Airplane Flat Campground
4.2722 reviews1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541
Airplane Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
No fees are required for standard camping. Permit required through the District Office if over 75 people.
About this campground
Nestled beneath towering Ponderosa pines in the heart of Tonto National Forest, Airplane Flat Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape at 6,600 feet elevation. This dispersed camping haven sits alongside the babbling waters of Canyon Creek, where native trout dart through crystal-clear pools. Morning mist often reveals the local residents—curious Abert squirrels chattering from pine branches, wild turkeys strutting through camp, and if you're lucky, glimpses of elk grazing in nearby meadows. Black bears and mountain lions also call this forest home, adding to the wild authenticity of this pristine mountain retreat.
Airplane Flat Campground is a dispersed camping area providing opportunities for tent and small trailer camping. It does not offer cabins, group camping, or luxury camping features.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of Airplane Flat remains shrouded in forest mystery, the land speaks its own ancient story through towering pines that have witnessed centuries of seasons, and Canyon Creek's timeless flow that has carved its path through countless generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Airplane Flat into a cool mountain sanctuary, with long golden hours perfect for fishing and exploring. As autumn arrives, crisp air carries the vanilla scent of pine bark while temperatures begin their descent. Winter brings a dramatic transformation—temperatures can plunge into the teens, and snow blankets the forest floor in pristine white. Heavy winter storms may necessitate four-wheel-drive vehicles or tire chains, turning the journey into part of the adventure. Each season paints this high-country campground with its own distinct palette and personality.
ElevationPerched at 6,600 feet above sea level, Airplane Flat delivers the refreshing mountain air and cooler temperatures that make Arizona's high country a summer refuge. This elevation places campers in the sweet spot of the Ponderosa pine belt, where the air is crisp, the stars shine brilliantly through the thin atmosphere, and summer temperatures remain comfortably cool even when the desert valleys below swelter.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral overhead, their cinnamon-colored bark and long needles filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Canyon Creek meanders alongside the campground, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack while offering prime habitat for native trout. Visitors frequently encounter the forest's charismatic residents—deer browsing at dawn, elk bugling during autumn evenings, and playful chipmunks scampering between campsites. The open pine forest allows filtered sunlight to create an enchanting atmosphere, while maintaining enough canopy to provide welcome shade and that distinctive pine-scented air that defines Arizona's high country.
Geological RegionAirplane Flat rests within the vast expanse of Tonto National Forest, Arizona's largest national forest encompassing nearly three million acres. The campground occupies a special niche in the Ponderosa pine ecosystem, where volcanic soils and mountain watersheds have created ideal conditions for these stately conifers. Canyon Creek, carved through millennia of seasonal flows, has exposed layers of geological history while creating a ribbon of riparian habitat that supports both the renowned trout fishery and the diverse wildlife that makes this corner of the forest so vibrant.
Campsite details
Sites SizeSites vary in size; trailers up to 16 feet are permitted.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is described as relatively secluded with clear markings for individual sites, offering a sense of privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites include fire pits, grills, and picnic tables. Recommendations include arriving early due to limited availability and first-come, first-served policy.
Best CampsitesTrevor Cogsdill mentioned there are 'only like 12 spots available,' suggesting early arrival is necessary.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not mentioned.
Check-out
Not mentioned.
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit mention of guest limits.
Groups
Group camping is not permitted at this site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed layout with clearly marked sites equipped with fire pits, grills, and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: April to October.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform needed.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable, as camping is free and first-come-first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is situated in an area rich in outdoor recreational opportunities, including trout fishing in Canyon Creek, wildlife viewing, and hunting. The nearby creek offers a scenic and tranquil environment for visitors.
Fishing
Canyon Creek is a popular spot for trout fishing. Restrictions apply to certain sections, requiring the use of artificial flies and lures only.Swimming
One user review mentions a 'fun creek to swim in to cool down.' However, no designated swimming areas or safety measures are noted.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to diverse wildlife, including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey, and deer. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings.Winter Activities
Winter camping is possible, but temperatures can dip into the teens. Visitors should be prepared for snow and icy conditions.Water Sports
Water-based activities like swimming and fishing are available, but non-motorized sports such as kayaking are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed in designated fire pits and grills.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include black bears and mountain lions—campers are advised to bear-proof their camp and store food securely.
Active alertsRestrooms are serviced once a week. No potable water available.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in Payson, including the Payson Ranger Station for forest-specific aid.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril to October.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling services. Campers must pack out all trash and dispose of it responsibly.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Canyon Creek, within walking distance from campsites.
Common complaintsSome users noted 'very dusty' roads and unpleasant interactions with a campsite host. Wildlife alarms were also reported to disrupt sleep.
HostMixed reviews on the host. One user described them as 'very rude and disrespectful.'
Campground Map
1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541
Driving directionsAccess #1 - From Payson, travel 33 miles east on Hwy 260. Turn right on Young Road/Forest Road 512 and continue for 3 miles to Forest Road 33. Turn left on FR 33 (unpaved) and travel 4 1/2 miles to the site. Access #2 - From Young, take Hwy 288 (unpaved)/Forest Road 512 north for 23 miles to Forest Road 33. Turn right onto FR 33 and continue for 4 1/2 miles to the site.
Both FR 512 and FR 33 are unpaved roads. Four-wheel-drive or chains are advised after heavy rains or snow.Nearby places
Payson (33 miles, approx. 45 minutes), Young (23 miles, approx. 35-40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Payson, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.3
22 reviews
Airplane Flat Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and seclusion. However, some visitors noted challenges such as dusty conditions, rude campsite hosts, and occasional noise disturbances from neighboring campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 22 reviews
What Campers Love
Commonly praised features include the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Canyon Creek, clean restroom facilities, and a generally peaceful, secluded atmosphere. 'Beautiful campground. Free but...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback highlights a rude campsite host, dusty road conditions, and disturbances like generator noise and barking dogs from other campers.
Based on 22 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend arriving early to secure one of the limited campsites, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Bringing sufficient water or purification methods is...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and are particularly enjoyable for outdoor activities like fishing and wildlife observation. Summers can be warm, with visitors appreciating the creek for...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'This camp is so much fun. It is a long drive and secluded. We went and we were the only people in the whole place!' - Ashleigh Draper
- 'The campground is nice! It’s clean and well kept. The...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers or differentiated areas aren't provided, but reviewers mention that each site is equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. The campground has roughly 12 sites, and...
Based on 22 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility features are not explicitly reviewed, but the campground's dispersed layout and lack of paved roads may pose challenges for visitors with mobility issues.
Based on 22 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences are not detailed in the reviews.
Based on 22 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025