BajaNomad - Help Planning a Baja Camping Trip (8 Days)

Help Planning a Baja Camping Trip (8 Days)

barukinzs - 7-10-2015 at 04:54 PM

Hello everyone,

First time to Baja...I'm looking for a trip to build memories with my family. We are leaving July 17th and are planning on crossing into Mexico at the Tijuana border.

Here's some background information. I have a wife and 2 daughters (10 & 3 yr old). All of which will be coming with me. We will be in a 1998 Land Rover Discovery I, 2" lift and BFG All-Terrrain tires, winch and roof top tent. My 3 yr old have been camping with us since she was 8 months old.

So, can any one recommend on routes to take, good places/areas to camp, swimming and places to avoid? My first thought was to drive as far south as possible the first day and eventually base camp at Bahia Concepcion.

FWIW me and the wife are originally from the Philippine Island.

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Jeff

[Edited on 7-10-2015 by barukinzs]

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by barukinzs]

ADCELAND - 7-10-2015 at 05:03 PM

Hi Barukinz,
I am Adriano, I am Italian and I live in Baja...
Well I hope you will discover a really magical palce during your trip....
About the place you can see my last post where I present my travel App....
About your trip I recommend you that Baja can be a magical place but it's a little hard place... always travel with water at edge and gasolina.....
Your family needs all your care....

welcome to the forum

AKgringo - 7-10-2015 at 05:17 PM

Barukinz, Bahia Conception is a great place, but I have never been there in July. There are nice spots on the Pacific side that should be much cooler, but you might handle heat better than I do.

I suggest that you go back to the home page, and read through trip reports from other nomads. There is a lot of information there that might help you with your planning.

Good luck on your trip, I am sure your family will love it!

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by AKgringo]

David K - 7-10-2015 at 05:23 PM

Have a look at my 2012 Trip report... it was a 15 day trip, so you may cut the distance down to make the Loreto area the southern end:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=61576

Sounds like you are campers and four wheelers... perfect!

You will get lots of advice, but no matter what you plan on doing, remain FLEXIBLE and change as you go depending on what you find and like!

My web site is designed to help folks plan on places to go and see in Baja, with an emphasis on history and geology (missions, mines, canyons, springs, etc.): http://vivabaja.com

bajabuddha - 7-10-2015 at 07:22 PM

The entire east side of the peninsula will be hotter than the gates of Hades during that period; you'll all be miserably hot, and your 3 y.o. can be in jeopardy of heat stroke; kids' inner-thermometers are much more fragile than adults (that's advice from a former EMT). Think west coast, be cool, keep cool. Save your Concepcion experience for more temperate.... and safer months. Asuncion, Campo Rene, Tortuga, lots to see and do and not suffer. There's camping, there's roughing it, and then there's just pure misery. I'm not being prejudiced either, Bahia Concepcion was my home away from home for years. Have a good, safe and comfortable trip.

bajasusan/a - 7-10-2015 at 07:57 PM

I vote for NEVER driving more than 6 hours in a day if you can help it, and that's easy to do in a camper. For the first time, why not just stick to Highway One (keeping to the Pacific side, as suggested) and the paved roads off of it? And not try to get further than your hearts tell you, because that's half the point of the Baja -- NO RUSHING, and as little accomplishing as possible! Head for Bahia Asuncion, stay at Shari Bondy's campground on the beach, and you may not want to go further south this time...

dtbushpilot - 7-10-2015 at 08:13 PM

Welcome to Nomads barukinzs.
I have camped at Bahia Conception 1 1/2 times in July. The first time was at Playa Buenaventura, I left my camper there and fled to Loreto after the first night to a motel with AC. The second time I took the camper around to Punta Conception, set up camp and got in the water to cool off. The water was hot enough to make spaghetti, my wife wasn't having fun and when the dog started wailing from burning her feet on the sand I loaded everything up and headed to the same hotel in Loreto. Don't go there in July, you won't enjoy yourself. Lots of nice places on the pacific side this time of year, the gulf is a beautiful place but save it for winter, you'll be glad you did.

Ateo - 7-10-2015 at 08:16 PM

Desolation? Surf? Swim? Fishing? What do you guys like to do when camping? I wouldn't camp on the Sea of Cortez this time of year. I tried to spend an extra day in Mulege last year around this time and said screw that! We bailed for the Pacific ASAP. Anyways, kudos to you for taking the family. It will be a trip you will never forget.

