What about the RV parking at the balloon fiesta? Hookups but I doubt the other amenities: balloonfiesta.com/guest-guide/rv-information

What about Isleta? hardrockcasinoabq.com/amenities/lakes.aspx

Lots of the amenities but several miles to the south.

There really aren't any "nice" RV parks near the balloon fiesta. There are a few rinky dink operations in town, but nothing to write home about. Personally, if it were me, I would opt for Coronado State Monument. You can get a full hookup site and it's a nice clean RV campground. You will also have the benefit of shade, which you will be hard pressed to come by at any of the RV parks or RV camping facilities around town.

American RV park isn't too bad and I know a lot of people use it for Balloon Fiesta as they do have a shuttle...but it's not really close to the park itself. They do have some small shade trees on some sites, and the landscaping overall is pretty well done, but for the most part, it's a well manacured high desert parking lot. Never stayed myself, but I know others who have and they have found it to be very clean and nice facility. It's huge with 216 fully hookup sites.

Other options to look at would be the KOA Albuquerque (opposite side of town from the park), KOA Bernalillo (just a bit north of the park and fairly close), or Enchanted Trails RV Park (not near the park and pretty much desert). Another option to consider would be the Isleta Lakes RV park, though it would be a pretty good haul to the park.

You could also opt to stay on site at the park...for the hookups you want, you'd probably want the "President's Campground". This isn't a full time RV park/resort, so amenities are limited...to my knowledge, they do not have restrooms and showering facilities, etc. Little to now shad here.

In that RE, keep in mind that Albuquerque is high desert...there's really not a whole lot of shade available other than being along the river (see Coronado State Monument)...it's just going to be very difficult to come by.

If you do not wish to park your RV "at" the balloon fiesta, just south of Alameda Blvd. (the balloon field is north of Alameda with shuttles)...along with 1,000-plus neighbors, then I would go first with the Bernalillo KOA, which has tree-shaded grounds as much as anyone, or the Coronado State Park campground, also in Bernalillo. Both are approx. 9 miles from the balloon park, and 19 from Old Town in ABQ. The "High Desert" comment says it all. There are just not a lot of tree-shaded areas around Albuquerque. The eastern, or back-side of our Sandia Mountains have beautiful forests of 100ft. pines, but unfortunately, camping is not permitted...just picnics.

Just do as much fact-gathering as possible. Early reservations are a must for everyone...RV parks, hotels, automobiles, etc.

The two High Desert comments made me think to remind that October, while it could be very sunny and warm, is typically a pleasant Autumn season to enjoy outside even if you don't have lots of shade all around. There's also a chance of a cold front, which would make the sun more welcome. So while you should be prepared for much less trees, and no tall pines, the temps should be pleasant. This thread has good ABQ RV advice generally, so would be good to save for future questions. I'm guessing Bernalillo KOA and Coronado State Park (have I seen mixed reviews about this in the past?) are best bets north side. (I also wouldn't dismiss what NMDD has to say about what's west of ABQ.) But Isleta sure looks good as I drive past it going south. My google maps says it's 14 miles between Isleta Lakes RV to ABQ Balloon Fiesta. (You may want to look into shuttles.) The RV parking next to Balloon Fiesta is crowded and I'm sure dusty, but many RVers seem to really love the proximity to the park and don't seem to mind the proximity to their fellow RVers. Kind of a temporary RV "village".

Thank for all the replys. I will have to do lots of checking around. When is the best time to make reservations. I think the Balloon Park RV is full already. or at least that what the computer indicates.

I don't think the Fiesta Park RV site is full already. If you put in the correct dates, October 5 - 13th, there are openings for almost every night. I live fairly close to the Bernalillo RV KOA site. It is really nice, we go there for propane. Nice setting and super convenient for getting to the Fiesta park.