Santa Fe National Forest — riverside, hiking
Location: Ponderosa, NM, NM
Price: From $75 per night
Price range: $75–$100 per night
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (2 reviews)
Season: May through October
Paliza Group Campground is found north of the small community of Ponderosa, surrounded by ponderosa pines and views of the stunning cliff faces of majestic mesas. There are two group areas within the campground, with walk in and drive in sites found separately in each loop. The group campground generally opens in mid-May and closes in October.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): weak signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: Verizon. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/paliza-group-campground to be notified when sites open up.
Paliza Group Campground offers a scenic setting surrounded by ponderosa pines with stunning mesa views, ideal for groups seeking quiet, star-filled nights away from major cities. Google reviews praise its clean facilities, wheelchair accessibility, and accommodations for large groups with multiple pull-in spots, fire pits, and a gazebo.
Wildlife alert: Western Diamond-backed Rattlesnake and Greater Short-horned Lizard present in the area. Also home to Pallid Bat, Rock Squirrel, Red-naped Sapsucker, Northern Flicker, and Townsend's Solitaire.
Insider tips for Paliza Group Campground: Book early — federal campground with only 2 group sites and high demand Two separate loop sections available; choose based on proximity preference to pavilion Suitable for self-contained RVs; no hookups available
Skip Paliza Group Campground if: You require RV hookups — none available at this campground. You need year-round access — seasonal operations only May through October. You're looking for a small group or solo camping — group campground format only.
Best time to visit Paliza Group Campground: May-October — Official operating season; campground generally opens mid-May and closes in October.
Nearby campgrounds: Paliza (Jemez Springs, NM), Vista Linda Campground (Jemez Springs, NM), Jemez Falls Campground (Jemez Springs, NM), Redondo Campground (Jemez Springs, NM).
Cell signal at Paliza Group Campground (Ponderosa, NM): weak overall signal based on FCC broadband data. Best carrier: Verizon.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Paliza Group Campground is found north of the small community of Ponderosa, surrounded by ponderosa pines and views of the stunning cliff faces of majestic mesas. There are two group areas within the campground, with walk in and drive in sites found separately in each loop. The group campground generally opens in mid-May and closes in October.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
federal campground with only 2 group sites and high demand
Two separate loop sections available; choose based on proximity preference to pavilion
Suitable for self-contained RVs; no hookups available
Official operating season; campground generally opens mid-May and closes in October
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal. Best carrier: Verizon.









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