Paliza

4.72

65 reviews

PO BOX 150, Jemez Springs, NM, 87025, USA

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 9 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Peak season: May 9 t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Santa Fe National Forest site

Get Directions

Paliza

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping fees are $15 per night for all site types (standard non-electric, tent-only non-electric, RV non-electric). Additional fees include $10 per...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Total Campsite Fees$15.00

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Provider

What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 65 reviews

70 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwell-maintained

"Paliza Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and tranquility. While camp hosts have received mixed reviews in the past, recent feedback indicates positive improvements."

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Fees & Passes at Paliza

$15/night

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

$15/night

Group Site

For large groups

Free

Stay Limit: Maximum consecutive stay is limited to 14 nights.

Cancellation: Reservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, alon...

Prices verified December 8, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Santa Fe National Forest website.

Best Time to Camp at Paliza

Summer transforms Paliza into an outdoor paradise, with crystal-clear skies gracing nearly 80% of camping days. While mountain weather can surprise with the occasional afternoon shower or rare snowflake, these brief interludes only add to the adventure. Moderate breezes averaging 23 mph during cooler periods keep the air fresh and the pine trees whispering their ancient songs. The reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures make summer the crown jewel of camping seasons here.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 9 to September 26, 2025, and May 8 to September 14, 2026.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season: May 9 to September 26, 2025, and May 8 to September 14, 2026. Out-of-season: September 26, 2025, to May 8, 2026.

About Paliza

Perched high above the Jemez Valley, Paliza Campground welcomes adventurers to a storied landscape where forest meets sky in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest. This versatile mountain retreat accommodates everyone from solo tent campers to large RV groups, with thoughtfully designed single, double, triple, and group sites scattered throughout the pine-scented grounds. As part of the scenic Jemez Ranger District, Paliza offers the perfect basecamp for exploring one of New Mexico's most captivating wilderness areas.

Paliza Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV camping on single-family, double, and triple sites, as well as a group site accommodating up to 100 people.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Paliza, where the echoes of the 1930s still resonate through the forest. Young men of the Civilian Conservation Corps once called this hillside home, building their dreams alongside sturdy stone fireplaces and rustic lean-to shelters that still stand sentinel among the trees. These weathered structures serve as powerful reminders of America's conservation legacy, inviting campers to connect with the generations who shaped this landscape before them.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Paliza into an outdoor paradise, with crystal-clear skies gracing nearly 80% of camping days. While mountain weather can surprise with the occasional afternoon shower or rare snowflake, these brief interludes only add to the adventure. Moderate breezes averaging 23 mph during cooler periods keep the air fresh and the pine trees whispering their ancient songs. The reliable sunshine and comfortable temperatures make summer the crown jewel of camping seasons here.

ElevationRising majestically above the surrounding valleys, Paliza Campground claims its throne atop a forested hilltop where the air is crisp and the views are endless. This elevated perch offers campers a natural vantage point that feels worlds away from everyday life.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your campsite atop the hill, watch as morning mist dances through the Jemez Valley far below, while towering pines frame views that stretch to the horizon. Dramatic sandstone cliffs stand guard nearby, their ancient faces carved by millennia of wind and weather. Throughout the campground, the weathered stones of Depression-era CCC shelters blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, creating a unique tapestry where human history and wild nature intertwine beneath the vast New Mexico sky.

Geological RegionPaliza Campground occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within the Jemez Ranger District, where ancient volcanic forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. The hilltop setting reveals layers of Earth's history, from the dramatic sandstone cliffs that glow golden at sunset to the volcanic rock formations that tell tales of fiery origins. This remarkable terrain, enhanced by the historic CCC structures from the 1930s, creates a camping experience where every trail leads through millions of years of geological wonder in the heart of the Santa Fe National Forest.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and paved roads within the campground enhance accessibility. Specific campsites may be suitable for individuals with mobility challenges.

Sites SizeThe campground offers a variety of site sizes, including single-family, double, triple, and group sites accommodating up to 100 people.

Sites PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced, offering a fair level of privacy. One reviewer described it as 'peaceful and secluded.'

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended CampsitesSites from 23-29 are generator-free and may offer quieter camping experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time varies. Payments are required upon arrival using Scan and Pay.

Check-out

12 noon.

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is limited to 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specific guest limit for individual sites is mentioned.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 100 people and includes multiple picnic tables, fire rings, and a large gathering gazebo.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into paved loops. Sites include single-family, double, triple, and group accommodations with parking options for multiple vehicles.

Open and Closed SeasonPeak season: May 9 to September 26, 2025, and May 8 to September 14, 2026. Out-of-season: September 26, 2025, to May 8, 2026.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov using the Scan and Pay system only after arriving at the campground.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All payments must be made via the Scan and Pay system upon arrival.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee for late cancellations.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Cell phone service

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Paliza Campground offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. The nearby Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook provides striking views of an ancient volcanic crater. Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and biking trails surround the campground, making it a hub for outdoor enthusiasts.

Hiking

The campground is surrounded by hiking trails. Visitors can explore the Goblin Colony, an 'otherworldly bunch of hoodoos on the side of a steep hillside.' (Eric Haan, 2021)

Biking

Numerous biking trails are available, catering to different skill levels.

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing is a popular activity. The forested setting and proximity to natural features make the campground conducive to spotting local fauna.

Winter Activities

Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground may be less accessible during snow or adverse weather conditions.

Water Sports

Water sports are not supported at this location.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
Campfires are allowed within designated fire rings and grills. Visitors are encouraged to bring and burn local firewood.
Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Hazards

General hazardsRoad conditions can worsen after heavy rains, particularly during monsoon season. Wildlife sightings, including cows, are possible. No water or electricity is available.

Weather at Paliza

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 39%

Wind: 3.8 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

Reveal forecast

Emergency Services

Closest emergency services unknown.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 9 to September 26, 2025, and May 8 to September 14, 2026.

Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Visitors are expected to pack out what they pack in.

Proximity to water featuresA small stream flows alongside the campground and provides opportunities for wading and relaxation.

Common complaintsPast user reviews indicate dissatisfaction with specific camp hosts in prior years due to perceived rudeness. Other complaints include challenging road access during wet weather conditions.

HostReviews about camp hosts are mixed. Some past hosts have been described as rude, while recent hosts are praised for cleanliness and attentiveness.

Campground Map

PO BOX 150, Jemez Springs, NM, 87025, USA

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

The road to the campground is gravel and can be narrow and rough according to user reviews, particularly after rainstorms during the monsoon season. While the U.S. Forest Service website recommends high-clearance vehicles, some reviewers noted that this might be excessive.

Nearby places

Ponderosa (5 miles northeast), Jemez (11 miles)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be found in Ponderosa (5 miles away) and Jemez (11 miles away), including dining, shopping, and recreational opportunities.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.7

65 reviews

Top-Rated

Paliza is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Paliza Campground is widely praised for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and tranquility. While camp hosts have received mixed reviews in the past, recent feedback indicates positive improvements.

Review Summaries

Based on 65 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently highlight the campground's cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. Comments include 'Very clean facilities and grounds well cared for' (Robert Childs,...

Based on 65 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers have noted issues with camp host behavior in the past, such as 'rude and confrontational' attitudes (Michelle Sanchez, 2021).

Based on 65 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, as there is no potable water on-site. The road to the campground can be challenging after rain, so high-clearance vehicles may be advisable.

Based on 65 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer months, with quieter periods in early spring and late fall. Accessibility may decrease during monsoon season or winter.

Based on 65 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The vault bathrooms were within sight of our camp... cleaned daily, and equipped with comforting sensor lights.' (Patricia Thompson, 2024), 'The loop that has sites 23 to 29 is a generator-free...

Based on 65 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 23-29 are generator-free, adding to the tranquility. The group site (GS1) includes a large gazebo and multiple facilities for larger gatherings.

Based on 65 reviews