Airports with nearby outdoor activities

AOPA members have been asking for places they can fly to enjoy socially distanced outdoor activities within walking or biking distance of an airport, or a short drive. We put the question out to AOPA’s staff pilots as well as members and have compiled the responses.

One that topped the list for pilots is an aviation-centric outing: Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial at First Flight Airport (KFFA) in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

Other suggestions included going to the beach, biking, boating, kayaking, camping, touring caverns, fishing, golfing, hiking, or walking. The list isn’t comprehensive, but here are pilots’ suggestions from Maine to Florida and Washington to California. Check out the airports in the AOPA Airports and Destinations Directory as well as the Recreational Aviation Foundation’s Airfield Guide before you go: Some are private-use and require prior permission, and they range from difficult backcountry strips to large international airports. And, if you don’t find an activity on this list that’s close to you, search the directories for things to do in your area.

Beach

Feel the sand between your toes and listen to waves crashing at these beaches along the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Gulf of Mexico—all near general aviation airports.

• Jeremiah Denton Airport (4R9) Dauphin Island, Alabama.
• Jack Edwards National Airport (KJKA) in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
• Oceano County Airport (L52) in Oceano, California.
• Destin Executive Airport (KDTS) in Destin, Florida.
• Jekyll Island Airport (09J) in Jekyll Island, Georgia.
• Katama Airpark (1B2) in Edgartown, Massachusetts.
• Ocean City Municipal Airport (26N) in Ocean City, New Jersey.
• Billy Mitchell Airport (KHSE) in Hatteras, North Carolina.
• Ocracoke Island Airport (W95) in Ocracoke, North Carolina.
• Pacific City State Airport (KPFC) in Pacific City, Oregon.
• Block Island State Airport (KBID) in Block Island, Rhode Island.
• Mustang Beach Airport (KRAS) in Port Aransas, Texas.
• Copalis State Airport (S16) in Copalis, Washington.

Biking

Get some exercise by biking around the area at these airports. Call ahead to find out if bikes are available at the airport or nearby, if they can be rented in town, or if you need to bring your own (folding bikes are great for paved trails or in town).

• Bentonville Municipal/Louise M. Thaden Field (KVBT) in Bentonville, Arkansas.
• Oceano County Airport (L52) in Oceano, California.
• Everglades Airpark (X01) in Everglades, Florida.
• Jekyll Island Airport (09J) in Jekyll Island, Georgia.
• High Valley Airpark (GA87) in Suches, Georgia.
• The Maine Aeronautics Association’s Bikes for Pilots program provides bikes at five Maine airports.
• Chatham Municipal Airport (KCQX) in Chatham, Massachusetts.
• Beaver Island Airport (KSJX) and Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island, Michigan.
• Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD) on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
• Put in Bay Airport (3W2) in Put-in-Bay, Ohio.
• Sunriver Airport (S21) in Sunriver, Oregon.
• Cornucopia Field (WI23) in Cornucopia, Wisconsin.
• Washington Island Airport (2P2) in Washington Island, Wisconsin.

Boating and kayaking

Spend some time in the air flying to a place where you can spend some time on the water boating or kayaking.

• Gaston’s White River Resort: Gastons Airport (3M0) near Lakeview, Arkansas.
• Byrd’s Adventure Center: Byrd’s Backcountry Airstrip (51AR) near Ozark, Arkansas.
• Buffalo River Outfitters float trips: Ponca Int Airport (37AR) near Ponca, Arkansas.
• Bear Lake: Blackwater Airfield (8FD3) in Blackwater River State Forest Munson, Florida.
• Florida Keys: The Florida Keys Marathon International Airport (KMTH) in Marathon, Florida.
• Kennedy Creek Resorts: High Valley Airpark (GA87) in Suches, Georgia.
• Acadia National Park: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (KBHB) in Bar Harbor, Maine.
• Moosehead Lake: Greenville Municipal Airport (3B1)/Greenville Seaplane Base (52B) in Greenville, Maine. 
• Beaver Island boating: Beaver Island Airport (KSJX) and Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island, Michigan.
• Mackinac Island boating: Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD) on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
• Lodges on Seeley Lake: Seeley Lake Airport (23S) or Lindey’s Landing West Seaplane Base (M35) in Seeley Lake, Montana.
• Lake Winnipesaukee near Laconia Municipal Airport (KLCI) in Laconia, New Hampshire.
• Sunriver Resort: Sunriver Airport (S21) in Sunriver, Oregon.
• Lakeway Resort and Spa and Lakeway Marina: Lakeway Airpark (3R9) in Lakeway, Texas (near Austin).
• Boating, kayaking, whale watching: Friday Harbor Airport (KFHR) in Friday Harbor, Washington.
• Lost Creek Adventures: Cornucopia Field (WI23) in Cornucopia, Wisconsin. 
• Boat rentals at Lake Lawn Resort: Lake Lawn Airport (C59) in Delavan, Wisconsin.
• Kayaking to Plum Island and Bread and Water Kayaks and Paddling Museum: Washington Island Airport (2P2) in Washington Island, Wisconsin.

