Albuquerque Balloon Festival

[lasater]

We are planning on attending the balloon festival this year (Oct 6-14). We are looking at Kirtland AFB FAMCAMP or the Hidden Valley Resort (RPI Preferred) or the on-site dry camping (at $30 per night). Has anyone attended the festival? If so, where did you stay? Recommendations

[scattershot]

We have been twice, and stayed in the dry camping area adjacent to the balloon launch field (across the street). Some of the launches came right across the campground, and all we had to do was get a lawnchair and watch. I would recommend the premium sites, though, with water and electricity if you can still get one. One year we were there a big rainstorm came up out of nowhere and the lower area of the campground (the dry camping area)flooded.

There are buses to take you to the balloon launch field for special events, so transportation is no problem once you're parked. It's a great experience, and you'll have a good time.

[TerryClaudia]

We went last year and dry camped at the festival it was great. Buses take you to and from day and night to see the balloons. Call now for your reservations if you plan to stay there, it fills up fast. It is one of the best vacations we ever took, make sure you go both day and night to see everything. The last day we were there the balloons landed right by our rv's. What a sight to see. Awesome! Have a GREAT time. Claudia

[8.1al]

We drycamped there 4 times and loved it. If you get there at the beginning and have a trailer they put you in the N.E. corner near a cemetary and this is high and dry and asphalt. One year we had a lot of rain and rigs on the dirt were leaving ruts 6-12" deep, it was a mess. If you arrive mid-week I would ask for that area. They have a company on site that will provide water and pumpout. For a fee of course