BajaNomad

Campground recommendation north of La Paz

Curt63 - 5-2-2010 at 08:44 AM

Can anybody recommend a beach campground north of La Paz (Balandra, Tecolote area) with:

good snorkeling
boat launch
taco stand
showers
security

We have 2 trucks with trailers

Thanks, Curt

BajaBruno - 5-2-2010 at 11:05 AM

I've never seen any formal campgrounds in that area. The locals beach camp, but there are no facilities. One of the permanent La Paz residents on the board may know of something I have missed.

The last launch ramp going that direction is Cantamar Resort. Nice ramp, though it is tilted to one side, which can be quite frustrating. There is a free ramp on the other side of that bay that the panga guys use, but I've never had the courage. It is very rough and rocky with a nasty surge.

[Edited on 5-2-2010 by BajaBruno]

danaeb - 5-2-2010 at 11:40 AM

Neither Balandra nor Tecolote have the amenities you're looking for. Balandra has a few palapas, but nothing more.

The commercial section of Tecolote has restaurants and kayak rentals and bathrooms for restaurant customers, but no showers anywhere. The public section of Tecolote has palapas but no restrooms, food or security. You'd have to be pretty self-contained to camp there and you wouldn't be able to pull the trailers onto the beach- its too soft.

[Edited on 5-2-2010 by danaeb]

comitan - 5-2-2010 at 01:17 PM

Not a campground but just pass the ferry terminal Pichilingue if you turn in where the restaurants are, just past them but before the boat ramp you can camp on the beach. The boat ramp I've used for years and is usable. It would be dry camping.

Curt63 - 5-2-2010 at 07:26 PM

Thanks for the advice.

What would be the nearest campground with the amenities I listed?

We are wanting to fish, snorkel and explore the city of La Paz.

comitan - 5-2-2010 at 07:40 PM

None!

danaeb - 5-3-2010 at 02:00 PM

How about the pacific side?

http://www.todossantosguide.com/rvtrailerparks/

With the new highway from TS to La Paz, you could easily make day trips to either La Paz or Cabo.

comitan - 5-3-2010 at 03:39 PM

Where are they going to launch a boat and have good snorkeling.

La Paz has one (1) RV Park. Has no pay type camping area with usual facilities. There are many beautiful beaches in the La Paz area that offer free DRY camping. Some launch ramps, and some beach launch areas with 4WD. Many of the beaches have restaurants and many are less than 10miles from downtown La Paz.

Bajahowodd - 5-3-2010 at 03:47 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Not a campground but just pass the ferry terminal Pichilingue if you turn in where the restaurants are, just past them but before the boat ramp you can camp on the beach. The boat ramp I've used for years and is usable. It would be dry camping.


Having never ventured beyond the ferry terminal, I have to ask about just how pristine this area would be, given the Pemex facility and all the shipping there.

comitan - 5-3-2010 at 04:07 PM

The quoted area is very nice, but for pristine you have to go to Balandra, and the very commercial beach area of Tecolote. (nice but not Pristine)

[Edited on 5-3-2010 by comitan]

Thanks

Curt63 - 5-3-2010 at 07:20 PM

Thanks again for the advice.

The dry camping sounds good. We are fully self contained and 4x4. We will probably boat out to Espiritu Santo for some nice diving. We have enough guys to leave one at camp.

Ive never been to LaPaz and heard nothing but wonderful things.

One last question. Can I read my quad on:

the beaches
through downtown (I did in Loreto)

Cheers, Curt