Lake: Bare cottonwood trees appear to be dancing near the Isleta Lakes RV Resort just south of Albuquerque. The trees were silhouetted by a beautiful New Mexico sunset each evening that we spent at the park. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Campground: The campground at Isleta is located about a mile from the casino complex. Shown is the campground in the bosque area near the Rio Grande and the casino and hotel located on the hill in the distance. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Eagle: This bald eagle visited the cottonwood trees by the lakes each afternoon while we were camped at Isleta. The lakes and birds provided peaceful and enjoyable company to the campers in the park. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
By GARY WARREN
Photographer
Formerly of Los Alamos
On our way north during our recent trip to southern New Mexico and Arizona, we wanted to spend a couple of nights around Albuquerque. We have stayed at Enchanted Trails RV Park in west Albuquerque several times and enjoy the park every visit but this trip we were entering the area on I-25 from the south and wanted to stay on that side of town.
After a quick search we found Isleta Lakes RV Resort so we decided to try it out. What we liked from looking at the listing on the internet is the RV park appeared to be in a separate area from the casino complex in a more remote area. When we arrived, that was the case.
The RV park is situated in the bosque area near the Rio Grande. Adjacent to the RV park were two lakes surrounded by several cottonwood trees. Since our visit was on a chilly week in January, everything was in its dormant winter attire. We could only imagine the beauty of this park in the summer and fall months.
We got our RV situated and immediately headed to the lakes, which were about 100 yards from our campsite. We enjoyed seeing many birds as well as ducks, geese and other water fowl while walking around the area. A short distance later, we glanced up and saw a larger bird sitting on a tree branch high in one of the trees. We moved closer to discover that it was a bald eagle.
After rushing back to the RV to get my telephoto lens, we spent the next hour watching and photographing the eagle. This magnificent bird would sit still while looking in all directions and would occasionally fly around a bit and settle on another tree. We thoroughly enjoyed our time with the bald eagle as well as many other birds in this beautiful setting.
The RV park had space for 50 RVs, each site appointed with full hook ups, a table with a canopy and a charcoal grill and a long and level RV parking pad. The entrance building had a small connivence store, a laundry facility as well as shower and restroom facilities.
The New Mexico Rail Runner train makes its Isleta stop very near the RV entrance, which may be handy for some. If campers wanted to go to the casino, a shuttle bus service was available at no charge. A drive into Albuquerque was quick and easy as the park is only about 10 minutes from downtown Albuquerque. We enjoyed the location while spending a couple of days in town.
A bonus for us during our visit was spotting the bald eagle each afternoon when we returned to the campsite.
We did not take part in the gaming at the casino but we did visit the facility and surrounding area. We had dinner at Embers Steak House, located in the hotel, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal and great service. There are other restaurants and a food court, which offer a variety of options within the facility.
Other amenities at Isleta include a 27 hole golf course and an opportunity to fish at the lakes at the RV park area. There also is a picnic area near the lakes.
We have enjoyed stays at many RV parks during our travels and this park was impressive. Like anything, RV parks all have pros and cons but the setting, location and amenities at this park were hard to beat. We look forward to visiting the park again during the summer or fall when the trees and foliage are full and more colorful.
Editor’s note: Longtime Los Alamos photographer Gary Warren and his wife Marilyn are traveling around the country, and he shares his photographs, which appear in the “Posts from the Road” series published in the Sunday edition of the Los Alamos Daily Post.
Casino Complex: The casino and hotel are located about a mile from the RV park. Shown is a telephoto view from the camp area of the casino. Also seen just beyond the campground is the 27 hole golf course. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Campsite: The late afternoon sunlight illuminated our RV and campsite. The campsites offer full hook ups and a nice long parking pad for RVs. Also seen is the grill and covered table included at each site. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com
Rail Runner: The New Mexico Rail Runner makes regular stops at Isleta just a short distance from the RV park. A free shuttle service picks up customers from there and transports them to their destination. The shuttle service also serves campers at the RV park who wish to visit the casino. Photo by Gary Warren/ladailypost.com