How much does camping cost at Houston Mesa?

Camping fees at Houston Mesa range from $22-$170/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Houston Mesa first-come first-served or reservation?

Houston Mesa accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Houston Mesa before I book?

Yes! Houston Mesa has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Houston Mesa?

Houston Mesa is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Houston Mesa?

Yes, Houston Mesa has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Houston Mesa?

Fire policies at Houston Mesa: No firewood sales available at campground. Plan to purchase ahead of time.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Houston Mesa?

Cell phone service at Houston Mesa is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Houston Mesa have?

Houston Mesa has 102 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Houston Mesa?

Yes, pets are allowed at Houston Mesa. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Houston Mesa?

Houston Mesa offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Houston Mesa

4.32

481 reviews

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Pet Friendly

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$22 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 7% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Tonto National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$22 - $170/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

102 campsites

Season

Peak season is May 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 7% in state

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Tonto National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Houston Mesa

$22.00 - $170.00 / night

Campsite Fees

EQUESTRIAN NONELECTRIC: $22.00; Group Electric: $170.00; Group Nonelectric: $130.00; MANAGEMENT: $29.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $29.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$170.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

928-468-7135

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Houston Mesa

2100 Houston Mesa Rd

Nearby places

Payson (1 mile, approximately 5 minutes drive).

Weather at Houston Mesa

Current alerts(5)

Campers who reserve sites 7 - 18 in Horse Camp (Mule Loop) are required to have horses or mules present. You do not need to have any to use sites 2 - 6 and 19 - 30
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.

Best Time to Camp at Houston Mesa

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures and dramatic scenery along the Mogollon Rim — expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s F. Trails are at their best for hiking, horseback riding, photography and wildlife viewing as elk and deer become more active and rim-side shrubs take on autumn tones, while monsoon storms have usually passed and fire restrictions ease. Crowds are noticeably lighter than summer peak weekends (though the Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called out as best: mild temps, fewer storms, elk activity; reviewers favor fall visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season is May 1 to November 3, 2025; first-come, first-served season runs from November 4 to December 31, 2025.

About Houston Mesa

Houston Mesa sits in mid-elevation ponderosa pine forest within Tonto National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service near Payson. This large campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with full amenities including showers and flush toilets, making it a comfortable base for exploring Mogollon Rim trails. Reviewers consistently praise the spacious, shaded sites and attentive camp hosts, though highway noise can carry through the forest.

Houston Mesa Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences with options for standard tent camping, RV sites, and equestrian-specific camping. Group sites and tent-only loops are also available for those seeking more specialized accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable daytime temperatures and dramatic scenery along the Mogollon Rim — expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-70s F and crisp nights in the 30s–40s F. Trails are at their best for hiking, horseback riding, photography and wildlife viewing as elk and deer become more active and rim-side shrubs take on autumn tones, while monsoon storms have usually passed and fire restrictions ease. Crowds are noticeably lighter than summer peak weekends (though the Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe mesa occupies Arizona's transition zone where pinyon-juniper woodlands meet mountain shrublands, creating a mix of sun and shade across the sites. Deer, elk, javelinas, foxes, and coyotes move through the area. Hawks and eagles patrol overhead. The Mogollon Rim rises nearby, marking the dramatic escarpment between Colorado Plateau and lower elevations. At this altitude, the forest provides noticeably cooler temperatures than the desert below.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground. Camping accommodations are limited to campsites, including options for tents, RVs, and equestrian-specific areas.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limit not provided but generally accommodates standard group sizes for family campsites.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger parties and are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. Group Standard Electric and Group Standard Nonelectric options are available at $170 and $130 per night, respectively.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via the app, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites and trails are available. The campground features a short, self-guided interpretive trail.

Site SizeSites vary from standard to equestrian-specific, with spacious layouts accommodating multiple tents or vehicles in some cases.

PrivacySites are described as spacious and surrounded by trees, providing a good level of privacy. Some loops, like the Bear Loop, are noted for their seclusion.

Total Campsites102 campsites

Recommended SitesMountain Lion Loop offers quieter camping away from highway noise. Sites in Bear Loop are great for families due to proximity to amenities.

Best CampsitesSite #006 in Bear Loop (tent-only) and #008 in Mountain Lion Loop get mentioned for privacy and space. Bear Loop in general offers more seclusion. Avoid sites near the road if you're sensitive to traffic noise.

Need help booking Houston Mesa?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Houston Mesa Campground offers a diverse set of camping amenities suited for families, equestrians, and tent campers. It has 102 campsites categorized as standard, equestrian, and tent-only sites, providing versatility to campers. Amenities include flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The horse camping section (Mule Deer Loop) features corrals and is separated from other areas. However, there are no electric or sewer hookups, and the site lacks a dump station, which is noted as a drawback by multiple user reviews. Additionally, the showers have been frequently reported as closed or unavailable. Accessibility features such as accessible campsites and a nature trail are present, but some reviews highlight issues such as poorly maintained bathrooms and limited operational restrooms.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Houston Mesa Campground can enjoy a range of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. The campground provides access to trails for both hiking and equestrian use. However, reviewers have noted that the trail system could benefit from better maintenance and signage.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyNo firewood sales available at campground. Plan to purchase ahead of time.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00pm to 6:00am

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, including bear-proof refuse containers. Campers are advised to manage their garbage carefully to prevent wildlife interactions.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available and generally reliable. One camper noted, "Great phone signal." Another stated that both Verizon and AT&T work in the area. However, there were occasional mentions of spotty Wi-Fi connectivity.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

481 reviews

Recommended

Houston Mesa is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Houston Mesa Campground are mixed, with mentions of clean facilities and helpful hosts but recurring complaints about noise, maintenance issues, and overcrowding. The proximity to Payson is frequently noted as a convenience.

Review Summaries

Based on 481 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers praised the cleanliness of the sites and restrooms. "The bathrooms were the cleanest I've ever seen," said one user. Camp hosts are often described as friendly and accommodating....

Based on 481 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from traffic and nearby highways is a frequent complaint. Many users mentioned issues with closed or poorly maintained showers and restrooms. Overcrowding and lack of enforcement of quiet hours...

Based on 481 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Bear Loop is noted for its privacy, while Elk Loop often receives complaints about road noise. Mountain Lion Loop is praised for its spacious sites and seclusion.

Based on 481 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring quarters for showers, as they are coin-operated. Avoid sites close to the road to minimize traffic noise. Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.

Based on 481 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular but can be noisy and crowded. Winter offers quieter conditions but limited amenities like closed showers. Fall appears to be an ideal time based on a mix of favorable weather and...

Based on 481 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful setting with tall pine trees and beautiful scenery," noted one camper. Another stated, "Coyotes howling in the distance and even heard a bear lumbering by."

Based on 481 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several reviews highlight that accessible campsites and restrooms are available, but a few noted poorly maintained facilities.

Based on 481 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and users have frequently mentioned bringing their dogs. "We loved that our dog was welcome," one user remarked.

Based on 481 reviews

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Go if

You want a well-maintained forest camp with showers and flush toilets near Payson's restaurants and services.

Skip if

You need a quiet setting away from highway noise or require consistent shower and dump station availability.

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Kehl Springs Campground sits among ponderosa pines atop the Mogollon Rim at 7,441 feet elevation. The small campground has just 8 sites, each costing $8 per night and equipped with vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. No water or cell service. Reviewers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere and clean facilities, though the limited sites mean weekends fill quickly.