BajaNomad - Need new camping spot other than Punta Chivato

Need new camping spot other than Punta Chivato

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 07:09 PM

All,
In late July I usually take my family for some beach camping to Punta Chivato. The hotel campground has been closed so i am looking for a better spot. Our rough requirements are:

1. Sandy beach + nice scenery
2. Beach boat launch for our small boat/protected water for anchoring.
3. Beach camping for my toy hauler.
4. Not too long of dirt road for access < 25 miles
5. Good Jul/August fishing for palegics
6. Not in the middle of a town.

We are willing to go south of Punta Chivato and are going to have 1-2 weeks total.

If no ideas can you point me to a better forum?

Thanks in advance. Steve

Russ - 6-1-2009 at 07:29 PM

Steve, Sounds like Asuncion to me. Shari can set you up at San Roque and it's cooler than the SOC and fishing should be really good. Of course there are other camp areas in the area too.

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 07:52 PM

Hi Russ, I was hoping you would chime in. I was just in Asuncion a week ago on a scouting trip. We breezed though pretty quick. I might be more interested in Abreojos although I heard that it has bad flies and high winds. Why do you suggest ascunsion? Is there good camping there? I guess on the beach just north of town?

I was actually in PC near you a week ago too. My brother and I on big motorcycles camped down on the beach. I was surprised that there was a gate with guard and surprised that he let us in to camp also.

My trip report:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=468000

[Edited on 6-2-2009 by steve5555]

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 07:56 PM

I was somewhat thinking of near Loreto or Conception bay. I was in Loreto on my last trip but did not see a good spot to camp outside of town. It was too hot on Bikes so we did not do much exploring around. At this point I wish I had. steve

woody with a view - 6-1-2009 at 08:21 PM

nice report....

805gregg - 6-1-2009 at 08:53 PM

If you want it warm, stay on the SOC, Pacific is chilly. Anywhere on the Bay of Conception is great.

[Edited on 6-2-2009 by 805gregg]

Bajaboy - 6-1-2009 at 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 805gregg
If you want it warm, stay on the SOC, Pacific is chilly. Anywhere on the Bay of Conception is great.

Asuncion will be mid 80s to low 90s that time of year.....brrrrrrr

[Edited on 6-2-2009 by 805gregg]

mulegemichael - 6-1-2009 at 09:10 PM

russ...i say recommend santa inez beach...why not?...it's one of the most beautiful beaches i've ever experienced...i think they get $5 a night there....it. is. beautiful. ....it really is...i high "wownish" is my vote...you can get down the road to the beach ok with your trailer if youve made it this far...no prob...!!!!

Hook - 6-1-2009 at 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Yes, but what will the water temp be? I kinda like to go IN the water when I camp next to it.

Bajaboy - 6-1-2009 at 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

Yes, but what will the water temp be? I kinda like to go IN the water when I camp next to it.

mid to upper 60s.....doesn't really warm up until August or September

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 09:20 PM

Santa Inez beach. I am trying to remember where i saw that. Where is it?

Also i had heard that conception bay does not have that great of fishing for dorado type of fish in early august. Not true?

steve

Russ - 6-1-2009 at 09:20 PM

I'm still going through you trip story. It is really interesting and some really great photos. I'm only to your San Junico/ Scorpion Bay page but wanted to comment about it before I forgot. I went over to Scorpion Bay and felt as you did. What a rip off! And those are the winter rates!
I wondered how he could charge for beach camping because it looks like the tide comes up to the cliff. It was so windy that we couldn't even consider trying to set up tents and another group from Punta Chivato was staying at Scorpion Bay and were really unhappy with the new sleeping quarters there. We got extremely lucky and ran into Jack. He runs a rental service there for some of the homeowners. Jack showed us one home and didn't have to show us any of the others. Since we had planned to camp out we had all the food and having a complete kitchen we were in heaven and out of the wind! Jack is really one of those great guys that goes the extra mile to make sure everything is just right. You can reach him at bajafam1@hotmail.com. We were on quads and rangers and put over 200 riding the coast area.
Here's the post I did on that trip: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=38321#pid4097...