Camping

Pack your aircraft with your essential camping supplies, favorite foods, and drinks, and get away for a few days. At these airports, camping is available nearby or on the field with your aircraft. (If you don’t want to rough it, check out these glamping locations near airports.)

• Camp at Sugar Creek (58AR) near Bentonville, Arkansas.
• Camp with your aircraft at Trigger Gap Airport (17A) near Berryville, Arkansas.
• Camp at Banks Ranch (62AR) in Busch, Arkansas (near Eureka Springs). Note: Four airstrips intended for use by STOL aircraft.
• Private camping for those who fly in at Richland Creek (4AR9) in Snowball, Arkansas.
• Catalina Island camping: Catalina Airport/Airport in the Sky (KAVX), at Catalina Island, California.
• Aviation City Campground: Arcadia Municipal Airport (X06) in Arcadia, Florida.
• Krul Recreation Area: Blackwater Airfield (8FD3) in Blackwater River State Forest Munson, Florida.
• Backcountry camping: Johnson Creek Airport (3U2) in Yellow Pine, Idaho.
• Camp at the Rough River Dam State Resort Park by flying to Rough River State Park Airport (2I3) near Falls-Of-Rough, Kentucky.
• Acadia National Park: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (KBHB) in Bar Harbor, Maine.
• Moosehead Lake camping near Greenville Municipal Airport (3B1)/Greenville Seaplane Base (52B) in Greenville, Maine.
• Beaver Island camping: Beaver Island Airport (KSJX) and Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island, Michigan.
• Lake Winnipesaukee campgrounds near Laconia Municipal Airport (KLCI) in Laconia, New Hampshire.
• Noble County Airport and Fly-In Campground near Wolf Run State Park: Noble County Airport (I10) in Caldwell, Ohio.
• Airport camping: Dug Bar Airport (OR8) within Hells Canyon in Imnaha, Oregon.
• Sunbury Airport Campground: Sunbury Airport (71N) and Sunbury Seaplane Base (H11) in Sunbury, Pennsylvania.
• South Shore Campground or camp with your aircraft: Cornucopia Field (WI23) in Cornucopia, Wisconsin.

Caverns

What a better way to get to an under-Earth experience than by flying there over the Earth? Fly to these airports to explore caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Call ahead: At some airports, staff will drive you; at others, you can borrow the courtesy car; and at others you can request pickup on the CTAF.

Fishing

Fishing gear can fit in pretty much any aircraft. So, load up and head out for some relaxation, whether you enjoy a fishing hole to yourself or take a guided adventure.

• Orange Beach: Jack Edwards National Airport (KJKA) in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
• Pond fishing: Trigger Gap Airport (17A) near Berryville, Arkansas.
• Guided fishing trips and fly fishing school at Gaston’s White River Resort: Gastons Airport (3M0) in Lakeview, Arkansas.
• Kings River: McAlister Airpark (1AR4) in Marble, Arkansas (near Huntsville).
• Mulberry River at Byrd’s Adventure Center: Byrd’s Backcountry Airstrip (51AR) near Ozark, Arkansas.
• Bear Lake: Blackwater Airfield (8FD3) in Blackwater River State Forest Munson, Florida.
• Kennedy Creek Resorts: High Valley Airpark (GA87) in Suches, Georgia.
• Sulphur Creek Ranch: Sulphur Creek Ranch Airport (ID74) in Cascade, Idaho. (Seasonal)
• Ice Hole: Johnson Creek Airport (3U2) in Yellow Pine, Idaho.
• Acadia National Park: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (KBHB) in Bar Harbor, Maine.
• Moosehead Lake fishing guide and charters: Greenville Municipal Airport (3B1)/Greenville Seaplane Base (52B) in Greenville, Maine.
• Bois Blanc Island fishing: Bois Blanc Island Airport (6Y1) on Bois Blanc Island, Michigan.
• Lake Winnipesaukee: Laconia Municipal Airport (KLCI) in Laconia, New Hampshire.
• Snake River in Hells Canyon: Dug Bar Airport (OR8) in Imnaha, Oregon.
• Minam River: Minam Lodge Airport (7OR0) in Cove, Oregon.

Golfing

Schedule a tee time and fly to these airports near golf courses.

