BajaNomad

First Timer seeks Advice

sail38n - 5-11-2015 at 11:15 AM

I am planning my first driving trip to Baja. Leaving from Sacramento to San Diego on May 21st or so. I have driven from Nogales to PV and back by myself a few years ago with no problem.
I am not familiar with Baja, just know that I want to drive all the way down to Cabo, then back to LaPaz, then ferry to Mazatlan.
I will be driving a AWD Acura MDX. I am planning on camping along way, sleeping in the SUV.
As I will be by myself, I would like to camp where I can be sure there are other people that I might camp close to and get to know.
I am also open to staying with people that live down there that have a extra room for a night or two along the way.
Will be traveling solo (unless somebody decides to join me for part or all of the trip).
After arriving in Mazatlan I will be heading down to LaCruz in the Bandaras bay area. From there I plan on heading back up to the US and continuing to Florida to visit relatives.
To me this is a trip of a lifetime and something I feel I need to do.
Budget is very tight.
Thanks for any input.

[Edited on 5-11-2015 by sail38n]

[Edited on 5-11-2015 by sail38n]

DENNIS - 5-11-2015 at 11:37 AM



Spend with pesos instead of dollars.

Don't drive at night.

Be vigilant and trust no one or nothing but your instincts.

Have a great trip.


Ohhh yeah....say Hi to Shari when you get to Asuncion. You can trust her.
She should be along here soon with an introduction.

Bob and Susan - 5-11-2015 at 12:56 PM

you need a temp import permit for the car if you are going to mainland...

im pretty sure they are only available at the border...don't leave home without it...it's a long drive back

nbacc - 5-11-2015 at 12:59 PM

Plenty of aqua for yourself and your car.......have your car looked at before you go and take one of those little battery chargers. We wish we had had one on our first trip nancy

sail38n - 5-11-2015 at 01:23 PM

Thanks for the input so far. I am aware of TIP, taking pesos, etc. I have spent a lot of time on the mainland, just not familiar with Baja. Really looking for advice on where to camp, etc.

Martyman - 5-11-2015 at 01:34 PM

The Baja Catch fishing book has led me to some great camping locations.

AKgringo - 5-11-2015 at 02:44 PM

My last trip on the mainland was in 2007. I love the west coast south of P.V., but I feel safer and more relaxed driving in Baja.
It is hard to recommend camping spots since it will depend more on where you are near the end of a day rather than a destination. I car camp most of the time and it has ranged from developed R.V. parks to isolated beaches, to a couple of Pemex stations when it got to late to look for a spot.
The one spot I would strongly recommend as you arrive in La Paz is Campestre Maranatha. They cater to group meeting and retreats, but have RV hookups, campsites, and even a few rooms. They have internet, laundry facilities, and even a pool, but mainly it is a great place to spread out, re-group, and get info for your next phase of the journey.
I am in Grass Valley, just a little north of you right now, if it works out, I could meet up with you somewhere convieniet to look over a map, and share my information. My last trip was in October and November, so it is fairly current.

Edit; You can use the U2U feature at the top of the page if you care to send a private message, or contact info.

[Edited on 5-11-2015 by AKgringo

Edit 2; If you haven't done so yet, check out the 'Trip Report' forum on this site. Lots of good info there, including the one on today's post by Pompano about Conception Bay, a place you really should check out!

[Edited on 5-11-2015 by AKgringo]

[Edited on 5-11-2015 by AKgringo]

Alm - 5-11-2015 at 04:03 PM

Where to camp.... Pretty much on any camp.

In some places you could camp on the beach - seemingly nobody's, but there is always some owner and they will collect. Beaches around Punta Chivato is one example. Use your common sense when doing this. There is a higher incidence of theft in such places, though open robberies are not likely - at least between Ensenada and Loreto. In tourist areas around La Paz I've heard some reports of armed robberies - hurricane Odille left a lot of people destitute.

List of camps: http://www.ontheroadin.com/Baja%202011/the%20Baja.htm - click on the area, zoom in, and then click on the camp (and on further links if there are any). Somewhat dated info, some camps are closed but still listed, and some are open but not listed - nothing unusual for Mexico.

You won't need a lot of camps between the border and La Paz - the entire stretch can be driven in 2 days, though you won't see much when doing it this way.

To me it would be at least 4 days. With the 1st stop somewhere waaay past Ensenada. Maybe Santo Tomas - there is one camp next to highway, on the left side. Or farther South, in San Quintin - many camps in the area, I like Posada Don Diego, quiet, though not particularly cheap at $20 because all sites are with electricity. In places like Rancho Santa Ines in Catavina (possible 2nd stop) you could camp for $8 or so - water, shade, no electricity.

Yes, pay in pesos if the price is in pesos. Many camps will quote in USD only, because most of the clientele are gringos. Some will quote in both USD and pesos, so then it's up to you.

