Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

WiFi

Cable TV

Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Houston Mesa Campground serves as a serene gateway to the <strong>Tonto National Forest</strong>, offering a refreshing escape from the desert heat. Located just north of Payson at an elevation of 5,200 feet, this facility provides an authentic forest experience characterized by its stands of juniper and pinyon pine. It is a well-maintained Forest Service site that prioritizes a connection with nature over the bells and whistles of modern resorts, making it a favorite for those seeking peace and quiet.</p>
<h2>Location & Surroundings</h2>
<p>The campground is perfectly situated in the <strong>Mogollon Rim country</strong>, where the high desert transitions into lush mountain forests. Its proximity to Highway 87 makes it easily accessible for RVers traveling from the Phoenix valley. Despite its closeness to the main road, the park offers a deep sense of seclusion, surrounded by rugged terrain and the distinct, earthy scent of the <strong>Arizona backcountry</strong>.</p>
<h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2>
<p>While this is a rustic destination, it caters well to RV travelers. The park features <strong>paved spurs</strong> that can accommodate rigs of various sizes, with some loops specifically designed for larger units. Facilities include:
<ul>
<li><strong>Vault toilets</strong> and seasonal pressurized water stations.</li>
<li>Large picnic tables and sturdy fire rings at every site.</li>
<li>On-site camp hosts to assist with navigation and local information.</li>
</ul>
Note that there are <strong>no hookups</strong> available, so visitors should arrive with full fresh water tanks and prepared for dry camping.</p>
<h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2>
<p>Outdoor recreation is the primary draw here. Hikers can enjoy the <strong>Houston Mesa Interpretive Trail</strong>, which is easily accessible from the campsites. A short drive leads to the stunning <strong>Tonto Natural Bridge State Park</strong>, home to one of the largest natural travertine bridges in the world. Additionally, the nearby town of Payson offers convenient access to local dining and supply runs between adventures.</p>
<h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2>
<p>This campground is ideal for <strong>boondockers and nature lovers</strong> who prefer quiet evenings under a dark, star-filled sky over paved resort amenities. It is a fantastic choice for families looking to introduce children to the Great Outdoors or for RVers seeking a <strong>cooler mountain retreat</strong> during the blistering Arizona summer months. If you value privacy, easy access to hiking, and a genuine forest atmosphere, this is a must-visit destination for your next road trip.</p>



Tonto Houston Mesa Campground is located in the Tonto National Forest near Payson, Arizona. The campground is situated in a scenic area surrounded by tall ponderosa pines and offers a variety of recreational activities. The campground has a total of 24 sites, all of which are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. There are also two group sites available for larger groups. Amenities at the campground include drinking water, vault toilets, and a dump station. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and biking in the area, as well as exploring the nearby Tonto Natural Bridge State Park.

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Tonto/Houston Mesa Campground

Plan your stay at Houston Mesa Campground in Payson, AZ. Enjoy rustic RV camping in Tonto National Forest near the Mogollon Rim and Tonto Natural Bridge.

Houston Mesa Campground | Payson, AZ RV Camping

Nice bathrooms and good water. The showers were closed but id attribute that to the government shutdown and wouldn’t ding the campground for that!

There was a lot of ants at campground 70 and also the showers weren’t working. The only reason I paid to be at this camp or even wanted to be at this camp was because of the shower. Do not go here. It’s a normal camp you’re gonna pay $60 Elyse don’t go here just cause you think there’s a shower. There’s no shower. It was an OK campground I did like the bathroomsbut yeah there was ants and no shower so they really should be updating that and they really shouldn’t be charging extra for your shower. I don’t know at least take down the shower information.

I drove all the way to Payson to stay here as I had 5 years ago.. they might as well close the whole campground!! $29 a night to park your rig..showers closed, no lights, no trash bins, no soap in the bathroom, the locks on the bathroom doors don't even lock!! I don't know who collects the $29 but that's just called robbery! I pulled into the handicap #18 spot..and woke up in the blistering sun.. that campground used to be awesome..now it's a dark parking lot.. no wonder the host works there..they don't have to do ANYTHING! Don't waste your time or gas!!! Super disappointed!!

Nice wooded campsites, well maintained with showers and
very close to town.
Fee $29, but I paid $14.50 with my senior America the Beautiful pass. Good spot for passing through. Close to Flowing springs Day use area. Very peaceful and yes I can hear the traffic, but I definitely can't see it!

