Ponderosa Group Campground (NM)

About Ponderosa Group Campground (NM)

Overview ***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 hiking trails and is just a short drive from the Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle System (mid-May to mid-October), and the town of Los Alamos, Valles Caldera National Preserve, Manhattan Project National Historic Site, and the Santa Fe National Forest. Ponderosa Group Campground is open year-round (water is only available from mid-May to mid-October, subject to delays and/or early shut off). Same-day reservations are not permitted. Frijoles Canyon and the park Visitor Center are accessible only by shuttle bus from mid-May to mid-October. The shuttle bus system stops at the Bandelier Visitor Center, Juniper Campground, and the White Rock Visitor Center in the town of White Rock. Outside of the designated shuttle bus period, visitors may access all park areas by private vehicle. Public events are prohibited at Ponderosa Campground. Private events that adhere to campsite capacity limits, may be permitted after obtaining a special use permit. Visit the park's Permits & Reservations web page or call (505) 672-3861 ext. 1102.Recreation Accessible from Ponderosa Group Campground, the Ponderosa Trail descends into the park through ponderosa pine forest and connects to many other trails including the Middle Frijoles Trails which leads 8 miles (13 km) through Frijoles Canyon to the Visitor Center and Main Loop Trail. The Visitor Center houses museum exhibits, park film, information and ranger programs, Western National Parks Association sales outlet, and more. Entran

How to Get There

From Santa Fe (appx 1 hour travel time): Take Highway 84/285 (Saint Francis Drive) north toward Los Alamos. Merge right onto NM 502 to Los Alamos. Exit onto NM 4 toward White Rock. Continue for 12 miles (19 km), passing through White Rock. Bandelier's entrance is on the left. Enter here and purchase entrance pass(es) at the automated fee machine or continue on Entrance Rd for 3 miles (4.8 km) to the Visitor Center. Ponderosa Group Campground is 6 miles (9.7 km) past the park entrance on NM 4. From Taos (appx. 1.5 hours travel time): Take NM 68 (Paseo del Pueblo Sur) south. In Espanola, turn right onto Fairway. Turn left on Highway 84/285. Turn right on NM 30. Merge right onto NM 502 to Los Alamos. Exit onto NM 4 toward White Rock. Continue for 12 miles (19 km), passing through White Rock. Bandelier's entrance is on the left. Enter here and purchase entrance pass(es) or continue on Entrance Rd for 3 miles (4.8 km) to the Visitor Center. Ponderosa Group Campground is 6 miles (9.7 km) past the park entrance on NM 4. Visit the Directions page on the park website for detailed directions from other areas.

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

Plan Your Visit to Ponderosa Group Campground (NM)

Heading to Ponderosa Group Campground (NM)? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)