Best Tent Camping near Cochiti Lake in New Mexico

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Cochiti Lake? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Cochiti Lake, including sites, reviews, and tips. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your New Mexico camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Cochiti Lake, NM (24)

    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground

    2. Big Tesuque Campground

    9 Reviews
    30 Photos
    135 Saves
    Tesuque, New Mexico

    Big Tesuque is a walk in campground not conducive to trailer or RV campoing. There are 10 units, Picnic tables and grills, and Vaulted toilets in the parking lot. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the large stands of aspen, the area is very busy, especially in the fall aspen viewing season. There are additional recreation opportunities along NM 475, both above and below Big Tesuque Campground, including hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and in the winter. both nordic and alpine skiing. Tesuque is pronounced "Tess-U-key"

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Aspen Basin Campground

    3. Aspen Basin Campground

    5 Reviews
    18 Photos
    188 Saves
    Tesuque, New Mexico

    The Aspen Basin Campground is located adjacent to the very large parking area at Santa Fe Ski Basin. There are 10 units, Picnic tables, and fire rings. There is a vaulted toilet at the far west end of the parking lot. This campground is less developed than most, and primarily serves those who use it for an overnight stay before embarking on a backpack into the Pecos. There is ample space for trailer/RV camping, but no dump station is available. There is no potable water and no Campground Host. The entire area is very scenic, and NM 475 is also designated as the Santa Fe Scenic Byway. Because of the scenic quality and the easy access from Santa Fe, the area is very busy, especially in the summer and in the fall aspen viewing season.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Road 378, Fenton Lake - Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens
    Camper-submitted photo from Mother Bosque Gardens

    5. Mother Bosque Gardens

    6 Reviews
    93 Photos
    42 Saves
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

    Mother Bosque Garden , in Albuquerque , NM USA 87107

    We are on Google, and Google Maps, easy to find. We are in the North valley , in the Griegos neighborhood .

    Urban Organic Permaculture in an Urban / Suburban Setting, We are 2 miles East of the Rio Grande River. and walking, bike paths . The paths starts at our neighborhood.

    contact , Michaela and Ernesto Maestas . 505 688 9721, text is best

    6 camp sites only , 8 x 8 is the largest tent . $45- per night, 2 adults . 2 Inside rooms too.

    NO RVs , We take vans, cars , truck, bikes . You may sleep in your van , truck or car.

    We are NOT an RV park . We are Not a camp- ground. We are organic gardens .

    Urban Permaculture, with Fruit trees , flowers, cactus and herbs.

    We are a wildlife safety zone , we feed birds and provide water .

    A Clean shared bathroom , inside toilet / shower , includes towels, soap , shampoo.

    We have a shared kitchen / laundry room you can use . we ask for $3- to do laundry , cash .

    We are 7 Mins. from Route 40 and 25.

    No smoking, no drugs , no parties , dog friendly , 420 ok.

    We are 10 mins. from Old town and 15 mins. from Downtown .

    We are close to the Rio Grande Nature Center .

    There are gas stations and stores within a 2 mins. drive .

    We are one hour to Santa Fe , NM and 3 hours to Taos, NM.

    We are 2 hours to T or C, NM and 5 hours to Silver City , NM .

    We are dog friendly, must be on a leash and please clean up poo. We will give you bags .

    We have trash cans, and recycling and compost.

    Our tent sites are private , if you choose to sleep in your van or car , you are in a parking area but may use the house and gardens . There is a public pool , 2 mins, from the house . A city pool , that is awesome.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $45 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Ojito Wilderness
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead
    Camper-submitted photo from Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    7. Panchuela Campground and Trailhead

    3 Reviews
    8 Photos
    68 Saves
    Tererro, New Mexico

    22 miles north of Pecos on NM 63. Uses: Camping, picnicking, and trailhead access. Facilities: Tent camping only, Vaulted toilet, Trash bins, Tables and grills, 3 three-sided shelters, 19 parking spaces, Drinking Water. Fishing in Cave Creek. Special Instructions: NO HORSE TRAILERS ALLOWED.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Cowles Campground

    8. Cowles Campground

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    91 Saves
    Tererro, New Mexico

    Cowles Campground sits at the base of the Winsor Canyon where it meets the Pecos Canyon and is in walking distance of Cowles Ponds, Winsor Creek, Pecos River, and Winsor Ridge Trailhead. Uses: tent camping, picnicking, fishing, & hiking. Facilities: 1 vault toilet, 9 camping units with tables, fire rings, & grills, 2 covered three-sided shelters with fire places, and trash bins. No potable water, untility hook-ups, dumpstations or showers. Special Instructions: Users are encouraged to recycle and pack out trash. Please visit the Leave No Trace website for more information about frontcountry and backcountry outdoor ethics at www.lnt.org.

