BajaNomad - BOLA camping????

BOLA camping????

advrider - 12-7-2018 at 08:16 PM

Looking at 4-5 days of camping over Christmas in BOLA. I've only stayed in hotels and ridden past a few of the campos. So what say the Nomads, Daggetts, Arechelons Raquales and Larrys? The wife would like a flush toilet and a warm shower but will live without if it's a good spot. I've Never really had time to explore much so what is worth checking out? I've ridden out to La Gringa and campo gecko and seen the museum but that's about it. I'll be looking at some of DavidK's reports for sure.
Don't want to go any farther South and spend to much time driving and not relaxing.

We've enjoyed Archelons

John M - 12-7-2018 at 08:37 PM

The two southernmost "palapas" provide the most solitude. Three sided with rocks helps but not from the cooler breezes out of the north.

I think #7 & 8

John M

advrider - 12-8-2018 at 08:27 AM

Thanks John, that's just the kind of info I was looking for. Have you done any exploring in the area? Thanks

bkbend - 12-8-2018 at 08:33 AM

I agree with using one of the two palapas John mentioned. Raquel & Larry's doesn't offer camping but a 1/2 mile walk from Archelon gets you there for the restaurant and bar.

[Edited on 12-8-2018 by bkbend]

[Edited on 12-8-2018 by bkbend]

David K - 12-8-2018 at 08:41 AM

I was very impressed with Campo Archelon and the host, Bety was very nice.
They have palapas on the beach with cots and cabins for rent.
Here are some photos taken there in Sept. 2016:

In December 2016:

Take the paved road for La Gringa that begins at the sailboat monument/ traffic circle in Bahia de los Angeles.
You soon pass the popular restaurant La Palapa Alejandrina's. In 1.3 miles is the entrance to Campo Archelon. It is 0.4 mile to the campo. The cost to camp was US$8 per person. Website is www.archeloncamp.com.mx There are nice bathrooms and hot showers available.

At 1.6 miles from the sailboat monument is Camp Daggett's
2.9 miles from the sailboat is La Ventana campground.
5.8 miles the pavement ends.
6.9 miles is La Gringa. There is a sand beach on the right and a gravel beach ahead.

thebajarunner - 12-8-2018 at 10:01 AM

Archelon is close to town, has plenty of amenities for the camper and really nice people.
Bety is a docent part time at the museum in town.
Her son Tonio pretty much runs the place since Antonio died a couple years ago.
For primitive beach camping you can't beat La Gringa, but you won't have showers and fresh water close at hand.
We have stayed at both, primitive and more comfy
Personally I prefer the primitive but my traveling buds like convenience so take your pick.

While this is not included in the typical package, Tonio has set me up in the house to watch the Daytona 500 a couple years ago and the NBA finals first game last year. Really nice people!!

advrider - 12-8-2018 at 06:10 PM

Thanks for all of the replies. Do they have flush toilets? I thought that I read that they had shower? Also I was trying to remember if I read that you can't bring fire wood into Baja with you, anyone have trouble at the border? Thanks

David K - 12-8-2018 at 06:15 PM

Yes, two bathroom buildings with shower and toilets, men and women's sides. It is all good.

JZ - 12-8-2018 at 06:25 PM

There is fire wood at the bigger grocery. They have fireworks this time of year as well. Great bottle rockets.

thebajarunner - 12-8-2018 at 06:55 PM

I always bring in firewood
Carefully stacked
Single row against the front of the pickup bed
Pile everything else in and around
20 annual trips and never a problem
Always save a few pieces to bring back for a final fire once we cross into California
Never a problem

JZ - 12-8-2018 at 07:44 PM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

I always bring in firewood
Carefully stacked
Single row against the front of the pickup bed
Pile everything else in and around
20 annual trips and never a problem
Always save a few pieces to bring back for a final fire once we cross into California
Never a problem

How could you possibly not burn it all over a multi-day trip?

We've burned half a bed full in a single night.

advrider - 12-9-2018 at 08:50 AM

I was thinking about packing a bunch of fire wood inside my tent camper but was thinking of putting a box on the roof rack to, just not sure if that would be an issue at the border if seen?

thebajarunner - 12-9-2018 at 09:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

How could you possibly not burn it all over a multi-day trip?

We've burned half a bed full in a single night.

You need to assign a "campfire cop"
We usually travel with a pretty big group, and there are a couple guys that toss pieces in with great delight.
So, simple rule...
"If you didn't haul it, don't burn it"
Interesting how those that worked hard to stack and haul and sort out the supply are pretty careful in keeping the fire going but not a raging inferno.
Also, no fires in the daytime
Daytime fires tend to smudge the campsite with smoke

Alcohol tends to make the fires bigger and burn more wood
Alcohol inside those tossing the pieces that is.

Pacifico - 12-9-2018 at 10:17 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

I was thinking about packing a bunch of fire wood inside my tent camper but was thinking of putting a box on the roof rack to, just not sure if that would be an issue at the border if seen?

I used to pack apple boxes with firewood, like 2 x 4's, 2x 6's, etc. It stacks solid with very little wasted space. I never had a problem...

