Overview

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.

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.

Nearby Attractions

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

Important Notices

• 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

Notifications and Alerts

• Due to an ongoing investigation at the lake all lake access to include both Cochiti and Tetilla Peak Boat ramps, Cochiti Swim Beach, Santa Cruz Day Use road, Hiking Trails and Dam access will be closed until further notice. Both Campgrounds will remain open but no access to the lake will be allowed. If you wish to cancel your reservation to camp please do so and a full refund will be issued. Once the investigation is complete the lake will return back to normal operation. Sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and look forward to seeing you at Cochiti Lake when we are back to normal operation. Thank You

• 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.

Available Activities

• SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
• HIKING - Hiking
• FISHING - Fishing
• CAMPING - Camping
• BOATING - Boating

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 505-465-0274

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip