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Houston Mesa Campground and Equestrian Sites
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.
Houston Mesa offers shade, privacy and corrals for horses and mules. This recreation area is a favorite among equestrian campers who want to experience the great outdoors with their gentle companions. There are several hiking and horseback riding trails to enjoy nearby the campsite. Families may enjoy time together at designated campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Review At-A-Glance for more details about this sight.
As the fifth 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.
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. Hawks, eagles, javelina, deer, fox, skunk and coyote live in the area.
Recreation: Many visitors come to Houston Mesa to horseback ride, hike, camp and picnic.
Facilities: Houston Mesa has 102 campsites, including 28 equestrian sites for campers with horses or mules, and 29 tent-only sites for those who want a quieter experience. The horse camping section (Mule Deer Loop) is across the street from the main campground and features 28 individual sites with tables & grills, and most having corrals available. Campers who reserve Mule Deer Loop Sites 7 - 18 MUST have horses or mules.
There are two group sites that can host up to 75 people and can be reserved through Recreation.gov.
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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | No firewood sales, no dump station and no shower building. On-site automatic fee machine (no cash or checks accepted). |
|---|---|
| Operational Hours: | Equestrian sites are closed for the season. |
| Reservations: | Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations must be made 3 days ahead of arrival and can be made up to 6 months in advance. |
| Area Amenities: | Toilets: Flush toilets. The showers and dump station are closed. |
| Fees: |
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| Open Season: | April - December |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Payson |
| Water: | Drinking Water |
| Restroom: | The showers and the dump station are closed. |
| Passes: |
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| Information Center: | Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900 |
General Information
Directions:GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
34.27, -111.31417
34°16'12"N, 111°18'51"W
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.
Accessibility:
3 campsites available with accessible features such as a hardened surface & clear, open ground.
Parking:
Second vehicle charge of $8 per night is required if applicable. Fee can be bundled with online reservation or purchased on-site at fee machine.
Activities
Campground Camping
There is a 2 tent maximum for this campground. No hookups.
| No. of Sites | 75 |
| Reservation Info | RESERVABLE UNITS IN EACH LOOP Elk Loop: 2,3,5,6,7,9,13,14,18,20,21,22,23,24 Bear Loop: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26 Mountain Lion Loop: 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,20,21 Mule Deer Loop – 18 sites |
| Fire Information | Campfire rings available. Firewood can be purchases on-site for $7. |
| No. of Accessible sites | 75 |
RV Camping
No hookups.
| No. of Sites | 75 |
| Reservation Info | 25 sites first come, first serve, 50 sites are reservable |
Group Camping
Horse Camping
| Open Season: | February-November |
|---|---|
| Reservation info: | For further information and seasonal reservation information, contact Recreation.gov OR (877) 444-6777. |
| Usage: | Horses are only allowed on campground roads, no forest access. |
Alerts & Warnings
- 03-12-02-24-67 Globe Forest Road 287 Area Closure Order
- 03-12-01-24-66 Wildcat Post Fire Recovery Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-04-24-61_East Webber Geronimo Trails_Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-04-24-04 Colcord Campground Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-03-24-52 Forest Road 287 Area Closure
- 03-12-03-24-47_Boulder Fishing Pier Temporary Closure
- Equestrian Users Please Be Aware
- 03-12-06-24-27 Tonto Creek Crossing Road Closures
- 03-12-03-24-64 Bald Eagle Closure Box Bar Order
- 12-16-5R Roosevelt Lake Seasonal Wildlife Closure
- 03-12-01-24-62 Bartlett Lake Quarry Public Safety Closure
- 03-12-00-23-36 Target Type Restrictions Order
- Amended - Apache Lake Closure - Lower Burnt Corral Campground remains closed
- Bald Eagle Seasonal Closures
- Occupancy and Use Restrictions
- Update on State Route 88 (Apache Trail) - August 18, 2021
- Redmond Fire Road Closure
Location