Russ - 6-1-2009 at 09:37 PM

mulegemichael is right. Santa Inez is really beautiful and not many, if any, campers. I haven't been out that way for a year or so and don't know about the road but hear it's OK. Another nice thing about Santa Inez will be the wind. That time of year it's HOT & HUMID! There is a sign, Santa Inez" on the highway about a third of the way to Mulége from Palo Verde.

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 09:46 PM

It was funny at Scorpion Bay I ran into a group of gringos that had flown into Cabo and driven up. I mentioned what a rip off scorpion bay seemed. I mean 150 pesos per person per night without even sun shelter. His comment was, "where have you been camping? Everyplace costs money. Look at the cost of camping at Monterey or Zuma beach!"

I told him I was used to camping in baja for free or $10/night per group...I do not camp at zuma..too crowded...too many rangers.

That guy was just on a totally different frequency then myself.

I will read your report next.
steve

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 09:48 PM

If the pacific coast water is as cold as the high 60's then they probably would not have the dorados or the yellowfin that I like to catch.

steve5555 - 6-1-2009 at 10:05 PM

I looked at santa Inez on google earth. I wonder if we would be exposed without shelter to the typical winds. I have my boat that I like to leave at anchor for the full time. It seems like the typical winds may blow right onto shore.

What about San Juanico 25 miles north of Loreto? I noticed it on google earth and it looks gorgeous and protected. Anyone?

steve

Hook - 6-1-2009 at 10:14 PM

Well, it seems that swimming is not a real priority, so why not just camp and launch at San Lucas Cove? You will have to keep an eye on the tides for launching and retrieving.

Santa Inez is also a good option but that beach slope wont allow launching of much beyond a 13 foot aluminum boat.

Concepcion is a bake-oven in late July, except for the area near PLaya Frambes. Launching and camping are available there.

None of these are going to compare to your old memories of the wonderful camping days at Punta Chivato. For many years, it was THE best boat camping beach in Baja, when you consider the snorkeling reef, the decent anchoring, the close launch ramp, the fine sand beach and the hotel and bar when it was owned by Alvarado or the ejido.

Bajahowodd - 6-1-2009 at 11:44 PM

I haven't been to Abreojos in six years. But I'm amazed to see complaints about flies on two different recent posts. Flies don't multiply without some major form of detritus.

Russ - 6-2-2009 at 05:56 AM

Definitely don't leave the boat on an anchor during the summer around here. You're right, no protection from the wind and storms brew up extremely fast during the summer. I don't know anything about San Juanico on the SOC side. If you want to try Punta Chivato and they turn you away you could stay a couple days here at my place. Still wouldn't leave the boat out though.

woody with a view - 6-2-2009 at 06:04 AM

scorpion bay has a lease from the ejido for the area from 1st point to the lighthouse. you are supposed to be able to camp outside of the light house for free, although they still hassle and threaten you about not using their trash cans or toilets. just wait until sean collins gets ahold of the next lease. think hotels, condos, and multimillion dollar homes lining the bluffs!

but $12/night is rediculous to camp in the dirt. just don't tell the hundreds of gringos that gladly pay it every day, every summer.

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 07:09 AM

What about that beach that you used to be able to access via the dump near PC? A broad sandy beach that points north looking to San Marcos Island? Is there access? steve

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 07:15 AM

Thanks for the offer Russ. I am trying to work this issue so that we find a good spot, get there and then stay. And camping in someones front yard is a bit too close! :rolleyes:

Thanks though!

My son is saying that if we have got two weeks we ought to go way south. East cape or over by Todos Santos.

