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 July 20 at 12:38PM MST until July 21 at 10:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, northeast, and west central Arizona, including the following areas, in east central Arizona, Northern Gila County. In north central Arizona, Black Mesa Area, Coconino Plateau, Eastern Mogollon Rim, Grand Canyon Country, Kaibab Plateau, Little Colorado River Valley in Coconino County, Marble and Glen Canyons, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas Hwy 264 Northward, Northeast Plateaus and Mesas South of Hwy 264 and Western Mogollon Rim. In northeast Arizona, Little Colorado River Valley in Apache County, Little Colorado River Valley in Navajo County and White Mountains. In west central Arizona, Yavapai County Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding will be possible in creeks, normally dry washes, swimming holes, and over recently burned areas. Raging killer currents will be possible in side canyons and narrow slot canyons. Low-water crossings may be flooded. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Deep monsoon moisture in place across northern Arizona will lead to storms capable of producing rainfall in excess of 2 inches per hour, resulting in an enhanced risk of flash flooding. - Additional information is available at weather.gov/flagstaff.
No Fire Restrictions
There are currently no fire restrictions on the Tonto National Forest.
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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