Tetilla Peak

82 DAM CREST RD
PENA BLANCA, NM 87041

Notice

Stage 2 fire restrictions are currently in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted, but must follow specific rules.

Jun 27, 2026 – Oct 16, 2026

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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 are located throughout the campground. This loop also provides a dump station and large restroom and shower building . 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 are scattered throughout the loop. The restroom and shower building is centrally located for easy access. The Tetilla boat ramp area offers a parking area and courtesy dock.

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.

Camp site features

Across 45 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 35 of 45 sites
Water hookups: 25 of 45 sites
Pets allowed: all 45 sites
ADA accessible: 11 of 45 sites
Longest rig: 50 ft
Largest party: 7 people
Power up to 50 amps
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 3 PM, check out by 2 PM.

Reviews

69 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Alena Z

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 8 days ago

We had a great time our only problem was we didn’t have water for a whole day

Joan L

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 16 days ago

The campground location is simply gorgeous! The views are spectacular and the sites are really great. The one and only thing that was a challenge was the condition of the bathhouses. They were really dark (lights on only at night) and in need of a good cleaning. We would go back for sure since we have a rig that allows us to avoid the bathhouse.

Jacob L

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Great place and clean campsite's.

Kristy S

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We enjoyed our time here but it is not fancy and is in need of some updating. We did not use the bathrooms but overheard people talking that the lights weren’t working earlier in the day. No hosts that we saw but we didn’t need them. We would stay here again.

Lacy R

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Super quiet, and rather secluded. We didn’t see any grounds workers, so as long as you’re okay fending for yourself with no park service or camp host, then this is the place to be! Little bit on an ant problem, but it is nature…bathrooms are VERY retro. Zero upkeep with the times, or just in general. Very vintage.

John C

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The lake was closed due to a drowning. So had to go somewhere else. Would like to get a refund on my reservation

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve Watch

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 6% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 10 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds

Cochiti Campground

1.2 miles away

80 camp sites

Camping