RV's flock to Albuquerque for the annual Balloon Fiesta

[Grizzly]

Every kind of RV are in Albuquerque for the annual Balloon Fiesta. Today was the first day of the mass asension and it was spectacular with perfect weather and fall colors.

http://www.newmexico.org/ballooning-events/?gclid=CMPWoJLXlMECFQuOaQodlQEAow

george

 

[jelag]

Hi George...

He's right... if you have an RV and travel this is a must at least once.... We've done it twice, and are no thinking of volunteering for one season.... Plan and Go....

 

[Jim W]

We plan on doing this for next year 2015 and are looking at different campgrounds in the area. I and the wife want full-hook ups so this limits us on site choices.

I was discussing this with another camper and he suggests that we stay at the American RV Park in Albuquerque area anyone know about this campground.

Jim W.

 

[Grizzly]

Hi Jim (jelag).

Jim W. I just read in todays newspaper that the Balloon field has accommodations for 6000+ RV's. They have electric hookup and truck come around to dump your holding tanks. Fresh water trucks also come around. They also have a limited supply of spaces with full hook-ups, but you have to reserve one a year ahead of time. There are many more RV parks around Albuquerque and the state. Again reserve far in advance and expect to pay a little more for the event. As jelag said, the event is well worth it and staying at the balloon field is the best way to go because they have shuttles to take you to the launch field and then back to your RV.

george

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Traffic this year will be especially difficult because of contruction at the I-25/Paseo Del Norte interchange. My house is at somewhat higher elevation and a few miles to the east; I can watch the balloons from the balcony! House is for sale; maybe a balloon fan will buy it.

 

[JMetzger]

We used the Balloon Fest field about 10 years ago. we went in with 6 other rigs. Had no problems checking in & had a blast. Went to the early morning thingy & helped set up a balloon. We really had a great time, amust see.

 

[jelag]

My sister has suggested we volunteer for next season... Both families have done that in the past a various places... we're (wife & I) are currently volunteers at Oregon Department Fish & Wildlife at Bonneville Dam / Fish Hatchery... we're doing our annual 2 month stint.. If you've volunteered at the Balloon Fiesta in the past please post your thoughts... would love to hear them...

I agree with Grizzly... if you don't have a reservation for the 2015 season you most likely won't get one at any of the RV parks... we stayed with a very gracious friend when were there.... and we had an excellent time... but next time its the RV Lot for us... just the shuttle alone makes it worth while....

 

[SnoKing]

We plan on doing this for next year 2015 and are looking at different campgrounds in the area. I and the wife want full-hook ups so this limits us on site choices.

I was discussing this with another camper and he suggests that we stay at the American RV Park in Albuquerque area anyone know about this campground.

Jim W.

Big Balloon sized MISTAKE!!!!

Stay at the balloon park to fully enjoy the experience. That way you can come and go during the early morning, day and evening. If you stay remove to the park, you might as well watch most of it on TV! We ran our Honda eu1000a a couple hours a day to keep the batteries charged.

We were there in the 2007 and were at the very South end of the RV parking. Had the Pama balloon land right next to our trailers!!! Got to meet the Ambassador from Spain and his aid who were in the balloon that we had to run and grab as it came down. We helped fold up the balloon and load it on the trailer. Got to see and take part in the Champagne Ceremony first hand right there. She(Pilot) handed out Pama gifts to us.

Bus service back and forth from RV area to the balloon park works well or sometimes we just walked for the exercise. SNOKING

#ad

 

[Blu-meanie]

Do you need reservations for the Balloon Park now for next year, or is that filled already too?

 

[Blu-meanie]

Maybe we could get a TDR group to camp together.

 

[SnoKing]

Make them early as possible. SNOKING

 

[SnoKing]

Maybe we could get a TDR group to camp together.

They will handle groups and put you together. SNOKING

 

[Grizzly]

Blu-meanie,

If you stay at the balloon field RV park, which can handle more than 6000 RV's, you could get by without reservations at all. My son and his family, who live here in Albuquerque, have taken their 5th wheel to the park on the day they want to stay and get the RV and slideout set up, then come and go in their car to their RV. That way they are there at the balloon park on the morning of launch time and not have to drive at 5 in the morning and not have to put up with traffic and a place to park. They take the shuttle to the launch field and buy breakfast burritos and hot chocolate They do it about every other year and have never had reservations. If you want to stay in the limited area with full hook-ups you will need reservation one year ahead of time. If you want to stay at a private RV park or a hotel you will need reservations ahead of time.

We have never stayed at the balloon RV park because we live so close to the Balloon park as jalag and his family know. Yes, we get together with Jim and his wife when they're here.

george