Flying M Ranch, Reklaw, TX

Flying M Ranch Airport (7TA7) is a non‑towered private-use airstrip located about 6 miles SE of Alto and 2 miles SE of Reklaw in Cherokee County, Texas. Home to the annual Reklaw Fly-In, one of the largest GA camping gatherings in the country, there is one grass strip runway as follows:

Designation	Dimisions	Surface	Condition
2/20	3,500 x 50	Turf	Excellent

PLEASE NOTE: This is a 3,500 ft grass strip, beautifully maintained for GA aircraft. While it’s not a public‑use airport, the general aviation community is welcome each fall for the legendary Reklaw Fly‑In, which draws hundreds of general‑aviation pilots and visitors for a weekend of camping, camaraderie, and classic aircraft. This year’s dates are Oct. 22- 25 (2026), and fees range from $25 for Saturday adults to $30 for weekend overnight/camping adults and $40 for a weekend family pass.

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Transportation

On‑site: Most people get around on foot, bikes, or small scooters. The official Reklaw Fly‑In site confirms that golf carts are not available for rental this year.

Cars and motorhomes must stay in the west‑side parking lot or designated areas away from aircraft.

Local Rentals include: Norman’s RV Rentals (based in East Texas); they offer camper and trailer rentals for attendees. Triple W Rentals offers full‑service RVs and some mobility options for event grounds, but these are arranged privately ahead of time — not walk‑up rentals.

Town access: Reklaw itself is small (about 2 mi northwest of the airstrip). There’s no organized shuttle service, so anyone needing supplies usually coordinates with other campers or drives their own vehicle off‑site.

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Panoramic photo: Er-Jin Jang CC BY-SA 3.0 Wikimedia Commons

What is available during the event:

• Portable restrooms
• Food vendors (varies year to year)
• Community meals (breakfast, chili, BBQ depending on the day)
• Camping areas
• Wing‑to‑wing parking
• Campfires & evening gatherings
• Event volunteers
• Shuttle carts (informal, run by volunteers)
• Multi‑day camping (Thu–Sun)

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Amenities

Flying M Ranch is a private grass strip with no permanent airport services. During the Reklaw Fly‑In, temporary amenities include portable restrooms, food vendors, community meals, and wing‑to‑wing camping. The Reklaw Fly‑In has been a GA favorite for decades, known for its welcoming vibe and open‑field camping.

Fuel & Services

Fuel is not available on-site. The nearest fuel is 13 nm west at the Cherokee County Airport (JSO) in Rusk, TX. They have both 100LL and Jet-A, both full-service and self-serve. Their runway is 14/32, measuring 5,006′ x 75′. They are closed on the weekends, but self-serve is always available. The nearest full-service airports are Nacogdoches (OCH) and Jacksonville (JXI).

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Lodging Near the Flying M Ranch

Most visitors camp under their wings. For hotel stays, nearby towns include Rusk, Nacogdoches, and Jacksonville. In Rusk, the Weston Inn & Suites is the closest place. You can use Expedia.com, Hotels.com, or Orbitz.com for other nearby lodging.

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Where to Eat

Food vendors operate during the fly‑in. Additional dining options are available in Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, and Rusk. Rusk is the closest, and it has several sit‑down restaurants convenient for travelers or pilots refueling at Cherokee County Airport (KJSO).

• KT Seafood & Grill: American/Seafood, a local favorite for catfish, shrimp, and gumbo; casual, friendly service.
• All Star Bar-B-Q: classic East-Texas brisket and ribs, decorated in early American baseball.
• La Charra Mexican Restaurant: Indoor/outdoor seating, hearty fajitas and guacamole.
• The Daily Grind: Cozy coffeehouse near the courthouse; sandwiches, salads, and espresso-good for breakfast.

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Things To Do

You don’t need to be a pilot to enjoy the Reklaw Fly‑In. Each fall, Flying M Ranch becomes a living museum of flight. Hundreds of aircraft, open fields, and stories are shared under Texas stars. Visitors can drive in for the day to watch arrivals, photograph vintage planes, and meet the people who keep grassroots aviation alive. Nearby towns like Rusk, Nacogdoches, Jacksonville, and Tyler offer lodging and dining for travelers who want to make a weekend of it. Whether you walk the grounds, camp under the pines, or simply soak up the atmosphere, Reklaw captures the spirit of aviation and adventure.

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