Parks with Airstrips?

MarkH

Line Up and Wait
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MarkH
I noticed the announcement of the Rough River Fly-In and looked up the AirNav for 2I3. It looks like a really cool setup. I'm going to try to make it out there, but it's too early to say for sure.

But my question is, what other parks have airstrips (especially around the Southeast) that would be worth checking out?
 
If you can land on it, it’s a landing strip.

You’d be surprised at how few laws there are about landing off “airport”.
 
We had a cool strip in the park at Lake Whitney, TX, but the state closed it. It was fun to fly in and have a short walk to the lake.
 
api
 
Garrison dam in ND

International Peace Garden in Dunseith, ND (with a US and canadian ramp)

Lake Murray State park in Oklahoma.

Kentucky Dam State park airport
 
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First flight airport is a pilgrimage I intend to make this summer. I am currently prepping for my PPL, and I want to get my commercial before the end of the year. The Outer Banks, NC was one of the first hypothetical XCs I planned.
 
I noticed the announcement of the Rough River Fly-In and looked up the AirNav for 2I3. It looks like a really cool setup. I'm going to try to make it out there, but it's too early to say for sure.

But my question is, what other parks have airstrips (especially around the Southeast) that would be worth checking out?

Apache Pass is a first rate fun place for planes, RVs and camping!

http://www.apachepass.com/airpark.html

There's even a video to show you how to get there and land:
 
I've always wanted to fly up to Monument Valley. Not the Southeast but pretty cool.

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It is a neat place to fly. Land toward the cliffs upslope (and forget about any chance of going around). Take off downslope away from the cliffs. Incredible scenery. Decent restaurant. You do need to get prior permission first. There’s a waiver you have to sign and fax them.


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Custer State Park is a nice one to visit. Took my first passenger there...:)
 
I've always wanted to fly up to Monument Valley. Not the Southeast but pretty cool.

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All that space in the valley, yet they put the airstrip 0.25 NM from a seven hundred foot obstacle!
 
Not a park, but Ocracoke, Hatteras, and First Flight airports on the Outer Banks are owned by the National Park Service.
 
Kentucky Dam, well sort of, the airport is technically in the park but I'd hate to walk to the lodge.

Pettit Jean. Nice park in Arkansas, but again, it'd be a long trek to the lodge.
 
Garrison dam in ND

International Peace Garden in Dunseith, ND (with a US and canadian ramp)

Lake Murray State park in Oklahoma.

Kentucky Dam State park airport
Did I read somewhere they closed Lake Murray State Park’s airport?
 
Did I read somewhere they closed Lake Murray State Park’s airport?

There was some hubub about the amount of money spent on the airport, not sure whether it closed or not.
 
There was some hubub about the amount of money spent on the airport, not sure whether it closed or not.
Looks like google says permanently closed and while it shows up on the chart in Foreflight, a long press doesn’t even give me an option to check info for 1F1. That’s sad. Did a touch and go there once and always thought it would be great to fly in and camp there.
 
But my question is, what other parks have airstrips (especially around the Southeast) that would be worth checking out?

Well... 3D2 is right across the road from Peninsula State Park in Door County, WI (the thumb part of the hand). The airport and the park are both really nice, but not something you'd want to go out of your way for. Good for if you're passing through on a flight-camping trip.

Jackson Hole airport KJAC is inside Grand Teton National Park, but that's a big park and there really isn't anything walkable from the airport. In fact, if you didn't know better, you wouldn't realize it's in the park. It is the only commercial airport that's inside a national park.

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One of the best in terms of being scenic, remote, and quiet that I've been to was 1Q5 Gravelly Valley, CA which is in the Mendocino National Forest. I had to buzz the runway to chase a pair of elk off of it to land. There are campgrounds within walking distance of the strip according to Google Maps:

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Johnson Creek Airport near Yellow Pine, ID 3U2 is its own destination. The facilities available right on the field pretty much make it its own park, even though it's owned by the Idaho Division of Aeronautics. Camping here should be on every camping pilot's bucket list. Be sure to visit the spring-fed hot tub on the side of the mountain. :)

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Not a park, but Ocracoke, Hatteras, and First Flight airports on the Outer Banks are owned by the National Park Service.

As is Jackson Hole. Quite a few backcountry airports are owned by the NPS or USFS as well.
 
As is Jackson Hole. Quite a few backcountry airports are owned by the NPS or USFS as well.
True but the commercial KJAC is of a slightly different breed than walking 200 yards to the beach at W95/Ocracoke (not to mention the whole mile walk into town unless you call Howard's to pick you up or arrange for bicycles to be dropped off at the airport).

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True but the commercial KJAC is of a slightly different breed than walking 200 yards to the beach at W95/Ocracoke (not to mention the whole mile walk into town unless you call Howard's to pick you up or arrange for bicycles to be dropped off at the airport).

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Be sure to do a thorough wash after being that close to salt water! I've actually had salt buildup on my windshield after landing with an onshore breeze. Bare aluminum no likey...
 
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