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.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until September 1 at 12:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flood Watch issued August 29 at 10:19PM MST until August 30 at 5:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Yavapai and northern Gila counties. * WHEN...Until 5 AM MST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, and swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Low-water crossings could also become flooded, which would create deadly travel conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Thunderstorms will continue through this afternoon and into the overnight hours. With deep monsoonal moisture in place, any stronger storm will have the potential to produce heavy rainfall and cause flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
Flash Flood Warning issued August 29 at 9:42PM MST until August 29 at 11:45PM MST by NWS Phoenix AZ
At 942 PM MST, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.5 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing. HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Globe, Miami, Central Heights-Midland City, Claypool and Cutter.
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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