PALIZA

PALIZA

About this campsite

Overview

Paliza Campground sits beneath sandstone cliffs on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The area is replete with culture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Ample recreation opportunities exist at or near the campground, which makes it a wonderful outdoor destination.

Recreation

Hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic drives are some of the popular activities enjoyed near the campground. Striking views of an ancient volcanic crater amid the rolling hills, can be seen from the Cerro Pelado Scenic Overlook, about 11 miles from the campground.

Off-road vehicle trails and numerous hiking and mountain biking trails surround the campground.

Facilities

There is no water.

The campground offers a variety of sites available for tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, lantern posts and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible vault toilets. Roads within the campground are paved.

Natural Features

The newly refurbished campground sits in a forested area at the top of a hill with views of the Jemez Valley below. It was originally the site of a 1930s Civilian Convservation Corps base camp. Remnants of that camp, including log lean-to's and adirondack shelters with rock fireplaces, can be found within the campground.

A small stream runs alongside the campground and sandstone cliffs on the nearby mesas provide excellent photographic and sightseeing opportunities. A small tract of private land is located north of the campground and common courtesy is appreciated.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located five miles northeast of the town of Ponderosa, New Mexico, an area known for its vineyards and winery with a tasting room.

The Jemez Pueblo and the Walatowa Visitor Center, both of which provide rewarding cultural experiences, are just 11 miles from the campground in the town of Jemez. The quaint community offers shopping and dining opportunities, as well as a variety of recreational opportunities.

Location

PALIZA•NM

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

FRI🌤️

19° / 7°

💧 1%

SAT🌤️

22° / 8°

💧 2%

SUN☀️

22° / 12°

💧 1%

TODAY☀️

21° / 11°

—

TUE☀️

24° / 13°

💧 2%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

1.1 km away

Paliza Group Campground

Overview 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. It’s location is ideal for enjoying quiet, star filled nights as it is far away from major cities. The Jemez National Recreation Area is a short drive away and providesmany opportunities to enjoy the Santa Fe National Forest. Recreation Paliza Group Campground is not far from NM Highway 4 and the popular Jemez National Recreation Area. Scenic day hikes, hot springs, and historical landmarks can be found nearby. Fishing is popular on the nearby San Antonio Creek with plenty of fishing sites available. Facilities The Owl Loop sites have paved driveways along with standard campsite amenities like a fire ring grill, picnic table, lantern post, and gravel tent pads. There is a large outdoor picnic area for the Owl Loop and comes with pedestal grills, a ramada, picnic tables, and plenty of room for large gatherings. The Red Tail Loop sites are walk-in sites, but the parking is close by with additional parking for RVs and trailers available. Red Tail Loop sites have a picnic table, fire ring grill, lantern posts, and gravel tent pads provided, with a gravel walkway connecting all the sites. There are recently renovated vaulted toilets found in both loops. Natural Features The short driveway from Forest Road 10 to the group campground is scenic, with riparian trees changing to towering ponderosa pines as the road climbs in elevation. Spectacular views of the surrounding mesas and clear blue skies are hallmarks of this campground. The dark greens of the conifers stand out against the bright yellows of flowering chamisa in the summer, and the yellows and reds of fall foliage provide a variety of scenery through the seasons. Nearby Attractions The East Fork of the Jemez National Wildand Scenic River can be accessed nearby. The Valles Caldera National Preserve is conveniently located north of Forest Road 10 on NM 4. An impressive geological formation known as Battleship Rock is worth stopping to look on NM 4, north of the town of Jemez Springs. The town itself has art created by locals, hot springs, and a restaurant for those not wanting to cook.

