Campground

Cochiti Campground

Cochiti Lake
Near Pena Blanca, New Mexico

Facilities

The campground consists of four loops. Juniper Loop campsites have electric hookups and some have water. Elk Run and Ringtail Loops are non-electric and have community water spigots. All sites in Buffalo Grove Loop have water and electric hookups. The Cochiti boat ramp is open year-round and is accessible by a paved road. The ramp has four concrete lanes for loading and unloading.

Natural Features

Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestled in the foothills of the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper, pinon trees, and mixed grasslands. There are many opportunities for wildlife viewing. Four osprey nesting platforms have been erected around the lake to provide nesting sites, as well as viewing opportunities. On the east side of the lake, deer, coyote, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and the occasional bear are often sighted.

Recreation

Our quiet lake is an ideal location for all paddle, wind surfing, and sailing craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, pike, catfish, sunfish and trout. Cochiti Recreation Area has a popular, family friendly, swim beach Day Use area for public enjoyment. It is a fee area, $5 per vehicle, but the cost is covered by the campsite fee for visitors staying in the campground. Additionally, the Cochiti picnic area has 21 covered picnic sites with a large group site that can be reserved by calling the main office. Cochiti Day Use Areas are open from April 15th to October 15th.

Recreation Sites

  • Standard Electric
  • Standard Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Swimming Site
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Camping
  • Biking
  • Day Use Area
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Paddling

Amenities

  • Showers
  • Accessible Occupant Message
  • Accessibility
  • Water Hookup
  • Electricity Hookup
  • Grills/Fire Ring
  • Picnic Table
  • Lean To/Shelter
  • Lantern Posts
  • Grills
  • BBQ

Nearby Attractions

Cochiti Lake is five miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.

Getting Here

Latitude
35° 38' 30.0001" N
Longitude
106° 19' 30.0000" W
From Albuquerque, New Mexico, take Interstate 25 north to exit 259. Turn west on State Route 22 and proceed through Pena Blanca to the park office and recreation area.

Need to Know

  • NO ALCOHOL IS ALLOWED

  • Check-in Time is 3:00pm. Check-out Time is 2:00pm

  • All camping units or vehicles must be registered
  • Juniper Loop guests must bring a 100 foot hose; spigots are shared between sites
  • The campground does not meet accessibility standards
  • A campground attendant is on duty
  • This is a no-wake lake
  • No cutting of trees, dead or alive, is allowed
  • Wood Campfires are not permitted
  • Off-road vehicles are not permitted
  • ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED

  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
  • Contact Information

    82 DAM CREST RD
    PENA BLANCA, NM 87041

    For campground inquiries, please call: 505-465-2557

    Additional Information

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