BajaDanD - 7-10-2015 at 11:08 PM

head to Asuncion and visit Shari. The Sea of cortez side will be way to hot for a 3 yr old. I used to go to Loreto every July to fish 110F with the water around 90F Conception Bay wont be any different. once while in Bay Of LA the wind came in at sun down and the temp went up 10 degrees by 10:00pm to around 105F. The Pacific side of the peninsula stays a lot cooler Shari has a great camp ground we camp there often Asuncion is a great little town with plenty to do around there.
Good luck.

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by BajaDanD]

redhilltown - 7-10-2015 at 11:48 PM

Greetings! You will have a great time but I agree with many of the posts as to the heat of the Cortez...not that you shouldn't experience it, but as the end game it may be too much this time of year for a young family. I love Puerto Santo Tomas as a first night...a nice short drive from the border and a beautiful farming valley that spills out onto the (cool) Pacific ocean...you can google this place or U2U me for more info.

You have the right rig and the right attitude! And maybe if from the Philippines you can stand the heat and humidity! Please report back.

David K - 7-11-2015 at 02:35 AM

edm1 (Art) and his wife are from the Philippines and had a wonderful July trip report in 2011. Here are a couple of his photo-filled posts of La Paz to Cabo part:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55945

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55984

My wife and I are from California, and July is our favorite time on the Sea of Cortez side, and children grow up living there, and my kids had no bad times camping in July either. Who wants cold air and cold water?

However, if it is too hot or humid on your trip, Baja is still perfect because it has a Pacific (cold current) coast too... and there are cold and foggy options in Baja Norte, as well! The Seven Sisters coast is remote, best traveled in a 4WD, and offers countless beach camping opportunities. In Baja Sur, the summer fog disappears and the coast is pleasant. Bahia Asuncion is a possibility and Shari is a wonderful host there (see my 2012 and 2007 photos there), but it is a town, now on a paved road.

Here is a little on the Seven Sisters (I call the Distant Pacific) and more from 2007 (a Land Rover LR3 was with us there): http://vivabaja.com/707/

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 09:41 AM

Nomads, Thank you Thank you Thank you!! Lots of great sounding suggestions here, we'll have an inflatable Kayak or SUP as well so I appreciate the ideas on water fun. Being from the island myself, I know what 110 temp feels. When we were kids we used to hang out at the local beach all day with no clothes, no sun screens and just coconut trees or whatever shrubs we can find for shade but with a 3 yr old in tow that would require a different approach. The good thing with this trip is we are extremely flexible and open as far as our itinerary. I guess it is important to note that we want this trip to be a mixture of dispersed camping at the beach (no electricity, toilet and water preferred but established campground is fine too) and we also want to experience the locals. My wife speaks good spanish and I'm very good at sign language

As for Bahia Concepcion/Sea of Cortes side, it's going to be a wait and see approach with lots of common sense.

Wife's interests: fresh seafoods, farmers market, local plaza, beach and margarita

Me: Local history, Missions, beer, off the beaten path trails that leads to a nice pano view. no rock crawling please since we are running solo and I would like to try the local free diving/spear fishing by myself or with a local guide.

Kids: nice sandy beach (warm and cold), collecting rocks, star gazing and playing with other kids. My 10 yr old is very sensitive to mosquitos and pretty much all insect bites.

Thank you again!! I'm looking forward to comparing these ideas with my maps!

Cheers,
Jeff

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by barukinzs]

Ateo - 7-11-2015 at 10:02 AM

I bet you would enjoy camping at San Juanico. You can camp outside of town to be alone, or in town at the campgrounds, where last time I checked they had bathrooms, some water, and a great view. You can find them on Facebook if you search for "Scorpion Bay". If you don't like surfers then avoid this spot. Nice big sandy beach for the kids, fresh seafood, supplies in town. Desolate but not too desolate, depending on which way you come in. A beautiful drive. A long sandy beach to go on drives and look for panoramic perfection. No mosquitos that I can think of. Warm days. Perfect water temperature.

May be a little far for an 8 day trip though? 2 days driving time to get there.

If not enough time, I would recommend the Vizcaino area and go see Shari in Asuncion. Good camping, nice weather, nice views, fresh everything, and she can point you in any direction yo may be interested in.

