## Overview

 Juniper Family Campground is the ideal place to camp on the Pajarito Plateau. Located just inside the main park entrance, the campground is a short drive from the Bandelier Visitor Center, the [Frijoles Canyon Shuttle bus system][1] (mid-May to mid-October), and the adjacent towns of Los Alamos and White Rock. Juniper Family Campground is the perfect \"home base\" to explore the Pajarito Plateau, Jemez Mountains, and all of north central New Mexico!\_\_\_\_ Reservations. The campground is divided into 3 loops: Loop A campsites are available year-round as first-come, first serve only. Pay for first-come, first-serve campsites at the self-pay kiosk located at the Juniper Family Campground or in-person at the [Bandelier Visitor Center during business hours.][2]\_\_\_\_ Loop B campsites are open year-round and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance or the day of arrival).\_\_ Loop C campsites are open seasonally, March 1 \_\_\_ October 31, and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance).\_\_ You may also book campsite reservations in loops B &amp; C on the day of arrival (subject to availability). HOWEVER, cell service/data is not always reliable in the park and no public WiFi is available. The park highly recommends booking your reservation from the neighboring towns of Los Alamos and White Rock before heading to the park.\_\_\_\_ Group campsites (in Loop A) are available by reservation only up to 12 months in advance until the day before arrival (subject to availability). Same day reservations are not available for group campsites. 
## Recreation

 Bandelier is home to over 70 miles (113 km) of hiking trails most of which are located within federally designated wilderness. Two trails are accessible directly from Juniper Family Campground. The Frey Trail follows the historic route into Frijoles Canyon and descends down the canyon wall to the Visitor Center and the Main Loop Trail. The Tyuonyi Overlook Trail leaves the amphitheater parking area for a 3/4-mile (1.2 km) hike across the open mesa top to an overlook providing breathtaking views of Frijoles Canyon and of Tyounyi, an ancestral Pueblo village. The Bandelier Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs, Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and more. Entrance to Frijoles Canyon and the Visitor Center is by shuttle bus only (or by hiking) from mid-May to mid-October. These areas are accesibile by private vehicle outside the shuttle bus period.\_\_\_\_\_\_ Many other opportunities for recreation and exploring the history and culture of the area are nearby, such as Valles Caldera National Preserve, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Los Alamos museums, the Jemez District of the Santa Fe National Forest, US Department of Energy public recreation trails, and others around Los Alamos County.\_\_\_\_ Rock climbing is prohibited within Bandelier National Monument, however many popular climbs are within a short drive up Route 4 into the Jemez Mountains. 
## Facilities

 Juniper Family Campground has 3 camping loops. There is an RV dump station on the road into the campground, however water at the dump station is completely turned off from mid-October to mid-April (campers will not be able to fill water tanks or dump). During the summer months, interpretive programs may be offered during the day at the Visitor Center and in the evening at the campground amphitheater (check with the Visitor Center for program schedule).\_\_\_\_\_\_ Each loop offers its own comfort station with restrooms and running water and centrally located water spigots with potable water. No hookups are available at any campsites. Shade is limited in most campsites. During the summer months a camp host is present in the campground.\_\_\_\_ Individual Campsites Each individual campsite has a paved parking pull in or pull through parking spot. Driveways/pull through size vary by site, many can accommodate larger RVs/trailers. Picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and food lockers are provided at each campsite. There are three camping loops with individual campsites: Group Campsites Group campsites Each group campsite is for tent camping only and has ample space for multiple tents. Only one (1) RV or trailer is permitted per site. Each site can accommodate 10 to 20 campers. Group campsites have picnic tables, fire rings with grills and food lockers.\_\_\_\_\_\_ Transportation The [Frijoles Canyon Shuttle][1] system (mid-May to mid-October) includes a stop at the Amphitheater parking area located in the Juniper Family Campground. You may ride the shuttle free of charge with service into Frijoles Canyon with a stop at the Visitor Center. Private vehicle traffic into Frijoles Canyon is prohibited while the shuttle is in service.\_\_ 
## Natural Features

 Bandelier National Monument protects over 33,000 acres (13355 ha) of rugged, beautiful canyon and mesa country which features evidence of human presence going back over 11,000 years. Petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft rock cliffs, and standing masonry walls pay tribute to the early days of a culture that still survives in the surrounding communities.\_\_\_\_ Bandelier National Monument sits at the southern end of the Pajarito (Spanish for little bird) Plateau. The plateau was formed by two eruptions 1.6 and 1.4 million years ago. Home to the Bandelier Wilderness, Bandelier ranges from 5340 ft (1628 m) at the Rio Grande River to the south and 10,199 ft (3109 m) at the summit of Cerro Grande to the north, almost a mile of elevation change in just under 12 miles (19 km). This elevation gradient creates a unique diversity of habitats specific to Northern New Mexico. The diversity of habitats and quick access to water supported a relatively large population of Ancestral Pueblo people. Currently, Pi\_\_on-Juniper woodlands dominate in the southern parts of the park transitioning through ponderosa pine savannahs and forests, finally reaching mixed conifer forests at the highest elevation. Scattered throughout the park are desert grasslands, montane meadows, and riparian areas in the canyon bottoms. Over 70 miles (113 km) of trails at Bandelier climb in and out of deep canyons and cross large flat mesas, showcasing the entire spectrum of volcanic geology and ecosystems found within the park. The park is home to over 55 species of [mammals][3] including mule deer, Abert\'s squirrels, mountain lions, black bears, and 16 species of bats. [Reptiles][4] and [amphibians][5] of all shapes and sizes can be seen. [Birds][6] such as Steller\'s jays, canyon towhees and mountain chickadees stay year-round, whereas turkey vultures, western tanagers, and black-headed grosbeaks are summer residents. 
## contact\_info

 This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (505) 672-3861. 
## Nearby Attractions

 The town of Los Alamos has shopping, museums, amenities, a movie theater, ice rink, ski hill, and is home to Manhattan Project National Historic Site.\_\_\_\_ Nearby Department of Energy and US Forest Service lands provide trails which accommodate pets.\_\_ Valles Caldera National Preserve is 16 miles (26 km) west of Bandelier.\_\_\_\_ Jemez Historic Site is 37 miles (60 km) west.\_\_ Pecos National Historical Park is 70 miles (113 km) southeast.\_\_\_\_ Santa Fe, 40 miles (64 km) south of the park, is home to the New Mexico state capitol, museums, historic districts, art galleries, food, accomodations, and more.\_\_ 

[1]: https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/shuttle.htm
[2]: https://www.nps.gov/band/planyourvisit/hours.htm
[3]: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/mammals.htm
[4]: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/reptiles.htm
[5]: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/amphibians.htm
[6]: https://www.nps.gov/band/learn/nature/birds.htm

Juniper Family Campground — Bandelier National Monument

Before I visited here in December I had not heard of Bandelier NM; it's a wonderful place for exploring outside Santa Fe and Juniper Campground provides rustic sites without hookups (dump station and water available, though the dump station is closed in winter). Because it was December, we could drive into the park; in peak season there are shuttle buses that take you to the visitors center. There are no reservations except for the group sites. You'll need to pay with a credit card at the campground or pay cash at the visitor's center. You'll also need to pay an entrance fee for Bandelier NM unless you have or purchase a National Parks Pass. With a senior or an Access pass, you'll get a 50% discount on the already low fees.

Sites are sunny and open with scrub trees providing an element of privacy between sites. Parking pads have been recently paved. Bearboxes are provided. Bathrooms provide flush toilets, sinks, and hand dryers, but no showers. Although pets are allowed, if you plan to do any hiking, you'll want to leave them home. High elevation, so it's cold in winter and may have snow.

I would stock up on supplies on my way out of Santa Fe (about an hour away) or Albuquerque; or in Los Alamos from the North. There are a number of other national monuments in the area and Santa Fe is a nice small city to explore.

Rustic campground in a great national monument

There are 3 loops in the campground with various sized spots and amount of shade. We were initially drawn to loop C but there was a group that had 8-10 cars in two camping spots so we opted for loop B instead. We found a great spot with trees to hang our hammocks while still being able to keep our solar panels in the sun.

There are trail heads that are a short walk from the campground including a 1.5 mile trail to the visitor center

The spots have picnic table and fire rings, there is potable water and vault toilets throughout the campground as well as a dump station at the entrance/exit. You pay at an automated machine at the entrance, in April there were plenty of spots to chose from and the campground was probably about 50% full. Cost is $12/night.

Great Rustic Camping in Bandelier National Park

The Juniper campground is perfection. The layout of the campground allows for both RV and tent camping, while still having you own quiet area. Plenty of water filling stations, and bear boxes. The evening ranger presentations, held at the amphitheater, are informative and interactive.

Perfection

Nice quiet place within the monument. Shuttle bus takes you to visitor center Where ruins are and access to trails. There is a lovely 2 mile trail  from campground that you can also walk to center. Ruins are interesting. Lots of wildflowers.

Great location in Bandelier Natl Monument 

Awesome campground located inside the gates of Bandelier. $12.00 for a paved back in or pull trough site. So much to do in the area. Hiking, biking, camping, it’s all there. My wife said the bathrooms were clean, fire pits at each site along with Bear boxes. If it would’ve had water I would’ve given it a 5. 

I would’ve given it a 5

Bring comfortable hiking shoes, as there is a trail between the campground and the Indian caves.   It’s maybe 4 miles round trip, but scales the mountain with several switchbacks.   It was a beautiful morning hike. 
Oh yeah, the campgrounds were great with very clean facilities.   Can’t wait to go back. 

Great camping with easy access to the Indian cave dwellings.

I loved Bandelier and Juniper campground. Site rental and firewood purchase are self-service on your way to the campground. We went on a Tuesday and there were very few people there. Made the place feel even more special. Hiking to the historic Pueblo’s from the campground wasn’t too difficult and it was a totally beautiful and unique hike! No showers, but there are bathrooms and dishwashing stations.

A unique camping trip!!

