BajaNomad - camping in catavina

camping in catavina

khargis - 11-11-2011 at 03:42 PM

hello, can anyone recommend a good camping spot in catavina, we are in a vw bus, so it does not have to be a tent site. thanks kris

Rancho Santa Ines to Mission Santa Maria trail

Ken Cooke - 11-11-2011 at 03:49 PM

Kris - If your VW Bus has 4WD, you can drive the first mile onto the Mission Santa Maria road from Hwy 1 and have soletude and access to Hwy 1.

Traveling South on Hwy 1

First landmark (that serves great food)

Great camping without the noise from Hwy 1

The road does become challenging. So, if you see this, you have gone too far.

goldhuntress - 11-11-2011 at 04:10 PM

I agree it's a good place to camp but not about the food. I've eaten there a few times and don't recommend it. The people are really nice though and if Ralph is around it's always fun to talk Baja with him, he's got some great stories.

Diver - 11-11-2011 at 04:22 PM

Ken is right - Rancho Santa Ines is the place to camp in Catavinia.
As you head south, you will pass through the town of Catavinia (don't blink) and continue about 1/2 mile to the entry road on the left. Continue down the entry road to the campground entrance on the left. Find a place to park and someone will visit to collect their fee.

Camping is in an open desert parking area with bathrooms and a small cantina with pretty good basic food.

The cactus and boulders make for great scenery.
Consider spending some time there to hike the surrounding rock piles.

Baja12valve - 11-11-2011 at 04:23 PM

Ralph, boy that guy saved me. I managed to punch a bunch of holes in may radiator with the engine fan. He had some epoxy and I was able to fix it. Nice guy, I remember him well.

Ralph is a great guy!

Ken Cooke - 11-11-2011 at 04:42 PM

Tinkering on Jeeps (in his garage) while his Thanksgiving meal was getting cold.

mtgoat666 - 11-11-2011 at 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by khargis
hello, can anyone recommend a good camping spot in catavina, we are in a vw bus, so it does not have to be a tent site. thanks kris

just north of town, a number of rudimentary dirt roads exit hwy and meander among the rock outcrops. many good spots there to car camp or sleep in your van.

bring some fire wood, nights get cold, nice to have a fire.

also bring flashlights or headlamps, the outcrops are fun to climb at night so you get above the desert and can look down and watch/listen to night desert, watch the stars overhead.

get there an hour or 2 before dark so you got time to explore and find camp site you like.

the offroad camping is pretty safe, have not heard of problems in catavina, but if you like you can camp in parking lots described by previous posters.

tiotomasbcs - 11-11-2011 at 04:58 PM

Amigos, most all roads leading off hwy into the desert are sandy but doable. Good test for your viaje! Pull at least 1 mile off into the boulders and walk final site --in daylight! Some of the best camping in Baja. Talk with the Spirits of the Night! Smiles Tio

[Edited on 11-12-2011 by tiotomasbcs]

Barry A. - 11-11-2011 at 05:03 PM

The Goat is right-------many fine camping places within a short distance of Catavina both north and south on side roads, and they are free and spectacular. We always go to dinner at the Hotel, and then find a good spot to camp nearby and out of sight of the highway. Done it many times, but once we did have a very aggressive coyote visit us and try to haul off one of our parties knapsacks from under his head (he was sleeping on the ground) at about 3 am. We had a heck of a time getting the coyote to drop the bag and to get him to back off. We always suspected he was rabid, or REALLY hungry---showed no fear at all. Very exciting!!!!!

Barry

Bajahowodd - 11-11-2011 at 05:15 PM

I guess the decision as to where you might camp will involve just how bare-boned you are willing to handle.

The Rancho Santa Ynes provides a much more secure place to stay.

As for the food, gotta go with Barry on the idea of driving a mile or so and having dinner at the restaurant at the Mission Hotel ( formerly Desert Inn, La Pinta, El Camino Real, Etc.