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by Ateo]

bajasusan/a - 7-11-2015 at 10:29 AM

hope this doesnt count as a "classified" since it's not for me, but could not resist showing what we are talking about when we say "go to shari's" ...
http://bahiaasuncionmexico.com/2010/06/30/campo-sirena-on-th...

bajabuddha - 7-11-2015 at 10:36 AM

I'd suggest packing a couple or 4 cans of OFF spray just in case... the last few years have seen moisture, which breeds skeeters, and there have been outbreaks of Dengue fever in summer/fall. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 10:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabuddha

I'd suggest packing a couple or 4 cans of OFF spray just in case... the last few years have seen moisture, which breeds skeeters, and there have been outbreaks of Dengue fever in summer/fall. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

Yes..we don't go outdoors without them and we also use mosquito repelling incense and patches. Now the Degue tho

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 11:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajasusan/a

hope this doesnt count as a "classified" since it's not for me, but could not resist showing what we are talking about when we say "go to shari's" ...
http://bahiaasuncionmexico.com/2010/06/30/campo-sirena-on-th...

Thank you Susan! I'll be checking Asuncion area/Shari's most likely. Seems like they have a pretty cool set-up there.

AKgringo - 7-11-2015 at 11:17 AM

Aside from the fact that mosquitoes MAY carry dengue fever, a few bites never bother me much. Those tiny black gnats (no seeums, bobo's, jejene's, whatever) are another story. Before I even know they are there, I have a bite that usually swell and itches and takes a long time to heal!

If your son is sensitive to bites, watch out for the gnats even more than mosquitoes. Ask a doctor what to give your son for an antihistamine if he is prone to swelling and inflammation.

My favorite places on Baja are on the Sea of Cortez side, but that is where I have had more problems with bugs.

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 11:18 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

I bet you would enjoy camping at San Juanico. .

May be a little far for an 8 day trip though? 2 days driving time to get there.

If not enough time, I would recommend the Vizcaino area and go see Shari in Asuncion. Good camping, nice weather, nice views, fresh everything, and she can point you in any direction yo may be interested in.

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by Ateo]

Ah San Juanico..Thank you! seems pretty chill place to base camp. I assumed the most direct route would be coming from the north/San Ignacio?

We can stay a of couple days or 3 if need be.

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 11:24 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

edm1 (Art) and his wife are from the Philippines and had a wonderful July trip report in 2011. Here are a couple of his photo-filled posts of La Paz to Cabo part:

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55945

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=55984

My wife and I are from California, and July is our favorite time on the Sea of Cortez side, and children grow up living there, and my kids had no bad times camping in July either. Who wants cold air and cold water?

However, if it is too hot or humid on your trip, Baja is still perfect because it has a Pacific (cold current) coast too... and there are cold and foggy options in Baja Norte, as well! The Seven Sisters coast is remote, best traveled in a 4WD, and offers countless beach camping opportunities. In Baja Sur, the summer fog disappears and the coast is pleasant. Bahia Asuncion is a possibility and Shari is a wonderful host there (see my 2012 and 2007 photos there), but it is a town, now on a paved road.

Here is a little on the Seven Sisters (I call the Distant Pacific) and more from 2007 (a Land Rover LR3 was with us there): http://vivabaja.com/707/

Thank you David! your trip reports and pictures inspires me. Let me know if by any chance you get lost and find interest in the PI islands.

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by barukinzs]

David K - 7-11-2015 at 11:27 AM

The direct route, and there are choices... do not use the salt flat route in periods of full or new moon.

The inland graded road or the more inland high road are very rough and slow... but beat sinking into the mud (as seen in the recently posted 1972 video of Baja, Part 2).

There is a paved highway to San Juanico from the south, via Las Barrancas.

Edit: Thank you for the Philippine Island assistance offer!!! I wish I could take Baja Angel around the world!

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by David K]

barukinzs - 7-11-2015 at 11:33 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

Aside from the fact that mosquitoes MAY carry dengue fever, a few bites never bother me much. Those tiny black gnats (no seeums, bobo's, jejene's, whatever) are another story. Before I even know they are there, I have a bite that usually swell and itches and takes a long time to heal!

If your son is sensitive to bites, watch out for the gnats even more than mosquitoes. Ask a doctor what to give your son for an antihistamine if he is prone to swelling and inflammation.

My favorite places on Baja are on the Sea of Cortez side, but that is where I have had more problems with bugs.

Thank you for pointing this out. We do bring over the counter antihistamine with us all the time but it is a good idea to check with the dr for a more effective stuff. My daughter is also prone to swelling

[Edited on 7-11-2015 by barukinzs]

David K - 7-11-2015 at 11:47 AM

They do not have epi-pens in Mexico, so I strongly advise you bring at least one with you, if there is an allergy. Does Costco still have the two packs of them?

My son had bee allergy when he was 12-20... no longer it seems.

