Campground Overview:
Tucked into a grove of mature ponderosa pines, Airplane Flat Campground offers a rustic, remote retreat along Arizona’s Mogollon Rim. Just a short drive from Payson, the campground sits near Canyon Creek — a trout-filled stream perfect for fishing and wildlife watching.
Expect peace, quiet, and no cell service. It’s a true off-grid experience.
Campsites:
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Number of Sites: 12
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Site Type: Loop, dispersed units
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Amenities: Picnic table, grill, fire ring at most sites
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Facilities: Vault toilet only — no water or trash services
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Trash: Pack it in, pack it out (nearest dumpster at Colcord Ridge Campground)
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Access: Dirt road (FR 33); may require high clearance in wet conditions
Campground at a Glance
Level: |
Semi-Developed |
Season: |
April to October |
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