Jack Swords - 12-9-2018 at 10:25 AM

Take a easy side trip to the pictographs/petroglyphs at Montevideo. Do a search on this site....lots of info. Easy close trip from Bay of LA. You could include a trip to the mission at San Borja while at it.

advrider - 12-9-2018 at 11:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords

Take a easy side trip to the pictographs/petroglyphs at Montevideo. Do a search on this site....lots of info. Easy close trip from Bay of LA. You could include a trip to the mission at San Borja while at it.

I will look up the petroglyphs for sure, I was planning on taking the wife to the mission. I've been several times on my moto but she has never been.

David K - 12-9-2018 at 11:23 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Jack Swords

Agree... Montevideo is one of the best places to see pictographs and you can drive right to the site. I was there last year and the 6 mile road in (from the Mission San Borja road, 2 miles south of the L.A. Bay highway) was very sandy. 4WD or ATV only. Photos in my 2017 Trip #2 report as well as my 2016 Baja Extreme tour post.

thebajarunner - 12-9-2018 at 01:12 PM

Sandy road, for sure

In past years we have driven right to the site,
but my 2 wheel drive F150 was seriously unhappy in the first 100 yards this year, so we backed up and passed on the excursion

JZ - 12-9-2018 at 01:42 PM

Go on boat ride out to the islands. Some really nice coves and you can hike to the top.

The beach at Rincon is the best in the area. Really nice white sand. Take a boat or drive it.

advrider - 12-9-2018 at 02:58 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JZ

Go on boat ride out to the islands. Some really nice coves and you can hike to the top.

The beach at Rincon is the best in the area. Really nice white sand. Take a boat or drive it.

The wife and I were just talking about a little boat trip, any recommendations on a boat and captain? Thanks Davis for narrowing down what trip report to read...

On the way into Archelon Camp

John M - 12-9-2018 at 03:53 PM

While large groups and excessive alcohol tend to diminish the message, you'll find this near the entrance at Archelon.

In six days there over two trips only 2 OHVs passed by on the beach. Sometimes quiet is good.

John M

[Edited on 12-9-2018 by John M]

thebajarunner - 12-9-2018 at 03:55 PM

Tonio at Archelon can arrange boat, fishing or whatever you wish

He also never turned down a glass of really good wine,
one for Bety too, while you are at it.

advrider - 12-9-2018 at 04:20 PM

I do love the silence! We live in what is called little Napa and have access to a lot of good wine. I don't drink much of it, but I will take a couple of bottles for making new friends. Keep the tips and advice coming, I will do a trip report when I return...

24baja - 12-9-2018 at 06:38 PM

Agree Archelon and if not avail Rafa Cuevas

advrider - 12-9-2018 at 07:30 PM

Rafa Cuevas, never heard of it?

bkbend - 12-9-2018 at 10:23 PM

Rafael for the boat and guide if the one at Archelon is in use.

Alm - 12-10-2018 at 10:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider

Looking at 4-5 days of camping over Christmas in BOLA. I've only stayed in hotels and ridden past a few of the campos. So what say the Nomads, Daggetts, Arechelons Raquales and Larrys? The wife would like a flush toilet and a warm shower but will live without if it's a good spot. I've Never really had time to explore much so what is worth checking out? I've ridden out to La Gringa and campo gecko and seen the museum but that's about it. I'll be looking at some of DavidK's reports for sure.
Don't want to go any farther South and spend to much time driving and not relaxing.

There isn't really anything much farther South. The Southernmost hotelito would be Diaz, a whole 3 miles of a good paved road from Archelon. Not a bad location, btw, inexpensive, no A/C but you don't need A/C in winter. I understand that Gecko is no more, it's all long-term lease now.

Archelon doesn't have a hotel. Only 2 cabins and one house for rent. Cabins are OK. House is in the back, if you need that much space inside, from the main floor you will have a view of a camp toilet, though 2nd floor bedroom must have a nice view if they finished it. Plus, several palapas but they are palapas, not hotel rooms or cabins, flush toilets and showers are very close but you share it with few dozen other campers. There is less privacy in palapas, and Christmas time the camp is going to be packed. I'm not sure you want palapas, better consult with DW on this subject. Archelon palapa is just a shack on the beach with no front wall.

Daggets hotel is comparable to Diaz both in price and amenities, though camp layout is not same good. Diaz hotel is facing the beach, Daggets hotel is facing parking, storage and RV area. There are also cabins in Daggets, behind the storage area with no view. Daggets have A/C, but you won't need it. Daggets also have palapas for car campers and RV, cheaper than Archelon palapas, not same good as Archelon palapas and less privacy yet.

Can't say about Rachel and Larry - if all DW is asking is a flush toilet, then Diaz and Daggets would have it and probably at a lower cost.

R&L, Daggets and Archelon are next to one another, Diaz in at the South end of the main street.

Ah, yes - if you are looking for quiet, Archelon cabins (or their house) is probably the best. They seem to have less tolerance to loud drinking parties than Daggets. Though on Christmas camps and hotels will be packed with all kinds of people.