I have been stung twice by "Africanized Bees" while camping in Baja back around 2006, when they were moving north through Baja... they left my wife alone! Oh, almost forgot... I got attacked again by them just north of Coco's Corner in 2012 when I was fixing a flat tire. LOL They are just very aggressive and will seek you out, unlike European bees.

bajabuddha - 7-11-2015 at 03:59 PM

Epi-Pens are for people with severe allergies who go into anaphylactic shock when stung, as in can't breathe and the allergy is life-threatening. You don't just 'buy' one OTC. Use either Benadryl (diphenhydramine geneneric) or Chlortrimatine (sp?). Epi-Pens are serious business; there's a difference between excessive swelling of the bite area and your throat swelling shut... Also, you can get 'sting-kits' with the ingredients in them in the way of cream or spray.

Also talk with a nurse or a doctor, or even your local pharmacist (I prefer this) about what to give kids.... most OTC antihistamines are for 12 and over. A former gal-friend gave a Benadryl to her 8 y.o. daughter once, and the kid hallucinated for 4 hours. I'd suggest an ointment or spray for the young-uns for nasty bites, but NEVER an Epi unless it's really serious.

David K - 7-11-2015 at 04:23 PM

As I said IF there is an allergy, and it requires a doctor's prescription as it is a controlled drug. It is common in the U.S. but NOT avaliable in Mexico. That is why I brought it up IF there is an allergy.

woody with a view - 7-11-2015 at 04:40 PM

Areas to avoid? As soon as you cross the border I would avoid it like the plague and just keep heading south! Your mileage may vary but the good times await.

Whatever you do you must post up a trip report at the end of your excursion. Include photos or it didn't happen!

redhilltown - 7-11-2015 at 04:46 PM

...and always always ALWAYS "coyote proof" your camp at night! Especially if on more desolate beach areas...they are thirsty and they WANT your water...and they WILL get it! Even if you are sleeping nearby. I am sure all Nomads have a horror story or two...or three...my Coleman Extreme cooler still has teeth marks where (I guess), one coyote opened the cooler and another took out some nice fresh Sierra fillets. They will chew through the plastic on the two gallon water containers from the market...or simply drag them away and then deal with it. As you go to bed at night look at your camp and think "now, if I was a hungry and thirsty coyote?". Not that I don't love the little rascals...they are hard core survivors.

bajabuddha - 7-11-2015 at 05:38 PM

True, Red, true... AND the two-legged variety, and skunks, and mice (dog food especially)...

AKgringo - 7-11-2015 at 08:55 PM

Barukinzs, I am sure you are familiar with jelly fish stings from your Philippine beach days. You may encounter them in Baja as well. I carry a clear topical pain reliever (purchased in Mexico) that works well. I believe the Spanish word for jelly fish is malagua (bad water?)

Enough horror stories. The important thing is to just do it! When I was your son's age, my parents took me and my siblings to mainland Mexico, in 1957 and 1959, and the memories of those trips are some of the most vivid and enjoyable of my life.

[Edited on 7-12-2015 by AKgringo]

shari - 7-12-2015 at 08:37 AM

Hola Barukinzs and welcome to the sandbox here! We look forward to your visit...families like our camp as it is at the beach, very safe and lots of kids to play with on the beach...as well as great shore fishing right in front. Your kids can play, ride horses, swim, surf and everything is a short walk from camp. The weather is very nice...not too hot and the water is warm enough to swim in...heading to the beach right now with my grandson in tow!

BajaDanD - 7-12-2015 at 10:41 AM

I wish we were there right now Shari Last year in July I caught that Big white Sea bass there. Love the campground and the town. Hands down our favorite place in Baja Just wish it wasn't so far.
Heading down to san felipe next weekend.

BajaBlanca - 7-12-2015 at 10:48 PM

welcome to our group! a first timer is going to have wonderful stories to tell!

from what you wrote, perhaps start at Bahia asuncion and venture out and then probably head right back there!

Bahia concepcion is one of the most beautiful beaches you wlll ever see, but in the hots summer months with wife and kids ???? nahhhhhhh

you mention diving and you can probably dive in asuncion and Mulege (too hot this time of year) has diving too, I believe.

have fun - remind your wife that it is an adventure - and post a trip report after, please.

shari - 7-13-2015 at 08:05 AM

This area of central baja is a good place to call home and then do day trips from here. FYI...we have a compressor for filling your dive tanks and gear too. It is one of the few places you can be this time of year and enjoy being outside...not too hot.

wilderone - 7-13-2015 at 09:12 PM

"Wife's interests: fresh seafoods, farmers market, local plaza, beach and margarita.
Me: Local history, Missions, beer, off the beaten path trails that leads to a nice pano view"
With the children, I'd compromise and add a few nights of air conditioned hotel. Loreto is a nice town and some inexpensive rooms. Drive up to the mission; drive down the coast and return to air conditioned room.
Also, you would like Rancho Leonero - great snorkling right out front; fishing; meals provided with room. A little pricey, but put it on a credit card and make those memories.

