Paliza

Campground · New Mexico · 30 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Santa Fe National Forest (NF) · Open Access

30
Bookable sites
50 ft
Max rig length
up to 6
People per site
6,815 ft
Elevation
Site view of trees and shrubs, with a table and post.
Photo: Conservation Legacy · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • Season: May – 10/10/24 — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 30 bookable sites
  • 42 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 50 ft
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: MANAGEMENT SITES, SNGL

Site types

  • 21 Standard Nonelectric
  • 12 Management
  • 5 RV Nonelectric
  • 4 Tent Only Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed
  • Water hookups — not available
  • Sewer hookups — not available

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

42 campsites at Paliza

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceGradeMax rigPeople
001MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
0010MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
0011MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
0012MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
0013MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
0014MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
002MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
003MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
004MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
007MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
008MANAGEMENT SITESManagement—————
XXXMANAGEMENT SITESManagement—Gravel——6 🐾
001SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight32 ft5 🐾
002SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPavedSlight40 ft5 🐾
003SNGLTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight10 ft5 🐾
004SNGLTent Only NonelectricBack InPavedSlight12 ft5 🐾
005SNGLTent Only NonelectricBack InPaved—10 ft5 🐾
006SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—12 ft5 🐾
007SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—43 ft5 🐾
008SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—40 ft5 🐾
009SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft5 🐾
010SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—38 ft5 🐾
011SNGLStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—18 ft5 🐾
012SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—45 ft5 🐾
013SNGLStandard NonelectricParallelPaved—40 ft5 🐾
014SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—35 ft5 🐾
015SNGLStandard NonelectricParallelPaved—40 ft5 🐾
016SNGLTent Only NonelectricParallelGravel—18 ft5 🐾
017SNGLRv NonelectricBack InPaved—30 ft5 🐾
018SNGLRv NonelectricBack InPaved—50 ft5 🐾
019SNGLRv NonelectricBack InPaved—50 ft5 🐾
020SNGLRv NonelectricBack InPaved—50 ft5 🐾
021SNGLRv NonelectricBack InPaved—50 ft5 🐾
022SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—42 ft5 🐾
023SNGLStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—18 ft5 🐾
024SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—18 ft5 🐾
025SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—18 ft5 🐾
026SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—18 ft5 🐾
027SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—18 ft5 🐾
028SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—45 ft5 🐾
029SNGLStandard NonelectricBack InPaved—18 ft5 🐾
030SNGLStandard NonelectricPull ThroughPaved—25 ft5 🐾

Getting there

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

35.70417, -106.62583 · 35°42'15.0"N 106°37'33.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 89°F in Jul, down to 47°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F485260687687898680705647
Low °F192228334150555447362619
Precip in1.00.81.00.90.80.72.62.61.61.40.90.9

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Paliza

Can you reserve a site at Paliza?
Yes, Paliza is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Paliza have?
42 sites in total, of which 30 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Paliza?
50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Paliza?
Yes, pets are allowed at Paliza.
Does Paliza have hookups?
No hookups are recorded here.
Are campfires allowed at Paliza?
Campfires are allowed at Paliza. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Paliza also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Paliza's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $15 per for a single unit campsite. Only two (2) vehicles and up to 5 people are permitted at a camp site.

Restrictions:

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times while in campground area.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Paliza

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.