BajaNomad

Where to Stay Near Tecate' ?

Diver - 8-30-2005 at 06:07 PM

We'll be coming south from Phoenix through Tecate and want to stay just north of the border then cross the next morning. Any RV camp suggestions nearby ?

Does it take any longer to drive down starting from Tecate than Tijuana ?

Don't worry, I'll let you know the exact dates so you can stay off the road while I'm driving !:lol::lol:

Tecate - Catavina - San Ignacio - Bahia de Relaxation........etc

TMW - 8-30-2005 at 06:26 PM

Barrett's Jct on hwy 94 has or they had an RV camp ground. It's close to Tecate. They also have a resturant there that serves all you can eat fish. I haven't stopped in a couple of years so my info is a little dated.

Potrero

Oso - 8-30-2005 at 06:48 PM

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/camping/potrero.html

Diver - 8-30-2005 at 07:06 PM

Thanks Oso, that's the one I was looking for !

comitan - 8-30-2005 at 07:24 PM

I think you would do better staying at the KOA tecate:

http://www.tecatekoa.com/e-home.html

rts551 - 8-30-2005 at 07:42 PM

Don't know what time you are traveling - but when we make the border from Tucson before it closes we much prefer to stay in Tecate. The KOA is nice.

Diver - 8-30-2005 at 10:11 PM

Is the KOA in the US or Mexico ?

Also: what are the hours of operation for the border ?

[Edited on 8-31-2005 by Diver]

Diver - 8-30-2005 at 10:16 PM

Wow; with 4 people, the KOA wants $48 per night.

Potrero County Park only costs $16 !

Pompano - 8-31-2005 at 04:01 AM

Hi Diver...FOR SURE you don't want to drive through TJ, especially coming from Pheonix...and NEVER even consider coming back through that traffic jam. Tecate always...you will like the pleasant drive down to Ensenada through the wine country. Best bacon-wrapped-covered-with-everything hot dogs in the world along the highway...and you could stop in LA Cetto winery and get some good red for your trip to SLC. I have wondered for years why Baja-bounds would want to go through that hassle in TJ?

US campsite near Tecate?...Potrero is the winner. We have checked them all out going and coming Baja-way. I have been RV camping along that route for over 30 years and have stayed at every single site available. We usually stay for many days and for the money, Portereo cannot be beat..and it's nice and shady. Last 2 years we stayed there in our 32' 5th Wheel and had a ball. First time in pickup camper, then later in motorhome. Has all hookups if desired, Large pull-thrus, plenty of room, never crowded (knock on wood). Easy to find...just a few miles past the turnoff to Tecate from SD..or in your case, 'before' the turnoff. Drive down the highway 10 miles or so towards SD and stop for a burger at the Dulzura roadside cafe. It's old west style with a little hillbilly flare.

NOte: Down the road from Tecate to Ensenada, there is also a great campsite with power, water, etc quite near the Cetto winery in Guadalupe Valley. Operated by a nearby charitable mission..they just ask for a nice donation of $5 or more..it's up to you how much over you want to pay. We have always enjoyed stays there, too.

Heck, thinking about it, there isn't a good wide spot anywhere on the road from Tecate to Conception Bay that I haven't camped on since before the blacktop went in..might have to change my forum name to Relic.

Happy Trails.

[Edited on 8-31-2005 by Pompano]

Diver - 8-31-2005 at 05:44 AM

In all our years going south, we have never gone through Tecate; always Tijuana, coming south from Washington or flying into Loreto or La Paz.
We'll be stopping in Phoenix on the way and are really looking forward to the drive down from Tecate.
The closest I've been to that area was when we took the 24 hour train from Nogales to Mazatlan a few times in the early '70's.
College in Colorado and spring break in Mazatlan; What a hoot is was....!

I'm not drinking anymore due to gut problems but I might have to take a few pills just to have a beer with Pompano when I get to the "Bay of Relaxation".

We'll be there by January 23, if anyone in the area needs anything special from the states, let me know. We've already got boxes of school supplies, three used kids bikes, a few soccor balls and a some other goodies to distribute. I'll also be stopping in La Paz to bring a few things to Hector at his boat repair shop.

Look at me; I don't leave for over 4 months and I'm already making my final plans and checklists for the trip. Last year was the first 12 month period that my feeties didn't touch Baja since my kids were born !
AHRHAAHRAHAA !!!!!!!!! I can't freaking wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol::lol:

turtleandtoad - 8-31-2005 at 04:10 PM

Another posiblility would be Outdoor World on Hwy 94, on your way to Tecate if you're taking I-8 and exiting at Hwy 94 (Ribbonwood Blvd). Approx $30/nite

But, if you're that close to the border, why not go ahead and cross, then stop in at the Rancho Sordo Mudo (Deaf Ranch), about 2 hours from Tecate on Hwy 3. This is just south of the Domecq winery at Km 74. They have various configurations of hook-ups and the price is right; whatever you want to donate!