Airplane Flat Campground

Star4.24
98 reviews
1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Quick Facts

6,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open season: April t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Payson Ranger District site

Official Website
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Airplane Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for standard camping. Permit required through the District Office if over 75 people.
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

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Provider
(928) 474-7900
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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 98 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulclean

Some mention

dusty

"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."

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Campground Map

1009 E. Highway 260, Payson, AZ 85541

Airplane Flat Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Airplane Flat Campground

Summer 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is a cool mountain refuge; visitors use the creek to cool down and fish.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in AZ

Autumn noted for crisp air, pine scent and excellent fishing/wildlife viewing.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers moderate temps and enjoyable fishing and wildlife viewing according to reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Open season April–October; winter use/conditions not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April to October.
  • Current Alerts: Restrooms are serviced once a week. No potable water available.

About Airplane Flat 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not mentioned.
Check-out
Not mentioned.
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit.

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.
FishingCanyon Creek is a popular spot for trout fishing. Restrictions apply to certain sections, requiring the use of artificial flies and lures only.
SwimmingOne user review mentions a 'fun creek to swim in to cool down.' However, no designated swimming areas or safety measures are noted.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to diverse wildlife, including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey, and deer. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential 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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Airplane Flat Campground

Reviews

4.2
98 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 98 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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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 98 reviews

Pro 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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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...
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Based on 98 reviews

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 98 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and experiences are not detailed in the reviews.
Based on 98 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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