Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm)

Bandelier National Monument — riverside, hiking

Location: Los Alamos, NM, NM

Price: From $50 per night

Rating: 3.7 out of 5 (3 reviews)

Season: Year-round

***Ponderosa Group Campground will tentatively be closed starting October 8, 2025 while the park works to complete a major water line replacement/improvement project. The closure is anticipated to the entire month of October*** Ponderosa Group Campground is located 6 miles (9.7 km) from the park’s main entrance and is an ideal place to stay for large groups visiting Bandelier National Monument. The campground is adjacent to Ponderosa Trailhead providing access to more than 70 miles (113 km) of h

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): strong signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Best carrier: T-Mobile. Verizon 4G: 100%. AT&T 4G: 100%. T-Mobile 4G: 100%.

Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Electric Hookups, Bear Boxes

Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/ponderosa-group-campground-nm to be notified when sites open up.

Ideal for large groups visiting Bandelier National Monument with access to 70+ miles of hiking trails via adjacent Ponderosa Trailhead. Located 6 miles from the park's main entrance and near Los Alamos, Valles Caldera National Preserve, and Manhattan Project National Historic Site.

Wildlife alert: Mountain lions present in area; also Mule Deer, Abert's Squirrels, Dusky Grouse, and various lizard species.

Insider tips for Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm): Book early—this is a federal campground with only 2 sites and high demand Bring a self-contained RV or tent; no hookups available Frijoles Canyon Shuttle System runs mid-May to mid-October for park access Star gazing opportunities available at this location

Skip Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm) if: You need RV hookups—no hookups available at sites. You're traveling with pets—pets not allowed on park trails. You prefer spontaneous camping—reservation-only facility.

Best time to visit Ponderosa Group Campground (Nm): Year-round — Campground operates year-round, though seasonal operations noted for some facilities.

Nearby campgrounds: Juniper Campground (Nm) (Los Alamos, NM), Tetilla Peak (PENA BLANCA, NM), Cochiti Campground (PENA BLANCA, NM), Jemez Falls (Nm) Picnic Area (JEMEZ SPRINGS, NM).