Great campground but be aware it is ALL first come access.  Most of the campsites will fit a tent or smaller camper, there are 50+ sites, but only a handful that will fit a large 5th wheel or Class A size.  Most of the larger sites are on Coyote loop which is closed in winter.  We stayed on Ebert Loop in site 10 which fit our 24' camper.

Most of the campsites are nicely spread out and lots of trees.  Very quiet and peaceful.

Hiking trails right from the campground, too.

Dish washing station at bathrooms is awesome.

No showers.

Flush toilets and sinks for brushing teeth in morning which we appreciate.  

We were just there in Feb and it was only 1/4 full.... but from Spring-Fall it will be full most nights so get there early.

One of our favorites in NM!

Stayed here in march 2021. Sites are nice with flat parking, fire pits, picnic tables. Some have bear boxes as well. Bathrooms have plumbing, but no hot water. You can hike down to the trails or drive to the visitors center.

  

Overall a great spot to stay for a few nights. It's a little expensive, but totally worth it.

excellent campground. clean and quiet.

First, this campground is clean and well kept; Pavement throughout. However, if you are coming with a large RV, you may not find a suitable space. They advertise up to 40’, but there are only a few sites that can accommodate anything that large. We have a 25’ fifth-wheel and there were a lot of spaces too small, and some too difficult to get into due to our length. We did find a space and were quite comfortable, we enjoyed what the area had to offer, but since there are no hookups, we got too hot and moved on. Sites are quite level and include a table and grill. Bathrooms were clean with running water, flush toilets and an electrical outlet!

Caters to smaller camp trailers and tents

This campground has numerous sites and many were open during our visit.  Juniper provides good shade and often privacy between sites.  Clean sites with big tables and adequate space.  Suspect wildlife in the area indicated by double locked bear proof trash containers.  The campgrounds made us feel very comfortable with our location.  Good showing of birds in the area.  Conveniently located close to Bandelier National Monument 

Bandelier National Monument 

Sites are exposed, and summer is hot. I imagine fall or spring would be more ideal weather. Definitely planning a trip back later in the year. Each tent site is small, relatively flat with picnic table. A few pull through sites are available. Firewood is pre-cut and can be purchased for $1 a log (cash only, drop box). 

Beautiful place

Beautiful camping near the Bandier National Monument. Sites are spaced fairly wide apart. No hookups. Toilets and water are available.

Gorgeous Camping

Had a great night here after doing some hiking in Bandelier. Sites and bathrooms were clean.

No hook ups and parking pads are not conducive to large rigs. We found site 8 worked very well for our 16’ trailer and truck. Fairly private site- It did help no one occupied the sites next to us.

Caught some deer around our site during lunchtime and coyotes were vocal at night. Would stay again!

Quiet and clean

We stayed here one night and did the hike in the morning! Such and enjoyable stay. They hike in the canyon is easy and well maintained. I would definitely recommend! 

Great stay and a wonderful park to explore! 

Enjoyed our stay in the campground in April of 2022. The campground has 52 sites in 3 loops-Abert's Squirrel and Black Bear are the first two and they're scattered about amongst Juniper and Pinyon Pines. The Coyote loop, where we stayed, is the last loop you'll encounter and it is forested by tall Ponderosa Pines. 

While it has some sites that can accommodate them, it is generally not a campground for big rigs. The campground is a relatively short and steep drive from Frijoles Canyon where the Visitor Center and several trailheads are located. The Alcove House and the Upper Falls were some of our favorites.

The campground features potable water, flush toilets, cell service, a seasonal amphitheater, dump station, food lockers and is open year round.

A nice quiet campground in Bandelier National Monument.

Good NPS campground. $12 first come first serve. As per the information received the campground is rarely full. They are reviewing to change it to a reservable campground and increase the fee to $20.
Good location to visit Bandelier NM (there is a trail starting from the campground going to the canyon). 
There are 3 loops. Only a few sites accommodated bigger RV. Flush toilets and water available.

NPS campground 

This was our first time at this lovely National Monument and we simply loved it. The campground was small with only a few spaces for bigger rigs, but we fit without any problem. Love those small spaces! 

  

The campground is perched on the mesa above the monument’s protected dwellings, artifacts and trails at the valley. You can get there by walking about 2.5 miles from the campground along a stunning trail, or driving around the road. We simply loved hiking here, choosing a different way each day over the four days we were there.  So much to explore!

  

Campsites have the standard picnic table, bear box locker, and fire ring. The trees were mostly shorter scrub junipers and other high desert trees so there was lots of sunshine for solar powered rig, but no electrical service at any sites.  Nice privacy between sites.

  

The bathrooms were clean, heated, and had flush toilets and running sinks with potable water, plus a small dish cleaning sink, but no showers. 

  

The Visitor Center is an awesome CCC structure from back during the depression as are many of the hiking trails in the valley.   We were here for Halloween, so carved our pumpkins in memory and celebration of the people who lived here so many years ago.

  

Nearby Los Alamos has all the services you need as far as supplies, services and restaurants. But if you can plan your hike to end before 4pm, the cafe at the VC is really worth it!!