Stayed there twice and was attacked by spider mites both times. Will not return for that reason. Tried two different sites to see if it was just that site but mites were there too. The park in itself in nice, the sites are fine, location is great, but these creatures were too much. Stay at your own risk. Wished someone would have warned me!

Location was beautiful. There was some road noise but not to bad. Elk wondered thru the camp ground. Now the bad: bathrooms where absolutely disgusting(seems all they did was put toilet paper in there never cleaned them up) doors hanging off the hinges, no water pressure. The showers are out of order. Some of the doors have no locks on them. Then people just randomly walk thru your camp site and stand and stare at you. Dogs run around on with out leashes on.  Our camp site was covered in trash when we checked in and dog poop all over. The second night we where there a massive tree fell less then 5 feet from our tent(that was a interesting night) and bees galore as well as yellow jackets. Camp host were nice, but never really seen.

Site 75 on the mountain lion loop.  It was a very short walk to a restroom with running water, flush toilets, no soap. Showers were out of order and apparently have been for quite some time.  An elk and her baby walked right past me through my site in the morning, which was the highlight of my visit.  YES, there is road noise.  That’s because this campground is tucked between two highways.  It seemed to get very quiet in the night.     I camped on a weeknight and was not bothered by noise from other campers, although they were quite near to my site.    The camp host  stopped by to check on me, and it’s clear that he cares about his job, and the conditions of the campground. My site had some trash such as water bottle caps, but  I don’t blame the host for that in the least.  It’s a shame that some campers are so disrespectful that they leave their trash for others.  Perfect cell service with Verizon.

Wonderful campground.  Very well maintained and managed. Beautiful area with shade trees and 20 degrees cooler than Tucson & Phoenix!  Friendly staff and I especially enjoyed my conversations with fellow campers. 🙂

We had a two night stay and had to leave early because a large group of other tent campers did not follow the rules. Stayed up past 1AM being very loud. I am not exaggerating when saying they were YELLING throughout the night. Quiet hours are 10pm-6am. Especially in the tent only section, it's VERY hard to block out screaming. The next night I told the camp host (who was very sweet and did her best) about the situation. To her credit, she apologized and said she'd immediately go talk to them. The next day, they started at it around 7am -- it was past quiet hours, so OK. Then by 9AM they were playing music VERY loud. Every tent site in the camp could hear. Unfortunately, the Camp Host is way at the front of the campground, so she didn't know. I walked up there and told her about the situation. She again apologized and said she'd go talk to them right away. They turned the music off for about 15 minutes and then started up again. It's my understanding that the hosts make very little / are volunteers, so I didn't want to bother her again. It's just SO disappointing to drive all that day to spend time in nature only to have it be ruined by some inconsiderate yahoos.
Two stars for the efforts of the Camp Host and the fact that when we walked around the park, the non-tent exclusive areas seemed very quiet / people who were minding the rules. Maybe if we try it again, we'll just stay on that side.

A very well maintained campground. There are a few camper-ready loops with numerous sites. Some are pull through,  some are back in. There's also a loop of tent only sites.

Only complaint is the closeness to the highway, but it quiets right down at night.

Very impressed with this campground. It is very clean, accessible, and close to stores. Verizon Wireless data struggled at 4G 2 bars but TMobile was fine at 5G 3 bars. Lots of space between sites. Lots of room for the kids to run and play. Good bathrooms and showers. Plenty of space to turn around a 38 foot travel trailer. No hook ups so bring a generator. The grounds do have a dump station but it was out of service during our trip in Feb. Temps got down to 24 degrees followed by 6+ inches of snow the week after we departed. The hosts were very nice and informative but be sure to park on asphalt and not have too many vehicles. Put your food away or you will invite creatures of the night. Dogs were welcomed but must remain on a leash. Be sure to pick up all your trash or you will get a $250 fine. Quiet time at 10pm, we didn't hear anyone around us as there were several sites unoccupied. Lots of stars in the clear sky and many trails to explore on the side by side. Will be back again.

Nice camping spot close to Tonto Natural Bridge. Easy access. Only problem was how close it was to the road. We heard cars passing all night. The camp keeper was very nice about our payment and helped us get change.

Reviews

Tonto/Houston Mesa Campground

User Reviews