Paliza Vault toilets
Paliza Family Campground entrance sign.
Site view of trees and shrubs, with a table and post.

Paliza

Closed — Closed for the 2025 season. The campground typically opens in early May and closes in mid-October. Maximum stay is 14 days.

Fireworks, Explosives and Sparks Restrictions

To prevent fires and for public safety order 03-00-23-001 prohibits to 1) possess, discharge, or use any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic devices; 2) use explosives; or 3) operate an internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting devic

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits:

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 s

Seasonal Road Closures

Due to winter weather conditions, the Santa Fe National Forest (SFNF) will close some forest roads susceptible to damage to protect public health and safety, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Temporary Area Closure for the Tesuque Peak Powerline on the Espanola Ranger District

The area in the vicinity of Tesuque Peak Powerline is temporarily closed for a powerline rebuild and restoration project.

Jemez Cave Closure

The purpose of this Order is to provide natural and cultural resource protection for the Jemez Cave and for public safety and welfare until current damage to natural and cultural resources can be assessed and a long-term management strategy developed.

Occupancy and Use Restrictions Order for the Santa Fe National Forest

The Santa Fe National Forest has the need to limit the stay of the visitors to lessen the opportunity of residency; and to comply with State Law prohibiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons under the age of 21; and to protect general visitors sensitive to public nudity from human

Order Prohibiting Possession of Domestic Sheep or Goats within the Pecos Wilderness

The purpose of this Order is to protect bighorn sheep from diseases transmitted by domestic sheep and goats.

Santa Fe Watershed Closure Order on the Espanola Ranger District

WHEREAS, bathing, fishing, camping, picnicking, and other forms of human occupancy of the Santa Fe River Watershed in the Santa Fe National Forest, causes pollution of the water flowing therein used by the residents of Santa Fe, New Mexico , for drinking and domestic purposes, to a degree threate

About

Paliza Campground sits beneath sandstone cliffs on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest at an elevation of 6,700 feet. The campground is situated in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest in Lower Paliza Canyon and occupies the historic site of a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps base camp. Remnants of that camp, including log lean-tos and adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces, can still be found within the campground. Five campsites feature these historic CCC-era shade shelters. The campground offers 30 campsites with vault toilets and picnic tables, but no drinking water is available. A small stream runs alongside the campground, and sandstone cliffs on the nearby mesas provide excellent photographic and sightseeing opportunities. This is a designated reduced impact and recycle campground where users are required to pack out trash during the off-season. Recreation opportunities abound in the area. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground. The Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground, offers striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid rolling hills. The campground is located five miles northeast of the town of Ponderosa, known for its vineyards and winery. The Jemez Pueblo and Walatowa Visitor Center are 11 miles away in the town of Jemez, offering cultural experiences, shopping, and dining.

Directions

From the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, travel 5 miles northeast on Forest Road 10 to the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

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 No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (505) 438-5300

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Paliza Vault toilets
Paliza Family Campground entrance sign.
Site view of trees and shrubs, with a table and post.
Fall Foliage
Hero Image for Paliza.
Paliza water spout

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