• Sunset Landing Golf Course: Huntsville International – Carl T. Jones Field (KHSV) in Huntsville, Alabama.
• Ajo Community Golf Course: Eric Marcus Municipal Airport (P01) in Ajo, Arizona.
• Antelope Hills Golf Courses: Prescott Regional – Ernest A Love Field (KPRC) in Prescott, Arizona.
• The Crossings at Carlsbad: McClellan-Palomar Airport (KCRQ) in Carlsbad, California.
• The Furnace Creek Golf Course at Death Valley:  Furnace Creek Airport (L06) in Death Valley National Park, California.
• Pine Mountain Lake: Pine Mountain Lake Airport (E45) in Groveland, California.
• Pismo Beach Golf Course: Oceano County Airport (L52) in Oceano, California.
• Amelia River Golf Club: Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (KFHB) in Fernandina Beach, Florida.
• Airport National Public Golf Course: Eastern Iowa Airport (KCID) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
• Radcliffe Friendly Fairways: Drake Airport (2YI) in Radcliffe, Iowa.
• Beaver Island Golf Course: Beaver Island Airport (KSJX) and Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island, Michigan.
• The Rock at Drummond Island Resort: Drummond Island Airport (KDRM) on Drummond Island, Michigan.
• The Greens of Mackinac at Mission Point Resort and The Jewel Golf Course: Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD) on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
• Airport Golf Course: John Glenn Columbus International Airport (KCMH) in Columbus, Ohio.
• Pease Golf Course: Portsmouth International at Pease Airport (KPSM) in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
• Airway Meadows Golf Club: Heber Airpark (K30) in Gansevoort, New York.
• Pinehurst Resort: Moore County Airport (KSOP) in Pinehurst/Southern Pines, North Carolina.
• Cincinnati Recreation Commission Golf Courses: Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field (KLUK) in Cincinnati, Ohio.
• Pacific Northwest Golf at Sunriver Resort (indoor golf also available): Sunriver Airport (S21) in Sunriver, Oregon.
• Butter Valley Golf Course: Butter Valley Golf Port Airport (7N8) in Bally, Pennsylvania.
• Nemacolin Woodlands Resort: Nemacolin Airport (PA88) in Farmington, Pennsylvania.
• Bear Creek Golf Club: Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (KDFW) in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
• Butterfield Trail golf course: El Paso International Airport (KELP) in El Paso, Texas.
• Moody Gardens Golf Course: Scholes International at Galveston Airport (KGLS) in Galveston, Texas.
• Horseshoe Bay Resort: Horseshoe Bay Resort Airport (KDZB) in Horseshoe Bay, Texas.
• Bryce Resort: Sky Bryce Airport (VG18) in Basye, Virginia.
• Airport GolfCenter: Olympia Regional Airport in (KOLM) Olympia, Washington.
• The Greenbrier: Greenbrier Valley Airport (KLWB) in Lewisburg, West Virginia.
• Majestic Oaks Golf Course at Lake Lawn Resort: Lake Lawn Airport (C59) in Delavan, Wisconsin.
• Deer Run Golf Course and Resort: Washington Island Airport (2P2) in Washington Island, Wisconsin.
• Voyager Village Golf and Restaurant: Voyager Village Airstrip (9WN2) in Webster, Wisconsin.

Hiking and walking

Enjoy nature and the fresh air as you stretch your legs on a hike. Hikes in the areas around these airports range from easy to strenuous.

• Ozark National Forest at Byrd’s Adventure Center: Byrd’s Backcountry Airstrip (51AR) near Ozark, Arkansas.
• Buffalo River Outfitters: Ponca Int (37AR) near Ponca, Arkansas.
• Catalina Island hiking: Catalina Island Airport/Airport in the Sky (KAVX) at Catalina Island, California.
• Golden Canyon Walking Trail: Furnace Creek Airport (L06) in Death Valley National Park, California.
• Blackwater River State Forest: Blackwater Airfield (8FD3) in Blackwater River State Forest Munson, Florida.
• Kennedy Creek Resorts: High Valley Airpark (GA87) in Suches, Georgia.
• Backcountry hiking: Johnson Creek Airport (3U2) in Yellow Pine, Idaho.
• Acadia National Park: Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport (KBHB) in Bar Harbor, Maine.
• Moosehead Lake: Greenville Municipal Airport (3B1)/Greenville Seaplane Base (52B) in Greenville, Maine. 
• Beaver Island Nature Preserves and Trails: Beaver Island Airport (KSJX) and Welke Airport (6Y8) on Beaver Island, Michigan.
• Bois Blanc Island hikes: Bois Blanc Island Airport (6Y1) on Bois Blanc Island, Michigan.
• Explore Mackinac Island walking tours: Mackinac Island Airport (KMCD) on Mackinac Island, Michigan.
• St. Louis Katy Trail along the Missouri River: Creve Coeur Airport (1H0) near St. Louis, Missouri.
• Mount Washington: Mount Washington Regional Airport (KHIE) in Whitefield, New Hampshire.
• Eagle Cap Wilderness Area: Minam Lodge Airport (7OR0) in Cove, Oregon.
• Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail: Dug Bar Airport (OR8) within Hells Canyon in Imnaha, Oregon.
• Sunriver Resort: Sunriver Airport (S21) in Sunriver, Oregon.
• Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor: Slatington Airport (69N) at Slatington, Pennsylvania.
• Block Island walking and hiking trails: Block Island State Airport (KBID) in Block Island, Rhode Island.
• Lost Creek Falls or Apostle Islands National Lakeshore: Cornucopia Field (WI23) in Cornucopia, Wisconsin.