Airplane Flat Campground
Open seasonally from April through October. Currently open as of mid-May. Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect forest-wide as of May 15, 2026. No reservations required; first-come, first-served. 14-day stay limit.
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 device in effective working order.
Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…
Mesquite Campground Post Fire Recovery Closure for Public Health & Safety
Mesquite Campground closed due to post fire recovery.
Roosevelt Lake, Cottonwood Cove Area Closure for Public Health and Safety
Cottonwood Cove in Roosevelt Lake closed. Picnic site still open.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order
Stage 1 Fires Restrictions and Emergency Recreational Shooting Order effective May 15, 2026 at 8 a.m.
Vehicle Restrictions in Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River Permit Area
Motor vehicles are prohibited in the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River area.
Upper & Lower Tonto Creek Campgrounds and Horton Creek Trailhead Parking Area Temp. Closure Order
Due to the construction of a new Tonto Creek bridge Upper and Lower Creek Campgrounds are closed until construction is completed. Additionally, Horton Creek Trailhead parking area is closed until construction is completed. An alternate route to Horton Creek Trail will be available from Derrick…
Pinto Valley Mine Blasting Area Closure - Extension for Public Health & Safety
Due to blasting in the Pinto Valley Mine area on the Globe Ranger District areas near the mine are closed for public safety.
Box Bar Seasonal Eagle Closure
December 1, 2024, at 12 p.m. and will remain in effect seasonally each year from December 1 through June 30, until June 30, 2026, at 12 p.m.
Fossil Creek Non-Permit Seasonal Camping, Fire and Glass Prohibition (October 2- March 31)
Details below.
Fossil Creek Prohibitions and FR 708 Closure During Permit Season (April 1–October 1)
Please refer to the Coconino National Forest website for information regarding the closure of Forest Road (FR) 708, parking restrictions, and prohibitions on glass containers, camping, and campfires at the Fossil Creek Wild & Scenic River during permit season from April 1-October 1. The four-mile…
About
Airplane Flat Campground is a free primitive camping area located in the Tonto National Forest at an elevation where mature Ponderosa pines provide shade and a classic Arizona high-country atmosphere. The campground offers dispersed-style camping with no designated units, giving campers flexibility in choosing their spot. Basic amenities include vault toilets serviced weekly and picnic tables, but there is no potable water, trash service, or hookups. Canyon Creek flows nearby and is a popular destination for trout fishing, though the section south of OW Ranch is restricted to artificial flies and lures only. The surrounding forest supports diverse wildlife including Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, wild turkey, and mule deer. The area is best suited for tent camping and small trailers under 16 feet. Access requires travel on unpaved Forest Roads 512 and 33, which can be challenging after heavy rain or snow. Four-wheel-drive or chains are advised in adverse conditions. The campground operates seasonally from April through October and observes quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. with a 14-day stay limit.
Directions
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 4.5 miles to the site. Alternatively, from Young, take Hwy 288 (unpaved)/Forest Road 512 north for 23 miles to Forest Road 33, then turn right and continue 4.5 miles to the site. Both FR 512 and FR 33 are unpaved; four-wheel-drive or chains advised after heavy rain or snow.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | 16ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (928) 474-7900 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Airplane Flat Campground | |
| Tonto NF Alerts |
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