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Albuquerque Central KOA
- 12400 Skyline Road NE
- Albuquerque, NM 87123
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Get Directions
Directions
Exit 166 off I-40, go south on Juan Tabo 1 blk. Left on Skyline Rd. Go 3 blks. Campground is on the left. Skyline Rd. Go 3 blocks. Campground is on the left.
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Reserve(800) 562-7781
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Info(505) 296-2729
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Welcome Message
2011 President's Award
KOA President's Award
Awarded to KOAs that meet exceptional quality standards and are recognized by their guests for outstanding service.
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
KOA Kamp Green Recognition
This KOA meets the established criteria to become a greener campground operation and is recognized by the "Kamp Green" icon.
Located just off I-40 at the base of the Sandia Mountains is the Albuquerque Central KOA. We offer full hook pull-thrus and lots of fun. Take exit 166 then head south on Juan Tabo.
Welcome to Albuquerque Central KOA, the Albuquerque New Mexico RV Park. We have a beautiful campground nestled close to the Sandia Mountains. Whether you are looking for a big rig friendly 80 foot RV sites, cabins, or just tent camping, we are your Albuquerque campground. We have a swimming pool, indoor hot tub, banana bikes, mini golf, playground, horseshoes and a huge grassy park for your pets. We are definitely pet friendly. We are here to help you relax and take care of all your camping needs.
There's plenty to do during your camping stay with us. Our pet friendly RV Park is conveniently located near attractions such as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, the world's longest aerial Tramway, and we are the closest campground to Expo New Mexico Fairgrounds. The campground is also conveniently located to a variety of restaurants, the aquarium, zoo, multiple museums and the fascinating Old Town shopping district.
The Albuquerque Central KOA has daily, weekly and monthly rates available. Our general store is open every day and is well stocked with gifts, souvenirs, RV supplies, and groceries. Whatever your reason for visiting, our KOA's friendly staff will make sure you have a great stay. Come and see us- you'll be glad you did!
Meet Your Hosts
Jeff and Gloria Goins, of the Albuquerque Central KOA, are dedicated to making camping a memorable experience and making it GREAT for all the campers visiting the campground.
"We have many fond memories of camping with our kids and now with their kids. We get great pleasure from giving first-time campers and younger guests, experiences they can fondly reflect on for the rest of their lives.
Once they left their 'day jobs', they became hooked on the RV lifestyle. From there, they found that the mission and atmosphere of KOA Kampgrounds matched their own priorities of family and customer service.
Before becoming involved in KOA's management program, Jeff spent the last 6 years as a workamper for KOA. For 20 years prior to that, Jeff owned and managed an automotive design and prototype shop in Michigan. Gloria spent her early years raising their family and as the kids grew up, she helped Jeff with his business.
Now, they each bring their own, specialized skills to the management of the Albuquerque Central KOA; Jeff is the kampground's General Manager and Gloria focuses on the store and bookkeeping.
Their personal emphasis is on customer service. They've found that Jeff's ability to defuse potential problem situations is a rare and valuable ability. "Jeff's favorite question is, 'What can I do to make you a happy camper?'", says Gloria.
Jeff believes that "to create a memorable camping experience, it requires many levels of customer service; starting with ease in reservation, greeting and making guests feel at home upon arrival, the availability of a well-trained staff with willingness to assist when needed, and a clean, safe well-maintained campground."
Jeff and Gloria are enjoying getting to know their new area and meeting all their guests who travel through and stay with them. They have three grown children, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild. Jeff enjoys painting, fishing and hiking. Gloria enjoys reading, weaving, hiking and all crafts.
Campground Amenities
- All of our one and two room Cabins have Cable TV and refrigerators.
- Military Clubs
- Tours
- Families
- Motorcycle Clubs
- Great Tent Sites
- On-site Catering
Campground Activities
Large Swimming Pool & Indoor Hot Tub
Enjoy some time in our large swimming pool and relax your cares away in the indoor hot tub.
Playground
A great place to let the little ones let loose!
Kamp K9 Pet Playground
Use this off-leash area to give your dog room to play and exercise! It's also a great place to socialize, not only with your pets, but with fellow kampers!
Mini-Golf
Kids of all ages can play a few rounds of mini-golf while you're here!
Pancake breakfast
Come to the Rec. Hall every Saturday and Sunday at
8:00 am until 10:pm. Meet the manager and staff.
Just $3.00 per person and children under 7 yrs are free.
We have a pancake artist on staff, you must see it to
believe it.
