Campground Overview:
Airplane Flat campground is made of dispersed units and set in an open stand of mature Ponderosa pine. Canyon Creek is known for its trout fishing. Arizona Game & Fish Department Canyon Creek Fish Hatchery has self-guided tours. Wildlife includes: Abert squirrel, black bear, mountain lion, elk, turkey and deer. If you are looking for a remote trip to the woods, look no further.
Campsites:
The campground has about 12 campsites located in a loop. Most campsites have a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. A vault toilet is available but there is no water or trash bins. Come prepared to pack in, pack out all trash. The nearest dumpster is located at Colcord Ridge Campground down FR 33.
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 1/2 miles to the site.
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
Year-Round |
Nearby City: |
Payson |
Fishing: |
Canyon Creek |
Campground Website: |
Airplane Flat Campground |
Campground Map: |
Click Here |
Reservations: |
First-come, first-served basis |
Location: |
Nearby Attractions and Activities:
Canyon Creek, an outstanding high elevation riparian community just under the Mogollon Rim, is a very popular fishing and birding destination. Canyon Creek Hatchery is one of Arizona’s five fish hatcheries and is built at the headwaters that feed into Canyon Creek. In 2000, a large wildfire swept through much of the country surrounding the hatchery, destroying many large trees. After the fire, elk, deer and other wildlife species moved into the area to take advantage of the lush growth that resulted from the burn.
Canyon Creek is an excellent place to view elk, mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, trout, and a wide range of riparian birds, especially during the spring migration. Elk, mule deer, Merriam’s turkey, and Abert’s squirrel can be seen year round; there is a possibility of seeing black bear in summer. In winter and spring, bald eagles may forage at the hatchery show pond. It is not uncommon to see 5-6 eagles at one time. Canyon Creek is home to rainbow and brown trout, and many of the small fish that can be seen from the shore are speckled dace, one of Arizona’s native fish species. Hikers are likely to see terrestrial gartersnakes, canyon treefrogs, or Arizona toads on any warm weather walk along the creek.
Nearby Campgrounds:
Campground full or want to see what’s around? Try one of these campgrounds located nearby
