Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta — Albuquerque, NM
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RV rental for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Wake Up to 500 Balloons Painting the New Mexico Sky
Imagine waking up inside your own RV as hundreds of brilliantly colored hot air balloons rise into the clear New Mexico sky. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest balloon festival in the world, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each October to Balloon Fiesta Park. From the breathtaking Mass Ascension to the magical evening Balloon Glows, this nine-day celebration is an unforgettable adventure best enjoyed with the freedom and comfort of your own RV.
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RV Rentals Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM, US
Balloon Fiesta Park sits at the northern edge of Albuquerque, approximately one mile west of Interstate 25, making it accessible by RV from any direction. From the north, take I-25 South to Exit 233 and turn right onto NM-528/Alameda Boulevard Northeast, then follow Balloon Fiesta Parkway signs directly to the grounds. Coming from the south, take I-25 North to the same Exit 233, turn left onto Alameda Boulevard, and follow the posted signage from there. Traffic during Mass Ascension mornings builds extremely early, and most experienced festival-goers driving an RV plan to arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 in the morning to secure entry and avoid road closures managed by Albuquerque Police. On-site RV lots require advance reservations with a three-night minimum, so have your reservation confirmation ready at the gate and confirm directions to your specific lot before you arrive.
Top Hosts near Albuquerque, NM
Brian13 trips - Joined Aug 2021
Brian made himself available to answer all the small questions that came up as we experienced them. Honest and clear about everything. Super experience!
Rita H. - Aug 2025
Brian was great to work with. The communication was great. When we arrived he was there to walk us through everything and explained it well. We left very comfortable knowing we could operate the vehicle and amenities. Highly recommend him.
JosephKevin D. - Apr 2025
Jeremy 8 trips - Joined Jul 2022
Jeremy was an excellent host and was very responsive and timely when we had trouble with onboard systems.
Nick S. - Jul 2025
Rv pickup time was flexible which was nice since i was getting into town later in the day. Rv was clean and everything was functional
Ryan G. - Sep 2024
RV camping near Balloon Fiesta Park
The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta unfolds over nine days in early October at Balloon Fiesta Park, on the northern edge of the city just off Interstate 25. Each morning, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons fill the sky during the iconic Mass Ascension, while the Special Shape Rodeo brings out giant character balloons in shapes ranging from enormous cacti to Darth Vader. As the sun sets, the Balloon Glows transform the park into a wonderland of synchronized burner ignitions and floating light. Early October in Albuquerque brings warm afternoons and crisp desert nights, with famously clear skies that make this city one of the best ballooning locations on earth.
Albuquerque draws hundreds of thousands of visitors for this nine-day celebration, so planning accommodations well in advance is essential. Balloon Fiesta Park itself offers dedicated RV lots with multiple tiers, from standard spots to premium VIP sites with full hookups, and more than 20 campgrounds are located within 25 miles, including options along Historic Route 66 and near the Rio Grande. Renting an RV is one of the smartest ways to experience this festival: you can be at the balloon field for the pre-dawn Dawn Patrol without a long commute, enjoy your own kitchen and bathroom between sessions, and park yourself right in the middle of the action. The RV community at Balloon Fiesta is part of the experience itself, with fellow enthusiasts sharing tips and front-row seats to one of the most photographed annual events anywhere in the world. Whether you are watching 500 balloons ascend at sunrise or gathering around the Balloon Glow after dark, having your own home on wheels transforms the trip from a day visit into a full festival immersion.
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Find the perfect RV for these nearby campgrounds
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Frequently asked questions about renting an RV for Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
When does the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta take place and how many days does it run?
The festival runs for nine days during the first full week of October at Balloon Fiesta Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Each day is packed with programming from before sunrise through the evening, so there is no shortage of things to see across a multi-day stay. The exact dates shift slightly from year to year within that early October window, so check the official Balloon Fiesta website at balloonfiesta.com once dates are announced each season. With nine days of events, you have real flexibility to attend multiple sessions and catch every highlight, from the Mass Ascension mornings to the evening Balloon Glows, without feeling rushed.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_FiestaWhere can I purchase admission passes for the Balloon Fiesta and how much do they cost?
Admission is sold as individual session passes, with general admission running around $15 per person per session. Children 12 and under get in free, which makes this one of the most family-friendly festival values available. Passes go on sale in early spring on the official Balloon Fiesta website at balloonfiesta.com, and popular sessions like the Mass Ascension can sell out well before event week. Buying as soon as they become available is strongly recommended. Limited walk-up availability at the gate may exist on slower days, but do not count on that for the highest-demand mornings. Securing your passes early also locks in your plans and gives you more flexibility to book your RV and campsite at the same time.
balloonfiesta.com/FAQsHow do I get to Balloon Fiesta Park in my RV, and where do I park once I arrive?
Balloon Fiesta Park sits about one mile west of Interstate 25 at Exit 233, the main access point for RVs coming from any direction. Traffic on Mass Ascension mornings is intense, so experienced festival drivers plan to arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 in the morning to avoid congestion and road closures managed by Albuquerque Police. The park has multiple dedicated RV lots ranging from standard to premium VIP with 50-amp hookups, all requiring advance reservations and a three-night minimum. A large first-come, first-served South Lot accommodates RVs with daily sewer and water pump-out services and shuttle buses to the balloon field. Standard event day parking runs around $20 per session, cash only, for day visitors who are not camping overnight.
balloonfiesta.com/Maps-Directions/What events and activities take place at the Balloon Fiesta each day?
Each day at Balloon Fiesta Park runs from pre-dawn to late evening with a packed schedule. The Dawn Patrol sends about a dozen balloons aloft in the dark using their glowing burners for navigation, followed by the Mass Ascension, where 500-plus balloons launch in two waves and fill the sky for about two hours. The Special Shape Rodeo is a fan favorite, featuring enormous character balloons shaped like everything from giant cacti to Darth Vader and Yoda. Evenings bring the Balloon Glows, where tethered balloons synchronize burner ignitions on command for a dramatic light show, followed by fireworks and live music. You can also visit the Balloon Discovery Center, watch chainsaw carving demonstrations, or book a tethered balloon ride through Rainbow Ryders, the official ride provider on the grounds.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albuquerque_International_Balloon_FiestaWhat is the weather like during Balloon Fiesta week and what should I pack?
Early October in Albuquerque is generally ideal for outdoor events, with warm sunny afternoons and cool, crisp desert nights. Morning sessions start well before sunrise, when temperatures can dip into the low 40s Fahrenheit, so layering is essential: bring a warm jacket or fleece for the pre-dawn hours and lighter clothes to peel off as the sun rises. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must for afternoon sessions, as the New Mexico sun is intense even in fall. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes work best for walking the balloon field, which can be uneven grass and gravel. One of the biggest advantages of arriving in an RV is having your own wardrobe and gear accessible at camp, so you can grab whatever you need between sessions without packing everything into a single bag.
buffaloriver.com/insiders-guide-to-the-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/Is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta a good event for families with young children?
This is one of the most family-friendly large-scale festivals in the country. Children 12 and under are admitted free to every session, which makes a multi-day visit far more affordable for families. Thursday during the festival is Kids' Day, with free admission for schoolchildren and special programming geared toward younger visitors. The balloon field itself is a hands-on experience where kids can walk right up to balloons during inflation and watch the entire Mass Ascension unfold from ground level. Traveling in an RV makes the logistics much easier for families: you have snacks, a bathroom, nap space, and a warm home base a short shuttle ride from the event, so you can stay as long as you like without depending on hotel check-out times or restaurant waits.
balloonfiesta.com/FAQsWhat food and drink options are available at Balloon Fiesta Park during the event?
The festival grounds feature a wide range of food vendors running from breakfast through dinner, with plenty of New Mexican specialties like green chile dishes and Navajo fry bread alongside burgers, barbecue, and festival snacks. Coffee and hot drinks are plentiful, which is very welcome during the cool early-morning launch sessions. Alcohol is available in designated areas on the grounds, though policies are confirmed on the official site each year. Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted through the main gates. Having your own RV stocked with groceries is a major advantage: you can eat a full meal before heading into the event, save money across a nine-day stay, and cook dinner at camp in the evening rather than relying entirely on vendors.
balloonfiesta.com/FAQsAre all RV types and sizes allowed at Balloon Fiesta Park, and are there restrictions I should know about?
Balloon Fiesta Park accommodates a wide range of RV types, including Class A motorhomes, Class C motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth-wheels. The dedicated on-site RV lots are designed for large rigs, though specific size guidelines vary by lot tier, and the premium VIP spots with 50-amp hookups tend to fill first with the largest vehicles. The first-come, first-served South Lot is a broad open area that fits most size rigs without restriction. Before booking your on-site lot, check the current size specifications on the official Balloon Fiesta website at balloonfiesta.com, as policies are reviewed and updated each year. If you are renting through RVezy, the host can confirm the exact dimensions of your unit so you can reserve the right lot category before you arrive.
balloonfiesta.com/rvs/Can I have an RV delivered to Albuquerque for the Balloon Fiesta instead of driving it myself?