    • Pets
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District
    Camper-submitted photo from Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    9. Manzanita Rec Zone Dispersed Camping - Sandia District

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    36 Saves
    Ponderosa, New Mexico

    Please consult the Manzanita Mountains Trail System Map to find a dispersed site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd555098.pdf

    Look for Motorized Dispersed Camping info in the bottom left portion of the map. **When looking for the Dispersed Camping Sites, look for small, rectangular boxes with a site number in it and a pointer that directs you to the site.

    There are NO AMENITIES at these sites. Cell phone coverage is not guaranteed. It is the recreationist’s responsibility to use a map if you choose to explore the area. It is a multi-user area. Trail(s) that are associated with each dispersed site are open for the following uses: Hiking, Mountain Biking, 2 Wheel Motorized Vehicles and Horseback Riding.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    • Alcohol
    • No image available

      10. Scaramanga Ranch

      Be the first to review!
      4 Saves
      Santo Domingo Pueblo, New Mexico

      18 & Up Only Strictly Enforced

      Why should movie folks have all the fun? Scaramanga Ranch is available to campers seeking a canyon & convenient scenic escape between our productions. Snore, explore, hike, bike,

      and immerse yourself within our desert forest. Nestled above

      Madrid, we are just 20 minutes from Santa Fe.

      Premium sites have private canopy, solar-gravity shower, uber-clean catchment latrine, toiletries, and fire pit.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group

      $45 - $65 / night

    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Cochiti Lake

    691 Reviews of 24 Cochiti Lake Campgrounds


    • Luke M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Big Tesuque Campground
      Dec. 14, 2024

      Big Tesuque Campground

      Stunning, Running Water, and Clean Restrooms

      I will start with the only downside of this site: it is very active with hikers, families, dogs, and photographers. You can expect dozens upwards of a hundred faces a day hiking up here which can be extremely annoying and the car traffic can drive you nuts. That said, for the ease of access, for the beautiful trails, and for the clean amenities I think it is worth it. In the winter right before the ski area opens is your best bet for quiet camping. But in the summer, spring, fall, and during ski season you will have a lot of friendly faces. Again, not bad, but I know some folks are very interested in getting "away" from people while camping. To those I recommend this site for hiking and not staying. Highly recommend for folks who are less physically abled; I developed a heart condition which limits my abilities most days and the ease of access to these sites and close parking is great for someone who wants to be in touch with nature while enduring limiting conditions.

    • Ryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Jemez Falls Campground
      Dec. 6, 2024

      Jemez Falls Campground

      Nice, clean, and comfortable

      Stayed here 2 nights and had a great time. This campsite is in a great location to see the falls, and has a good layout. The pit toilets were clean, and well maintained. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful when we had questions. I’ll definitely be back at some point!

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from FR376 Dispersed
      Nov. 27, 2024

      FR376 Dispersed

      Amazing !

      There was a decent amount of snow but the road was easy enough to navigate. I came in from Las Alamos and went in about 7-8 miles. The site I found was amazing. There was a site available right as you pulled in and about 3-4 more half developed sites (fire rings) within a quarter mile walk in. It looks like there’s a bit of an OHV trail leading up the mountain, halfway. From there if you want to reach a peak you do have to bushwhack a bit. This was easily by top 10 dispersed campsites I’ve even been to and will definitely be coming back. Little to no service, roughly an hour 45 minutes from Albuquerque stayed 2 nights.

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kirtland AFB FamCamp
      Nov. 11, 2024

      Kirtland AFB FamCamp

      Solid Campground

      Solid RV-focused campground. Half under trees and half in the open. Two bathhouses, laundry, and a dog park make this a nice, safe place to spend a couple of days.

    • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Trailer Ranch RV Resort
      Nov. 5, 2024

      Trailer Ranch RV Resort

      Policy does not client

      The place was clean. Our issues were two.

      1. The strong smell of marijuana is due to their neighborhood store that makes and sells the stuff.
      2. Only pay for 2 days at a time or know your time period. We had bad weather approaching and they did not seem to care about our safety but only their policy. The people next to us had the same issue. WiFi is weak but cell was ok not great.
    • James W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe KOA
      Nov. 4, 2024

      Santa Fe KOA

      No cell and WiFi weak

      We paid $75 for one night and the WiFi was weak and we had no cell service. The place was lovely and the bathrooms were clean and easy to use. It’s located 12 miles out of the city. There is a grocery store near by with a good selection of food and alcohol.

    • L
      Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
      Oct. 31, 2024

      Albuquerque KOA Journey

      Great stay great staff

      Drove in very very late at night and was helped in through staff member. Told us everything we needed to know…great 24 hour service.