I've been told that they upgraded the food (brought in a new chef; not to mention that since the owners are the Los Pinos folks, who fundamentally own agriculture in the San Quintin area, you can be pretty certain you'll find great veggies and salads). Same happened when these folks bought the hotel in San Quintin.

David K - 11-11-2011 at 05:51 PM

Santa Ynez (ranch way)

Santa Ines (map way)

They don't seem to care, as they sell shirts spelling it Ines. But, per the previous owner... YNEZ (see Ken's highway sign photo)

Nomad ways:

Santa Inez, Ynes, Innes, etc. etc.

Check Out The photo

Bajahowodd - 11-11-2011 at 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Santa Ynez (ranch way)

Santa Ines (map way)

They don't seem to care, as they sell shirts spelling it Ines. But, per the previous owner... YNEZ (see Ken's highway sign photo)

Nomad ways:

Santa Inez, Ynes, Innes, etc. etc.

norte - 11-11-2011 at 06:12 PM

Quote:

Real important info I see.

Skipjack Joe - 11-11-2011 at 06:36 PM

Maybe this is obvious, but ...

Make sure you get to the camping area before sundown. We're always trying to stretch our vacations by driving until dark. That's a bad idea if you're camping because those roads that lead off into the boulder fields are really hard to figure out in the dark. Some, in fact most, leave the highway and follow it about 20 yards away and then come back again. Others can end up taking you to somebody's doorstep.

I always drive far enough away from the highway so that the camper can't be spotted. Usually over a ridge or behind a large boulder. It just gives me peace of mind and more restful sleep. Listening for suspicious sounds is no way to spend the night. At Santa Ynez there are no such concerns.

Camping along the highway isn't like it used to be 20-30 years ago. ... Or maybe it is ... and I have changed.

mojo_norte - 11-11-2011 at 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Maybe this is obvious, but ...

Make sure you get to the camping area before sundown. We're always trying to stretch our vacations by driving until dark. That's a bad idea if you're camping because those roads that lead off into the boulder fields are really hard to figure out in the dark. Some, in fact most, leave the highway and follow it about 20 yards away and then come back again. Others can end up taking you to somebody's doorstep.

I always drive far enough away from the highway so that the camper can't be spotted. Usually over a ridge or behind a large boulder. It just gives me peace of mind and more restful sleep. Listening for suspicious sounds is no way to spend the night. At Santa Ynez there are no such concerns.

Camping along the highway isn't like it used to be 20-30 years ago. ... Or maybe it is ... and I have changed.

Well said - most of those roads don't go that far in off the highway. Main thing is that your lights can't be seen from the road - nix the fires. Having said that there are some good spots and I love camping there. Arrive early to drive around to find a safe spot . otherwise - camp at Santa Y'

woody with a view - 11-11-2011 at 06:59 PM

and realize that those are still ROADS, not just trails to campsites!

windgrrl - 11-11-2011 at 11:17 PM

Nov. 2011 - Camping at Rancho Santa Inez is $7 USD/night with access to flush toilets. Someone ay come to collect, or if you can pay at the ranch house when someone is there. Amazing place.

Ken Cooke - 11-11-2011 at 11:24 PM

I camped at the campground in Nov. 2005, and the noise from the 18 wheelers jack brakes made it difficult to get to sleep. Further away from Hwy 1, it wasn't noisy, nor where there lights from Hwy 1. If the VW Van has 4WD, I would drive past Rancho Santa Ynez, and camp out Baja style.

acadist - 11-12-2011 at 05:34 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I've been told that they upgraded the food (brought in a new chef; not to mention that since the owners are the Los Pinos folks, who fundamentally own agriculture in the San Quintin area, you can be pretty certain you'll find great veggies and salads). Same happened when these folks bought the hotel in San Quintin.

It's not the 'vegetables' we all read about a few months ago :lol:

Alan - 11-12-2011 at 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Cooke
I camped at the campground in Nov. 2005, and the noise from the 18 wheelers jack brakes made it difficult to get to sleep. Further away from Hwy 1, it wasn't noisy, nor where there lights from Hwy 1. If the VW Van has 4WD, I would drive past Rancho Santa Ynez, and camp out Baja style.

