Tetilla Peak

Cochiti Lake

Tetilla Peak Recreation Area is located in Sandoval County, New Mexico, within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. The lake offers two public recreation areas: Cochiti on the west side of the lake and Tetilla Peak on the east side. Both sides offer spectacular scenic views of the water and surrounding mountains. The Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earth-fill dams in the United States, and also one of the largest in the world. The lake derives its name from the Indian Pueblo on the Cochiti Reservation.

The campground consists of two loops. Cholla Loop includes 36 individual campsites, each with an electric hookup, table and grill. All electric campsites have shelters, and water spigots (water is Temporarily Turned OFF) are located throughout the campground. This loop also provides a dump station and large restroom and shower building (showers are Temporarily Closed).

A partially paved road winds through Coyote Loop, which has 10 sites, each with a table and grill. There are no electric hookups, and water spigots (water is Temporarily Turned OFF) are scattered throughout the loop. The restroom and shower building (showers are Temporarily Closed) is centrally located for easy access.

The Tetilla boat ramp area offers a parking area and courtesy dock.

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
The campground does not meet accessibility standards
A campground attendant may not be available. Please contact a Park Ranger @ 505-465-0307 for assistance.
This is a no-wake lake
No cutting of trees, dead or alive, is allowed
Ground fires are not permitted
Off-road vehicles are 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.
ALCOHOL IS NOT PERMITTED

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, piñon 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 bear are often sighted.

Nearby Attractions

Cochiti Lake is 23 miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.

Recreation

Our quiet no-wake lake is an ideal for all paddle and wind craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, sunfish, and pike.

Santa Cruz Day Use area is open daily and provides visitors with acces to the lake as well as several shade structures, bathrooms, and a fishing dock.

Contact Information

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82 DAM CREST RD PENA BLANCA NM 87041

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 505-465-0274

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

From Albuquerque, New Mexico, take I-25 north to exit 264. Travel west on State Road 16 to the Tetilla Peak Recreation Area/La Bajada Village turnoff and follow the paved road into the recreation area.

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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