Asuncion Bay is a little off the planned route.

"People with rooms" - I wouldn't know. Rooms that are professionally rented out, kind of semi-legal hotel, will likely cost like a hotel. A simple hotel starts from $16-20, depends on the area.

wilderone - 5-11-2015 at 04:05 PM

You mentioned you'd like to meet other people at the camping places, and you mention you are on a tight budget. One of the best things about Baja CA is the ability to camp free. Established campgrounds will cost you $5 - $12/nt. Multiply that by the number of days, and it adds up. You can't really count on locals with an extra room - that would be a fortunate happenstance. You could camp free for a week, then spend a little money on a nice campground with amenities, or an inexpensive hotel to clean up. Some of the larger towns have "rustic" accommodations that aren't expensive. Loreto has some fun places.

DianaT - 5-11-2015 at 04:36 PM

Be sure that if someone offers you hospitality that they are not in fact really looking to be paid. Some people are quick you invite someone to come and stay and forget to mention that they expect to be paid.

David K - 5-11-2015 at 04:41 PM

Have a tire pump (electric, that clips onto battery best) and a kit of tire plugs. The other reason is that sand is sometimes deep on back country desert and beach roads... or getting onto a beach for camping. AWD is fine, but most of us 4WDs just as much need to deflate the tires for sand driving or to get unstuck if you didn't deflate when leaving pavement. 10-15 psi on all 4 tires will get you over the sand with ease. If you have too much air, the tires will begin to spin and you move down instead of ahead. DON'T SPIN the tires, stop and deflate more, clear away any sand from in front of the tires so there is little resistance to roll ahead.

Read the many trip reports on that forum here on Nomad for an idea of what you want to see or do. Cabo is the END of Baja... not the beginning. Shari runs an Inn at Bahia Asuncion. If you like fishing, surfing, fossil hunting, small Mexican town charm... that may be the spot, all paved too.

The old California missions are a fascinating experience in this desert land, many are still functioning churches 100's of years after they were founded. Ruins of some that didn't survive intact are also along Hwy. 1. Plenty to read in the Nomad Baja Historic Interests forum here.

Some of the intact Spanish Missions, from north to south:

SAN BORJA (22 miles from Hwy. 1, graded road)


SANTA GERTRUDIS (40 miles from Hwy. 1, graded road)


SAN IGNACIO (on paved road in town just off Hwy. 1)


MULEGE (just off Hwy. 1)


LORETO (First California Mission, 1697, in center of town)


SAN JAVIER (on paved road 22 miles from Loreto, second CA Mission, 1699)

Bajahowodd - 5-11-2015 at 04:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bob and Susan  
you need a temp import permit for the car if you are going to mainland...

im pretty sure they are only available at the border...don't leave home without it...it's a long drive back


I'm pretty sure you can obtain one in La Paz.

Marc - 5-11-2015 at 05:31 PM

Make ferry reservations ahead online for a stateroom with a shower.
I had a TIP that was obtained in Sonora going the other way from Mazatlan to La Paz. I think you can get the permit in La Paz near the terminal. Be sure to check first. Have originals and copies of your drivers license, passport, US and Mexican auto insurance, registration, and if you are not the lien holder have permission in writing to take your vehicle into Mexico. You can redeem the permit going north in Sonora near Caborca or on the road to Nogales.
have a great trip.
YOUR BOAT

Alm - 5-11-2015 at 06:33 PM

Yeah... What David K said: Cabo is the end of Baja. In every possible way.

Keep in mind that there are no waterfront RV camps in general La Paz area, not anymore. I've "heard" one can still camp on Tecolote beach South of La Paz, can't say how legal or how safe.

You are going to sleep in your SUV - if this is a budget thing, then go all the way and make your own meals. Won't be as tasty as a in a good restaurant, but not all of them are "good", and savings are huge. It only takes a few minutes to re-heat a can of soup or make a pasta. All you need is a camping stove and 2 pots, one for meals and one for coffee/tea. Carry a 2*5-gal jars of water, so that you can refill one at will. Bring a small tarp and 2 telescopic poles to make a shady patio at the wall of SUV. Baja is arid, camps often don't have any shade.

Ateo - 5-11-2015 at 07:03 PM

Which coast do you prefer to camp on? Help us narrow it down. Have fun. I did a similar trip in the 90's and made it to Oaxaca. I remember getting my truck paperwork in La Paz.

BajaBlanca - 5-11-2015 at 07:32 PM

Hi! wish we were going to be in town, but we are about to head off to Europe.

Camping is free here in La Bocana, if you want to get off the beaten path heading south from Bahia Asuncion 1.5 hours. Must warn, it gets
windy.

For $5 you can shower and use our internet.

The locals are very friendly - ask for Juanchy - ask for Joaquin _ ask for Domingo (the only one who speaks English).


Have a wonderful time fulfilling your dream.