It will be nice when he is driving. He has got his permit now but not good enough for me on those narrow roads pulling a trailer. He does not quite know where the truck is in his lane yet. :lol:

I am sure that the summer of 2010 he will be good to go. steve

Quote:

Originally posted by woody in ob
scorpion bay has a lease from the ejido for the area from 1st point to the lighthouse. you are supposed to be able to camp outside of the light house for free, although they still hassle and threaten you about not using their trash cans or toilets. just wait until sean collins gets ahold of the next lease. think hotels, condos, and multimillion dollar homes lining the bluffs!

but $12/night is rediculous to camp in the dirt. just don't tell the hundreds of gringos that gladly pay it every day, every summer.

[Edited on 6-2-2009 by steve5555]

Hook - 6-2-2009 at 07:42 AM

Sounds like you are referring to Muertos beach, which is north of the actual Punta Chivato. Nice, but too exposed for a boat. And the run back to the ramp is long IF you have to do it suddenly.

Russ is right. You have to yank it each night if you value it and if you want a good nights sleep.

Martyman - 6-2-2009 at 08:05 AM

I have found some nice beaches using the Baja Catch as a guide for camping spots. San Nicolas comes to mind... and there are some nice deserted beaches straight across from San Marcos Island.

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 10:24 AM

I agree about the baja catch. Although my 3rd edition copy is 10 years old now.
But yes great info. steve

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
I have found some nice beaches using the Baja Catch as a guide for camping spots. San Nicolas comes to mind... and there are some nice deserted beaches straight across from San Marcos Island.

daledives - 6-2-2009 at 11:05 AM

go to San Nicolas, north of Loreto, find Terry Bastida and camp on the beach or at his palapa on the beach. Not sure what he charges

Russ - 6-2-2009 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve5555
What about that beach that you used to be able to access via the dump near PC? A broad sandy beach that points north looking to San Marcos Island? Is there access? steve

Deadmans, still accessible and not a bad idea. Launching would be a problem there depending on what size and again you really don't want to leave your boat anchored out over night. The "south" end from the dump is fenced and barricaded but the "north" end is better for your needs anyway. Here's a couple of shots of Deadmans. 1st from the north end. You'd set up at the end of the beach.

2nd a little closer to the end.

Edit: Deadmans faces almost the opposit direction as PC so less onshore wind. Still dangerous leaving a boat out.

[Edited on 6-2-2009 by Russ]

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 12:03 PM

Yes, that is the beach I was talking about. Nice pictures. steve

woody with a view - 6-2-2009 at 03:18 PM

simply amazing the amount of great info Nomads provide!

just don't ask about the surf!!!!! :lol:

Joelt - 6-2-2009 at 06:28 PM

I saw a camp set up at the Punta Chivato camping beach for at least a week at the end of May and saw another trailer leaving the beach ahile I was there last month but I'm not sure what the official status of the camp beach is. I don't think there would be a problem camping at the beqch and the fishing there now is very good. If there is a problem there are other options not too far away. Hope you have a great trip.

Russ - 6-2-2009 at 06:40 PM

What about the surf??? :wow:

shari - 6-2-2009 at 06:40 PM

You might like San Roque 12 km north of Asuncion...huge deserted sandy beach...protected cove for anchoring and launching your skiff. Flies??? yes sometimes...ya never seem to know when...they just kind of show up but not always. I really dont know what the fly thing is about...never used to be an issue but there does seem to be more. Maybe it is the horses there during lobster season??
the water doesnt warm up for pelagic fishing till mid august usually but could be early this year...but the climate is fabulous...not too hot.
Camping has been free but there is talk of the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve rep going to start charging for use of the park...$5 a day or you can get a Passport for 260 pesos a year from the office in GN...or maybe even the office they say they are going to locate here in the village. I am trying to get more info on this and will do an info post when I receive it....but this is just a heads up.

Russ - 6-2-2009 at 07:27 PM

Santa Inez.... I missed this camper as the sun lit they up tonight. Where's the camera when you want it?

