Author: traveloutside.admin

Overview

Tetilla Peak 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 for all paddle and wind craft. The lake is also a popular fishing spot for species such as bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, sunfish, pike and trout.

Santa Cruz Day Use area is open daily and provides visitors with acces to the lake as well as several shade structures, bathrooms, and two fishing docks.

Facilities

The campground consists of two loops. Cholla Loop includes 36 individual campsites, each with an electric hookup, table and grill. All electric campsites have shelters, and water spigots are located throughout the campground. This loop also provides a dump station and large restroom and shower building.

A partially paved road winds through Coyote Loop, which has 10 sites, each with a table and grill. There are no electric hookups, and water spigots are scattered throughout the loop. The restroom and shower building is centrally located for easy access.

The Tetilla boat ramp area offers a parking area and courtesy dock.

Natural Features

Cochiti Lake sits at 5,343ft in elevation and is nestlein the foothills of the Jemez Mountains. Our high desert environment is dominated by juniper, piñon 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 bear are often sided.

Nearby Attractions

Cochiti Lake is 23miles from Tent Rocks National Monument, which has fascinating geological formations.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming site

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From 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.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 35° 38′ 49.9999″ N

Longitude 106° 18′ 15.9998″ W

Overview

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.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Wildlife viewing
• Day use area
• Swimming site
• Paddling

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

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.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 35° 38′ 30.0001″ N

Longitude 106° 19′ 30.0000″ W

This recreation area is part of Mendocino Lake

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 12′ 1.1952″ N

Longitude 123° 11′ 9.3264″ W

Overview

Chekaka Campground is closed indefinitely.

Chekaka Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California’s Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country.

The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including a 3-mile trail that begins at the lake overlook and loops around to the north end of the lake, where a designated swim beach is located.

The Lake Mendocino Disc Golf Course offers 18 holes between its north and south courses. The rolling terrain is heavily wooded in some areas, making for challenging tunnel shots with obstacles around most pins.

Facilities

Che Ka Ka Campground is closed. The Overlook Day Use Area in the Che Ka Ka Recreation Area is available for reservations. 

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer’s Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking

Gallery

• 

• 

Directions

From San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101 for 2 miles past Ukiah to Lake Mendocino Drive Exit. Turn left at North State Street traffic light, then right onto Lake Mendocino Drive. The campground is located at the top of the hill.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 12′ 11.0002″ N

Longitude 123° 11′ 11.0000″ W

Overview

Kyen Campground is currently outgranted to FEMA for a housing mission and closed to the public.

Kyen Campground and Day-Use Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California’s Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country.

The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail, which begins at the Pomo Cultural Center within the campground and offers beautiful views of the lake.

Facilities

Kyen Campground offers 93 family sites within walking distance of the lake. The day-use area has four group picnic shelters, two of which have electric hookups. Several family picnic shelters with tables and grills are available on a first come, first served basis.

Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and boat ramp.

The Pomo Cultural Center is operated by the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The center is modeled after a traditional Pomo roundhouse and offers displays about Pomo hunting, dancing and basketry, as well as local fish, wildlife and plants.

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer’s Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Day use area
• Swimming site

Gallery

• 

Directions

From San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101 for 5 miles past Ukiah. Turn east onto Highway 20, then turn right on Marina Drive. Continue past the north boat ramp to the campground entrance.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 14′ 12.0001″ N

Longitude 123° 10′ 40.0001″ W

Overview

Bushay Recreation Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California’s Mendocino Range, where redwood forests meet wine country. The access road to Bushay Campground is subject to high water levels. For this reason the campground is often closed during the rainy months. If high water levels continue into the late spring and early summer months, reservations may be cancelled by Lake Mendocino staff with a full refund. Every effort will be made to provide advance notice in the event of cancellations.
The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities is available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 7-mile Kaweyo Trail, which is open to hiking and horseback riding. This trail winds from the lake to the dam, providing excellent views of the lake and wildlife in the area.

Facilities

This large, year-round campground offers more than 100 family sites, many of which overlook the lake. Three group sites are also available.

