AEROPLANE MESA
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees. No potable water available. Limited to 14 consecutive days.
Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions
To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the s
Small Business Timber Sale 5-year Recomputation
Under provisions of the Small Business Timber Sale Program, Forest Service and Small Business Administration (SBA) policies provide for recomputation of the small business share of National Forest timber sale offerings every five years.
Quemado Lake Closure
Quemado Lake and nearby recreation areas are closed due to harmful algal blooms. See full alert for more information.
Harmful algae detected in Quemado and Snow lakes
The New Mexico Environment Department is warning visitors to use caution at Quemado Lake, Snow Lake, and Hopewell Lake due to the formation of harmful algae blooms.
Gila National Forest to begin prescribed fires
Gila National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this fall, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the spring as weather conditions allow.
About
Located at 7,984 feet elevation in Gila National Forest, Aeroplane Mesa Campground provides access to the northern portion of the Gila Wilderness. The campground features just 3 sites in a relatively open, park-like setting with grass interspersed with trees. The Aeroplane Mesa Trail #705 begins at the campground, offering a 3.8-mile route to the Middle Fork Trail 157 and Middle Fork Gila River. This remote campground is popular with wilderness hikers and hunters. The closest town, Reserve, is about 34 miles away and offers all common amenities. Access requires traveling a combination of paved and forest roads, including the deteriorating Forest Road 141, which has numerous potholes requiring careful navigation. A resurfacing project is expected in 2026. The campground operates first-come, first-served with no fees. Basic amenities include vault toilets, but no potable water is available. Campers must bring adequate water supplies. Horses and pack animals are not permitted in the campground itself, though the area is popular with horseback riders accessing wilderness trails. A 14-day stay limit applies, and pets must be leashed.
Directions
From 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. Note: Forest Road 141 has numerous potholes and requires careful driving, especially on corners with gravel.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (575) 533-6232 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Aeroplane Mesa #705 Trailhead |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!