Aeroplane Mesa Campground

5 reviews

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Quick Facts

7,984 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest Supervisors Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,984 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Gila National Forest Supervisors Office site

Official Website

Get Directions

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

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USFS

Provider

575-388-8201

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 5 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews highlight the campground's minimal facilities and challenging access due to the rough roads."

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Campground Map

5 Smokey Bear Circle, P.O. Box 170, Reserve, NM 87830

Aeroplane Mesa Campground

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.

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.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for day hikes/backpacking; high-altitude afternoons may bring thunderstorms.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open year-round; fall likely pleasant though no explicit seasonal notes provided.

Spring(Mar-May)

2.5 / 5

High-elevation spring weather is variable; campground is open year-round but conditions may be muddy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Nearly 8,000 ft with dramatic mountain weather and rough access; winter conditions may limit use.

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.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground has limited capacity, reported to have only 3 or 4 sites.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned in any of the sources.

Site SizeThe campground is described as relatively open and consists of 3 to 4 campsites, as per a user review.

PrivacyNo detailed information about the privacy of campsites is available.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesLimited capacity with only 3 to 4 campsites available.

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers access to hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing. It is also popular among hunters.

HikingHiking opportunities include day hikes and backpacking. The campground provides access to wilderness areas.

BikingMountain biking is listed as a recreational activity available at this campground.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is listed as an activity, but specific details about species or areas are not provided.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsQuick 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.

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

Weather at Aeroplane Mesa Campground

Reviews

0.0

5 reviews

Limited 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 5 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 5 reviews

Common Concerns

The access road is described as 'LONG and VERY ROUGH' by a user review.

Based on 5 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Future campers should be prepared for rough roads and bring their own potable water.

Based on 5 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific trends are provided in the user reviews, but the campground is open year-round.

Based on 5 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Nice little campground but only 3 or 4 camp spots. The road getting in there is LONG and VERY ROUGH.'

Based on 5 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

A user review highlights the limited number of campsites (3 to 4) but does not specify details about individual sites.

Based on 5 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the reviews.

Based on 5 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed as per authoritative sources. No additional comments from pet owners are provided.

Based on 5 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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