[Edited on 12-10-2018 by Alm]

advrider - 12-10-2018 at 01:10 PM

Alm, thanks for all of the info! I think we are going to try Archelon first and see how it is. We have a small Austrillian tent trailer so a palpa would just be an extra and not required. I was wandering how busy it get at Christmas and hope it isn't crazy? Thanks for taking the time to reply....

Alm - 12-10-2018 at 01:40 PM

Busy = all palapas, cabins and rental house will be full. With (usually) more than one person in each palapa. I believe there are 7 palapas in Archelon, all are on the beach, spaced about 20ft from one another. Some could play loud music, some could have a drinking party of 5-7 and could get loud enough without music - you know, when everybody is talking at the same time 'cause everybody is drunk and thinks that he has something interesting or funny to say even when he doesn't. Usually all is quiet after 11 pm.

Come early in the day, some palapas are better than others.

[Edited on 12-10-2018 by Alm]

David K - 12-10-2018 at 01:53 PM

What is nice is that Archelon is the first of s few campos, and perhaps the nicest... So, if it is full or you want to check the others, just continue north...

Mileage from Traffic circle/ sailboat monument:
1.3 Campo Archelon.
1.6 Camp Daggett's... is next and has both cabins and motel rooms along with palapas. This place does get filled and 'busy'.
2.9 La Ventana... has palapas but they are not right on the beach.
5.8 End of Pavement
6.9 La Gringa (road junction). Open camping on a sand beach, a gravel beach on the bay and to the east, a gravel beach on the open gulf. To the north, the road goes to a rocky beach in 2.1 miles once a camp called 'Colorado'.

Alm - 12-10-2018 at 02:01 PM

Punta Gringa is the "town beach". Mexicans like partying too. On Christmas you won't be the only one there, unless it's cold and windy - which does happen in December.

advrider - 12-10-2018 at 08:29 PM

Crazy, I did't think Christmas would be that busy. We stayed in Fan Felipe a few years back on Christmas and it was dead? I probably won't get there until Sunday so we will see how I we do on a space? Should I try to get one a head of time?

willardguy - 12-10-2018 at 08:37 PM

c-c-c-cold! go camp in san quintin! :coolup:

Alm - 12-10-2018 at 08:53 PM

On Sunday there will be some campers there since Saturday, most of them will stay until Xmas Tuesday.

No worries. This hole of a town has plenty of hotels and camps, you'll find something. There is a big semi-abandoned camp just before Archelon. Forgot the name. Cost $5. No palapas, no showers, not sure about toilets - after the big flood of 2014 the owners have lost interest in maintaining it, but will be happy to charge you.

Yes, it's dead now in Baja 350 days a year. Wilderness has lost its appeal and/or have been developed, drugs have made it to Baja, US and Canada didn't completely recover since 2008 and probably never will - 3rd world and the "2nd biggest economy" won't let this happen. Didn't want to touch this subject, sorry.
Xmas to New Year, and Easter week are still busy. Plus, a few days of tha desert car racing - in fact it's worse than X-mas because not only camps are full but also main street is closed for traffic.

advrider - 12-10-2018 at 08:56 PM

I sent them a Facebook message so I will see what they say. I'll find somewhere to camp, there is a lot of desert for that!

Alm - 12-10-2018 at 09:12 PM

Facebook, for palapas? you gotta be kidding

These shacks are first come first serve, too much hassle for camp owner to reserve palapas. Cabins and rental house are up for reservations.

Archelon own the land from the sea to the main road - though it's mostly a desert, with one little clearing half a mile from the sea. 6 or 7 palapas on the beach might get full, but Tony and his mother Bety will find you some spot. One palapa is off the coast, right behind the "new" shower cabin, on a busy day it will be quieter than those on the coast, you'll have no neighbors. There are 2 shower cabins, "old" and "new".

advrider - 12-10-2018 at 09:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

c-c-c-cold! go camp in san quintin! :coolup:

Weather is looking mild, but what do you know in that area? Never spent anytime in that area at all.

advrider - 12-10-2018 at 09:35 PM

I figured I would give the palapa reservation a shot just for the heck of it, LOL. There is a lot of space out at La Gringa to.

advrider - 12-11-2018 at 10:34 AM

Alm, you were right, the whole place is booked! They said they could find us a spot to park.... I guess people do book the palapas... We will get there early and do a little looking around and see what we can find?

dravnx - 12-11-2018 at 12:03 PM

I've pulled my little Australian camper (Kamparoo Cub) into Archelon a few times when all the palapas were booked. Always found room to set up. Never had an issue with noise either. Flush toilets, hot showers and gracious hosts. Spent more then a few Xmas eating turkey in Bety and Antonios house at their annual pot luck Xmas dinner.

advrider - 12-11-2018 at 08:04 PM

dravnx, I have the Aussie swag trailer, very close to the Kamparoo that I used before I found the swag. Awesome trailer that go anywhere! Archelon said they would find a place for me just as you are saying. Daggetts still has palapas but not sure about the noise there. Do you still have your trailer..