Airport Flat Campground

Star4.34
57 reviews

Quick Facts

5,400 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Eldorado National Forest - U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Airport Flat Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free of charge and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are required.
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
530-644-2324
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What Campers Say

4.34

Recommended

Based on 57 reviews

51 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulspacioussites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's affordability, peaceful setting, and basic amenities. However, some issues with overcrowding during weekends are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Airport Flat Campground

38.9853, -120.3804

Driving directionsFrom Placerville, take Highway 50 east for 23 miles, then head 24 miles north on Ice House Road (Forest Road 3) followed by 3 miles north on Forest Road 33.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, making it suitable for all vehicle types, with gravel paths leading to each campsite.
Nearby places
Placerville, CA - 23 miles away
Sacramento, CA - 63 miles away
South Lake Tahoe, CA - approximately 65 miles away.
Nearby supplies
Placerville, CA - 23 miles away is likely the closest source for groceries, camping supplies, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Airport Flat Campground

Summer transforms Airport Flat into a high-country haven where daytime temperatures dance in the low 90s before dropping to a refreshing 60 degrees once the sun dips behind the pines – perfect for campfire conversations and sleeping under the stars. When winter arrives, the landscape shifts dramatically as cold Pacific storms sweep through, painting the forest in shades of gray and green while delivering the moisture these ancient trees depend upon.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular in summer; warm days and cool nights; reviews praise summer visits despite crowds.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall is likely pleasant and quieter, though pines limit fall color displays.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers wading and forest exploration; stream flows likely higher.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but no winter facilities noted; winter use and snowfall are unspecified.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Year-round availability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

About Airport Flat Campground

Nestled deep within the Eldorado National Forest, Airport Flat Campground offers an authentic escape into California's wilderness without the price tag. This hidden gem welcomes adventurers on a first-come, first-served basis across 15 thoughtfully spaced individual sites and one expansive group area. Towering pines create a natural cathedral overhead, while modern conveniences like bear-proof storage boxes, sturdy picnic tables, and clean vault toilets ensure comfort meets conservation. Generations of campers have discovered what makes this place special: generous sites that give you room to breathe, a profound quietude broken only by birdsong and wind through the trees, and that rare feeling of having stumbled upon your own private corner of the forest.
Airport Flat Campground offers primitive, first-come, first-served camping for both groups and individuals.
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Stay Limit
14 days maximum per stay.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides a serene environment for relaxation, with opportunities for wading in a nearby stream and exploring the surrounding forest.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingA small stream near the campground offers limited wading and trout fishing opportunities.
Wildlife viewingThe dense pine forest provides opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear-proof storage is provided due to the frequent presence of bears in the area. Caution is advised while wading in the nearby stream due to seasonal water levels.
Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions may apply.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredEach campsite is equipped with bear-proof storage lockers to ensure safe storage of food and scented items.

Weather at Airport Flat Campground

Reviews

4.3
57 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Airport Flat Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's affordability, peaceful setting, and basic amenities. However, some issues with overcrowding during weekends are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 57 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the large, spacious sites, the peaceful and quiet atmosphere, and the availability of basic amenities such as picnic tables and bear boxes. The campground's free status is frequently...
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Based on 57 reviews

Common Concerns

Weekend overcrowding, noise from large groups, and lack of maintenance (e.g., trash left by previous campers) were common complaints. Some reviewers also noted the degradation of the campground's...
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Based on 57 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting on weekdays for a quieter experience, bringing plenty of water, and being prepared for dry camping without running water or electricity.
Based on 57 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are popular due to warm, dry weather with highs in the 90s and lows around 60°F. However, weekends are busier during this season.
Based on 57 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsites are large and have multiple family sites." - Michael Littman. "Very peaceful place full of pine trees." - NomadShabs. "Bring your own water, no camp host, but it's first come-first...
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Based on 57 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 was noted for having limited shade, but overall, sites are praised for being spacious and accommodating.
Based on 57 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were available.
Based on 57 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and no significant issues were noted by reviewers regarding bringing pets.
Based on 57 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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