David K - 7-14-2015 at 12:45 AM

The great secret of Baja is that it mostly under 100 miles across from the cold ocean to the hot gulf water... Move around, see the ranches, the old missions and visitas... It has everything the camper in a 4WD will love!

Tomas Tierra - 7-15-2015 at 11:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by barukinzs

Quote: Originally posted by Ateo

Ah San Juanico..Thank you! seems pretty chill place to base camp. I assumed the most direct route would be coming from the north/San Ignacio?

We can stay a of couple days or 3 if need be.

If you do take the north road in to San Jaunico, there is some great mangrove camping in the middle of nowhere near "el Datil"... Great exploring around there

AKgringo - 7-15-2015 at 04:54 PM

Barukinzs, It sounds like you are going to do the road from San Ignacio to San Juanico. Good choice, but keep updated on tropical storm Dolores! If any significant rainfall hits the coast, conditions can get bad in a hurry.

You should be passing through there during moderate tides, but it takes a while for some of those salt flats to tighten up after the higher tides the week before. Also, I don't know if the area is subject to storm surge from an off shore storm, but I would ask localy about conditions.

One other caution, as I found out last year, drifting sand from a strong onshore wind can drift enough sand to disguise the main road, and hide boggy spots. And I was following the SCORE Baja 1000 course markers! That was the area north of Datile that was mentioned. Getting stuck was still fun though! (self recovery is satisfying)

[Edited on 7-15-2015 by AKgringo]

Baja or Bust!

barukinzs - 7-28-2015 at 11:58 AM

Just got back from a 10 day camping trip to Baja. So many places to explore, so little time... Thank you fellow nomads!!

Our little spot in Agua Verde agua verde.jpg - 40kB

elgatoloco - 7-28-2015 at 12:30 PM

Stingray shuffle!

:saint:

Tomas Tierra - 7-28-2015 at 12:33 PM

Did you find the cave paintings just above that campsite??

How about the little beach just around the point in your pic?

So pretty there!!

more pics please!!!

TT

Tomas Tierra - 7-28-2015 at 12:35 PM

On review of your pic.... Im talking about a different spot north of you there...

I like you're spot better!

TT

barukinzs - 7-28-2015 at 12:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by elgatoloco

Stingray shuffle!

:saint:

ah yes... but fortunately the rays were good to us. They must have sensed our islander blood.

barukinzs - 7-28-2015 at 12:45 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

Did you find the cave paintings just above that campsite??

How about the little beach just around the point in your pic?

So pretty there!!

more pics please!!!

TT

Unfortunately we didn't get a chance to explore the cave paintings. I couldn't get the kids off the water.

elgatoloco - 7-28-2015 at 12:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by barukinzs

Quote: Originally posted by elgatoloco

Stingray shuffle!

:saint:

ah yes... but fortunately the rays were good to us. They must have sensed our islander blood.

We camped next to that tree on our honeymoon in 1999. AV is still near the top of a very long list of favorite places in Baja. Good times!

barukinzs - 7-28-2015 at 12:57 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

On review of your pic.... Im talking about a different spot north of you there...

I like you're spot better!

TT

There were other camp spot options that seemed to be ideal but we got there a bit late so we decided to get close to the village. Our camp site had shades and easy access for bail out if needed.

shari - 7-28-2015 at 03:10 PM

close to this spot is my ALL time favorite camp spot...and I camp alot! We go there as there arent many...if any where we were...sting rays. Did you see any? What's new in the village?

barukinzs - 7-28-2015 at 05:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

close to this spot is my ALL time favorite camp spot...and I camp alot! We go there as there arent many...if any where we were...sting rays. Did you see any? What's new in the village?

Hello Shari,

First of all, thank you for offering your place to us to camp out and sending somebody to check on our truck (we ended up fixing it on our own). As much as we wanted to stay one more night at Asuncion, last minute change of plans had us wanting to check out Bahia de Los Angeles.

We fell in love with Agua Verde..indeed a magical place and something very similar to our homeland the PI. No stingrays and the beach is perfect for the kids. I've never been to Agua Verde until now so, I can't tell you what is new there.

Cheers!

Jeff

shari - 7-28-2015 at 05:22 PM

glad you got it fixed Jeff...I have fond memories of my daughter Sirena when she was a toddler running naked down that beach in all her glory! a wonderful place for kids indeed!