80
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About Cochiti Campground
Overview Cochiti 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 lake is an ideal location for all paddle, wind surfing, and sailing craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, pike, catfish, sunfish and trout. Cochiti Recreation Area has a popular, family friendly, swim beach Day Use area for public enjoyment. It is a fee area, $5 per vehicle, but the cost is covered by the campsite fee for visitors staying in the campground. Additionally, the Cochiti picnic area has 21 covered picnic sites with a large group site that can be reserved by calling the main office. Cochiti Day Use Areas are open from April 15th to October 15th. Facilities Our quiet lake is an ideal location for all paddle, wind surfing, and sailing craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, pike, catfish, sunfish and trout. Cochiti Recreation Area has a popular, family friendly, swim beach Day Use area for public enjoyment. It is a fee area, $5 per vehicle, but the cost is covered by the campsite fee for visitors staying in the campground. Additionally, the Cochiti picnic area has 21 covered picnic sites with a large group site that can be reserved by calling the main office. Cochiti Day Use Areas are open from April 15th to October 15th. 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, pinon 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 the occasional bear are often sighted. Nearby Attractions Cochiti Lake is five miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.
- 80 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (80).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes Cochiti Campground special
Cochiti Campground rests on the shores of Cochiti Lake in Sandoval County, New Mexico, on land that belongs to the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. The setting is striking — arid mesas and red rock formations rise around the turquoise lake, creating a color palette that feels uniquely southwestern and almost theatrical in its beauty. This is high desert country at its most photogenic, where the sky seems impossibly large and the sunsets paint the cliffs in shades you would not believe if you saw them in a photograph. The lake was created by Cochiti Dam on the Rio Grande and sits at around 5,300 feet in elevation, keeping temperatures moderate and the air dry. Boating and fishing are the primary draws on the water, while the surrounding landscape invites hiking, wildlife watching, and quiet contemplation. The campground itself is relatively simple but clean, with sites that offer open views across the lake toward distant mountains and mesas. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons, delivering warm days, cool nights, and manageable wind. Summer is pleasant at this elevation but can bring afternoon thunderstorms that add drama to the scenery. Winter camping is possible for those who come prepared for cold desert nights. Cochiti Campground appeals to travelers seeking spectacular desert scenery, a peaceful lakeside atmosphere, and the distinctive cultural character that comes from camping on tribal land in the heart of New Mexico.
Campsite Inventory
80 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
BBQ
Yes
Campfire Allowed
No
Site capacity
Single
Check-in time
3:00 PM
Check-out time
2:00 PM
Condition Rating
Prime
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway length (ft)
2, 50
Driveway surface
Paved
Electricity Hookup
15/30/50
GRILLS
Grills, Yes
LANTERN POSTS
Lantern Posts
Lean To/Shelter
Yes
Max guests
7
Max vehicle length (ft)
32, 34, 35, 36
Minimum guests
Yes
Pets allowed
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
505-465-2557
Getting There
From Albuquerque, New Mexico, take Interstate 25 north to exit 259. Turn west on State Route 22 and proceed through Pena Blanca to the park office and recreation area.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to Cochiti Campground.
How do reservations work for Cochiti Campground?
Reservation availability for Cochiti Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at Cochiti Campground?
Cochiti Campground currently lists Unknown (80).
Where is Cochiti Campground located?
Cochiti Campground is in New Mexico near PENA BLANCA. Coordinates: 35.6417, -106.3250.
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