We spent one night in that abandoned campground just north of the Desert Inn back in the 80's. We only needed a place to sleep for the night so we just threw down some cots. We were awakened about midnight to find ourselves in the middle of a huge herd of cattle :lol:

We pulled the sleeping bags over our heads and slept right through the jake brakes but around 3 am someone in the area decided it was time to work on their offroad racer. We'd hear him wind it out down the highway (uncorked), return to do some adjustments then go wind it out again. We eventually gave up trying to get back to sleep and we just got back on the road.

[Edited on 11-12-2011 by Alan]

windgrrl - 11-12-2011 at 07:46 AM

Where we camp is a ranch few km south of town and then a few km east of Mex. 1. It's the quietest place I have ever been except for the coyotes crooning at night.

mojo_norte - 11-12-2011 at 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
Where we camp is a ranch few km south of town and then a few km east of Mex. 1. It's the quietest place I have ever been except for the coyotes crooning at night.

directions? hints? a riddle?!

Alan - 11-12-2011 at 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
Where we camp is a ranch few km south of town and then a few km east of Mex. 1. It's the quietest place I have ever been except for the coyotes crooning at night.

directions? hints? a riddle?!

Google Earth?

rts551 - 11-12-2011 at 08:37 AM

Camping where only the bad guys can see you might not be a god idea either. I read where Catavina was having a few problems a couple of years ago.

Khargis - say hi to Gotapeso for us.

Quote:

David K - 11-12-2011 at 08:59 AM

Quote:

Just to be clear... are you calling the government built RV park on Hwy. 1 the 'campground' that is (obviouisly) noisy... or the camping 'area' at Rancho Santa Ynez (3/4 mile off the highway)?

mtgoat666 - 11-12-2011 at 09:27 AM

Quote:

kenny:
don't need 4wd for the 99% of roads in that area.

many roads take you away from hwy, easy to get away from hwy noise

David K - 11-12-2011 at 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

kenny:
don't need 4wd for the 99% of roads in that area.

many roads take you away from hwy, easy to get away from hwy noise

There is a wide, white sand arroyo past the ranch on the Santa Maria mission road that very well may require deflating tires if you did NOT have 4WD.

Ralph really saved me too

bacquito - 11-12-2011 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja12valve
Ralph, boy that guy saved me. I managed to punch a bunch of holes in may radiator with the engine fan. He had some epoxy and I was able to fix it. Nice guy, I remember him well.

Ralph also saved me. Last year my stepson and I decided to hike to Santa Maria. We left with backpacks weighing about 35-40 lbs. We carried canned tuna, sandwiches, whole apples and other items but not enough water. The hike occurred late March. We both realized about midway that we had made a serious error but had no choice but to continue on. We reached "La Umbra" and Ralph showed up with much needed WATER!! He also had a friend Bruce who helped out.

Eventually Angel (my stepson) and I made it to the area Santa Maria and spent two great days drinking lotsa water. and taking in the sights.

Fortunately, Angel and I had met Ralph and Bruce before out trip and Ralph informed me he was a retired engineer having worked for Imperial Irrigation District. I am a retired Agric. Inspector from Imperial County and so we had some friends in common.

I learned if I carry too much weight it had better be with water counting for the excess weight. Carry beef jerky and dried fruit.
Pay attention to the climate-late March was hot and say hello to Ralph;

windgrrl - 11-12-2011 at 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
Where we camp is a ranch few km south of town and then a few km east of Mex. 1. It's the quietest place I have ever been except for the coyotes crooning at night.

http://wikimapia.org/10081618/Rancho-Santa-Ynez-Ines

Driving south of Catavina, watch for the sign "Rancho Santa Inez" on the left.

David K - 11-13-2011 at 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl
Where we camp is a ranch few km south of town and then a few km east of Mex. 1. It's the quietest place I have ever been except for the coyotes crooning at night.

http://wikimapia.org/10081618/Rancho-Santa-Ynez-Ines

Driving south of Catavina, watch for the sign "Rancho Santa Inez" on the left.

