Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

4.07

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

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

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

$50.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for group camping is $50 per site, per group. Separate entrance fees apply for each vehicle, which range from $15 to $25 depending...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$50.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(505) 672-3861BAND_GROUP_RESERVATIONS@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.07

Satisfactory

Based on 21 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhookups

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

15 Entrance Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544

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.

The campground is accessible by paved roads. Entrance access issues may occur during winter months due to snow. Large RVs may face challenges due to low-hanging trees at the camping loop entrance (as noted by user review).

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.

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Los Alamos. Fuel stations are also located in Los Alamos.

Best Time to Camp at Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Experience the dramatic dance of seasons at Ponderosa, where summer days bring warm, dry conditions perfect for exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Summer highs reach a comfortable 38°F, while winter nights can dip to a crisp 17°F. From mid-October through mid-April, fresh snowfall blankets the pines, creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Note that water access becomes limited during freezing conditions, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers warm, dry conditions ideal for exploration; water access via shuttle mid-May–Oct.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall cited as ideal for group camping; pleasant weather and trail access make it a top season.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring noted as ideal for group camping; trails accessible and pleasant conditions (water season starts mid-May).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Open year-round but reviewers note freezing temps and limited water; winter conditions can be challenging.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025 (peak season pricing applies).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Water availability is seasonal, from mid-May to mid-October.
Current Alerts: Alcove House is temporarily closed due to ladder deterioration. Additional seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

About Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Nestled among towering ponderosa pines, Ponderosa Group Campground welcomes gatherings of 10 to 50 adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This tent-only sanctuary serves as your basecamp for exploring over 70 miles of pristine hiking trails, with the renowned Ponderosa Trailhead right at your doorstep. Just moments from Bandelier National Monument's Visitor Center, you'll find yourself perfectly positioned to discover ancient wonders and natural splendor while enjoying the camaraderie of group camping under star-filled skies.

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.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living timeline spanning 11,000 years of human stories etched into the landscape. Ancient petroglyphs whisper tales of the past, while dramatic cliff dwellings and weathered masonry walls stand as monuments to the ingenuity of the Ancestral Pueblo people. Every trail holds the possibility of encountering these remarkable connections to our shared human heritage, making each hike a journey through millennia of history.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of seasons at Ponderosa, where summer days bring warm, dry conditions perfect for exploration, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted wonderland. Summer highs reach a comfortable 38°F, while winter nights can dip to a crisp 17°F. From mid-October through mid-April, fresh snowfall blankets the pines, creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Note that water access becomes limited during freezing conditions, adding to the authentic backcountry experience.

ElevationPerched at an impressive 7,600 feet above sea level, Ponderosa offers a refreshing mountain escape where the air is crisp and pine-scented. This lofty elevation brings cooler temperatures year-round and transforms the campground into a winter wonderland when snow arrives, typically blanketing the landscape from late fall through early spring. The altitude creates perfect conditions for those seeking respite from desert heat and a true mountain camping experience.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking tapestry of Bandelier National Monument's 33,000 protected acres, where ponderosa pine savannahs meet dramatic canyon walls carved by time. This diverse ecosystem shelters an abundance of wildlife—keep watch for black bears ambling through the forest and graceful mule deer browsing in meadow clearings. The interplay of volcanic mesas, deep canyons, and verdant forests creates an ever-changing panorama that rewards explorers with new vistas at every turn.

Geological RegionCamp atop the ancient Pajarito Plateau, a geological masterpiece sculpted by volcanic forces 1.6 and 1.4 million years ago. This dramatic landscape unfolds in layers—from the piñon-juniper woodlands of lower elevations through majestic ponderosa pine forests to mixed conifer groves crowning the heights. The rugged canyons and sweeping mesas tell the explosive story of the earth's power, creating a backdrop of raw beauty that transforms ordinary camping into an extraordinary geological adventure.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

11:30 AM

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

Site layoutThe campground contains two group sites (A and B), each accommodating up to 50 people. Sites are tent-only with one RV allowed per site in the parking area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come, first-served availability. All sites require advance reservations.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee and additional charges for late cancellations. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival for group sites) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

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.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

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.

HikingHiking is a prominent activity, with trails accessible directly from the campground. The Ponderosa Trail connects to the Middle Frijoles Trail, leading 8 miles through Frijoles Canyon to the Visitor Center. "Accessible from Ponderosa Group Campground, the Ponderosa Trail descends into the park through ponderosa pine forest and connects to many other trails."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a key attraction, with over 55 species of mammals and numerous bird species such as Steller's jays and turkey vultures. "The park is home to over 55 species of mammals including mule deer, Abert's squirrels, mountain lions, black bears, and 16 species of bats."

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Visitor Center offers museum exhibits, park films, ranger programs, and educational materials. "The Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs."

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears and mountain lions are present in the area. Campers must store food securely. Winter snow may restrict access.

Active AlertsAlcove House is temporarily closed due to ladder deterioration. Additional seasonal fire restrictions may apply.

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

Fire PolicyFires are allowed only in designated fire pits. Gathering firewood is prohibited, and restrictions may apply during dry summer months.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Los Alamos, including hospitals, police, and fire stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available year-round.

Water FeaturesNo natural water features within the campground, but Frijoles Canyon (accessible by shuttle bus mid-May to mid-October) offers riparian habitats.

Camp HostSeasonal staff is available at the Visitor Center for assistance.

Weather at Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Reviews

4.1

21 reviews

Satisfactory

Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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