AMERICAN RV PARK, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

Our Opinion: Based on our research during past visits, this is the best of the commercial RV parks in Albuquerque. We recommend it, but only because there aren’t any better commercial parks or more spacious public campgrounds.

Date of Stay: April 22 and 23rd, 2008

Weather During Stay: Arrived in breezy sunshine with the temperature in the upper 70’s. Lows were in the upper 40’s. Consistantly windy during our stay.

Sites: 186 FHU (30 and 50 amp, including cable TV) sites, back-ins around the perimeter, pull-throughs in several long rows. Sites vary in size, but most are sufficient for a big rig and towed. Roads and sites are paved, and sites are reasonably level. Site width is typical of a commercial park (which is to say, not very spacious), but landscaping is better than most. Trees between sites, well trimmed, though they may interfere with roof-mounted satellites. Each site has a sturdy, permanent picnic table. Good water pressure and voltage. Noticeable traffic noise.

Rate: With taxes and Good Sam discount, we paid $33/night, a typical rate for a commercial park with similar amenities.

Phone/radio/TV: Strong Verizon phones signal; aircard on Broadband, 5 bars. Didn’t bother with antenna, since we have 23 cable channels here. Local NPR on 89.9.

Elevation/Landscape/Terrain: This is a flat park on a bluff to the west of Albuquerque at 5,340’ elevation. Views are of the other rigs.

Lighting: Good for a commercial park. Mostly low lighting with a few “streetlights” on perimeter roads.

Favorite Sites: No favorites here. On this visit, we are in site 176, a pull-through not much different than the others. One advantage: it borders the public walkway on one side, so we have more space between our rig and the neighbor. The downside is that the extra space house some sort of slightly buzzing electrical equipment.

Hiking/Walking: Not much, just loops around the (large) park.

Comments: Very friendly, helpful staff. Small swimming pool and spa. Beautiful, clean restrooms with showers. Nice laundry room with newer, working equipment. Dog walking area. Playground. (In other words, lots of stuff we pay for but don't care about.)

Easy access off of I-40 at exit 149 unfortunately means that traffic noise is noticeable to the point of annoyance with the windows open. Camping World a short drive away. across the freeway and to the west. ABQ has two Costcos, a Trader Joes, and a Whole Foods grocery store - and a Cummins service center.