How much does camping cost at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Camping fees at Ponderosa Group Campground are $50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ponderosa Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ponderosa Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ponderosa Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Ponderosa Group Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ponderosa Group Campground?

Ponderosa Group Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Ponderosa Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Cell phone service at Ponderosa Group Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Ponderosa Group Campground have?

Ponderosa Group Campground has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ponderosa Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Ponderosa Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ponderosa Group Campground?

Popular activities at Ponderosa Group Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

3.60

21 reviews

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

(505) 672-3861BAND_Visitor_Center@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Nearby places

Los Alamos: 6 miles / 15 minutes

Santa Fe: 40 miles / 1 hour

Valles Caldera National Preserve: 16 miles / 25 minutes

Jemez Historic Site: 37 miles / 55 minutes

Pecos National Historical Park: 70 miles / 1.5 hours.

Driving directionsFrom Santa Fe (approximately 1 hour travel time): Take Highway 84/285 north toward Los Alamos. Merge right onto NM 502 to Los Alamos. Exit onto NM 4 toward White Rock. Continue for 12 miles, passing through White Rock. Bandelier's entrance is on the left. Enter here and purchase entrance pass(es) or continue on Entrance Rd for 3 miles to the Visitor Center. Ponderosa Group Campground is 6 miles past the park entrance on NM 4. From Taos (approximately 1.5 hours travel time): Take NM 68 south. In Espanola, turn right onto Fairway. Turn left on Highway 84/285. Turn right on NM 30. Merge right onto NM 502 to Los Alamos. Exit onto NM 4 toward White Rock. Continue for 12 miles, passing through White Rock. Bandelier's entrance is on the left. Enter here and purchase entrance pass(es) or continue on Entrance Rd for 3 miles to the Visitor Center. Ponderosa Group Campground is 6 miles past the park entrance on NM 4.

Weather at Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Best season: fall. Fall is prime at Ponderosa: crisp, dry days (typically 50–70°F) and clear skies make hiking the Ponderosa Trail and exploring Bandelier’s canyons especially pleasant, while nights drop into the 20s–30s for dramatic starry evenings. Aspen and mixed-conifer color peaks at this 7,600 ft elevation in late September through October, offering the most striking scenery with moderate crowds — busier on weekend days but quieter on weekday trails. Hunting seasons and occasional early snow can affect some周 Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall described as 'prime': crisp dry days, clear skies and strong fall color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Ponderosa Group Campground sits at 7,600 feet in Bandelier National Monument, a National Park Service site near Los Alamos. This small, reservation-only group campground serves as a base for exploring Bandelier's canyon trails and ancient Puebloan sites. The high-elevation setting delivers crisp fall color and dark skies, with vault toilets, potable water, and bear-proof storage.

Ponderosa Group Campground is primarily reserved for group camping, with tent-only sites accommodating up to one RV per site in the parking area. No other camping types such as primitive or glamping are supported.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall is prime at Ponderosa: crisp, dry days (typically 50–70°F) and clear skies make hiking the Ponderosa Trail and exploring Bandelier’s canyons especially pleasant, while nights drop into the 20s–30s for dramatic starry evenings. Aspen and mixed-conifer color peaks at this 7,600 ft elevation in late September through October, offering the most striking scenery with moderate crowds — busier on weekend days but quieter on weekday trails. Hunting seasons and occasional early snow can affect some周 Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: December, January

Elevation7600 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a section of the Pajarito Plateau, a volcanic formation created 1.6 and 1.4 million years ago. Ponderosa pines dominate at this elevation, with piñon-juniper woodlands below and mixed conifers higher up. The plateau's mesas and canyons form the backdrop. Black bears and mule deer move through the area regularly. Bandelier's 33,000 acres surround the camp, and over 70 miles of trails branch out from here.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodge or cabin-style accommodations are available at Ponderosa Group Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThe Visitor Center offers museum exhibits, park films, ranger programs, and educational materials. "The Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs."

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 consecutive nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Minimum of 10 people and maximum of 50 people per group site.

Groups

Group sites accommodate between 10 and 50 people per site. Ideal for scout groups, church groups, or large gatherings. "Camping is permitted only in the campsite for which campers have a reservation."

