Aeroplane Mesa Campground
01 review5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830
Quick Facts
7,984 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Quick Facts
7,984 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
3 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
Aeroplane Mesa Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Aeroplane Mesa Campground does not charge fees for use.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
Provider575-388-8201
What Campers Say
N/A
Limited Reviews
Based on 1 reviews
3 Google reviews
Most mentioned
quiet
"User reviews highlight the campground's minimal facilities and challenging access due to the rough roads."
Fees & Passes at Aeroplane Mesa Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: 14 consecutive days.
Cancellation: Not applicable as reservations are not available.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gila National Forest Supervisors Office website.
Best Time to Camp at Aeroplane Mesa Campground
At nearly 8,000 feet, Aeroplane Mesa's weather tells dramatic stories throughout the year. Mountain weather here shifts with theatrical flair—morning sunshine can give way to afternoon thunderheads in minutes, while summer's warmth surrenders to winter's crystalline cold. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers for every adventure, as temperatures can swing dramatically even within a single day. Summer brings refreshing mountain breezes and occasional afternoon showers that paint rainbows across the sky, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland that tests the mettle of cold-weather campers.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: None currently noted.
About Aeroplane Mesa Campground
Perched high in the wilderness, Aeroplane Mesa Campground beckons adventurers seeking solitude and untamed beauty. This remote sanctuary spreads across park-like meadows where native grasses dance between towering trees, creating an ideal basecamp for those drawn to explore the backcountry on foot or horseback. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the rhythms of nature and the promise of trails leading deep into pristine wilderness.
Aeroplane Mesa Campground is a primitive campground with minimal facilities. It does not charge any fees and is ideal for tent camping.
Historical SignificanceNo historical or cultural significance is noted.
Weather and SeasonsAt nearly 8,000 feet, Aeroplane Mesa's weather tells dramatic stories throughout the year. Mountain weather here shifts with theatrical flair—morning sunshine can give way to afternoon thunderheads in minutes, while summer's warmth surrenders to winter's crystalline cold. Seasoned visitors know to pack layers for every adventure, as temperatures can swing dramatically even within a single day. Summer brings refreshing mountain breezes and occasional afternoon showers that paint rainbows across the sky, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland that tests the mettle of cold-weather campers.
ElevationAt 7,984 feet above sea level, Aeroplane Mesa Campground sits in that sweet spot where the air grows thin and crisp, offering visitors a true high-country experience. This lofty perch brings cooler temperatures year-round, starlit nights that seem close enough to touch, and the invigorating challenge of altitude that reminds you you're camping in the clouds.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the vast expanse of Gila National Forest, Aeroplane Mesa unfolds like nature's own amphitheater. Open meadows flow seamlessly into groves of stately trees, creating a mosaic of sun-dappled clearings and shaded retreats. This peaceful tableau invites quiet contemplation—whether watching morning mist rise from the grasslands or listening to the evening chorus of forest creatures settling in for the night. The landscape here whispers rather than shouts, offering a serene natural atmosphere that soothes the soul.
Geological RegionAeroplane Mesa rests within the remarkable tapestry of the Gila National Forest, where rolling grasslands meet forest groves in a harmonious blend unique to this region. The terrain tells the story of ancient geological forces that shaped these park-like meadows and gentle slopes, creating an accessible yet wild landscape where trees stand like sentinels watching over seas of waving grass. This distinctive ecosystem represents the diverse character of the Gila, where multiple habitats converge to create a camping experience unlike any other.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in any of the sources.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as relatively open and consists of 3 to 4 campsites, as per a user review.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information about the privacy of campsites is available.
Total Campsites3 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLimited capacity with only 3 to 4 campsites available.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The campground has limited capacity with only 3 or 4 spots.
Groups
Group camping is not mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has limited capacity, reported to have only 3 or 4 sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable as reservations are not available.
Activities you can enjoy
This campground offers access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. It is also popular among hunters.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include day hikes and backpacking. The campground provides access to wilderness areas.Biking
Mountain biking is listed as a recreational activity available at this campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is listed as an activity, but specific details about species or areas are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described in the authoritative sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsQuick and drastic temperature changes pose a potential risk. The roads leading to the campground are described as long and very rough by user reviews.
Active alertsNone currently noted.
Weather at Aeroplane Mesa Campground
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Reserve Ranger District (5 Smokey Bear Circle, Reserve, NM 87830), Phone: (575) 533-6232.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground lies near Snow Lake.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention the rough and long roads leading to the campground.
HostNo campground host is mentioned.
Campground Map
5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830
Driving directionsFrom Reserve, follow New Mexico Highway 435 south to Forest Road 141 for about 34 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 28 for approximately 11 miles to Forest Road 142. Turn left onto Forest Road 142 and proceed approximately 10.2 miles, past Snow Lake, to the campground.
Forest Road 141 was paved at one time. Currently, it has many potholes. Drivers are advised to slow down before entering corners, especially where there is gravel on the paved road surface. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026.Nearby places
Reserve: approximately 55.2 miles, estimated travel time not provided.
Nearby supplies
Reserve is the closest town and offers all common amenities, including groceries.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
1 reviews
Aeroplane Mesa Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's minimal facilities and challenging access due to the rough roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
One user review mentions the campground as a 'nice little campground,' emphasizing its suitability for a quiet and simple camping experience.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The access road is described as 'LONG and VERY ROUGH' by a user review.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers should be prepared for rough roads and bring their own potable water.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific trends are provided in the user reviews, but the campground is open year-round.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Nice little campground but only 3 or 4 camp spots. The road getting in there is LONG and VERY ROUGH.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
A user review highlights the limited number of campsites (3 to 4) but does not specify details about individual sites.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed as per authoritative sources. No additional comments from pet owners are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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