Tetilla Peak

Star4.20
185 reviews
82 DAM CREST RD, PENA BLANCA, NM, 87041, USA
Summer Destination

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens US Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tetilla Peak
$15.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 per night for standard non-electric sites to $20 per night for standard electric hookup sites. Interagency Senior Annual and...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$20.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
505-465-0274
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What Campers Say

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 185 reviews

129 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietspacioushiking

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom 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.
Accessing Tetilla Peak requires traveling on a paved road from State Road 16. However, numerous user reviews warn about large and deep potholes on the final 12 miles of the access road. Review by John Serenita: 'The problem is the 12 miles of access road riddled with large & deep potholes. They don't care about maintaining it either. If you value your vehicle or RV avoid this park at the low rates.' Review by Tatyana Hellinger: 'Watch for the road that leads to park, once u off highway ,-potholes everywhere.'
Nearby places
Santa Fe (30 miles, approximately 30-40 minutes), Albuquerque (45 miles, approximately 45 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as groceries and gas can be found in Santa Fe (30 miles away) or Albuquerque (45 miles away). Several reviews mention the need to bring all supplies due to the remoteness of the area. Review by ODDIE: 'Oh be prepared to bring all of your supplies. Grocery and gas is 15 plus miles away on this side.'

Best Time to Camp at Tetilla Peak

The mesa-top location creates a dynamic weather experience that changes with the moods of the high desert. As one seasoned visitor, Marcia K, perfectly captures: 'Being up on a Mesa means gorgeous views but can be hot, breezy, windy, cold, wet, stormy, or perfect. Just depends on time of year.' Expect abundant sunshine paired with refreshing breezes, though the exposed elevation means weather can shift from balmy to brisk without warning, adding an element of adventure to every stay.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers sunny, quiet conditions but reviews note cleanliness and maintenance issues at peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall is within open season; generally scenic and quieter, favorable conditions for visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Opens Apr 15; reviewers praise gorgeous mesa views in springtime conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter (open Apr 15 - Oct 15).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 15 - October 15.
  • Current Alerts: Water spigots are temporarily turned off, and showers are temporarily closed.

About Tetilla Peak

Perched high above Cochiti Lake, Tetilla Peak Recreation Area rewards adventurous souls with breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch across the water to distant mountain peaks. This hidden gem remains blissfully uncrowded, offering a serene escape where pristine facilities meet peaceful solitude. While neighboring campgrounds buzz with activity, Tetilla Peak whispers its invitation to those seeking tranquility amid spectacular scenery.
Tetilla Peak includes accommodations for tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and non-electric sites. Group camping and other specialized accommodations are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay of 14 nights during a visit, or 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables

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.
HikingHiking trails are available and provide scenic views. However, there is limited information regarding trail difficulty or length.
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Tetilla Peak, with species such as bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, sunfish, and pike. One review mentions "Fair fish at the lake."
SwimmingSwimming areas exist, with some users highlighting small coves for dogs to swim and play. However, the lake does not have a designated beach and is noted as rocky.
BoatingBoating activities are supported with a boat launch directly below the campground. This is a no-wake lake ideal for paddle and wind craft.
Wildlife viewingVisitors often see deer, coyotes, river otters, rabbits, beavers, and bears near the lake. Four osprey nesting platforms add bird-watching opportunities.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include goathead plants, steep drop-offs near some sites, and windy conditions. Review by Gina Eisler: 'Some of the sites have a pretty big drop off just beyond your picnic area.' Review by MaryTerese B: 'Be sure to inspect it for GOATHEADS.'
Active AlertsWater spigots are temporarily turned off, and showers are temporarily closed.

Weather at Tetilla Peak

Reviews

4.2
185 reviews
Satisfactory
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 185 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include exceptional views of Cochiti Lake, spacious campsites, quiet surroundings, and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and boating.
Based on 185 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 185 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...
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Based on 185 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 185 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...
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Based on 185 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 2: Spacious for small trailers but windy conditions noted. Site 34: Mentioned with concerns about maintenance. Site 7: Issues with ant hills and weeds. Site 22: Clean showers noted, but shower...
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Based on 185 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility standards are not met, and some sites require longer-than-normal electric and water connections.
Based on 185 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 185 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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