Houston Mesa Campground

📌 Arizona 📍 34.269479,-111.318994 ⛰ 5,080 ft

⚠ Notice: For a YouTube Video.

Houston Mesa Campground is located in the Tonto National Forest, on the outskirts of Payson, Arizona and is only a couple hours from Phoenix. The campground is located at an elevation of 5,080 feet in a forest and shrub area with large campsites some of which offer sun others shade. Winters are cool with cold nights while summers are warm and sunny. It would be a nice break from the heat of the southern desert.

Amenities

Campsites

There are a total of 74 campsites which includes 29 equestrian and 17 tent only campsites. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring with grate. The roads and driveways are paved while the campsites a dirt. The campsites offered more privacy than most camgrounds but I was disappointed by the highway noise. We did not review the equine section.

Water

Hydrants are scattered about the campground.

Restroom

Each loop has a restroom, most if not all a flushing.

Electricity

Firewood

Firewood may be purchased from the hosts.

Pets

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash.

Picnic Area

Handicap Access

There are a few handicap equipped campsites and the restrooms are.

RV Dump Site

There is a RV dumping station in the campground but it is an additional $10 fee.

Host On-Site

There were at least 3 hosts at the time of our visit.

Nearest Shower

There were showers but were closed due to Covid 19.

Nearest Laundry

Payson, AZ

Garbage Services

Yes there are several dumpsters in the campground.

Recreation

Fishing

There is no fishing at the campground.

Boating

Swimming

Hiking

There are several trails to hike. I have included a link to the hiking trails listed on Tonto National Forest.

Wildlife

White-tail and mule deer, elk and javalina are common in the Tonto National Forest. To learn more about the mammals of this forest checkout this link to Tonto Nationai Forest. In talking with a host I learned they have not had problems with bears for several years but they have had to remove a few rattlesnakes each year.

Fees & Reservations

Fees & Res.

For the current fee schedule or to reserve a campsite use this link to Recreation.gov. Stays are limited to 14 days.

Getting There

I have included this link to a GoogleMap with a route from Pheonix, AZ.

7-Day Forecast

National Weather Service

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This information is accurate as of the date of the review.