Cochiti Rec Area, Buffalo Grove Loop

We headed out to go sailing but lightning came upon the lake. So we headed over to the grocery store to grab a snack but was wonderful surprised they had a lovely sandwich shop inside. We ordered a club and a turkey sandwiches. They were yummy. The bread was soft and they were made to order. We did not wait long and if we wanted to there was a nice place to sit inside. We took our sandwiches back to the lake, which only has a $5 entry fee, to stretch our eyes and butts. Lovely lake, they have a swimming area for the kids, some covered shelter, nice beach area for kayaks and paddle boards and of course a dock for your sail boats. I love the Cochiti Area for its quick, beautiful drive, 1 hour from Albuquerque for a lovely day spent.

Nice campground. There’s a trail at the top of the boat ramp and you can ride or hike across the top of the dam. Beautiful and well maintained.

We come here at least once every year, but tend to avoid the hottest months (July and August) as it’s just too hot and there’s not much shade. The spaces are large and generally easy to access. I don’t think they have as much help as they used to have. The sites have a nice concrete pad and picnic alone with a large gravel area that would accommodate tents, pets, etc. but the gravel areas have become overrun with weeds in the last couple of years. Do yourself and future campers a favor and bring a couple of garden tools (especially a hoe) so you can remove the weeds and prevent those nasty goat-heads. Our site was full of weeds, but we cleaned it up to better enjoy our stay. First time on site 60, and we like it.

We came to camp out for the weekend. I emote l enjoyed the lake but the camping situation wasn't so great. There are no campfires allowed here due to how dry it is. From what I hear there is decent fishing especially if you are on a boat. We caught 2 carp while there. I love that they provide life vests for everyone. Highly recommend canoeing or kayaking here. It was great!

The Campground is stunning but staffing and locals are non existent and very disagreeable. No one running the entry gate, the visitor center, although published as open (with lights on and staff inside) had the doors locked and wouldn’t allow entry. The Laundry up the road was published as open with doors unlocked, we were denied usage, said water out! We definitely felt that our presence was unwanted by the locals. Plus night one, a sketchy car and occupants were trying to sell tortillas from their car, going from one campsite to another. Final straw was Tents Rocks visitor center closed for three days and then once opened, said entry was sold out for 30 days.