It is less than a mile south of 'town'... just south of the arroyo (stream) crossing... It has it's own paved entrance road, lined with white rocks and a big sign 'Rancho Santa Ynez'.

Rancho Santa Ynez/ Camping and RV Parking

David K - 11-13-2011 at 10:11 AM

Restaurant, Lunch Counter, Dorm Room accomodations, Camping Area...

Jack Swords - 11-13-2011 at 10:20 AM

Have camped at Rancho Sta. Ynez many times. Next to the stream it is quiet and the white sand stream course makes for wonderful hiking and bird watching. Did not notice noise, but it can be very cold in the winter (frost). Also, caravans utilize the area and can number dozens. Interestingly they tend to circle their wagons and stay to themselves. The camping area is very large and you can be rather isolated by distance and tucked next to the stream. Nice people, great starting point for the Santa Maria Mission.

Mulegena - 11-13-2011 at 10:31 AM

Be careful in times of inclement weather.

Read the landscape, and if its rainy stay out of arroyos.

mtgoat666 - 11-13-2011 at 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Camping Area...

dk:
is that really the campground???!!!???!!!???

David K - 11-13-2011 at 10:58 AM

That's it.... just a big empty field. In the other photo you can see the bathroom building for the campground, with the ranch in the distance.

mtgoat666 - 11-13-2011 at 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
That's it.... just a big empty field. In the other photo you can see the bathroom building for the campground, with the ranch in the distance.

that is a very ugly campground!

David K - 11-13-2011 at 11:03 AM

It is just an open field... in the distance note the palm which is in the arroyo that the highway crosses... It is not a place I would camp at, but it gives folks who need them, some security and facilities (food/ toilets/ showers/ rooms) they can get to easily and in 2WD.

Baja12valve - 11-13-2011 at 11:05 AM

I agree. I don't go to Baja to camp in places like that. Yeah, maybe you don't need 4wd for 99% of the roads, but I have it and it gets me to the far better 1%.

David K - 11-13-2011 at 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja12valve
I agree. I don't go to Baja to camp in places like that. Yeah, maybe you don't need 4wd for 99% of the roads, but I have it and it gets me to the far better 1%.

Yup!

We go about 15 miles from Rancho Santa Ynez and camp here:

Of course, to get there... you do need 4WD, because here is the road between the ranch and the oasis:

Bajahowodd - 11-13-2011 at 05:26 PM

But, not everyone is either as intrepid as you, or has the equipment capable.

Gotta go back to a couple of references about camping off the highway in the boulder field. If folks are recommending no headlights or campfires just seems to make the Rancho Santa Ynes a n0-brainer. Not to mention flush toilets!

Since I'm somewhat of a tenderfoot, I stay at the hotel!

windgrrl - 11-13-2011 at 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
But, not everyone is either as intrepid as you, or has the equipment capable.

Gotta go back to a couple of references about camping off the highway in the boulder field. If folks are recommending no headlights or campfires just seems to make the Rancho Santa Ynes a n0-brainer. Not to mention flush toilets!

Since I'm somewhat of a tenderfoot, I stay at the hotel!

Yeah, our dog would reprot us to the SPCA if we didn't camp @ Catavina.

Y? Oh - Y!

windgrrl - 11-13-2011 at 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl

Quote:

Originally posted by windgrrl

Driving south of Catavina, watch for the sign "Rancho Santa Inez" on the left.

It is less than a mile south of 'town'... just south of the arroyo (stream) crossing... It has it's own paved entrance road, lined with white rocks and a big sign 'Rancho Santa Ynez'.

DK - now my place name spelling has been tuned up, am I a "made" nomad?
:lol:

Pompano - 11-13-2011 at 05:41 PM

Lots of great campfires to be had at Rancho Santa Eyenezz

[Edited on 11-14-2011 by Pompano]

Packoderm - 11-13-2011 at 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
That's it.... just a big empty field. In the other photo you can see the bathroom building for the campground, with the ranch in the distance.

that is a very ugly campground!

