CampgroundsDB

Airplane Flat

Its sites are first-come, first-served (no reservations), camping is free, and it is open from April to October. Airplane Flat is a National Forest campground near Payson, Arizona.

First-come, first-served

National Forest · Payson, Arizona

Managed by
National Forest
Max RV length
16 ft

Airplane Flat sits inside Tonto National Forest. Its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com. It sits 0.8 miles outside the boundary of Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests; its dispersed-camping rule, ranger offices, and boundary are on publiclandsdb.com.

Canyon Creek: Canyon Creek beside the campground is known for its trout fishing; south of OW Ranch it is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. (fs.usda.gov)

Getting a site

Managed by
National Forest
Reservations
None, first-come
Fee
Free

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Sites and hookups

Max RV length
16 ft
  • ✓ Toilets
  • ✕ Potable water

On site: Toilets. No potable water.

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Rules

Stay limit
14 days
Quiet hours
10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
Generators
Allowed outside quiet hours

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Access and cell service

Elevation
6,600 ft

34.2826, -110.8080 in Gila. Open in OpenStreetMap. Map © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Open in Google Maps Directions

Season and winter services

Airplane Flat is open from April to October , at 6,600 ft.

Sources: apps.fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-28; fs.usda.gov, accessed 2026-09-29

Common questions

Do you need a reservation at Airplane Flat?
No. Airplane Flat is first-come, first-served: there is no reservation system, so arrive early to claim an open site.
How much does it cost to camp at Airplane Flat?
Camping at Airplane Flat is free.
Is there drinking water at Airplane Flat?
No. Airplane Flat has no potable water, so bring all the water you need.
When is Airplane Flat open?
Airplane Flat is open from April to October.
How long can you stay at Airplane Flat?
The stay limit at Airplane Flat is 14 days.
Are generators allowed at Airplane Flat?
Yes, outside quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.).
Is there cell service at Airplane Flat?
Probably not: the FCC's National Broadband Map (data as of December 31, 2025) shows no 4G LTE or 5G from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon at or within about half a mile of Airplane Flat. The FCC map only includes 4G LTE at 5/1 Mbps or better and 5G; a weaker signal, a text, or an emergency call may still get through, but don't count on it.
Who manages Airplane Flat?
Airplane Flat is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Around Airplane Flat

reservoirfinder.com · 29 miles

C.C. Cragin Reservoir's mapped center point is 29 miles from Airplane Flat in a straight line. Current water level: C.C. Cragin Reservoir water level on reservoirfinder.com.

Waterfalls nearby

swimholesmap.com · within 30 miles

The nearest waterfall to Airplane Flat, in a straight line: Waterwheel Falls (waterfall, 28 miles). Each has its own page on swimholesmap.com.

First-come Upper Canyon Creek Payson · National Forest Season April 1 to November 1 Fee Free First-come Colcord Ridge Payson · National Forest Season Year-round Fee Free Reservable Canyon Point Campground Payson · National Forest Season Not on record Fee Single Site: $38 per night (up to 8 people and 1 vehicle) First-come Fr 171 Forest Lakes · National Forest Season May 1 to November Fee Free

More campgrounds: camping near Payson and campgrounds in Gila.

Sources

First-come, first-served Free
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