mar 1, 2023 – Mar 30, 2023 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2021 – Dec 31, 2021 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2020 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC | $22 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Group Electric GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC | $170 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | Group Nonelectric GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $130 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | MANAGEMENT | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | STANDARD NONELECTRIC | $29 |
| Peak Season Jan 1, 2019 – Dec 31, 2019 | TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC | $29 |
* Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. Current fees are confirmed only on Recreation.gov.
Reservation rules
Reservation rules descriptions, payment and fee notes and the cancellation policy published by the managing agency.
| Rule name | Description | When? |
|---|---|---|
| Min Weekend Stay 0 days · Ignore Holidays | 0 days Ignore Holidays | May 8, 2019 – May 8, 2029 |
| Reservation Cut-off 3 Not Reservable | Sites are not reservable (3 day cut-off). | All Year |
| Min Holiday Weekend Stay 0 days | 0 days | May 8, 2019 – May 8, 2029 |
Payment and fees
Fee information not published.
Changes and cancellations
Cancellation policy not published; see Recreation.gov.
Facility information
Official activities, amenities, directions, contact details and links from the managing agency's record.
Activities
- Biking
- Camping
- Hiking
- Horse Camping
- Horseback Riding
- Picnicking
Amenities
- Flush Toilets
- Self Pay Station
- Water Spigot
Accessibility
N
- Managed by
- USDA Forest Service
- Recreation area
- Tonto National Forest
- Facility type
- Campground
- Near
- Mesa del Caballo CDP, Arizona
- Time zone
- America/Phoenix
- Also known as
- HOUM, PAYSON, TONTO NF - FS
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 .10 miles. The campground is on the north side of Houston Mesa Road.
Contact
- 928-468-7135
- Mailing address: 1009 East Highway 260, PAYSON, AZ 85541
- Physical address: 2100 Houston Mesa Rd, Payson, AZ 85541
- Local time zone America/Phoenix
Links
- Arizona State Road Conditions — Arizona State Road Conditions
- Arizona State Tourism — Arizona State Tourism
- Campground Map — Campground Map
- Payson Ranger Station — Payson Ranger Station
Camper ratings
Ratings aggregated from Recreation.gov; reviews are not reproduced here.
Cell coverage ratings
- Verizon 2.6/5 from 169 ratings
- T-Mobile 3.1/5 from 86 ratings
- AT&T 3.2/5 from 62 ratings
- Sprint 3.0/5 from 18 ratings
The twelve questions campers actually ask
Each answer carries its source and verification date. “Not verified” is deliberately different from “No”.
Price and extra fees
Official source · Recreation.gov RIDB · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correctNo verified nightly, weekly or monthly rate on file. We never estimate prices. · Report / correct
Booking and arrival
Imported data · Recreation.gov campsite data · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correctOfficial booking / provider page — availability is only confirmed there.
Check-in time comes from individual campsite records on Recreation.gov; confirm with the facility.
Late-arrival policy has not been verified. Call ahead before arriving after office hours.
RV compatibility
Official source · Recreation.gov RIDB · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correctReal campsite photos
UnknownReport / correctNo camper has photographed a specific site yet. Add the first one.
Amenities
Official source · Recreation.gov RIDB · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correctCampground-level flags mean the amenity is reported somewhere in the campground, not at every site.
Quietness
Report / correct- 0 moderated noise reports; at least 3 are needed before an indicator is shown.
A quietness score is never manufactured — it needs at least three moderated reports. Add yours.
Cell signal & internet
Report / correctNo carrier or speed reports yet. Tower locations are not presented as proof of coverage. · Report / correct
Pet rules
Imported data · Recreation.gov campsite data · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correctAccessibility
Imported data · Recreation.gov campsite data · verified Oct 21, 2026Report / correct- Step-free site access: information unavailable
- Accessible restroom: information unavailable
- Accessible shower: information unavailable
- Firm, stable pathways: information unavailable
- Short distance to facilities: information unavailable
- Accessible parking: information unavailable
- Accessible picnic table: information unavailable
- Accessible trail: information unavailable
Official accessibility text: N
Facility-level features and individual-site accessibility are listed separately; one accessible amenity never makes the whole campground accessible.
Road access
Report / correctOfficial 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 .10 miles. The campground is on the north side of Houston Mesa Road.
Road access never implies camping permission; motor-vehicle maps and directions are not legal authorisation.
Weather and restrictions
Report / correctWeather and alerts
Loading the official National Weather Service forecast…
Recent camper reports
Report / correctNo moderated camper reports yet. · Report / correct
Add a structured report ↓ — noise, road, internet, arrival, pets, accessibility, price or closure.
Will my RV fit?
Compares your rig with each imported campsite's documented entry type, driveway length, surface, grade, overhead clearance and hookups. Sign in to use a saved vehicle, or enter dimensions below.
What the actual site looks like
Photos are attached to a site number only when the contributor stated it; moderators remove location metadata and reject unsupported associations.
No camper photos for this site yet
Be the first to add what the pad, entrance and approach road really look like.
Add a photo of a specific campsite
Report conditions or correct a fact
Structured reports are reviewed before they appear. They add evidence next to official data; they never replace it silently.
Source and freshness
Sources: Recreation.gov RIDB full export (facility, campsites, media, links, activities, addresses), Recreation.gov site data (notices, rules, seasons & fees, amenities, ratings), Campsite Atlas baseline, moderated camper reports and verified park submissions where shown.
RIDB export synchronized: 10/21/2026, 8:54:35 AM (record last updated by the agency 5/22/2026)
Recreation.gov site data synchronized: 10/21/2026, 9:22:22 AM
View official/source record
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