GO !
Our local Good Sam Chapter reserves spots every year. We've been a couple of times and the first trip we wondered why our Good Sam friends preferred the "VIP" section, since it is "dry" camping as opposed to several of the other areas which offer some water and electric. Well, we found out that first trip. The VIP section is on small bluff adjacent to and overlooking the launch area, so we're right next to all the action. Sit in your lawn chairs to watch or a two-minute walk to be among the 600 balloons preparing to launch. Check the maps accessed from the link below.
Regarding the lack of hookups, a honey wagon and water wagon cruise the park occasionally, in case you need service for a nominal fee. We love our Honda generator---people have come by and asked us why they can't hear it running! (It is nice to have an a/c on a hot afternoon.)
Also, and this is important, your event entry passes are included in the VIP section, which they are not in most of the RV areas. It can be pricey to buy a ticket for entry to each "event".
That being said, I know some
Casita friends have happily camped in the "Premium" RV section south of Alameda Blvd., but the walk would be too long for us. There are private RV parks in the ABQ area but these fill up rapidly too, since this is a gigantic event.
Some tips: Get your reservations in NOW---there may even be a shortage now, since spaces in all of the AIBF RV areas are limited and go fast. (Our G.S. Chapter already has theirs.) Clothing in layers--it can be under 40 degrees in the early a.m. and 70-80 or more in the p.m. No pets are allowed. Take lots and lots of film or digital cards---AIBF used to be sponsored by Kodak, and you'll see why! Traffic at peak Balloon Fiesta hours is HORRIBLE, especially prior to balloon launches and special events. Be sure to time your arrival with trailer to avoid that---you can be stuck half a mile outside the park for an hour or two, then not get in---I saw it happen!
AIBF is a great experience. Everyone should go at least once!
RV parking info with links to maps:
http://www.aibf.org/Guests/Travel_Help/rv.php