Los Alamos, New Mexico · Los Alamos County · Campground
Overview Juniper Family Campground is the ideal place to camp on the Pajarito Plateau. Located just inside the main park entrance, the campground is a short drive from the Bandelier Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle bus system (mid-May to mid-October), and the adjacent towns of Los Alamos and White Rock. Juni…
Overview Juniper Family Campground is the ideal place to camp on the Pajarito Plateau. Located just inside the main park entrance, the campground is a short drive from the Bandelier Visitor Center, the Frijoles Canyon Shuttle bus system (mid-May to mid-October), and the adjacent towns of Los Alamos and White Rock. Juniper Family Campground is the perfect "home base" to explore the Pajarito Plateau, Jemez Mountains, and all of north central New Mexico! The campground is divided into 3 loops: Abert's Squirrel Loop (Loop A) campsites are available year-round as first-come, first serve only. Pay for first-come, first-serve campsites at the self-pay kiosk located at the Juniper Family Campground or in-person at the Bandelier Visitor Center during business hours. Black Bear Loop (Loop B) campsites are open year-round and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance or the day of arrival). Coyote Loop (Loop C) campsites are open seasonally, March 1 – October 31, and are reservable up to 6 months in advance. Some sites may open on shorter booking windows (7 or 14 days in advance). You may also book campsite reservations in Loops B & C on the day of arrival (subject to availability). HOWEVER, cell service/data is not always reliable in the park and no public WiFi is available. The park highly recommends booking your reservation from the neighboring towns of Los Alamos and White Rock before heading to Bandelier. Group campsites (in Loop A) are available by reservation only up to 12 months in advance until the day before arrival (subject to availability). Same day reservations are not available for group campsites. Recreation Bandelier is home to over 70 miles (113 km) of hiking trails most of which are located within federally designated wilderness. Two trails are accessible directly from Juniper Family Campground. The Frey Trail follows the historic route into Frijoles Canyon and descends down the canyon wa
Photos
A canyon with trees changing color and mountains in the distance. — Sally KingLooking down on an archaeological site from a trail overlook — NPS PhotoWooden ladder leading up to a cave — Sally KingAmphitheater with brown benches and a tan building surrounded by pine trees — NPS PhotoBlack bear walks on a downed log — Sally KingRustic building with a sign that reads Visitor Center — Sally KingA flowing waterfall — Sally KingCoiled rattlesnake resting head on rattle — Sally KingA tan brick building surrounded by juniper. — NPS PhotoA bull elk with a cow — Sally KingView into connecting caves — Sally KingCar parked among pine trees — NPS Photo
How to Get There
From Santa Fe (approximately 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. Entrance station is staffed most days during business hours. If unstaffed, pay entrance fee using Automated Fee Machine or display America the Beutiful pass on vehicle dashboard. Continue 3 miles to visitor center if you have questions about park fees/passes. Turn right onto Campground Rd. For those with reservations, proceed directly to campsite. No check-in needed. For those looking ofr first-come, first serve campsites, Abert's Squirrel Loop (Loop A) is the first right. Find an open site, then return to campground kiosk to pay camping fee at Automated Fee Machine. From Taos (approximately 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. Entrance station is staffed most days during business hours. If unstaffed, pay entrance fee using Automated Fee Machine or display America the Beutiful pass on vehicle dashboard. Continue 3 miles to visitor center if you have questions about park fees/passes. Turn right onto Campground Rd For
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Juniper Campground (NM)
Heading to Juniper 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Juniper Campground (NM)?
No central reservation system listed for Juniper Campground (NM). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233395) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at Juniper Campground (NM)?
Juniper Campground (NM) has 56 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to Juniper Campground (NM)?
From Santa Fe (approximately 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. Entrance station is staffed most days during business hours. If unstaffed, pay entrance fee using Automated Fee Ma…
How do I contact Juniper Campground (NM)?
You can reach the park at phone: 505-672-3861 or email: [email protected].
