A picnic site with juniper, pines, and a mesa in the background.

Paliza Group Campground

Open

Open for the 2026 season from mid-May through October. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. No potable water available; campers must bring their own water supply. Fire restrictions may be in effect; check with Jemez Ranger District before arrival.

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 device in effective working order.

Motor Vehicle Order Road Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is for the protection of public health and safety and prohibits: Using any type of vehicle that does not comply with an applicable state law.Using a road for commercial hauling without a permit or written authorization.Operating a vehicle in violation of speed, load,…

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…

Temporary area, road, and trail closures for Hermits Peak and Calf Canyon post-fire impacts

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service Santa Fe National ForestPecos/Las Vegas Ranger District TEMPORARY AREA, ROAD, AND TRAIL CLOSURES FOR HERMITS PEAK AND CALF CANYON POST-FIRE IMPACTSPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following are…

Campground and Equestrian Area Closure for Field Tract, Panchuela, Jacks Creek Campgrounds

U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestPecos-Las Vegas Ranger DistrictCampground and Equestrian Area Closure PROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b), the following is prohibitedon the National Forest System (NFS) lands and…

All Offices Closed - April 22, 2026

OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTThe Supervisor’s Office in Santa Fe, NM, and all district offices (Cuba, Jemez, Coyote, Española, Pecos, and Las Vegas) will be closed on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, while our customer service representatives attend annual training. We’ll be back to our regular hours on…

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Order Number: # 03-10-00-26-03U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEmergency Stage 1 Fire Restrictions  PROHIBITIONS Pursuant to 16 U.S.C § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), the following are prohibited on all National Forest System lands (NFS) in the Santa…

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.

Headquarters Well Area Closure on Española Ranger District

Order Number:  03-10-06-25-17U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest ServiceSanta Fe National ForestEspanola Ranger DistrictCamping Area Closure at Headquarters WellPROHIBITIONSPursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a) and (b) the following is prohibitedon the National Forest…

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…

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…

About

Paliza Group Campground is located in the Santa Fe National Forest, five miles northeast of Ponderosa, New Mexico on Forest Road 10. The campground sits in a beautiful ponderosa pine forest in Lower Paliza Canyon, with spectacular views of surrounding mesas and clear blue skies. The location is ideal for enjoying quiet, star-filled nights far from major cities. The campground features two group sites. The Owl Loop (Site GS1) is a drive-in area with paved driveways accommodating up to 100 people, with RVs and trailers up to 35 feet permitted. It includes a large outdoor picnic area with pedestal grills, a ramada, and multiple picnic tables. The Red Tail Loop (Site GS2) is a walk-in site about 50 yards from parking, accommodating up to 35 people for tent camping only. The nearby Jemez National Recreation Area offers scenic day hikes, hot springs, and historical landmarks. Fishing is available on nearby San Antonio Creek. The Valles Caldera National Preserve and Battleship Rock are located north on NM Highway 4. The town of Jemez Springs offers local art, hot springs, and dining.

Directions

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

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length 35ft
Max Trailer Length 35ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (575) 829-3535

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

A picnic site with juniper, pines, and a mesa in the background.
A campground with pines trees near a walkway and mesas in the horizon.

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!