The Mesa Day-Use Area is within the campground and offers a group picnic shelter with electric hookups. Family picnic shelters are also located here, complete with tables and grills.

Amenities include flush and vault toilets, showers, drinking water, a dump station and playground. A horse staging area is located in the campground near the Kaweyo Trailhead.

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade and an excellent bird and wildlife habitat.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses. The Ukiah Farmer’s Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Day use area

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

From the South (San Francisco, Santa Rosa, Ukiah): Follow Highway 101 North towards Ukiah. Approximately 5 miles north of Ukiah, take Highway 20 East. Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 3 miles. Just after you see Lake Mendocino on your right, you will cross a tall bridge. Take the first left after the bridge. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill.

From the North (Eureka, Willits, Fort Bragg): Follow Highway 101 South. Approximately 15 miles south of Willits, take Highway 20 East.
Continue on Highway 20 East for approximately 3 miles. Just after you see Lake Mendocino on your right, you will cross a tall bridge. Take the first left after the bridge. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill.

From the East (Sacramento): From the city of Williams, take Highway 20 West. Continue on Highway 20 for approximately 2 hours or 80 miles traveling past Clearlake and Blue Lakes. Approximately 2 miles after the Potter Valley turn-off you will see a sign for Lake Mendocino
Recreation Area. Take the first right after the sign. Follow the road under the bridge and along the river until you reach the Host Booth at the top of the hill.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 14′ 6.0202″ N

Longitude 123° 9′ 57.3599″ W

Overview

Pomo Day-Use Area is situated on Lake Mendocino in California’s Mendocino Range, where the redwood forests meet California wine country.

The lake is formed by the Coyote Dam on the Russian River. A wide variety of recreational opportunities are available, including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

Recreation

The 1,822-acre lake provides abundant boating, swimming and water skiing opportunities. Anglers will find sunfish, smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, white and channel catfish, bluegill and perch.

Several miles of trails wind around Lake Mendocino, including the 3-mile Shakota Trail, which begins at the Pomo Cultural Center and offers beautiful views of the lake.

Facilities

Pomo Day Use Area is located near Kyen Campground and offers three group picnic shelters that each accommodate up to 50 people. Picnic shelters, tables and grills are provided, as are flush toilets and drinking water.

Pomo Site A is open year round, but during winter months it is available on a first come, first served basis only. Pomo Sites B and C and the Pomo Cultural Center are only open during the recreation season.

The Pomo Cultural Center is within the day-use area. It is operated by the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The center is modeled after a traditional Pomo roundhouse and offers displays about Pomo hunting, dancing and basketry, as well as local fish, wildlife and plants.

Natural Features

Lake Mendocino lies in the scenic rolling hills of Coyote Valley. Groves of oak mixed with manzanita and pines forest the area, offering limited shade but excellent bird and wildlife habitats.

Nearby Attractions

The charming city of Ukiah, less than 15 minutes away, offers a variety of shopping and dining opportunities, museums and golf courses.

The Ukiah Farmer’s Market runs Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings throughout the summer, offering fresh produce, local wines, arts and crafts and live music.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Historic & cultural site
• Camping
• Hiking
• Swimming site

Gallery

• 

• 

Directions

From San Francisco, travel north on Highway 101, 5 miles past Ukiah, then take Highway 20 east and go right on Marina Drive (Lake Mendocino will also be on the right). Continue past the north boat ramp and Kyen Campground. The entrance to Pomo Day Use Area is on the left.

From Sacramento, travel north on I-5 and take Highway 20 west, toward Clearlake. Continue on Highway 20 past Clearlake for approximately 40 miles. Turn left on Marina Drive (Lake Mendocino will also be on the left). Continue past the north boat ramp and Kyen Campground. The entrance to Pomo Day Use Area is on the left.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 14′ 8.0002″ N

Longitude 123° 10′ 59.0002″ W

Overview

Warm Springs Recreation Area is a day-use park located at Lake Sonoma, which is just a 45 minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a 2 hour trip from San Francisco. There is no overnight camping available at this facility

World famous vineyards and a land rich in history surround the lake, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the area’s extensive trail network.