8.7 km away

Vista Linda Campground

Overview Vista Linda Campground sits in the San Diego Canyon on the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are thirteen sites throughout the campground. Potable water and vault toilets are provided amenities. Each campsite has picnic tables, a fire ring, and a charcoal pedestal. Sites with shad features are available; not all sites provide shade features. Recreation Vista Linda Campground is one of five developed campgrounds in the Jemez National Recreation Area on the Jemez Ranger District. There are numerous outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Jemez National Recreation Area, from scenic driving to fishing accesses and day-use picnic areas. Vista Linda Campground is a brief drive from numerous developed day-use sites on the NM-4 Corridor and a short drive from multiple access points to Trail 137 Facilities Vista Linda Campground provides potable water access and vault toilets. Electric hookups are not provided. Note: Please call the Jemez Ranger District Office at 575-829-3535 for potable water systems updates. Natural Features Vista Linda Campground is situated in a basin of the San Diego Canyon, south of the town of Jemez Springs, NM. It is surrounded by redrock and sandstone mesas in a vibrant cottonwood bosque. The Jemez River runs parallel to the campground, and provides ample fishing access for campers. The campground provides excellent stargazing options on cloudless nights. Nearby Attractions Vista Linda Campground is part of the Jemez National Recreation Area. There are numerous developed, dispersed, and undeveloped recreation opportunities throughout the Jemez National Recreation Area. It is also near the Valles Caldera National Preserve, Bandelier National Monument, Dome and Bandlier Wilderness Areas, the town of Los Alamos, and a two-hour drive to Santa Fe.

12.6 km away

JEMEZ FALLS CAMPGROUND

Overview Jemez Falls Campground is located in a stunning Ponderosa Pine and forest meadow environment. The campground elevation is 7,880 feet above sea level. Come prepared for warm days and cool nights. The Cerro Pelado Area closure prohibits members of the public from entering Trail 137 from access points South of the East Fork Trailhead. Entry is allowed North from the East Fork Trailhead to Las Conchas Trailhead. Please remember that this campground is special. Help keep it clean and beautiful by using the trash dumpsters. Campground has 52 camp sites with picnic table and fire ring. Paved access which allows trailers and RV's up to 40 feet. Loop 4 sites are non-generator use areas. Loops 1-3 may use generators from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There is paved access from the highway and paved internal roads to individual campsites. There are no RV hook-ups. Drinking water is provided from spigots conveniently located throughout the campground. Vault toilets provide basic sanitation needs. A campground host is on duty. Recreation Overnight camping, fishing, and hiking are main attractions. Other recreational activities include outdoor photography and nature viewing. The campground is within the heart of the Jemez National Recreation Area. Facilities The campground contains 51 overnight tent and RV/trailer campsites. Loop 4 has been designated as a (quiet area), generator use is not permitted. Please be aware of the size specifications for your trailer/RV/tent, ensure your equipment will fit in the sizes that are stated for each site. There is paved access from the highway and paved internal roads to individual campsites. There are no RV/trailer hook-ups at the campground. Drinking water is provided from spigots conveniently located throughout the campground. Vault toilets provide basic sanitation needs. A campground host is on duty during the summer camping season. Natural Features The East Fork Jemez Wild and Scenic River runs close to the campground. The campground is situated on rolling terrain shaded by pines and sunny in open meadows. Nearby Attractions Jemez Falls, the largest waterfall in the Jemez Mountains, is a half mile hike from the campground. The Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandelier National Monument are within short driving distance along the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. Charges & Cancellations

12.7 km away

JEMEZ FALLS (NM) PICNIC AREA

Overview Jemez Falls Picnic Area is great place to spend the day, especially when planning a day hike to nearby Jemez Falls on the Jemez District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The lands are known for immense cultural heritage of the Jemez people, as well as a therapeutic natural warm springs. Recreation A trailhead to Jemez Falls is located within the day-use area. It leads to both Jemez Falls and McCauley Warm Springs. Visitors can also enjoy fishing the Jemez River, a small trout stream stocked with catchable trout. Facilities The accessible picnic area is equipped with a shelter, tables and large grills. Accessible vault toilets and trash collection are provided. The site can accommodate up to 50 people. A large parking area is on-site. Natural Features The picnic area is situated in a forested area at an elevation of 7,880 feet. Nearby Jemez Falls cascades 70 feet over a rocky cliff surrounded by boulders and pines. Nearby Attractions The picnic area is located 15 miles northeast of Jemez Springs, New Mexico. San Diego Canyon overlook is located nearby and provides a stunning view of the canyon. Nearby Valles Caldera and Bandelier National Monument provide plenty of scenic views and geographic history.