Santa Inez Camper.jpg - 48kB

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 09:26 PM

It is outrageous the amount of information sharing that goes on on-line. Like magic compared to 10-15 years ago. I forget how I ever researched anything then!

Thanks for all of these replies. We are getting some good ideas. steve

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 09:28 PM

Woody, I do not get the surf thing either...

BTW I noticed your OB thing. I work in pointloma. I'm a diver for the navy over at SPAWAR. steve

[Edited on 6-3-2009 by steve5555]

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 09:33 PM

I got these pics south of asuncion 10 days ago or so

steve5555 - 6-2-2009 at 09:37 PM

I think that this area could definately work but we like the surface trawling type of fishing. Nothing gets me going like a do -do screaming in from of to the side. Leaping, leaping, leaping. We like the underwater stuff too like Snorkleing. I would proably need to wait till end of august not end of July for this. My son does football and needs to be back for 2-a-days in later august, steve

Hook - 6-2-2009 at 10:05 PM

Steve, you never told us what kind of boat you have, did you? If it's under 22 feet or so, you should consider San Lucas Cove. Tides in late July appear to be favorable for launching from the 25th on in the morning. You can fish the same waters as you did from Chivato. REAL showers and flush toilets. Good snorkeling out at San Marcos or you can be at Chivato by boat in about a half hour.

It was 7.00/night when I was there a few years ago. May be 10.00 now, but it is worth it.

Bomber - 6-2-2009 at 11:11 PM

Why has nobody brought up Juncalito, south of Loretro ? Has it changed since the last time i was there ? I'm planning a trip down there mid July. Easy beach launch for my tin boat, not much wind & good fishing. I've never had a bad time there. Do i need to think about a change this year ? Thanks for any info.

woody with a view - 6-3-2009 at 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve5555
Woody, I do not get the surf thing either...

BTW I noticed your OB thing. I work in pointloma. I'm a diver for the navy over at SPAWAR. steve

[Edited on 6-3-2009 by steve5555]

i just finished a rehab of the BEQ at bldg 603 at the sub base. now i'm experiencing the other side of the coin, 15 months at 29 palms. but hey, a job is a good thing right now! it allows me to go to baja 4-5 times a year!!!!

steve5555 - 6-3-2009 at 11:54 AM

Yes. I saw this on my recent trip. I pulled off the highway to try to explore but I got mired in a bunch of beach houses and Palapas. It did not seem like I could get to the southern end of the beach from where I was at. Is there another entrance for beach camping?

steve

Quote:

Originally posted by Bomber
Why has nobody brought up Juncalito, south of Loretro ? Has it changed since the last time i was there ? I'm planning a trip down there mid July. Easy beach launch for my tin boat, not much wind & good fishing. I've never had a bad time there. Do i need to think about a change this year ? Thanks for any info.

steve5555 - 6-3-2009 at 11:56 AM

I have done san lucas cove years ago. It was perfect for me but my family likes a bit more beach + sand + remoteness. It was a bit too much like a campground/trailer park. The fishing was good and it was easy to make bait right outside the little bay. steve

jahImpala3 - 6-3-2009 at 09:33 PM

Steve,
I've been watching this post and I'm in the same boat as you. I had been camping at Punta Chivato during summer Dorado season since I was a kid. I don't know where one can get the same experince as this camping beach offered. Hopefully someone will post the magical answer. Until then I guess I will save up to buy one of those nice houses on Shell Beach near Russ.
I love Punta Chivato, Mulege, and the entire Baja experience.

rhintransit - 6-4-2009 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve5555
Yes. I saw this on my recent trip. I pulled off the highway to try to explore but I got mired in a bunch of beach houses and Palapas. It did not seem like I could get to the southern end of the beach from where I was at. Is there another entrance for beach camping?

steve

Quote:

