Tetilla Peak

82 DAM CREST RD
PENA BLANCA, NM 87041

Notice

No individual sewer hook ups. Communal dump stations only: located in Cochiti Campground entrance, Juniper Loop and Tetilla Campground entrance.

Oct 22, 2026 – Oct 23, 2027

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 RV: 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

79 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Wayne P

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 23 days ago

The location was great...good views. The overall campground seemed run down and need of attention. The restrooms were in poor conditions...dirty, graffiti, low on supplies... The road out to the camp needs repair

Jerome S

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Quiet, nice scenery

William D

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

It is a ways out here. Be prepared for a bumpy ride in. That being said, it is a very peaceful place to stay. We were unable to use the restroom and showers, due to uncleanliness. Thankfully we had our own.

Robert B

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Location is great and view was fantastic. Bathrooms could be cleaner.

nick s

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

nice quiet park, good location for exploring Albuquerque and Santa Fe, and surrounding areas.

Phil V

Loop:Chol

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Even though the campground was populated (we were there over Labor Day weekend) we felt like we had enough privacy. The site we had (Chol 29) was very accommodating for backing our 32 ft travel trailer in and was quite level. We went to the swim beach on the other side of the lake but found out that you cannot have pets there (Our daughters family have a dog) so we had to swim at the boat launch area. There is a 10 mile entrance road which is 35 mph and has a few potholes, so there is no quick run to a store. Tent Rocks is also near by - about a 40 minute drive.

Availability

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

Reserve