Albuquerque balloon fiesta 2018

Having been there, there's no better place to stay than on the fiesta grounds, close to the main entrance. When you camp on the grounds, you don't have to deal with traffic. Take a look at the calendar of events to see what's happening each day, and then decide which days to attend. And it's not too early now to make reservations for next year.

If you belong to FMCA consider their trip. They arrange camping, daily activities and more. We spent a week there several years ago and it was great.

The balloons take off each morning weather permitting, just after dawn.

There is a lot of down time in the afternoons that is filled in side trips thru group trips.

Some evening activities such as Glows but even then not much on the field.

We volunteered this year. They put us up at the south park. Great location. Free buses to the field for morning and evening sessions with a choice of dry camping, dry camping with box view or camping with water and power. Balloons fly right over the camping area, often landing among the RV's. I would recommend a day down at the field and a day in the camping area. totally different experience. It was much more of an experience than I expected.

Don't look for an outside RV park. Stay at the Fiesta itself. Reserve now!

The balloons are launched according to the weather so it's difficult to determine what days are best. We were there for the full time plus added days before and after to avoid traffic. We also volunteered which is an awesome experience.

I agree with all of the others- stay at the fiesta grounds itself. I would NOT spend the money for the “west” lot or whatever that was dry camping for $75/night or something. I’d either go for dry camping or would get a water + electric spot.

I think when we go back- we are going to split our stay with most of the time dry camping but then splurge on the president’s compound that actually overlook the launch field.

For pics from our visit this year:
https://flickr.com/photos/7200488@N08/sets/72157687401476784

Make reservations soon, we already have. Already filling up on early dates and the prime locations. We could only get in the $35/day lot for the early dates we wanted. Even in the $35 lot you get two entry tickets and a bus transport back and forth to the main entrance and your camping lot. Good Luck!

rocmoc n AZ

Well Kids,

After years of wanting and being 2000 miles away, we made it there in 2008. It was worth every penny. At that time the dry camp lot was 30$/day min 3. But look at the schedule and try to be there when the mass assentions are planned. Watching 600 balloons launch is a trip. The Dawn Patrol is also a sight. Carry breakfast, the morning assention is all morning. (Actually it was about three hours.)

Read about it and start making plans now.

Matt

We splurged and went with Adventure Caravans. It was expensive but we felt it was worth the money. Most of our meals were included in the cost, plus we had water and electric hookups and pump out service - we were there for 11 days. We also had bus tours to local areas of interest. The bus service from the camping area to the launch area was terrific. It was a great experience.

I also think it is important to plan to be at the Fiesta for several days because if the weather does not cooperate, the balloons could be grounded and your trip and cost would be a waste.

Click For Full-Size Image.


We went in 2015. Stayed in the VIP West lot for three nights arriving on the Thursday at the end of the festival. Had two passes included in camping price good for morning and evening activities. Went to the Balloon Glows Thurs, Fri, and Sat evenings and the Dawn Patrol and Mass Ascensions on Fri, Sat, and Sun. It was fantastic being on the grounds with the crews and their balloons. We were parked less than 100 yards from the west entrance. Yes it was dry camping but you could get your tanks pumped out and fresh water fill for a reasonable price.

One other hint - don't try to time being on the grounds just for the ascension time. Plan to be there one hour earlier so you'll be able to walk among the balloons getting prepped for launch. You'll be able to see them up close and it's a fantastic feeling!