Old growth pine trees surround campsites at this Forest Service campground, built on a former Civilian Conservation Corps base camp site. Sites feature full hookups accommodating RVs up to 52 feet, with some positioned directly alongside a small creek that provides natural sound through the night. The campground operates mid-May through late August with reservations available for the $15 nightly fee.
Host staff maintain clean facilities and grounds throughout the season. Access requires navigating a narrow forest road, and the location works well for large groups with multiple sites and a pavilion available. Cell service reaches the area, and dog-friendly camping around Santa Fe National Forest welcomes pets on leash.
Description
Overview
Paliza Campground sits beneath sandstone cliffs on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The area is replete with culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Ample recreation opportunities exist at or near the campground, which makes it a wonderful outdoor destination.
Recreation
Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are some of the popular activities enjoyed near the campground. Striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid the rolling hills, can be seen from the Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground.
Facilities
There is no water.The campground offers a variety of sites available for tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets. Roads within the campground are paved.
Natural Features
The newly refurbished campground sits in a forested area at the top of a hill with views of the Jemez Valley below. It was originally the site of a 1930s Civilian Convservation Corps base camp. Remnants of that camp, including log lean-to's and adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces, can be found within the campground. A small stream runs alongside the campground and sandstone cliffs on the nearby mesas provide excellent photographic and sightseeing opportunities. A small tract of private land is located north of the campground and common courtesy is appreciated.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located five miles northeast of the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, an area known for its vineyards and winery with a tasting room. The Jemez Pueblo and the Walatowa Visitor Center, both of which provide rewarding cultural experiences, are just 11 miles from the campground in the town of Jemez. The quaint community offers shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Santa Fe National Forest is still under Stage 2 Fire Restrictions which include the following..
- Stage II
- As fire danger risks increase, forest leadership may choose to move to Stage II. This stage intensifies the restrictions from Stage I by focusing on activities that are typically managed under permit or contract but have a relatively high risk of starting a fire. Restrictions in Stage II will impact forest users and could have economic consequences for contractors, permit holders, and others. Therefore, the decision to transition to Stage II will involve a risk-benefit assessment, along with considerations of economic and social impacts.
- The economic impacts of fire restrictions are short-term for businesses, whereas the impacts of wildfire are long-term.
- Prohibited
- Building, maintaining, or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove (campfires of any kind).
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame outside from 10 am to 6 pm.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off National Forest System roads unless solely for the purpose of parking in an area that is devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the roadway.
- Operating a chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine (Includes Generators) is prohibited from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Please help protect our forest resources by not cutting, chopping, or using axes or hatchets on live trees. Damaging the bark and the living layers underneath harms the trees ability to move water and nutrients. Even small cuts can open the tree to insects, disease, and decay. Larger wounds can disrupt the trees vascular system entirely, causing it to weaken and eventually die.We also ask that you do not hammer nails or screws into live trees. Penetrating the bark creates direct pathways for pests and infections, injures the trees internal tissues, and can lead to long-term decline or death.Your cooperation helps keep our recreation areas healthy, safe, and beautiful for everyone. Thank you for doing your part to protect our trees.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPaliza Campground is located in New Mexico near Jemez Springs
Directions
From the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, travel 5 miles northeast on Forest Road 10 to the campground.
Coordinates
35.7041667 N
106.6258333 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Albuquerque, NM
- 1 hr 23 min from Santa Fe, NM
- 2 hrs 35 min from Farmington, NM
- 4 hrs 50 min from Pueblo, CO
