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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 The campground consists of four loops. Juniper Loop campsites have electric hookups and some have water. Elk Run and Ringtail Loops are non-electric and have community water spigots. All sites in Buffalo Grove Loop have water and electric hookups. The Cochiti boat ramp is open year-round and is accessible by a paved road. The ramp has four concrete lanes for loading and unloading. 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. ADA Access: N
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.
It's a really nice lake. The water was cold. But it was a beautiful day.
My sister has been traveling the country with her 5th wheel, by herself, for the last 3 years. She was camping at Cochiti Lake and was asked if she would like a job as a volunteer. She happily said yes and has been having a great time working at the lake.
The camping area near the lake was pretty good. We got the one that was not very close to it. Our ground was good for tent camping. We had good space for getting water and electricity. The toilets were close enough and super clean( flushable). We loved the climate towards 5pm. Afternoons were pretty hot and night had thunderstorm. Our tent was swaying pretty hard but thankfully we had everything set in place- the thunders scared us, even though it lasted for couple of hours.
We had amazing Co- campers. The mosquitoes are a big menace in the morning. Would prepare extra to keep them at bay next time: Overall it was fun. Will go back.
This is a great place to camp 🏕 alot cheaper than in albuquerque 40 miles ant 26 to sante fe
Love this place. Heaps of picnic tables up on the hill. The lake is a great kayak opportunity or windsurfing depending on the wind. Small sandy/stony beach with a few picnic tables. Great view from the overlook, close to Santa Fa too 😀
