How much does camping cost at Cochiti Campground?

Camping fees at Cochiti Campground range from $15-$20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cochiti Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Cochiti Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cochiti Campground before I book?

Yes! Cochiti Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cochiti Campground?

Cochiti Campground is open March 01 to November 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cochiti Campground?

Yes, Cochiti Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cochiti Campground have?

Cochiti Campground has 80 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cochiti Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cochiti Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cochiti Campground?

Cochiti Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cochiti Campground?

Popular activities at Cochiti Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cochiti Campground

4.21

386 reviews

82 DAM CREST RD, PENA BLANCA, NM, USA, 87041

Top 24% in NMSpring

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Mexico#3 Boating Camping New Mexico Best Campgrounds New Mexico

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,343 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,343 ft

Price

$15 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

80 campsites

Season

Open from March 1 to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Cochiti Campground

$15.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD ELECTRIC: $20.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

505-465-2557

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

82 DAM CREST RD, PENA BLANCA, NM, USA, 87041

Cochiti Campground

82 DAM CREST RD, PENA BLANCA, NM, USA, 87041

Nearby places

Albuquerque (40 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Santa Fe (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Los Alamos (45 miles, approximately 1 hour).

Weather at Cochiti Campground

Best Time to Camp at Cochiti Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time for Cochiti Campground because the lake is warm and fullest for boating, swimming, and fishing—perfect for long days on the water and evening stargazing. Daytime highs typically run in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (around 80–95°F) with cool nights in the 50s–60s°F, giving comfortable evenings for campfires and wildlife viewing. Expect afternoon monsoon thunderstorms in mid-July through August (brief but sometimes intense) and heavier weekend crowds and holiday bookings, so a+ Peak months: July, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 24% in NM

Open from March; pleasant temps, increasing lake activity and proximity to attractions like Tent Rocks.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from March 1 to November 30 for reservations. Closed during the off-season for reservations (December 1 to February 28).

About Cochiti Campground

Cochiti Campground sits at mid-elevation forest along Cochiti Lake in northern New Mexico, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers near Pena Blanca. This large campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, showers, and a dump station. Campers come for lake access and outdoor activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing, with spacious sites that provide room to spread out.

Cochiti Campground offers tent camping, RV camping with electric and water hookups, and non-electric sites. Loops are divided into Juniper (electric), Elk Run and Ringtail Cat (non-electric), and Buffalo Grove (electric and water).

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time for Cochiti Campground because the lake is warm and fullest for boating, swimming, and fishing—perfect for long days on the water and evening stargazing. Daytime highs typically run in the mid-80s to low-90s°F (around 80–95°F) with cool nights in the 50s–60s°F, giving comfortable evenings for campfires and wildlife viewing. Expect afternoon monsoon thunderstorms in mid-July through August (brief but sometimes intense) and heavier weekend crowds and holiday bookings, so a+ Peak months: July, September, June, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation5343 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where the Jemez Mountain foothills meet high desert. Juniper and piñon trees scatter across the landscape, and mixed grasslands shift color with the seasons. Views open toward Cochiti Lake and the surrounding mesas. Wildlife sightings include osprey, deer, coyotes, river otters, cottontail rabbits, and occasional black bears. At 5,343 feet elevation, the air stays dry and clear most of the year.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging available; accommodations are limited to campground loops (Juniper, Elk Run, Ringtail Cat, and Buffalo Grove).

Programs & ActivitiesNo formal educational programs or cultural events are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a single visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No explicit guest limit per site specified.

Groups

Group site descriptions are unavailable.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online, via mobile app, or contacting the call center.

AccessibilityIncludes handicapped showers with benches and handheld fixtures. However, the facility does not meet formal accessibility standards.

Site SizeSome sites are described as large; "Sites are huge" (User Review by Lewis P).

PrivacyPrivacy varies; Buffalo Grove Loop is noted for unlevel terrain, while Ringtail Cat Loop offers slightly more secluded sites. "Sites are set a bit away from each other along the road.. nicer setup than just rows of campsites" (User Review by Jody J).

Total Campsites80 campsites

Recommended SitesBuffalo Grove Loop is ideal for electric and water hookups. Ringtail Cat Loop offers tranquil, non-electric sites with covered picnic tables.

Best CampsitesSite 57 in Buffalo Grove Loop gets mentioned for level terrain and lake views, though the loop overall has unlevel sites. Ringtail Cat Loop offers slightly more secluded spots. Sites along the road sit farther apart than typical row layouts.

Need help booking Cochiti Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Juniper Loop guests must bring a 100 foot hose; spigots are shared between sites

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A wide range of activities is available at Cochiti Campground, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, and wildlife viewing. The lake's swim beach is ideal for families during the day-use season (April 15th to October 15th). Wildlife such as deer, coyotes, and river otters are spotted near the eastern side of Cochiti Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

386 reviews

Satisfactory

Cochiti Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed, giving the campground an average rating of 4.08/5. Positive aspects include scenic views, quiet environment, and clean facilities. Negative aspects often involve maintenance issues and unlevel sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 386 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive user reviews emphasize cleanliness, tranquility, scenic views of the lake, and helpful staff: "Beautiful campground. Lots of room between sites." (User Review by Richard L).

Based on 386 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include maintenance issues like overflowing dumpsters, dirty showers, and closures of restrooms. "Renovated women’s shower has a hose attached to the shower head since the shower head was...

Based on 386 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight unlevel terrain at Buffalo Grove Loop ("Site was pretty nice" - User Review by James V); scenic views at Ringtail Cat Loop; clean sites at Elk Run Loop.

Based on 386 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a 100-foot hose for Juniper loop water spigots, checking water pressure before connecting, and visiting nearby attractions like Tent Rocks National Monument.

Based on 386 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (March 1 - November 30) sees higher activity but also maintenance concerns due to crowds. Off-season offers quieter stays with fewer visitors.

Based on 386 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Shower floors were very dirty" (User Review by James V); "Sites are huge" (User Review by Lewis P); "Bathrooms were clean" (User Review by Dennis L).

Based on 386 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include handicap-equipped showers but fall short of formal standards. "Campground does not meet accessibility standards" (Authoritative Source).

Based on 386 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at campsites but prohibited at swim beach areas. "While leashed pets are allowed at the campground, they are not allowed at the swimming beach" (User Review by Christopher M).

Based on 386 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly lake camping with electric hookups and room between sites for summer water activities.

Skip if

You need level sites and consistently maintained facilities throughout your stay.

Nearby Campgrounds

82 DAM CREST RD, PENA BLANCA, NM, 87041, USA

Tetilla Peak sits on a mesa above Cochiti Lake in central New Mexico, operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers electric hookups, showers, and a dump station for tent and RV campers who want water access without the crowds. Spacious sites overlook the reservoir, and visitors spend their days fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking the surrounding trails.