I think the campsite at Santa Inez is nice enough if you tuck your camp under the trees toward the arroyo, but it's usually just for the night. Otherwise, I just take a room there. The rooms were $10 per person last time, but they will work with you if the place is a bit empty.

bacquito - 11-13-2011 at 05:51 PM

We enjoyed our time at Santa Inez.

David K - 11-13-2011 at 06:12 PM

Attitude is everything in life! Thanks bacquito... you have good attitude!

Ken Cooke - 11-13-2011 at 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Just to be clear... are you calling the government built RV park on Hwy. 1 the 'campground' that is (obviouisly) noisy... or the camping 'area' at Rancho Santa Ynez (3/4 mile off the highway)?

I am referring to the Rancho Santa Ynez campground - 3/4 mile off of the highway. It is noisy at night due to highway traffic that echos down the canyon when the night air is still. Trust me, you'll agree after one night.

Barry A. - 11-13-2011 at 07:02 PM

Hmmmmmmmm, Ken---different strokes for different folks. :lol:

We live about 1/2 block from a freeway and find the noise at night sorta like "white noise" and very soothing. :bounce:

Also, I like that wide open but very clean camp area at Sante Ynez. Can see in all directions and that is cool.

Barry

tripledigitken - 11-13-2011 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
That's it.... just a big empty field. In the other photo you can see the bathroom building for the campground, with the ranch in the distance.

that is a very ugly campground!

I guess that means that you won't be camping there?

Baja12valve - 11-13-2011 at 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja12valve
I agree. I don't go to Baja to camp in places like that. Yeah, maybe you don't need 4wd for 99% of the roads, but I have it and it gets me to the far better 1%.

Yup!

We go about 15 miles from Rancho Santa Ynez and camp here:

Of course, to get there... you do need 4WD, because here is the road between the ranch and the oasis:

Yup. Been there.

Ken Cooke - 11-13-2011 at 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Barry A.
Hmmmmmmmm, Ken---different strokes for different folks. :lol:

We live about 1/2 block from a freeway and find the noise at night sorta like "white noise" and very soothing. :bounce:

Also, I like that wide open but very clean camp area at Sante Ynez. Can see in all directions and that is cool.

Barry

I live near a freeway, but that doesn't mean that I prefer to.

Have you ever heard 18 wheelers use their jack brakes all night?

Wouldn't you rather drive another 20 minutes up a rugged trail and set up camp with all of that noise out of range? Hmmm?

Barry A. - 11-13-2011 at 09:41 PM

Sure I would, Ken, but I am just saying---------

Some of us like both experiences, so I am happy with either choice. Even as a kid I loved the sound of trains, and 18-wheelers doing "their thing". But I have to admit, when the crazies get out on the freeway at 2 am with their high-performance motorcycles and get to screaming, even I draw the line. :lol:

I normally just go with the flow---------and sleep like a baby, especially if the coyotes are a-houling!!! :yes:

barry

vgabndo - 11-13-2011 at 10:22 PM

On quiet nights in San Nicolas' I have heard jake brakes on the grade south of the Bahia Conception 11 km away. :lol:

No escape!

Santa Ynes has been, as this time in '08, a welcome simple, safe, pit stop on the way to BCS. I've never planned on the food. It has a scenic coefficient of about .oo5 as "campsites" go, but this wasn't camping. This was resting in a carefree place for me because my "co-drivers", having given Baja driving a first try, were happy to have me call them lightweights, sissies, flatlanders, or any manner of slur if I would only do all the driving! :no:

Skipjack Joe - 11-13-2011 at 11:07 PM

When on the road my favorite areas to camp are the dry riverbeds, the arroyos, because:

a) a firepit is so easy to build.
b) the rocks for the firepit are lined up along the sides of the arroyo
c) the best firewood is easily gotten along the edge by hiking up or down stream
d) the sand is so comfortable to lay in after a good meal.
e) the following morning a walk along the arroyo will reveal many of the birds and reptiles in the area (it's their favorite habitat).