Local Attractions
Sandia Peak Tramway
Just minutes from the heart of Albuquerque, the world's longest aerial tramway lifts you to the breathtaking top of Sandia Peak. Experience the drama of an 11,000 square mile panoramic view of New Mexico from the World's Longest Tramway. From the base to the top of 10,378 foot Sandia Peak, time and terrain seem to move in harmony as passengers lift from the desert floor, above canyons and lush forests, to the mountain top - 2.7 miles of sky-view travel and discovery of New Mexico's varied landscape and life zones. http://www.sandiapeak.com
Rio Grande Zoo
Take a walk on the wild side with a trip to this 64-acre zoo! See over 250 species of exotic and native animals, including seals, chimpanzees, gorillas, elephants, hippos and camels. Ride the zoo train and watch the daily feedings of the animals. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is charged. The zoo is located in downtown Albuquerque.
Albuquerque Museum of Art, History and Science
See the largest exhibit on Spanish colonial culture in the United States. This modern museum boasts an art collection featuring the best of contemporary and traditional New Mexico art, plus a kinetic sculpture gallery for children. Popular displays include Spanish armor and religious artifacts.
Museum of Natural History
Explore an Ice Age cave, stand inside a volcano, watch an active beehive and discover the dinosaurs that once roamed the great Rio Grande Valley. This contemporary museum provides an innovative, educational experience for all ages with hands-on exhibits and many naturalist activities.
Rio Grande Nature Center
Experience the living environment of more than 270 acres of riverside forests and meadows. All manner of birds and migratory fowl can be seen year-round. Enjoy strolling along two miles of trails, bird-watching, and studying desert creatures and wildflowers. Visit the Nature Center online for more information.
National Atomic Museum
Visit the nation’s largest exhibit of nuclear weapons. Military buffs will enjoy the B-52 bomber, full-scale missile models and fighter bombers on display. Learn about peaceful applications of nuclear power and alternative energy technology. The informative movie "Ten Seconds That Shook The World," which recreates the project that ushered in a new era, is shown several times each day. http://www.atomicmuseum.com
The Balloon Fiesta October 6-14 2012
For nine days in October, the New Mexico skies are painted as hundreds of balloons lift off from Albuquerque's Balloon Fiesta Park. Nothing rivals the power of Mass Ascension on crisp early mornings as these graceful giants leave the ground to take their place in the cerulean desert sky. For ballooning fans worldwide the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is a pilgrimage. There's something for everyone to enjoy. . . whimsical special shapes filled with equal parts of hot air and wonder, and Balloon Glows that create a magical night landscape for spectators to wander. No matter who you are, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta® will leave you awestruck and wanting more. http://www.balloonfiesta.com/
The State Fair
The Fair is the "Biggest Show in New Mexico," with fun to spare, come be a part of it and join in on the greatest celebration in the Land of Enchantment.
The Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
Learn about the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.
Convention & Visitors Bureau
For information about events and activities in Albuquerque, visit the Convention & Visitors Bureau online.
Cliff's Amusement Park
Put some excitement into your day with a trip to the amusement park. From kiddie and family rides to thrill rides, there is something for everybody. Don’t miss the Rattler, New Mexico’s only wooden super coaster! Add games and food and you have a day of fun for the whole family. Call 505-881-9373 for hours. Admission is charged. The park is located in Albuquerque.
New Mexico Rail Runner Express
Take a ride on the Rail Runner Express and see the sights in style. The train runs from Belen to Sandoval and each station along the route reflects its community’s character! Call 505-245-7245 for schedules and rates. Wheelchair accessible.
Hinkle Family Fun Center
Hinkle Family Fun Center is the place to have fun! Play Laser Tag, paintball and miniature golf. Ride Go-Karts, bumper cars and bumper boats. Play your favorite games in the two arcades. Spend an hour or a day; there is something here to please everyone. Open Monday – Thursday, 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m.; Friday, 12:00 noon – 12:00 a.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Admission is charged. The Family Fun Center is wheelchair accessible and located in Albuquerque.
Neighborhood Walking Tours
Raynolds, just west of downtown, has long been a favorite place with an interesting mix of historic and modern architecture. West Park, near downtown, has an eclectic mix of murals and historic landmarks. Pat Hurley, just across the river from Old Town, has winding roads past fields and gardens. Duranes, north of Old Town, has secret roads lined with old trees and funky homes. Nob Hill is one of the area’s favorite shopping and restaurant districts. You can pick up maps at the Visitor’s Bureau.
The Petroglyph National Monument
Step back in time with a visit to Petroglyph. There are five volcanoes, archaeological sites and 20,000 images carved into rocks for you to explore. There is also a visitor center and hiking trails for your enjoyment. Open daily, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. There is an entrance fee. Parts of the park are wheelchair accessible. The park is located on the northwest side of Albuquerque, off I-40.
Albuquerque Aquarium
The Aquarium takes you on a journey down the Rio Grande to the Gulf of Mexico through the fish and marine life that live there. See eels, seahorses, jellyfish, sharks, sea turtles and more. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is charged. The aquarium is located in Albuquerque.