Skipjack Joe - 5-12-2015 at 04:13 AM

It's going to be hot during the days. Plan on sandwiches for lunches. You don't want to do any cooking in mid day. If you're going to camp off the highway always carry several gallons of water in case of breakdown. Camping close to highway can be unsafe. You just don't know. I would stay at rancho St Ynez for $8. The gas spent driving around looking for a spot will cost you half of that. San Lucas Cove is another option near Santa Rosalia. Don't know what it costs now. It's on the water.

Camping off the graded dirt roads is safer than off the main highway I feel. There are few camping opportunities off hwy 1 until you get south of El Rosario. The highway south of San Felipe has better spots but you are then committed to 40 miles of dirt road. There are spots on the beach and good desert camping south of Gonzaga. Look for spots well before dark because it's not just a simple matter of pulling off the hwy. Those days are gone. Start searching by 6 pm.

DENNIS - 5-12-2015 at 06:53 AM



Free camping is wonderful, but times have changed. It's a bad idea to isolate yourself anywhere.

willyAirstream - 5-12-2015 at 06:55 AM

Contact me when you get to Mulege and I will show you several free camping places.

David K - 5-12-2015 at 07:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Skipjack Joe  
It's going to be hot during the days. Plan on sandwiches for lunches. You don't want to do any cooking in mid day. If you're going to camp off the highway always carry several gallons of water in case of breakdown. Camping close to highway can be unsafe. You just don't know. I would stay at rancho St Ynez for $8. The gas spent driving around looking for a spot will cost you half of that. San Lucas Cove is another option near Santa Rosalia. Don't know what it costs now. It's on the water.

Camping off the graded dirt roads is safer than off the main highway I feel. There are few camping opportunities off hwy 1 until you get south of El Rosario. The highway south of San Felipe has better spots but you are then committed to 40 miles of dirt road. There are spots on the beach and good desert camping south of Gonzaga. Look for spots well before dark because it's not just a simple matter of pulling off the hwy. Those days are gone. Start searching by 6 pm.


The reports are the dirt part is now 23 miles... 10 miles north of Coco's to Hwy. 1.

sail38n - 5-12-2015 at 12:30 PM

Once again, thanks all for the great information. I have read each and every word. I am not a new traveller and know most of the stuff about visa'a, tourist cards, car TIP, Ferry info, etc.
This will be my first time camping in my car. Kinda nervous, but very excited.
I will be crossing the border on the 22nd of May. Coming from Northern California.
I do have room if anybody needs a ride and can share expenses.
Thanks again.

Alm - 5-12-2015 at 01:41 PM

Don't be nervous. "Camping in a car" is basically sleeping in there. You do cooking on a small stool outside, or on tailgate. Yeah, sandwiches for lunch - but good sandwich requires perishables like ham, cheese (it's melting), salad etc. Without fridge, you might want to carry energy bars like Cliff, Powerbar etc.

Sleeping in a car isn't anything special if you ever slept in palapa or tent. Leave windows open in the night, just a crack - if you're on the populated camp (and if there are no mosquitoes).

The biggest challenge for sleeping in my old Suburban was making a sleeping space. Not from the "stuff" - I don't carry too much - but from the rear "coach". Darn coach had to be released from the floor anchors and turned sideways.

Camps in San Lucas Cove near Sta Rosalia cost from $10 in the biggest one right across the village center - to $8 in the smallest one Dos Amigos, 3km further South, past military base. I would suggest the first one - cleaner, better showers, and oddly - quieter than Dos Amigos. There is no swimm-able beach in either one, it's a shallow muddy lagoon.

You can - probably - camp for under $10 even in resort areas like Loreto. The last camp to the South - I think it's called Loreto Shores - is all plain and dusty $$$ hook-ups for RV's, but it has a cheap tenting area in the shade. Or used to have.

Those ferries are darn expensive, few times more than a plane ticket to mainland.

[Edited on 5-12-2015 by Alm]

Check U2U

AKgringo - 5-15-2015 at 05:44 PM

Arland, I replied to your U2U a few days ago. Did you get it?

sail38n - 5-19-2015 at 09:44 AM

Well, my trip has been delayed a few days. Last Wednesday while getting a few supplies for my trip, my car was hit by a young lady not paying attention. Now my car is in the body shop getting repaired. Should be ready late this week, then the trip can start. It amazes me that a small hit on the right rear wheel can cause so much damage to suspension. Oh well, the universe works in strange ways.

Skipjack Joe - 5-29-2015 at 08:22 PM

Yes, the universal joint moves in mysterious ways.

Skipjack Joe - 5-29-2015 at 08:32 PM

In case you haven't left. Here is what it will be like in at least north/central baja.

005_3.jpg - 181kB

Maron - 5-29-2015 at 09:28 PM

In our experience, the universe acts in our favor. Encourage you to accept and embrace its actions.

Be safe