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.
Flash Flood Warning issued July 22 at 7:10PM MDT until July 22 at 9:00PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
At 710 PM MDT, Between 0.75 and 1.5 inches of rain have fallen have already fallen over the warned area. While additional rainfall amounts are expected to remain light, at 0.25 inches or less, a high risk for flash flooding still exists, as excessive runoff will continue. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly. HAZARD...Flash flooding caused by thunderstorms. SOURCE...Radar indicated. IMPACT...Flash flooding of small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other poor drainage and low-lying areas. Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Mainly rural areas of West Central Rio Arriba, Northwestern Sandoval, Southeastern San Juan and Northeastern McKinley Counties. This includes Highway 550 between Mile Markers 99 and 114.
Flood Advisory issued July 22 at 5:08PM MDT until July 22 at 8:15PM MDT by NWS Albuquerque NM
* WHAT...Arroyo and small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected. * WHERE...East Central Sandoval County in north central New Mexico... * WHEN...Until 815 PM MDT. * IMPACTS...Minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 508 PM MDT, Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms. This will cause arroyo and small stream flooding. Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. - Additional rainfall amounts up to 0.75 inches are expected over the area. This additional rain will result in minor flooding. - Some locations that will experience flooding include... Santo Domingo Pueblo, Kewa Pueblo, Cochiti Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Cochiti Lake, Domingo, Pena Blanca and Algodones. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/abq/EmergencyFloodPrep
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…
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
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