How much does camping cost at Tetilla Peak?

Camping fees at Tetilla Peak 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 Tetilla Peak first-come first-served or reservation?

Tetilla Peak 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 Tetilla Peak before I book?

Yes! Tetilla Peak has 7 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 Tetilla Peak?

Tetilla Peak is open April 15 to October 14. 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 Tetilla Peak?

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

How many campsites does Tetilla Peak have?

Tetilla Peak has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tetilla Peak?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tetilla Peak. 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 Tetilla Peak?

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

What activities can I do at Tetilla Peak?

Popular activities at Tetilla Peak include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tetilla Peak

4.22

85 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping New Mexico 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

46 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US 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

46 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on US Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tetilla Peak

$15.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

505-465-0274

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Tetilla Peak

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

Nearby places

Santa Fe (30 miles, approximately 30-40 minutes), Albuquerque (45 miles, approximately 45 minutes).

Weather at Tetilla Peak

Best Time to Camp at Tetilla Peak

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions at Tetilla Peak — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–50°F — with lower humidity and clearer skies that sharpen the mesa-top vistas. Boating and fishing on Cochiti Lake remain strong through early October, while hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as insects fade and grasses turn golden. Crowds are minimal compared with nearby lakeside campgrounds, so you’ll find solitude and excellent light for photography; note Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall has most comfortable temps, low humidity, clear skies and excellent visibility for photography.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 15 - October 15.

About Tetilla Peak

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.

Tetilla Peak includes accommodations for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and non-electric sites. Group camping and other specialized accommodations are not available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions at Tetilla Peak — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and crisp nights around 35–50°F — with lower humidity and clearer skies that sharpen the mesa-top vistas. Boating and fishing on Cochiti Lake remain strong through early October, while hiking and wildlife viewing are at their peak as insects fade and grasses turn golden. Crowds are minimal compared with nearby lakeside campgrounds, so you’ll find solitude and excellent light for photography; note Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5343 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in the Jemez Mountain foothills where piñon and juniper grow among native grasses and rocky soil. At this elevation, the high desert ecosystem transitions toward montane zones. Views from the mesa extend across Cochiti Lake to the surrounding mountains. Wildlife includes deer, coyotes, rabbits, beavers, and river otters near the water. Four osprey nesting platforms let you watch fish hawks hunt. Goathead weeds are a problem in some areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or lodges are available. The campground only features standard camping amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit, or 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site are not specified, but sites are described as spacious and accommodating various setups.

Groups

Group camping is not supported at Tetilla Peak.

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.

AccessibilityAccessibility standards are not met as per official notes. Some sites may require longer water and electric extensions.

Site SizeSites vary in size from small to supersized. Reviews mention sufficient room for larger rigs, such as 27ft trailers.

PrivacySites are generally close together, as noted in reviews: "Sites are pretty close in proximity" and "A great place for family and friends to gather since sites are close.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites with lake views for scenery. Avoid sites with goathead weeds and steep drop-offs if traveling with children or pets.

Best CampsitesSites 11-16 offer lake views, from full to partial depending on the spot. Avoid sites with goathead weeds if you can scout beforehand. Larger sites can handle 27-foot trailers, but some sites are small. Bring extra water hoses and electric extensions since hookup distances vary.

Need help booking Tetilla Peak?

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

The Tetilla Peak campground offers two loops (Cholla and Coyote) with distinct amenities. Cholla Loop has 36 individual campsites featuring electric hookups, tables, and grills. All electric sites include shelters. Water spigots are located throughout the campground, though water is temporarily turned off. A dump station and large restroom/shower building are available, although showers are temporarily closed. Coyote Loop offers 10 sites with tables and grills, no electric hookups, and scattered water spigots (also temporarily turned off). The restroom and shower building is centrally located. Additionally, the Tetilla Boat Ramp area provides parking and a courtesy dock.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tetilla Peak offers a range of recreational activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Visitors often praise the scenic views and quiet atmosphere of the lake and surrounding area.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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

85 reviews

Satisfactory

Tetilla Peak is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reveal mixed experiences, with some praising the quiet atmosphere, scenic views, and spacious sites, while others criticize poor road conditions, cleanliness issues, and lack of amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 85 reviews.

Site 2Loved
Site 2: Spacious for small trailers but windy conditions noted.
Site 22Loved
Site 22: Clean showers noted, but shower heads need improvement.
Site 34Mentioned
Site 34: Mentioned with concerns about maintenance.
Site 7Issues noted
Site 7: Issues with ant hills and weeds.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include exceptional views of Cochiti Lake, spacious campsites, quiet surroundings, and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating.

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on poor road conditions riddled with potholes, lack of staff presence for reservations, cleanliness issues in showers and bathrooms, and proximity of campsites.

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing extra water and electric extensions, avoiding sites with goat heads, and driving slowly on the access road due to large potholes. Visitors also recommend visiting during less...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's quiet atmosphere and sunny conditions, but mention issues with cleanliness and maintenance during peak season. Winter data is not available.

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Amazing sunsets and camping!" 2. "Quiet campground with beautiful views." 3. "Decent showers with hot water but needing new shower heads." 4. "Sites are close together; great for family...

Based on 85 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility standards are not met, and some sites require longer-than-normal electric and water connections.

Based on 85 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, with some reviewers mentioning coves near the lake for dogs to play and swim. Cochiti beach does not allow dogs, but Tetilla Peak provides pet-friendly spaces.

Based on 85 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want spacious lakeside sites with hookups, quiet surroundings, and strong fall fishing and boating.

Skip if

You need pristine access roads, an on-site host, or widely separated campsites.

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Campgrounds

Cochiti Lake

Tetilla Peak

About Cochiti Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Tetilla Peak, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Cochiti Lake is located within the boundaries of the Pueblo de Cochiti Indian Reservation. Please observe and obey all Pueblo regulations. Do not trespass on lands closed to the public. Cochiti Lake is on the Rio Grande, about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Cochiti Dam is one of the ten largest earthfill dams in the US. It is one of the four units for flood and sediment control on the Rio Grande, operating in conjunction with Galisteo, Jemez Canyon, and Abiquiu Dams.

Directions

From Santa Fe, south on I-25 to exit 264, west on Highway 16 and north on Cochiti Highway (Hwy 22). From Albuquerque, north on I-25 to exit 259, northwest on Highway 22.