Albuquerque Balloon Festival 2013

[210driver]

I would like to go to the balloon festival in 2013 at Albuquerque would like any advice from someone who has went on the best RV park and any other pointers to make the trip better.

[RVerOnTheMove]

The best RV parking is on the fairgrounds. It was $125/night last time I checked so it could be more. The next best is dry camping on the grounds (about $65/night) followed by dry camping across the street or up at the Sandia casino (RVers are very welcome). Otherwise, there is no good nearby camping that I am aware of but someone else might chime in. There are any number of campgrounds within 20 miles or so. You might want to check Google, Woodalls and RV park reviews.

[Darbone85737]

Unfortunately it seems the onsite RV parking for the entire 2013 event has already been sold out. We checked the fiesta website this morning as wife wanted to go in 2013 and stay at the fairgrounds. The "presidential" sites (30 amp with city water) were $ 150

[paulcarson]

We stayed at KOA in Abq when we went. It was convenient, easy to get to and reasonably priced. Best I remember it was KOA Central....Enjoy the festival.

[hugger5]

As of today, 6/9/13, there are still some RV on sites available. All Presidential are sold out. We have reserved VIP sites for the 8th 9th and 10th. Sites are still open the 8th through the end. Primitive site are $30 a night. No hookups.All days open.

We chose VIP, because entry tickets are given with the 85 a night fee.

To check, use this link http://www.balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/rv-information. It is a great event be sure to pack some warm clothes, for the mornings.

Hope to see you there.

Ken and Dorothy F 432815

RECHECKD RESERVATION SITE.

When logging to res site, make sure you change dates, to OCT , and input number o fdays

Dry sites are still open $30 a night, all sites are 3 night min.

Vip sites still open$ 85 3 night min.

Or you can get on a waiting list

[StellersJay]

If at all possible stay on the Baloon Fiesta Grounds. We attended last year with the Four Corners WBCCI (Airstream) group. We dry camped on the grounds with "front row" RV parking for the event. The ticket booth to get into the grounds was about 100 feet from the front of our MH and the Balloon Museum grounds was adjacent to where we parked.

My observation and opinion: If you have to drive into the event, the traffic is very heavy and the roads near the Fiesta Grounds are like one large parking lot. Therefore, you have to leave early, long before dawn, to get to the event by the time the assention activities start. Problem is, after the long drive, and a usually cold wait (remember the altitude -- the mornings are cool to cold) the events for the day may be cancelled due to high winds.

It was nice to sit in the MH, turn on the generator, make a pot of coffee, open the front curtains and watch the morning activities. We turned on the local NBC TV station to get ongoing coverage of the activities. There are also Smart Phone apps for daily schedules, balloon information, and such.

FMCA also has what sounds like a good Rally for the Balloon Fiesta.

Bottom line, this is a great event to have on the Bucket List. We enjoyed it very much, but were thankful we didn't have to get the toad out into the heavy (stopped) traffic.

Sam

[wigginsjsr]

If you don't want to fight the traffic, which is horrible, you should stay at a campground with a shuttle bus. We have stayed at the American RV Park on I-40 East for the last two years. Great park with shuttle. Fills up quick with reservations, but you might still be able to get in. They all raise their rates during the festival. If interested the web site is www.americanrvpark.com

They also take care of getting tickets, etc. Have access to the VIP tent, etc.

[akadeadeye]

We stayed in the dry camping section about 3/4 mile from the balloon field. They have shuttle buses that came by where we were about every 20 to 30 minutes. Here are some photos of our area.

[campcop]

We always stay at the Isleta Pueblo campground south of Alb. And then take the Roadrunner train in to the city or to Santa Fe. Campground is fairly new, clean, two ponds and a casino. The train stops at the campground...they have a pretty good seafood buffet on Fridays.

[hugger5]

If anyone is interested in attending the baloon festival. go to http://www.balloonfiesta.com/ .

First, select number of days to stay. Then select October, then select day you wish to arrive.

All presidential sites are sold out. But there are 3 other types of sites available:

One site has power available. We chose the VIP site. This includes admission to the park.

Note, there are two sessions per day to the festival. Tickets are $8 per person.

The wife and I will be there Oct 8 , 9 , 10.

Hope to see a few other members there. Look for us FMCA # 432815

[hugger5]

My wife and I will be at the Balloonfest Oct 8 through 10.

Can anyone suggest good places to dine. We would really like to find a Greek style rest. We are originally from Chicago, and miss a good Gyros. We will have our toad, so leaving the grounds will not be a problem.

Also a suggestion of real Chicago style hotdogs, the ones, on a poppy seed bun, with a garden of veggies

.

We wish to thank any advice.

Hope all are enjoying time spent on the road.

[cycleclown]

10/8/13 we checked today at dry camp and no problem just drove up but it may get worst for the last weekend (first come first serve).

[loafing]

A good place for Greek food is the Olympia café on central across from UNM.

Also am from Chicago and have not found a good hot dog since a chicago couple closed there store.

[hugger5]

For all that did not attend, here are just a few pics of the event.

We really had a good time, eventhough 1 day flights were cancelled.