    • Naoshad Z.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dispersed Camping off FS 542
      Oct. 29, 2024

      Dispersed Camping off FS 542

      Easily accessible with peace and quiet. Decent views as well!

      Road is easily traversed but would be more comfortable in a truck/suv. Some rough rutted areas after rains when I went. There are plenty of spots to pull of to along the side of the road. Designated areas with fire pits are bit difficult/narrow to get to if you are towing anything.

    • William B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Albuquerque KOA Journey

      Albuquerque KOA: Great Stay Near Dutch Bros Coffee & Cheddar's

      Albuquerque KOA Journey is a great spot for a camping trip, offering clean facilities, kid-friendly amenities, and easy access to nearby attractions. After a day of exploring, treat yourself to Dutch Bros Coffee for a refreshing pick-me-up. Their diverse Dutch Bros menu with prices offers everything from cold brews to blended drinks. For dinner, head over to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. Their Cheddar's menu features hearty, home-cooked meals like ribs, steaks, and gluten-free options, perfect for satisfying any craving after a long day outdoors.

    • W
      Camper-submitted photo from Albuquerque KOA Journey
      Oct. 20, 2024

      Albuquerque KOA Journey

      Unforgettable Camping Adventures in Albuquerque

      Albuquerque is a fantastic destination for camping enthusiasts. With a wide variety of hiking trails and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The numerous campgrounds offer various amenities and site types, making it easy to find the perfect spot for your needs. Plus, the stunning scenery ranging from the Sandia Mountains to the Rio Grande provides a breathtaking backdrop for your adventures. If you are looking for an exciting camping experience, Albuquerque is definitely worth a visit wnjoy Cheddars Food at your adventure.

    • David T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Hidden Valley RV park
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Hidden Valley RV park

      Definitely NOT as advertised. I do not recommend.

      Run down park, not very well maintained at all. The pictures used on their website are very misleading. Their "Recreation Hall" was disgusting. Dirty carpets, paint cans in the sink, just filthy dirty! The bathrooms were very clean at the bath house. The dog park was disgusting with the trash can there overflowing. Very disappointed and will not be staying at this dump again!

    • UThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Canyon Campground
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Black Canyon Campground

      Good option for Santa Fe (ski area at the top of canyon)

      Stayed in #21. Sites 13 and 30 a!so good but avoid campsites downwind of toilets. No water while we were there. Very nice & helpful host. Several 1st come/1st serve sites but seems to fill up fast. Bathrooms cleanish & well used. Several convenient to back of campground. Trees. Good spot for screen tent.

    • RThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Santa Fe BLM Dispersed Campsite

      Partial closure and absolute dump

      This place sufficed due to the need to have somewhere for the night, if we had the chance we’d have gone somewhere else. Massive piles of trash everywhere, sites strewn with people’s leftover garbage from camping there.

      Due to its close proximity to the landfill, it was extremely loud during the morning from around 7am onwards.

      There was a partial closure banning camping in a section of the landfill, which was incredibly difficult to figure out where we could camp, as the map is not clear at all,

      Coyotes at night were really cool.

      Overall disappointing but glad we managed somewhere to sleep for the night

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post
      Oct. 10, 2024

      Enchanted Trails RV Park & Trading Post

      Great in a pinch or any other time

      Well appointed RV park for trailer/RV. Little close to I-40 but sound is not that bad. Picnic table, shade trees, pool, hot tub. Even accept mailing ahead(like Amazon)

      Very friendly staff. Great for the balloon fiesta

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coronado Campground
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Coronado Campground

      Love the area, some live-ins need to go

      Excellent location and views, just need some lo g term resident clean up or eviction at entrance. We stayed for one night. Great set up and next to a brewery/restaurant in wish we would have visited. Clean bathrooms and nice sites.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel
      Oct. 6, 2024

      Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel

      Overall Nice CG

      This is an overall nice CG. Gravel roadways and relatively level pull through sites. Good FHUs. When we arrived, the office was closed. We reserved E010 but were told to pick any open space in the "A" row. There were quite a few long-term residents. The conditions were very dry and dusty. No shade trees, but the pines planted will eventually provide. This was a great CG for our overnight stay. We would stay here again.

    • A S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Riana - Abiquiu Lake
      Oct. 3, 2024

      Riana - Abiquiu Lake

      Incredibly cramped, no booze allowed

      It's a lovely location, and the camp is hosted by the Army Corps. They do a good job, the facilities and grounds are very well maintained. Drinking and marijuana consumption is strictly prohibited, with the hosts making regular rounds. The sites are so close together it may as well be one big group camp; I could hear everything going on in the sites around me at all hours of the night. Even when folks were in their tents and campers. Forget trying to enjoy a quiet evening stargazing. Was surrounded by large family groups who were having a great time, which I'm glad about, but it is not my cup of tea for camping.