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility options are limited to basic vault toilet facilities and amenities tailored for group camping.

Site SizeEach campsite accommodates between 10 and 50 people, with space for tents and one RV per site in the parking area.

PrivacyPrivacy levels are moderate, with one user noting issues with site-specific overcrowding: "There were so many vehicles in our way at the site and many people using the benches of Site A and B.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup Site B has adequate space for large parties and better proximity to parking. Consider site-specific advantages such as privacy and views.

Best CampsitesOnly two sites exist, A and B. Reviews mention that both sites sometimes experience overcrowding, with vehicles blocking access and people from one site using the benches at the other. Site selection isn't really a factor here. Both accommodate the same group size and have similar access to trails.

Need help booking Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ponderosa Group Campground offers essential amenities for group camping, with an emphasis on tent camping and outdoor activities. Group sites are equipped with vault toilets (no running water), drinking water (seasonal availability, mid-May to mid-October), picnic tables, food storage lockers, campfire rings, and a shaded picnic shelter. No electrical or water hookups are provided. "Vault toilets are provided but there are no restrooms with running water." Users often highlight the cleanliness and availability of bear-proof bins: "Clean, and has useful bear proof bins." However, showers and laundry facilities are not available. In-season firewood availability is noted occasionally, but firewood cannot be purchased on-site. Trash and recycling facilities are consistently available year-round.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Ponderosa Group Campground provides a variety of activities tailored for outdoor enthusiasts and groups. Activities include hiking, birding, stargazing, wilderness exploration, and picnicking. Popular trails, such as the Ponderosa Trail, offer access to over 70 miles of hiking routes. Wildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of mule deer, Abert's squirrels, and numerous bird species. Rock climbing is prohibited within Bandelier National Monument, but nearby areas in the Jemez Mountains provide climbing options.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails accessible directly from campground; Ponderosa Trail links to Middle Frijoles.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Winter Activities1.5/5

Winter has freezing temps and limited water; not indicated as a winter-sports site.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Canyons, fall color, archaeological sites and dark skies offer excellent photo ops.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided year-round.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available for securing food and scented items.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

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From Booking Sources

3.6

21 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Ponderosa Group Campground highlight its suitability for large groups, cleanliness of facilities, and convenient access to trails and wildlife. Some users report issues with gate codes and overcrowding at specific sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 21 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's cleanliness, bear-proof bins, and suitability for groups: "Great spot for tents and enough room for two campers (No hookups though) and lots of parking...

Based on 21 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include logistical issues such as gate codes not working and overcrowding at specific sites: "The gate code did not work and when I called no one answered." "There were so many...

Based on 21 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews highlight mixed experiences. Group B received praise for cleanliness and preparation but complaints about gate code issues.

Based on 21 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include checking routes and water availability before arrival: "Check your route! Google maps will take you through unpaved areas." "Water isn't available until later in the spring, not a huge...

Based on 21 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal reviews suggest winter months pose challenges due to freezing temperatures and limited water availability, while spring and fall are ideal for group camping.

Based on 21 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We had a great experience here, great location for trips to the Pueblos and Santa Fe." "While there for a day to at least spend a day at the site, there were so many vehicles in our way." "Clean,...

Based on 21 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews were not explicitly provided.

Based on 21 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted in the campground but are restricted from hiking trails: "No pets on the Park trails, but lots of opportunities nearby!"

Based on 21 reviews

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Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

$50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $50.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$50.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(505) 672-3861BAND_Visitor_Center@nps.gov

Go if

You're organizing a group trip to Bandelier and want a dedicated site with bear-proof storage and trail access.

Skip if

You're traveling solo, need hookups, or have a large RV that can't clear low-hanging trees.

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Juniper Campground (Nm)

15 Entrance Rd, Los Alamos, NM, 87544

Juniper Campground sits at high elevation in Bandelier National Monument, operated by the National Park Service near Los Alamos. The mid-sized campground serves as base camp for exploring ancient cliff dwellings and mesa trails through piñon-juniper terrain. Spacious sites accommodate tents and RVs, with ranger-led interpretive programs connecting visitors to the monument's archaeology and natural history.