Community Forums

RickO · 07-08-2010, 05:23 PM

We want to attend the balloon festival this year and are looking for some advice from veterans.

We've never boondocked but are open to the idea... so long as our coach can stay cool enough to keep our three dogs cool that time of year. Posts from years past have proposed boondocking on the grounds to beat the traffic but are there other points of view/tradeoffs?

Is the last weekend (plus several days on the front side) the best time to be there?

Any insights would be appreciated...

Thanks much,

rick

Bill Adams · 07-08-2010, 05:32 PM

The first or last weekend is the best time to be there. That time of year getting cool has not been an issue! We dry camped on the grounds the first year at $65/night including tickets (I think it might have gone up). Camping across the street (dry) is around $25. We have also dry camped at the Sandia Casino (free and you are very welcome) right across the Interstate. The Presidential campground is great and the one time we had reservations there our business forced us to cancel. It was $125/night with water and 50amp. No cancellations are accepted but we were able to sell our reservations at half price.
Whatever choice you make it will be great!!! We will be there again this year and we will be staying at Sandia again (so don't park where you block my view!).

texaspenny · 07-08-2010, 05:32 PM

We stayed on the presidents compound which we had power, water and sewer hook up and tickets to the grounds everyday we were there...it was the most amazing experience....we loved it...it didn't get that hot and the nights were cool...we wore jackets in the mornings it was cold in the low 50-60's....You will love it...lots to see and do right there on the grounds and even in town...

RickO · 07-09-2010, 09:14 AM

Thanks Bill and Texaspenny...

I read about the Presidents area but I'm still choking on $150/night. Bill, how do you get from the casino to the launch grounds each day? Is it walkable? Shuttle? Does the casino fill up?

We're looking forward to it. Especially the temps in the 50's. We're sweltering in the heat wave near Cleveland and I'm dreaming of high altitudes.

BUCKAROO · 07-09-2010, 09:23 AM

attended the event four years ago. we are going back this year, will be staying in the president.

Rich and Cork · 09-19-2010, 05:36 PM

[QUOTE=RickO;666845]Thanks Bill and Texaspenny...

I read about the Presidents area but I'm still choking on $150/night. Bill, how do you get from the casino to the launch grounds each day? Is it walkable? Shuttle? Does the casino fill up?

QUOTE]

Any answer on the Casino filling up? We will probably be there Oct 6-8.

wolfmoms · 09-29-2010, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Adams

... Camping across the street (dry) is around $25.).

I have a reservation in the dry camping area ($30/night this year) ... they state "rallye style parking" ... does anyone know what that means? Will I be able to get my tow vehicle in and out of the parking area ? Plan to do the Balloon Fest on Sunday (on foot) and then visit downtwon ABQ on Monday and wonder about transportation into town if I can't get my truck out.

Any info appreciated, Laura

texaspenny · 09-30-2010, 02:09 PM

Last year we were stopped before the gate in a large parking lot area where you unhooked your vehicle before checking in and being directed to your site...we drove to town it wasn't bad...traffic wise...they are used to this and do a great job of directing you....no worries you will have a great time....that I can promise....

Ray,IN · 09-30-2010, 10:35 PM

We attended last year and a coat N gloves was an asset for the daybreak ascension. Evening glow sessions got chilly but not like mornings. Just stepping out of your RV and testing the temperature doesn't match 3-4 hours continuous exposure. TIP: carry extra camera batteries, they are expensive on the grounds, as is everything.
I carried a backpack with spare batteries, water bottle, snacks, thin ponchos just-in-case, and two collapsible tripod stools for sitting to rest as seating is not available. There was still space for storing our coats when the sunshine finally warmed us.
If possible locate a parking site that has shuttle service or is near a shuttle pickup point. Traffic is horrendous inbound. We stayed at the Air Force Base and rode the shuttle, otherwise we would have stayed on the grounds. This for us was a great experience, including Old Town.

Rich and Cork · 10-02-2010, 06:28 PM

We ended up making reservations for this coming Thur and Fri night for the dry camping area. Really looking forward to the event.

texaspenny · 10-03-2010, 06:37 AM

You will love it......brings the kid out in you....be sure to check out the chainsaw wood carvers, they were amazing last year....the icing is that the festival benefits the Make a Wish Foundation!!!! win win....have a great time....smiles always Penny

Ray,IN · 10-03-2010, 10:38 PM

If anyone wishes to watch the balloon fiesta live via computer, here is the place http://www.kob.com/article/10113/
We attended last year, attended most sessions. When we stayed "home" we watched everything live on computer.

Rich and Cork · 10-10-2010, 02:40 PM

We just got home. What a wonderful event! I do believe that is the most motorhomes I have ever seen in one location. They have been doing this a long time and are very, very well organized in both the RV area and the Fiesta itself. We left after the Mass Ascention yesterday and that was quite a sight.