Established Camping
Tetilla Peak
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Our facility is experiencing a temporary water outage. Please bring all the water youll need for your visit, including drinking water.
Tetilla Peak, near Pena Blanca, New Mexico, offers a unique camping experience for those seeking solitude and stunning views. This campground is known for its remote location, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, although it does come with its quirks.
The area features basic amenities like drinking water and electric hookups, but keep in mind that there are no showers or picnic tables. Visitors have noted the clean bathrooms, which is a plus, especially after a long day of exploring. As one camper mentioned, “The area is really pretty,” and many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that comes with fewer crowds.
Accessing Tetilla Peak involves a bit of a trek, with a long road that some have described as “riddled with large and deep potholes.” If you’re driving in, be prepared for a bumpy ride. However, the views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby lake, make the journey worthwhile.
For those looking to stretch their legs, the Tent Rocks National Monument is just a short drive away, offering fantastic hiking opportunities. While some campers have pointed out that the campground could use a little TLC, the charm of Tetilla Peak lies in its rustic feel and the chance to connect with nature away from the more commercialized spots.
Description
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, pi__on 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.
Location
Tetilla Peak is located in New Mexico
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.
Address
82 DAM CREST RD
Pena blanca, NM 87041
Coordinates
35.6472222 N
106.3044444 W
Detours Nearby
Mesa Top Camping
51 min away
Paliza Campground
1 hr 30 min away
Drive Time
- 41 min from Santa Fe
- 58 min from Albuquerque
- 3 hrs 14 min from Farmington
- 4 hrs 23 min from Pueblo
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