Recreation

The Woodland Ridge Nature Trail begins at the park and winds up the ridge, rewarding hikers with great views of the Dry Creek Valley and Lake Sonoma.

The recreation area offers two sand volleyball courts and a large play area for football, baseball or other field sports. A small playground with a tire swing, slides and climbing structures is also on-site.

The lake provides great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for large and smallmouth bass, catfish and sunfish. A small native population of rainbow trout exists in the waters as well.

Facilities

Warm Springs Recreation Area offers six group day-use picnic sites; there is no overnight camping available. Each site contains a covered shelter with seating for approximately 75 people.

Each site is also equipped with picnic tables and a large grill. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Individual picnic sites are available on a first come, first served basis.

Natural Features

Lake Sonoma is nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, California. A large grassy, mowed field surrounds Warm Spring’s picnic areas; shade trees are scattered around the field.

Nearby Attractions

Across the street from the picnic area, visitors can discover the natural and cultural history of the area at the Milt Brandt Visitor Center.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

Take Highway 101 to Healdsburg and exit on Dry Creek Road. Travel west another 11 miles to park boundary. Watch the road signs and make a left turn across from the visitor center to reach the Warm Springs Recreation Area.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 43′ 4.0001″ N

Longitude 122° 59′ 57.0001″ W

Overview

Liberty Glen Campground is located at the top of Rockpile Road overlooking Lake Sonoma. A short 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.
World famous vineyards and a rich history surround the lake, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the area’s extensive trail network.

Recreation

Lake Sonoma offers a wide variety of recreational activities such as, Archery Range, Air Rifle Range, Disc Golf, Outdoor Gym, Dog Park as well as other nearby activities. The lake provides great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for large and smallmouth bass, catfish and sunfish. A small native population of rainbow trout exists in the waters as well.
Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy exploring several miles of trails in the Liberty Glen area, including the Serpentine, Rancheria and Cove Trails.

Facilities

This large campground contains single and double sites, as well as one cabin site and two accessible group sites.
Flush toilets, drinking water and showers are provided. We also have a playground on-site and trails begin within the campground.

Natural Features

Lake Sonoma is nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, California. Liberty Glen is situated on a ridge above the Warm Springs Arm of the lake. The campground offers scenic views of the lake, and the shoreline can be accessed from the site with a strenuous one mile hike.

Nearby Activities

• Biking
• Camping
• Hiking

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

Take Highway 101 to the town of Healdsburg and exit on Dry Creek Road. Travel west another 11 miles to the park boundary. Continue west another 4 miles, following the park road signs to reach the Liberty Glen Campground at the top of the ridge line.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 42′ 49.0000″ N

Longitude 123° 3′ 23.0000″ W

Overview

Lake Sonoma’s Boat-In Sites are scattered around beautiful Lake Sonoma, only a 45-minute drive north of Santa Rosa and a two-hour drive from San Francisco.

World famous vineyards and a land rich in history surround the lake, where visitors enjoy boating, fishing and exploring the area’s extensive trail network.

Recreation

The lake provides great boating and swimming opportunities. Anglers fish for large and smallmouth bass, catfish and sunfish. A small native population of rainbow trout exists in the waters as well.

Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders enjoy exploring several miles of trails that meander along the shoreline.

Facilities

The lake boasts nearly 100 boat-in campsites. Some sites lie close to the lake’s ski zones while others are in more secluded regions perfect for fishing or swimming.

Boaters who wish to camp/sleep on their boats may anchor anywhere within the park, but boats must be equipped with anchor lights. If boaters wish to tie up to the shore, they must be at one of the designated campgrounds.

Natural Features

Lake Sonoma is nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills of Sonoma County, California. The area typically has cool, foggy, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures average in the upper 90s during the summer with short periods of higher heat.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Water sports
• Swimming site

Gallery

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Directions

Take Highway 101 north of San Francisco to the town of Healdsburg and exit on Dry Creek Road. Travel west 11 miles to reach the visitor center on the right. The public boat ramp is 1.5 miles further up the road.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 38° 42′ 29.9999″ N

Longitude 123° 0′ 0.0000″ W