Yes, RV delivery is available in Albuquerque through RVezy, making this a great option if you are flying into Albuquerque International Sunport and want to skip driving a rental rig to the festival. RVezy hosts in the area can deliver and set up a trailer or motorhome at an approved campsite or location, so your home on wheels is ready when you land. Search for RVs on RVezy using Albuquerque, New Mexico with delivery enabled to see which hosts offer this service in the area. Coordinate your delivery timing with your campsite reservation, since on-site Balloon Fiesta Park RV lots have a three-night minimum and require advance booking. Nearby parks like Albuquerque KOA Journey and American RV Resort are also solid fallback options if the on-site lots are already full.
rvezy.com/rv-rentals/destination/united-states/new-mexico/albuquerqueWhat RV camping options are available for the Balloon Fiesta, both on-site and nearby?
You have two main tiers: on-site camping at Balloon Fiesta Park and RV parks within 25 miles of the grounds. On-site, the park has five dedicated RV areas with options from standard lots to premium VIP spots with 50-amp hookups. These require advance reservations and a three-night minimum, and they sell out within days of opening each year. The first-come, first-served South Lot is a large open area with daily sewer and water pump-out services and shuttle access to the balloon field. Off-site, more than 20 campgrounds ring the city, including Albuquerque KOA Journey along Historic Route 66, American RV Resort with discounted Balloon Fiesta packages, and Balloon View Homes and RV, which advertises direct sightlines to the festival. Booking several months in advance is strongly recommended for any option.
rvhive.com/list-of-23-rv-parks-within-25-miles-of-the-albuquerque-international-balloon-fiesta/What lodging options are available near Balloon Fiesta Park for visitors not staying in an RV?
Albuquerque has hotels across every price range, but rooms within a few miles of Balloon Fiesta Park book out months in advance during event week, so plan accordingly. Downtown Albuquerque, about seven miles south of the park, offers historic hotels and boutique options near Old Town and the airport. Rio Rancho, five miles to the west, provides a quieter alternative with convenient highway access back to the event. Bernalillo, about nine miles north on I-25, has RV parks and hotels with an easy morning drive to the grounds. For most visitors, an RV rental is actually the most practical solution for Balloon Fiesta week: it puts you close to the action, eliminates the daily hotel commute, and keeps your schedule fully flexible across the nine-day festival.
nirvc.com/blog/your-ultimate-rvers-guide-to-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta-2024/Is Balloon Fiesta Park accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Balloon Fiesta Park includes designated accessible parking, accessible restroom facilities, and dedicated viewing areas on the balloon launch field. The event terrain is a mix of grass and gravel, and some sections of the balloon field can be uneven, so a mobility device with larger or all-terrain wheels will be more comfortable than a standard chair for navigating the grounds. Event staff and volunteers are stationed throughout the park and are available to assist visitors as needed. For the most current accessibility map, companion policies, and accessible shuttle pickup points, check the accessibility section on the official Balloon Fiesta website at balloonfiesta.com before your visit so you can plan the smoothest possible experience.
balloonfiesta.com/FAQsWhat should first-time Balloon Fiesta visitors know before they arrive?
A few tips will set you up for a great first visit. Plan to stay for at least three days: the nine-day festival spreads its biggest events across the full schedule, and weather can cancel morning sessions without notice, so extra days provide a real buffer. Arrive early for any Mass Ascension morning, ideally by 5:00 in the morning; the balloon field is open for spectators to walk through during inflation, which is one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience. Bring cash for parking and small purchases, as some vendors and the standard parking lots are cash only. If you are in an RV, stock up on groceries before arriving because the surrounding area gets congested during event week and errands take longer than expected.
buffaloriver.com/insiders-guide-to-the-albuquerque-balloon-fiesta/What rules and safety guidelines should I know before attending the Balloon Fiesta?
The balloon field has specific safety rules that protect both spectators and crews. Stay clear of ground ropes during inflation and follow all directions from balloon crew members while balloons are launching. Drones are strictly prohibited on the grounds due to airspace safety for active balloons. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the main event grounds, and pets are not allowed on the event field, though they are generally welcome in the RV lots. Standard parking and many on-site purchases are cash only, so come prepared. Re-entry is permitted with a valid session wristband if you need to return to your RV between events. Session admissions are non-refundable even when weather forces a cancellation, which is one more reason to build extra days into your stay.
balloonfiesta.com/FAQsHow does RVezy support me if something goes wrong during my Balloon Fiesta RV rental?
RVezy has you covered throughout your rental with a dedicated customer support team reachable by phone, email, and through the RVezy mobile app. If a mechanical issue, equipment question, or reservation concern comes up during the festival, you can connect with the support team directly through the app or visit help.rvezy.com for step-by-step guidance. RVezy also offers protection plans that cover damage and liability during your rental period, so you can focus on the Balloon Fiesta rather than worrying about unexpected costs. All RVezy hosts are vetted through the platform, and the booking process includes secure payments and documented rental agreements. Renting through RVezy for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta means you have a trusted platform and a real support team behind your trip from booking through return.
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