The only problem is - you need a 4WD

David K - 11-14-2011 at 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
When on the road my favorite areas to camp are the dry riverbeds, the arroyos, because:

a) a firepit is so easy to build.
b) the rocks for the firepit are lined up along the sides of the arroyo
c) the best firewood is easily gotten along the edge by hiking up or down stream
d) the sand is so comfortable to lay in after a good meal.
e) the following morning a walk along the arroyo will reveal many of the birds and reptiles in the area (it's their favorite habitat).

The only problem is - you need a 4WD

DITTO!

ElCazadorAZ - 11-14-2011 at 06:19 PM

I know this place is on MY list. The campground, not the oasis (though it needs to be on the long-term list for obvious reasons). I'm driving a 3 ton Dodge 4X2 with a 5th wheel. The Blue Moose will get stuck in its own shadow.... H

DianaT - 11-14-2011 at 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ElCazadorAZ
I know this place is on MY list. The campground, not the oasis (though it needs to be on the long-term list for obvious reasons). I'm driving a 3 ton Dodge 4X2 with a 5th wheel. The Blue Moose will get stuck in its own shadow.... H

With your rig, it really is a good over-night place. Stayed there in 2005 when we had our little Egg.

Dang, I very often miss that rolling egg--very small and totally self-contained.

Oh, another positive for camping there with your rig is you have lots of room to turn around.

unbob - 12-18-2011 at 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bacquito
We enjoyed our time at Santa Inez

Us too! Seriously, it's a great stopover when traveling.

It's attributes: easy access, flat, open terrain, plenty of space (if you prefer, you can "hide-out" from other campers, friendly hosts, very, very quiet and peaceful (unlike previous posters, I've always found this "campground" very quiet and serene) - after all, it's about 3/4 mile off Hwy 1 and after 9pm or so there's almost no traffic on the highway.

Although the "campground" itself is pretty barren, the surrounding desert is quite beautiful and worth exploring.

Is it a resort? Hardly! Someplace you'd want to spend a week - not likely - but it is an excellent one-night stopover I highly recommend!

captkw - 12-18-2011 at 07:39 PM

sorry to disagree,most places you can get to without 4+4,,just gotta know the trik's..and that said ,,:we have a old saying in baja....IF your stuck with four wheel drive,,your lacking some off road skill's,and are on a learning curve at present time :lol:

TacoFeliz - 12-19-2011 at 12:02 AM

Four wheel drive just means you can get stuck farther away from civilization. :biggrin:

to taco

captkw - 12-19-2011 at 03:18 AM

"If you have never been stuck,you have never seen baja" sotra change's the day quikly and ya can meet the coolest/nicest folk's,,THAT's IF any are around...K&T :lol:

J.P. - 12-19-2011 at 04:33 PM

STUCK

Where I come from the rule is If the motor is still running and it will wiggel IT AIN'T STUCK. :lol:

TacoFeliz - 12-19-2011 at 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
"If you have never been stuck,you have never seen baja" sotra change's the day quikly and ya can meet the coolest/nicest folk's,,THAT's IF any are around...K&T :lol:

You are SOOOO right! :lol:

Getting stuck/meeting great Baja people

Ken Cooke - 12-19-2011 at 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
"If you have never been stuck,you have never seen baja" sotra change's the day quikly and ya can meet the coolest/nicest folk's,,THAT's IF any are around...K&T :lol:

Getting out of trouble...in 2001, Shell Island (this guy was asking for it!!!)

SAVED FROM THE SHELL ISLAND TIDES!! (David K w/some new friends)

David K - 12-19-2011 at 07:46 PM

That was the Miranda's (family and friends) from Mexicali... HotSchott's Chevy and a CJ Jeep both used their winches to save the Cherokee just as the high tide filling the lagoon, neared the Jeep's doorway.

There is no safe shortcut onto Shell Island! :light: