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5 Things To Do While RV Camping Near Albuquerque

This post was updated on March 15th, 2024

field full of hot air balloons at Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - seen while RV camping near Albuquerque

5 Things To Do While RV Camping Near Albuquerque

RV camping is one of the best ways to explore a new city, giving you the freedom to roam and ability to park when you find something exciting. Throughout your journey, you can find incredible bucket-list sights to see and events to attend.

The city of Albuquerque, New Mexico is one of the cultural centers of the southwest, with plenty of area campgrounds and attractions for all ages and interests. Here are the top five things to do while RV camping near Albuquerque.

1. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

At the top of our list is the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. Starting on October 2, this famous 9-day festival features more than 600 hot air balloons flown by pilots from around the world.

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This year, the International Balloon Fiesta will be sponsored by RV LIFE. It will be the first in a new series of get-togethers called RV Bucket List Experiences hosted by RV LIFE. More events like these will be planned in special destinations that should be on every RVer’s bucket list.

This festival is a chance to see magnificent sights at both dawn and dusk. The colorful balloons rise over the grand New Mexico landscape for a once-in-a-lifetime sight with live music in the background.

Hot air balloons floating against a blue sky. Photo from the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

Even park your RV on-site and watch the many balloons rise above your campsite as you lay to watch. If you are RV camping near Albuquerque, you can have a front-row seat to the light shows and take-off events for the entire festival.

The festival features competitions for creative balloon designs and other events for visitors to enjoy. You can spend your days watching chainsaw carving competitions or the firework shows as you finish your evening relaxing in the nice weather.

You can purchase your tickets here to secure a spot. Interested in getting in a balloon? You can do that, too!

2. Sandia Peak Tramway

Next on the list is the Sandia Peak Tramway. For anyone RV camping near Albuquerque, this is a breathtaking way to enjoy the horizon and see the city from far above.

The Sandia Peak Tramway takes you more than 10,000 feet above ground to see the entirety of Albuquerque. From above the mountain crests, the view gives you a stunning sight of the urban peaks and more than 11,000 square miles to see.

Enjoy the summer sunrise above the horizon in the distance or see the snowy mountain peaks in the midst of winter. Whenever you visit, the tramway tour lets you see everything imaginable.

This elevated trip takes you up and around in only 15 minutes. Stay at one of the amazing RV parks in New Mexico nearby and book a ticket to explore the area, all from the luxurious seat in the sky.

3. La Luz Trail

For the hikers vising the city, Albuquerque has a lot to offer those who want to take a day to hike a beautiful trail with a sight to see.

La Luz Trail gives you a scenic panoramic view of Albuquerque as a whole and takes you up the beautiful Sandia Mountains. This hike through the greenery gives you the chance to see native wildflowers and trees.

La Luz Trail in New Mexico
La Luz Trail

The entire trail is about 8-9 miles long and is ideal for hikers with previous experience. This hike is categorized as “strenuous” so bring lots of water and snacks. For anyone RV camping near Albuquerque, this break from driving is a great way to get some exercise.

The hike ranges up to about 10,000 feet in altitude, and you’ll catch sights of mountains and the entire city as they reach the bluffs near the top.

This trail is perfect for spring and fall trips to enjoy a cool breeze while you conquer the climb. The sights are unbeatable, and any hiker will love what it has to offer.

4. Albuquerque Old Town

Next on the list is the historic Old Town area of Albuquerque. This traditional part of the city gives visitors a glimpse of what the city came from and offers treats, galleries, and shops to explore.

Albuquerque Old Town features the Plaza that the city was first built around. These historic homes and landmarks showcase some of the oldest restaurants and shops in town, giving you an idea of the residents and allowing you to immerse yourself in the culture.

In the Old Town area, you can stroll the original Plaza, take a bicycle tour, or shop for handmade gifts crafted by the locals themselves.

You can even book a spot in their limited Ghost Tour to see what haunts the oldest area in New Mexico.

This charming area shows the traditional New Mexican culture and is a great spot for RVers to stop by.

5. The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History

The last stop on the list is a historic site to learn about the scientific history of Albuquerque. The National Museum of Nuclear Science and History is a popular tourist spot for many reasons.

The museum offers visitors the chance to see the effects of nuclear science on the world. In an interesting way, they show you planes and nuclear plants that functioned in the past. Each piece in the exhibit has a story to tell.

For travelers with an interest in learning about the history of a site of families with young kids, this is a great chance to spend a day learning and take a break from driving. The tours are exciting and full of information.

Check out the museum for a tour or showing to learn about how science shifted the city.

RV camping near Albuquerque offers the chance to see amazing sights and indulge in the century-old culture. These top 5 adventures are sure to keep you busy while RVing through New Mexico and offer a retreat into the city to explore.


For all of your camping and trip planning needs, look no further than RV LIFE Campgrounds and RV LIFE Trip Wizard. RV LIFE Campgrounds is a trusted source of campground and RV park reviews offered by camping and RV enthusiasts just like you. With its accompanying RV LIFE App, RV LIFE Trip Wizard gets you to your camping destinations utilizing RV-friendly routes specific to your RV and travel preferences.

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