If you've ever heard of Houston Mesa Rd. it is located just off of Hwy 87 just as you pass through Payson, AZ to the right. If you have ever traveled through the beautiful mogollon rim up near Payson, you will be in for a treat when you travel this somewhat unknown but well traveled road. Just as you turn east on HMR,soon you will see the HM campground. This delightful campground has many camp sites,showers,flush toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water. The good news is, that it accepts reservations, the bad news is, there are no hookups. The next site you will encounter is the Shoofly Ruins. This is an ancient Indian dwelling that existed around 1000 to 1250 a.d. All that is left are a few broken down walls which has the appearance of a cluster of rocks. This is a self guided area, and is quite beautiful. Stop in, read the interpretive signs and make an experience of it. The next encounter you will find along HMR, is Water Wheel Campsite. Unfortunately due to a man made fire, this site is currently closed. Traveling forward along HMR FR199,venture on to FR64 until you meet up with a quaint little town called whispering Pines. If you continue on and drive onto FR32, you will enter Washington Park. When traveling along WP you will see many areas where you can disperse camp. At the end of the road, you will meet up with a couple of hiking spots like the Highline Trail, and Colonel Devin Trail. Not far from these trail heads, is where we set up camp. The spaces are large enough for RVs. Just behind us is what I believe is the Bonita Creek. We spent a lot of time down there and hiking through it. The dogs just loved it. Much to our delight, we found blackberry bushes all along the river. They were so delicious.The surrounding pine trees are enormous and some are believed to be over 200 years old. Don't just take my word for it, please get out and explore what nature has provided. Arizona is full of some spectacular places. Remember to always pack out what you pack in. Leave as little impact as possible, and never destroy wildlife. We are here as a guest. Happy traveling and camping everyone.
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