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Airplane Flat Campground

3 ReviewsAdd Review

Anglers and families looking for creek access will find Airplane Flat Campground positioned along Lower Canyon Creek in the high country of Tonto National Forest. The Forest Service maintains this drive-in facility with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings across multiple first-come, first-served sites spread through open terrain. RVs up to 16 feet can access the campground, though the dusty, well-worn ground shows heavy use over time.

A short walk leads to Lower Canyon Creek's cold waters, where trout fishing follows specific regulations—catch and release only south of the bridge using barbless lures. Campers can gather firewood on-site and typically encounter a camp host during peak season. For additional options, see places to camp near Forest Lakes.

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Location

Public Campground

Airplane Flat Campground is located in Arizona

Detail location of campground

Directions

Access #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. Click Here For Map.

Coordinates

34.28352719 N
110.80983018 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time

Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the spacious dispersed sites and basic amenities like vault toilets and fire rings. Some noted dusty ground conditions, but most found it a great area with plenty of room and nearby fishing opportunities.

Andy K.
Reviewed May. 21, 2021

Good spot

Had a nice time here with the family.  The spots are spaced out decently.

Month of VisitJuly
Gerard R.
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Walking distance to the creek!

Great dispersed campsite. Can’t remember how many sites but there are quite a few. Vaulted toilets are available, picnic tables and fire rings. First come first served. There is a camp host usually... not sure why? Plenty of firewood to gather. We went in July and it was upper 80’s during the day, perfect at night for a fire. Short walk to Lower Canyon Creek where the waters were icy cold. Great trout fishing - north of the bridge, catch and release only south of the bridge with barbless lures only. Only downside is the dusty ground- It’s time they move the sites because they are well worn.

Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about the experience at Airplane Flats Campground?

Visitors consistently report positive experiences at Airplane Flats Campground. Families particularly enjoy the campground's layout and atmosphere. Campers appreciate the decent spacing between sites that provides a good balance of privacy while maintaining a camping community feel. The area receives high marks for its spaciousness and natural setting. Overall satisfaction is strong, with guests noting they had enjoyable stays and rating their experiences favorably. The nearby fish hatchery is mentioned as an interesting local attraction worth visiting during your stay.

What do photos reveal about Airplane Flats Campground's setting and campsites?

Airplane Flats Campground features a spacious natural setting with well-spaced campsites scattered throughout the area. The campground offers plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy some privacy. The surrounding area provides natural shade and opportunities to gather firewood. The campground's layout accommodates families well, with enough space between sites to maintain a sense of seclusion while enjoying the outdoor experience. Weather conditions in summer can reach the upper 80s during daytime hours.

What facilities and amenities are available at Airplane Flats Campground?

Airplane Flats Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site. A camp host is typically on-site to assist visitors. The campground is considered a dispersed camping area with multiple sites available. There's abundant firewood to gather in the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include a fish hatchery that visitors can explore. For the most current information about facilities and seasonal availability, contact the managing agency before your trip.

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