Paliza
Open weekends only (Friday through Sunday) from May through mid-October. Reservations required via Recreation.gov starting in 2026. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect through September 30, 2026. No potable water available.
Flood Watch issued September 21 at 2:23PM MDT until September 23 at 6:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...Portions of central, east central, north central, northeast, southeast, and west central New Mexico, including the following areas, in central New Mexico, Central Highlands, Eastern Lincoln County, Estancia Valley, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Middle Rio Grande Valley including the Albuquerque Metro Area, San Agustin Plains and Adjacent Lowlands, Sandia and Manzano Mountains including Edgewood, South Central Highlands, South Central Mountains and Upper Tularosa Valley. In east central New Mexico, De Baca County and Guadalupe County. In north central New Mexico, East Slopes Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Espanola Valley, Glorieta Mesa Including Glorieta Pass, Jemez Mountains, Northwest Highlands, Santa Fe Metro Area and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains. In northeast New Mexico, Eastern San Miguel County, Far Northeast Highlands, Harding County and Northeast Highlands. In southeast New Mexico, Chaves County Plains and Southwest Chaves County. In west central New Mexico, Southwest Mountains, West Central Highlands and West Central Mountains. * WHEN...From Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with debris. Extensive street flooding and flooding of creeks and rivers are possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A dangerous surge of monsoon moisture will arrive Tuesday and Wednesday with widespread heavy rain. Scattered occurrences of flash flooding are likely, and there will probably be some main stem river and tributary flooding, as the most likely rain amount by Wednesday afternoon exceeds 2 inches in many locations along and east of the central mountain chain, and 1 inch in many locations westward to the continental divide. Stronger storms will produce torrential rainfall at rates over 2 inches per hour, and storms will train repeatedly in succession over some locations, with locally heavier rain amounts reaching 4 to 6 inches over portions of central and eastern New Mexico. Heavy rain will likely continue Wednesday night over eastern areas, then showers and storms with locally heavy rainfall are forecast to return along and east of the continental divide again on Thursday. - Rapid runoff and flash flooding will be most likely in complex terrain, below recent burn scars, low-lying areas, urban areas, normally dry arroyos, and near rivers and streams. As the event unfolds, locations with saturated ground will also become prone to rapid runoff and flash flooding from additional rounds of storms. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
Cannabis Possession Prohibited
Order 03-00-00-21-002 prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting a cannabis plant, any part of a cannabis plant, or any substance derived from a cannabis plant within the Southwestern Region National Forests in the State of New Mexico and the National Grasslands in the states of Texas and…
Las Vegas Ranger Station Temporarily Closed
Due to facilities issues, the Las Vegas Ranger Station has temporarily shifted operations to the Pecos Office. We can meet with you in person at the Pecos Ranger Station or are available by phone to assist with questions, permits, and other services. Please call 505-757-6121 for assistance.
About
Paliza Campground occupies a forested hilltop in Lower Paliza Canyon, surrounded by ponderosa pines and sandstone cliffs. Originally a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps base camp, remnants of that era including log lean-tos and Adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces remain within the campground. A small stream runs alongside the property, and the Jemez Valley spreads out below. The campground offers 30 sites, five featuring historic shade shelters. Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets are available but campers must bring their own water. The campground is designated as reduced-impact, requiring users to pack out trash during the off-season. Dogs are welcome but must remain leashed. Nearby attractions include the town of Ponderosa with its vineyards and winery, the Jemez Pueblo, and the Walatowa Visitor Center. The Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook is 11 miles away, offering views of an ancient volcanic crater. Numerous hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails surround the campground.
Directions
From the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, travel 5 miles northeast on Forest Road 10 to the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 35ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 35ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (505) 438-5300 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!