Steve...you took the turn off for El Juncalito where I live among the palapas and beach houses. the sandy camping beach at the south end of El Chenque Bay is known as Free (Playa Libre...poor translation I know) Beach. you cannot access it from El Juncalito. you need to drive Hyw 1 about a quarter mile south to the next, unmarked, dirt road to get in there.
no service BUT this winter for the first time the City of Loreto started coming out every few weeks charging up to 200 pesos/night for camping, lowered underprotest to about 50-55/night if one stayed 14 plus days. they haven't been out lately...no gringos to fleece...so maybe they've given it up for the season. ps they were also charging for Rattlesnake Beach just south of Pto Escondido, which is very nice, but isolated and often subject to theft and breakins particularly off season.

805gregg - 6-4-2009 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote:

I was in Asuncion in Aug. air temp maybe 77 water low 70's. We went across and camped under a friends palapa in Punta Chivato, air 90 water 80, much more to our liking.

steve5555 - 6-4-2009 at 06:09 PM

Thanks for this info.
The Juncalito looked so pretty that I wanted to check it out. I do not mind paying particulary if they pick up trash or something. Is the fishing for dorado any good in late July early august? Sometimes the water is too cold up at Punta chivato at that time.

Is there anything for sale in there Juncalito? Just curious really. Thanks again. steve

Quote:

Originally posted by rhintransit

Quote:

rhintransit - 6-4-2009 at 08:35 PM

NO services. occasional sporatic garbage pick up in winter. in summer? no se.

the water is warm and the dorado fishing is excellent in summer.

El Juncalito is primarily leased land. improvements come up for sale from time to time. u2u me if seriously interested and do talk to everyone you can locally as things are very, uh, fluid as in most of Baja.

rockman - 6-4-2009 at 10:01 PM

There is still some open camping at the San Bruno that is east from the military checkpoint near km 25 north of Loreto. A grove of palms on the southern part of the beach offers shade. Please don't litter. This is a little late, but may serve for this summer.

[Edited on 6-5-2009 by rockman]

steve5555 - 6-5-2009 at 09:09 AM

Thanks for the info.
I will check it out on google earth and perhaps put it on the list. If I go to to one of the other spots I intend to do some exploring with this included. steve

Quote:

Originally posted by rockman
There is still some open camping at the San Bruno that is east from the military checkpoint near km 25 north of Loreto. A grove of palms on the southern part of the beach offers shade. Please don't litter. This is a little late, but may serve for this summer.

[Edited on 6-5-2009 by rockman]

mooose29 - 6-8-2009 at 02:19 PM

All, I just "heard" that people are again camping at Punta Chivato which is different from a couple months ago when I was there and there was absolutly no camping on the beach at the point. Not sure how to confirm but if you are going down there I would have a back up plan just in case

You all know how things go in Mexico so I am sure the situation is very fluid and changing all the time depending on who is at the new gate, what the new owners are doing, etc... I think every year that I have been going down there (10+) it has been rumored to be closing down to camping. Which is why I think we were all surprised when it actualy happened last year. Hopefully it is true that people can camp there again because it a wonderfull place, one of my favorites in baja.

steve5555 - 8-2-2009 at 09:02 AM

Hey All, Thank for your help in this matter. We just got back from 2 weeks in Basillio and it was great. I had pulled a gpx file off the web from an old report and it worked perfect to find the camp spot from Hwy 1.

I fully recommend this spot although you should know a few things.

The dirt road from Hwy 1 to the beach is about 10 miles long and is much worse than the road into Chivato. Deep sand in spots and some good hills. That being said I did the road in 2 hours pullng a 20' enclosed trailer behind my 4x4 F250.

No other campers while we were there. A few mexicans came to swim on occasion. This might be a good thing but it was remote.

The closest town was Loreto at an hour + 20 minutes away.

Thanks for all of your help in making this decision. Especially to Russ in PC. :-)

steve