Community Forums

Tigerfan1 · 04-12-2021, 05:16 PM

We are planning a trip to the Ballon Fiesta in Albuquerque in October. Looking for campground recommendations from someone who has been there. DW and I are checking off another item from our bucket list. Thanks in advance.

twogypsies · 04-12-2021, 06:38 PM

We boondocked on the grounds for the whole festival. They have water delivery and pumping out although we didn't need it with our large tanks. We were with a group and we volunteered with a balloon crew... awesome experience and we got a very long ride free.

The boondocking area is within walking distance to the take-off field and they also have constant free bus pickups at various areas of the boondocking area. Also, if they see you walking they'll stop anywhere if you wave them down. It's the most reasonable way to go.

Don't stay off the festival site. First, all the RV parks up to Santa Fe increase their rates, the drives are horrendous and certain hours they block the highway for hours so you're either locked in or locked out. Stay on the grounds.

Hope it goes on this year. It's a fun time!

chiefneon · 04-12-2021, 06:54 PM

Howdy!

Staying on the property is well worth the expense if you want to enjoy the experience. Included in the price of the stay are tickets to the entry morning and evening. By staying on the property you do have to pay parking which twice a day becomes expensive it’s self. Our last trip there we stayed at the Casino across the freeway. The traffic was so bad just to get that short distance we set in traffic for hours and never reached the area because all the parking was all taken. I would ever want to fight that traffic again coming or going. So staying on the property seems expensive for boomdocking but when you figure in camping, events tickets, and parking etc... it’s well worth it. Make reservations early and enjoy the experience.

“Happy Trails”
Chiefneon

rgvtexan · 04-12-2021, 08:47 PM

On site parking may be hard to come by. Last years reserved sites may have first preference for this year. Some sites sell out the day they are opened. But on site is the way to go.

Come see us at the Chase Crew Headquarters and sign up to crew. The best way to enjoy the Fiesta. It is the Red Cube just NE of the Sid Cutter Pavilion.

Out of town and county pilot need help launching and retrieving the balloons, no experience required. I might even have free passes for the week.

Norm & Donna team Leaders.

From the Fiesta https://balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information

Until we learn more regarding possible distance requirements for RV spacing, the reservation system, as well as the waitlists, will remain closed. We will continue to monitor the situation and if/when we are able to determine there will be no additional spacing requirements, we will review opening the reservation system at that time.

Mark_K5LXP · 04-13-2021, 06:50 AM

I've lived in ABQ over 30 years and have attended and participated in Fiesta many times. It's a lot of fun even as just a spectator. Crewing is a great way to meet people, see and do things associated with ballooning and the local area you likely can't experience anywhere else. If you're up to the time and work investment, I highly recommend it.

I've always seen the lots of RV's there and when I got mine I thought it'd be cool to park mine there for the week and use it as a crash pad for myself, family and friends. I work very near the field and could just walk or bike over every day.

That idea was soundly dashed when discovering the near-field nightly fees compounded with the near-impossibility of scoring a spot. They sell out basically immediately upon reservations being opened. For someone coming here to "make memories" and cost is secondary, then it's probably worth it. For mortals like me, I'll be slogging through the 4AM line to get in like everyone else. Provided of course the covid nonsense is over, which is a separate issue.

Mark B.
Albuquerque, NM

twogypsies · 04-13-2021, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_K5LXP

.

That idea was soundly dashed when discovering the near-field nightly fees compounded with the near-impossibility of scoring a spot.

We stayed in the $40 dry camping area and it was just fine.

There are also $95 with E/W; $100 VIP includes admission fees and $250 E/W with admission fees.

$40 isn't outrageous. Try to price the local RV park rates during that time. They all up the regular price.

Right now you can be put on a 'wait list' & when they have the Covid thing figured out they'll notify you & you'll have 72 hours to accept.

We've attended other balloon shows & this one is the very best!

https://balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information

Also, if you're a member of other RV groups they sometimes go as a group and get a good rate. We went with the Escapee RV Club.

Tigerfan1 · 04-14-2021, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan

On site parking may be hard to come by. Last years reserved sites may have first preference for this year. Some sites sell out the day they are opened. But on site is the way to go.

Come see us at the Chase Crew Headquarters and sign up to crew. The best way to enjoy the Fiesta. It is the Red Cube just NE of the Sid Cutter Pavilion.

Out of town and county pilot need help launching and retrieving the balloons, no experience required. I might even have free passes for the week.

Norm & Donna team Leaders.

From the Fiesta https://balloonfiesta.com/RV-Information

Until we learn more regarding possible distance requirements for RV spacing, the reservation system, as well as the waitlists, will remain closed. We will continue to monitor the situation and if/when we are able to determine there will be no additional spacing requirements, we will review opening the reservation system at that time.

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. I have crewed for Painted Horizons in Florida several times which has got me interested in going to Albuquerque. I plan on signing up to work crew for launches and retrievals. We will dry camp if we can’t get a w/e site. We will be bringing our dog with us so will need to run genny if warm. Are there restrictions for generator use? My wife and I are pretty excited about attending. Norm I might take you up on the passes if still available. Thanks. Bruce Smith.

no3putt · 04-14-2021, 10:46 PM

FYI, I think the 2021 festival may already be booked for on site camping. We were on the wait list for the 2020 Balloon festival which, of course, was canceled. About a month ago we received an email from the festival with a link to book a campsite for the 2021 festival
We were lucky and got a campsite because within 5 minutes of getting the email all the available campsites thru the link were booked.