Albuquerque KOA Journey Blog
Plan your Albuquerque winter getaway! RV sites starting at $65/night. Book your stay today!
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
KOA Journey campgrounds offer the perfect oasis after a day on the road. Whether it’s along the way or a quick getaway, they’ve got you covered. Located near the highways and byways of North America with long Pull-thru RV Sites, they deliver convenience to the traveling camper. Pull in, ease back and take a load off.
From the West: Exit on 166 - Juan Tabo. Use the 2nd to the right lane to make a right on Juan Tabo. Take the 2nd left, at the Well's Fargo Bank, on to Skyline Road NE. Follow Skyline to Albuquerque KOA Journey.
From the East: Exit on 166 - Use the far left hand lane to turn left to turn left on Juan Tabo. Take the 2nd left, at the Well's Fargo Bank, on to Skyline Road NE. Follow Skyline to Albuquerque KOA Journey.
If you exit on 167 - in 1.28 miles Turn right onto Figueroa St. We are located at the dead end.
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Cool mornings, breakfast burritos and colorful balloons overhead: fall in Albuquerque is something special. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® returns October 2–10, 2027, bringing nine days of ballooning fun to New Mexico.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another year, a little planning will help you make the most of your trip. Start with the official Balloon Fiesta website for event announcements, ticket information and the latest schedule as your visit approaches.
Planning to camp? Explore your options at Albuquerque KOA Journey and start planning your Fiesta getaway.
Those early morning launches are worth setting an alarm for! Pack warm layers, a jacket, a hat and gloves for chilly mornings, along with comfortable shoes for walking around the park. Keep sunscreen, sunglasses and water handy as the day warms up.
A few things to bring:
Your phone or camera: Charge it before you leave and consider bringing a portable charger.
Warm layers: You’ll appreciate them before sunrise and after sunset.
A flashlight: Helpful for finding your way during early arrivals and evening departures.
Water and snacks: Review the event’s current rules for food, drinks and bags before packing.
Give yourself plenty of time to reach the park, park your vehicle and get through admission. Check the official arrival recommendations and gate times for your chosen session before heading out.
Balloon Fiesta offers several ways to experience the balloons, from morning launches to evening glows. As the 2027 schedule becomes available, look for favorites such as Mass Ascensions, Dawn Patrol and the Special Shape Rodeo™.
Evening glows offer a different experience from the morning launches: balloons stay on the ground while their burners light them from within.
Check which activities are scheduled for the days you plan to attend, and keep your itinerary flexible. Balloon activities depend on weather conditions, so follow official updates throughout your visit.
Plan your transportation before your first Fiesta morning. Options to explore include:
Fiesta Express Park & Ride: Check the official page for participating locations, ticket requirements and departure times for your visit.
Bike Valet: Considering cycling to the park? Review route information and valet hours before making your plans.
Public Parking: Review parking locations, fees and directions in advance, and allow extra time for traffic.
Save your route before leaving and take a photo of your parking area so it’s easier to find your vehicle afterward.
Make time to explore the food vendors along Main Street. A warm breakfast burrito is a fitting start to an early morning in Albuquerque, especially while you’re waiting for the balloons.
Between scheduled activities, browse the shops, pick up a souvenir and check the entertainment schedule. Before bringing your own food or drinks, review the official visitor FAQs for current entry rules.
Leave room in your itinerary for a few meals around town. Here are some places to explore:
New Mexican favorites: Try El Pinto or Sadie’s of New Mexico for a meal featuring the region’s signature flavors.
A meal in Old Town: Stop at Church Street Café while exploring the neighborhood.
Farm-focused dining: Browse the menus at Farm & Table and Campo at Los Poblanos.
A Route 66 stop: Visit 66 Diner for a classic diner meal.
Check restaurant hours and reservation options before heading out, particularly during Fiesta week. For more ideas, explore Visit Albuquerque’s dining guide.
The balloons may be the reason for your trip, but there’s plenty more to explore while you’re here.
See Albuquerque from the Sandia Mountains.
Take a ride on the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway for views of the city and surrounding landscape. Check operating conditions and ticket information before visiting.
Explore Pueblo culture.
Visit the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center and check its calendar for exhibitions, cultural programming and events during your stay.
Spend an afternoon in Old Town.
Make time for the shops, galleries and restaurants in Historic Old Town. It’s an easy way to build a relaxed afternoon into a busy Fiesta itinerary.
Learn more about ballooning.
Visit the Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum to explore the history and science behind the balloons. Check museum hours and any special Fiesta admission arrangements before you go.
For more ways to fill your visit, browse Visit Albuquerque’s things to do.
After an early start and a day of exploring, come back to a place where you can settle in and recharge. Albuquerque KOA Journey is approximately 16 miles from Balloon Fiesta Park, with RV Sites, Deluxe Cabins, Camping Cabins and Tent Sites to suit different camping styles.
Allow extra travel time during Fiesta, especially when heading to a morning session.
Check availability online for your preferred dates, or call 800-562-7781 for help planning your stay.
Our campground offers:
A general store for camping essentials
Propane fill service
A dump station, available for a fee
Water fill, available for a fee
Not staying with us? Contact the campground for current hours, fees and access information for propane, water fill and dump station services.
Start planning your October getaway, pack those warm layers and get ready to experience Balloon Fiesta from Albuquerque KOA Journey!
That doesn't mean this area has to always be empty. When you start reviewing camping options, your history will display here to help compare sites and find the best stay. You will be able to share your stay information with friends or family and save it for a later time if you have a KOA Account.
Make checkout easy by booking all your reservations at once. Add your sites from different campgrounds into your shopping cart* and then choose checkout.
