We'd like to try the mainland coast this winter, as far south as perhaps Guerrero State and have some questions as we agonize over the decision to cut
our Baja time shorter!
1. It doesn't look as conducive to camping as we experience in Baja. Is this true? We have a Northstar pop up camper and prefer the "less developed'
places.
2. We'd like to take one of the ferries back to Baja on the way back north. We will have at least one of our dogs with us (a small one). How does
that work on the ferry? Do you vehicle access on the ferry? Are reservations a must? (I hate time constraints!).
3. As a kid (back in 1961), we lived in Caborca, Sonora, and used to hang out a lot at Desemboqui, at the mouth of Rio Magdelena. I have since heard
it is developed with an RV park (on the Guiaroji map of Sonora the road looks to be paved). Anyone been there? It was absolutely undeveloped in
1961.
4. Is there a message board for travelers along that coast like we have for Baja?
Any help with the above questions would be appreciated, and our exploration of the mainland is in no way reflecting a diminished love of Baja!!!vandenberg - 11-12-2007 at 11:50 AM
Quote:
It was absolutely undeveloped in 1961.
The mountains have eroded and the rivers changed course since than.Mango - 11-12-2007 at 12:17 PM
You might check out the Thorntree forums at the Lonely Planet website for more info on the mainland.
Finding remote places to camp on the mainland is harder than Baja; but, it can be done. Many small towns have empty lots on or near the beach.
Inquire with locals about parking/camping for a few days or nights. Sometimes a phone number will be posted.
Guerrero has a reputation as a rough state, so keep things locked down and stowed away at night. There are some nice little beach towns along the
Pacific Coast.. you will just have to poke around some to find what suits you.toneart - 11-12-2007 at 12:19 PM
BajaSundog has a good website with many local message boards throughout the mainland and Baja. Many other links too.Hook - 11-12-2007 at 07:56 PM
This is a good website for the Pacific coast but it really only outlines the true RV parks.
thanks to the replies - got some good links to forums, maps, and books!!bajagrouper - 11-13-2007 at 09:21 AM
If you look at the on the road site they sell a mile by mile trip log for about 5 dollars, you download it to your computer and print. I live part
time on the beach in the state of Nayarit and drive the coast route from Nogales to Puerto Vallarta a couple times a year...there are many places to
camp along the way just like Baja...You are not able to go to your vehicle during the ferry crossing so if you have a dog you must leave it in the
truck/camper so you may want to do the shorter trip to Santa Rosalia (about 6 to 8 hours) instead of the Maz/ La Paz ferry (18 hours)...Like you I
will always love Baja but there is something to say about waking up on a tropical beach with jungle all around and lots of coconut trees...Fred - 11-13-2007 at 08:41 PM
I bought a Sonora map and the raod atlas of that area. I have never been down, but it is on my list of things to do. I see a lot of small roads
heading down to the beach. Someday I will try that and report back. I have not yet found anyone who has been on those beaches between Rocky Point
and Kino Bay. Looks like miles and miles of beach. My cooler only holds ice for 6 days, so on day 7 I need to find ice, water, beer and tortillas.
Hopefully there will be small store somewhere on the beach front.Humboldt Chris and Robin - 11-14-2007 at 12:21 AM
we're going to do it, so we'll report back - the ferry may be too much for us with our dog, so we may have to wait until May for Baja.GWBaines - 11-15-2007 at 10:02 AM
On trips down the Mexican coast the last two winters, we found that the Moon travel guide to Pacific Mexico had some places in it that will fit the
bill for off site camping. We especially liked camping under the lighthouse at Playa Chalacatepec.
