Balloon festival

[mikephillis]

Tell me your experience with boon docking at the balloon festival in New Mexico. Some hints for a first timer would be appreciated.

[Ray,IN]

Hello Mike! Welcome to our discussion forums. Rather than try to recap everything I've read here about dry camping on the balloon grounds, use this search results page to find every thread and reply concerning the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta on irv2.com. I asked the same questions prior to our first visit there. You will have a great time at the balloon fiesta. Take along some warm outerwear, and dress in layers, it gets cold at daybreak. We wore backpacks to carry stuff when we shed the warm coats etc.; we also carried snacks and drinking water, and two tiny folding stools for resting as there are few places to sit on the grounds. (I'm old doncha know).

[rgvtexan]

Do you mean the $30 a day dry camping spots @ the Fiesta, or somewhere out in the boondocks? If in the sticks it is up to you lol!
If the Fiesta lot, go in with empty holding tanks, full fuel, water, and propane. Batteries fully charged and toped up with water. A honey wagon and water are available. You are in walking distance to the field there are free shuttles (be sure and tip the driver they are volunteers). The parking is close ~20’ wide and just enough room for your toad. Last year the weather was great, but the mornings can be cold and the afternoons hot. When you leave the RV make sure stuff is stowed as the wind has been known to come up.
We worked the Fiesta last year and will again this year ~10 days. If you would like to talk, send me a PM and I will give you a phone #. You will have a good time. Just get up early in the morning and be on the field for the launch. We will be working the Chase Tower and looking for crew to help the pilots.

[ALBQ]

Your in for a treat. The Balloon Fiesta is the most photographed event anywhere. If you are looking for free boondocking I would look at the Sandia Casino. They have free parking w/o hookups. Its only a couple of miles away from Balloon Fiesta park and you always get a good view of the launchings. I've not checked during the fiesta but it may be crowded. Sandia Casino is about 5 or 6 miles north of the I-40=I-25 exchange. Go north on I-25 and take the Tramway exit. Turn right and its only a couple of blocks. The local RV parks really stick it to you during the Fiesta, almost doubling the nightly rates and they are pretty full also. Lots of other things to do in Albq and Sante fe. Be sure to stay over the weekends as thats when they have the mass accentions(sp?).