Rio Grande Botanic Garden
A visit to the Garden oasis in the desert will leave you refreshed. The 36 developed acres include a 10,000 square foot glass conservatory filled with native and exotic plants from desert and Mediterranean climates. There is also a seasonal (May – September) Butterfly Pavilion with hundreds of free–flying moths and butterflies. Open daily, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Admission is charged. The Garden is located in Albuquerque.
Camp in the City Amid All the Best Attractions
Beautiful View of the Spectacular Sandia Mountains
Coronado State Monument
This impressive monument situated on the banks of the Rio Grande, boasts the well-preserved ruins of Kuaua Pueblo. An excellent interpretive trail leads to the Fourteenth Century ruins and a restored kiva (a sacred ceremonial chamber, traditionally off-limits to non-American Indians). A Visitors Center with original mural and displays reveals the story behind the tribes who settled in the great Rio Grande Valley.
Jemez State Monument
Stop by the Visitors Center to view fascinating artifacts and exhibits depicting the Jemez way of life. Then wander throughout the park and see long-abandoned ruins dating back to 1617. A trail leads to an impressive, well-preserved structure which was a one-time missions church.
Petroglyph State Park
Explore the park to view more than 15,000 petroglyphs which were chipped into rock by tribal hunting parties and preserved in the geology created by five volcanoes hundreds of years ago.
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
See the best arts and crafts of New Mexico’s nineteen Indian Pueblos, along with interpretive displays. The Center, echoing the design of Pueblo Bonito-high point of the Chaco culture architecture (1100 A.D.), houses a gift shop with art, jewelry and crafts.
Turquoise Trail
Back roads often lead to glorious scenery and great discovery. When travelers leave the freeway and venture onto the Turquoise Trail, the scenic and historical area that links Albuquerque and Santa Fe, they will see 15,000 square miles of central New Mexico with a bird’s eye view from atop Sandia Crest, the magnificent summit of the Sandia Mountains. They will drive back into history in the "ghost" mining towns of Golden, Madrid, and Cerrillos, which are now coming alive with art, crafts, theater, music, museums and restaurants.
Sandia Peak Ski Area
Four Chair lifts, two surface lifts and twenty-five miles of slopes and trails open up new paths for the beginner and offer hours of cruising terrain for intermediate or advanced skiers. During summer take a thrilling double chair lift ride over the lush forest and mountain terrain.
Sandia Crest
Sandia Crest is a mile above the surrounding countryside and two miles above sea level. The all-weather, paved highway is a National Scenic Byway, and is the highest scenic drive in the southwest. These mountains were created by uplift, leaving the forested eastern slips you’ll drive up, and a craggy, cliff-like western face. The Sandias are home to Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, black bear and many other mammals and birds, including the golden eagles you may see soaring at the Crest. We recommend an afternoon hike along the trails. Visit the gift shop and stay to enjoy the sunset. The night view of the city lights and starry skies is incredible!
Sandia Man Cave
As you head back down from the crest, an alternate side road (dirt) leads to a 22,000 year-old prehistoric cave.
Historic Santa Fe
Only an hour’s drive from Albuquerque, Santa Fe has captured the hearts and imaginations of many of the world’s artists, filmmakers, and writers. Attractions include historic sites such as Loretto Chapel, the Palace of the Governors, the Santuario de Guadalupe, Saint Francis Cathedral, and San Miguel Mission.
Campground News
Cable TV and Refrigerators in all Cabins
We have recently finished installing Cable TV and refrigerators in all of our One and Two room Cabins.
You will also find various other upgrades to the Cabins that make camping at Albuquerque Central KOA
just a little more comfortable.
Cable TV
Great news we now have Cable TV for all of our full hook-up sites, 49 of your favorite channels.
Upcoming Events
Gathering of Nations Pow Wow - Fourth Weekend in April
Over two thousand American Indian singers and dancers, representing more than seven hundred tribes from Canada and the United States, converge on Albuquerque to participate socially and competitively. The trading of intercultural traditions and crafts is an experience for all who attend. To see the colorful dancing and hear the songs becomes an enlightening and emotional happening for everyone. The Indian Trader’s Market offers a very special shopping experience of Native artifacts. Over 800 artists, crafters and traders will display their wares for sale.
September Events
Horse Racing - Railbirds can get their fill of racing with three different meets at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds racetrack. The Downs launches its racing season in early January and runs through late April. The track then hosts the first six weeks of The Downs at Santa Fe before going dark for the summer. Live racing returns in September and October at the State Fair meet. New Mexico State Fair -- held in September.
October Events
Horse Racing - Railbirds can get their fill of racing with three different meets at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds racetrack. The Downs launches its racing season in early January and runs through late April. The track then hosts the first six weeks of The Downs at Santa Fe before going dark for the summer. Live racing returns in September and October at the State Fair meet. Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta - Nothing rivals the exhilaration of lift off--from the roar of burners to the canopied sky. For enthusiasts, the Fiesta blends reality and imagination into one bright experience. The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest, most photographed, most whimsical sporting spectacular.