    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hyde Memorial State Park Campground
      Sep. 27, 2024

      Hyde Memorial State Park Campground

      Stunning location

      We loved the location. The hiking trails were awesome. We booked a reservable with hydro for one night and decided to extend our stay with the first come first serve system. The self pay stations are at each of the teo campground loops. The 2nd and 3rd night didn’t have hydro however the size of the site and view more than made up for it.

      To use the dump station, you have to go to the Rangers Station and ask them to unlock the gate. The access is a bit tight and we were not able to fill our fresh water tank due to the State Park having to bring their water up by truck. All in all, it was worth it.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Cuervo Mountain RV Park and Horse Hotel

      Normal

      Perfect for an overnight stop, quiet, clean, there are several long term residents which is not reflected on the online booking system, most overnighters stay in row A. The playground was nice for our daughter

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest
      Sep. 13, 2024

      Vista Linda Campground — Santa Fe National Forest

      Great Campground!

      We just happened upon this 1st come 1st serve campground & so glad we did! The camp host "Brad" was so very nice & helpful. He gave us info on all the things to do and see in the Jamez area (which is alot)  Our campsite #12 was really nice. It has a large covered pavilion (not all sites have the covered pavilions) with oversized picnic table & a short path down to a private area at the Jamez River (which is really more like a creek) from our site. We left our chairs down there & frequently enjoyed relaxing there. The area is scenic & campground was very clean. There are water pumps outside the bathrooms. The cost for us was $5 per night using our America the Beautiful Senior Pass. This is a great home base for visiting the area. Would defiantly visit again!

    • Timothy N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Borrego Mesa Campground
      Sep. 9, 2024

      Borrego Mesa Campground

      Quiet and small campground

      Very small, but quiet and secluded primitive campground.  Several sites appear to be overgrown or have too much debris to be usable.  There are a couple sites that could fit a small trailer.  All are suitable for tents or a van.  The bathroom is still out of order.  Mobile coverage was spotty, worked better if you went up to the nearby trailhead.   The road up to the campground is in good shape, 4x4 not required.  Overall traffic was very low.  There was a little bit of firewood cutting nearby, with a few trucks making multiple trips.  A few families were up on Sat for picnics.  UTVs were minimal.  There are a few dispersed options in the area.

    • Valeri P.
      Camper-submitted photo from Holy Ghost Campground
      Sep. 4, 2024

      Holy Ghost Campground

      Awesome campground

      Yes, it can get packed but be prepared to go early enough to find a good spot. I prefer camp sites 7 through 10, even the very first site when you first come in since they are right near the river. If you really want to experience the haunt of the campground I prefer the campsites in the back 11 through 16. 

      I have not experienced the haunts until I camped at spot 15, this past Labor Day weekend on Friday night August 30, 2024. I went to bed and about 12 am I heard a voice say Hello to me. Then the last night my friend and I were by the fire we did not have any more neighbors as they left that Sunday, we had our trash bag hanging from my friends canopy there was no wind and that trash bag was swaying back and forth rapidly. Was definitely an experience. 

      The hikes are the best especially if you have time to go to the lake which you  want to get an early start, just follow the trail in the back past the reservation spot to get to the trail and follow up get to the fork in the trail and hang a left to the lake. I love the camp site always clean restrooms and fun experience for the paranormal.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Cochiti Lake

    Nestled near Cochiti Lake, New Mexico, tent camping offers a serene escape into nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

    Tent campers should check out Big Tesuque Campground

    • This campground features a beautiful babbling brook, perfect for kids to play in while providing a soothing backdrop for relaxation.
    • Located just a short drive from downtown Santa Fe, it offers convenient access to local attractions and hiking trails.
    • With limited spots available, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a site, especially on weekends.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $6

    • At Panchuela Campground and Trailhead, the fee is $5 per night, providing access to stunning views and hiking trails.
    • Cowles Campground charges $6 per night and features sites with trees for shade and proximity to a creek, ideal for families.
    • The well-reviewed Aspen Basin Campground is another affordable option, offering a peaceful environment amidst beautiful aspen trees.

    Enjoy various activities at Scaramanga Ranch

    • This private campground allows for tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it versatile for different camping styles.
    • With amenities like drinking water, showers, and picnic tables, it ensures a comfortable stay while enjoying the outdoors.
    • Scaramanga Ranch is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cochiti Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cochiti Lake is Dispersed Camping off FS 542 with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Cochiti Lake?

      TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Cochiti Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.