How much does camping cost at Paliza Group Campground?

Camping fees at Paliza Group Campground range from $75-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Paliza 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 Paliza Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Paliza Group Campground has 4 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 Paliza Group Campground?

Paliza Group Campground is open May 08 to September 30. 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 Paliza Group Campground?

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

Are dogs allowed at Paliza Group Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Paliza Group Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Paliza Group Campground?

Paliza Group Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paliza Group Campground?

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

Paliza Group Campground

4.02

36 reviews

Quick Facts

6,739 ft

Price

$75 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Santa Fe National Forest - Jemez Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,739 ft

Price

$75 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open mid-May through...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Santa Fe National Forest - Jemez Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Paliza Group Campground

$75.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GS1: $100.00; GS2: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

Get Notified When Available

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

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-829-3535

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Paliza Group Campground

35.6972, -106.6342

Nearby places

Ponderosa, NM (5 miles, approx. 10 minutes)

Rio Rancho, NM (~40 minutes)

Albuquerque, NM (~60 minutes).

Weather at Paliza Group Campground

Current alerts(5)

Check in time is 11:00 AM - Check out time is 1:00 PM
Fire restrictions may exist. Check with the Jemez Ranger District if you are unsure.
No ATV/ORV use in the campground. Travel is restricted elsewhere on the forest.
Paliza Owl loop can support a max capacity of 75 people. Paliza Red Tail loop can support a max of 40 people.

Best Time to Camp at Paliza Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most reliable combination of mild daytime temperatures, dramatic canyon foliage, and thinner crowds — ideal for hiking, photography, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Expect crisp days in the 50s–70s °F and cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s °F, making early morning and late-afternoon light perfect for canyon views and aspens turning gold. Fire danger typically eases and insect activity falls off, but be aware of local hunting seasons and wear blaze orange when venturing into a Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: mild temps, dramatic canyon foliage, thinner crowds; ideal for hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 08 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open mid-May through mid-October. Peak season pricing applies from May 10 - September 30.

About Paliza Group Campground

Paliza Group Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Santa Fe National Forest's Jemez Ranger District, operated by the U.S. Forest Service near Ponderosa. The campground features a large pavilion and spacious sites designed for group gatherings, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors hike and bike the surrounding trails, and the area is known for fall foliage and private, wooded sites.

Paliza Group Campground is designed for group camping, offering both walk-in and drive-in sites. It features loops specifically tailored to accommodate large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most reliable combination of mild daytime temperatures, dramatic canyon foliage, and thinner crowds — ideal for hiking, photography, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Expect crisp days in the 50s–70s °F and cool nights dropping into the 20s–40s °F, making early morning and late-afternoon light perfect for canyon views and aspens turning gold. Fire danger typically eases and insect activity falls off, but be aware of local hunting seasons and wear blaze orange when venturing into a Peak months: September, October, June, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6739 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines rise above the campground, framing views of distant mesas and sandstone cliffs. Summer brings golden chamisa blooms across the hillsides. Autumn turns the deciduous trees to red and gold against the evergreen backdrop. The East Fork Jemez River flows nearby, and Valles Caldera National Preserve lies within striking distance.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style or formal lodging accommodations available; the campground is dedicated to group camping in loops or tents.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no cultural or educational programs explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit is explicitly stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Owl Loop supports up to 75 people
Red Tail Loop supports up to 40 people.

Groups

The Owl Loop can accommodate up to 75 people, while the Red Tail Loop has a maximum capacity of 40 people.

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 on Recreation.gov, through its mobile app, contact center, or in-person.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible parking, walkways, and ramps for individuals in wheelchairs.

Site SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate groups, with specific areas such as the Owl Loop for larger gatherings.

PrivacyThe campground offers good spacing between sites, providing a balance of group activity areas and personal space.

Recommended SitesFor tent campers, quiet sites (23-30) are preferred due to the absence of generators. Families may enjoy spots near the brook, which is charming and ambient.

Best CampsitesSites 23–30 are quieter because generators aren't allowed in that section. Owl Loop works well for larger groups needing vehicle access and amenities. Red Tail Loop offers walk-in sites with parking close by.

Need help booking Paliza Group Campground?

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

There is no water.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Paliza Group Campground offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, birding, camping, and picnicking. Nearby attractions provide additional options like fishing, scenic drives, and exploring hot springs.

Hiking

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available. Vault toilets are provided and described as clean and well-stocked by user reviews.

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.

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 Paliza Group Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.0

36 reviews

Satisfactory

Paliza Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Paliza Group Campground are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and suitability for group events. Some complaints focus on the lack of water and perceived hostility among staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Common praise includes the well-maintained facilities, clean vault toilets, spacious and private sites, and scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The large pavilion and picnic area are emphasized as...

Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

Users report issues such as the lack of water and challenges with staking tents in hard ground. One review mentioned a negative interaction with staff, alleging discriminatory behavior.

Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in the Owl Loop are popular for their capacity for large gatherings and accessibility features. Sites 23-30 are noted for their generator-free policy, offering a quieter experience.

Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water supplies, as there is none on-site. Use durable stakes or tools for setting up tents. Secure food to prevent attracting wildlife. Campers also recommend arriving early to...

Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season experiences are generally positive, with reviewers appreciating the clean facilities and scenic environment. However, some note that it can be hot during summer months as the campground...

Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Toilets clean and well-stocked, no water or electricity. Great flat areas to camp with parking, pavilion gathering area is large." - Dharma Fuller. "Love the new policy of no generators in certain...

Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews highlight the campground's wheelchair-accessible features, including ramps and accessible vault toilets.

Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pets were highlighted; policies regarding pets are unclear in the available data.

Based on 36 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Paliza Group Campground

$75.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GS1: $100.00; GS2: $75.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$100.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

575-829-3535

Go if

You're planning a group event in the Jemez Mountains and want a large pavilion with forested privacy.

Skip if

You need cell service, softer ground for tent stakes, or prefer dispersed individual sites.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Paliza sits in mid-elevation Santa Fe National Forest near Ponderosa, managed by the U.S. Forest Service. This large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for hiking and mountain biking volcanic-sandstone trails, wildlife viewing from hilltop vantage points, and quiet evenings under clear summer skies.

Paliza Group Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Paliza Group Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Paliza Group Campground

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Paliza Group Campground

Planning Tips

About Paliza Group Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Paliza Group Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Ask Camp Sage about Paliza Group Campground

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Paliza Group Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Paliza Group Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews