BajaNomad - Where to go camping

Where to go camping

Bajaboy - 12-8-2018 at 09:53 AM

Hey Nomads,

Trying to figure out where I want to go camping in a few weeks and looking to you for ideas. We'll be leaving from our place in Bahia Asuncion shortly after Christmas. We have a couple of weeks to play with but probably 5-7 days is most likely. I am a seasoned Baja traveler with plenty of miles of experience. I'll be driving a 4wd Tacoma.

Initially I was thinking about heading down to Loreto and crossing over to La Purisima and camping at San Gregorio/La Bocana. I camped there years back and loved it.

Another thought was to head out to San Sebastian and poke around there. I stayed a night there years ago as well.

I recall a few people telling me about a place east of Tres Virgenes but I don't recall a name. It was on the Cortez.

Anyways, I appreciate your input and suggestions.

Zac

Pacifico - 12-8-2018 at 10:08 AM

Asuncion! :lol:

Seriously, maybe Agua Verde? I've always wanted to check out San Sebastian and the surrounding area.

Bajaboy - 12-8-2018 at 10:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Pacifico

Asuncion!

Seriously, maybe Agua Verde? I've always wanted to check out San Sebastian and the surrounding area.

Funny, I proposed to my wife on Christmas morning in Agua Verde many moons ago. I'd like to go back and check out the place.

tobias - 12-8-2018 at 10:17 AM

I have been meaning to check out San Sebastian for years. Exchanged a few emails with the owner of what I think is almost everything from there to Loreto. Seems like a nice guy. He says they still have plenty of lots available to lease. Pretty sure it would be ok to camp nearby but I have never actually been out there. Photos of the area are pretty impressive.

AKgringo - 12-8-2018 at 10:35 AM

One of my Baja trips was a "drive about", with no more than one night at any location. One of the places I have wanted to return to is Las Animas, south of B.O.L.A.

I had the place to myself when I was there, but over the Christmas holiday, you may have company! As I found out later, I was within a day or two of sharing the beach with David K on one of his "drive abouts"! (Trip report #insert number)

David K - 12-8-2018 at 11:19 AM

I can't help but remember how often you went to San Rafael for camping.
Pancho will be really missed.
Punta Chivato has some beach camping spots, Russ can add.
I thought Santa Ines beach, just south was beautiful. San Juanico and San Basilio is just south of San Sebastian, as well. Lots of pictures in my Trip #2 report.
In Baja, it's all good, man!

tobias - 12-8-2018 at 11:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I can't help but remember how often you went to San Rafael for camping.
Pancho will be really missed.
Punta Chivato has some beach camping spots, Russ can add.
I thought Santa Ines beach, just south was beautiful. San Juanico and San Basilio is just south of San Sebastian, as well. Lots of pictures in my Trip #2 report.
In Baja, it's all good, man!

Is it possible to drive from Basilio to Sebastian?

mtgoat666 - 12-8-2018 at 11:33 AM

Try a Central baja camp trip.
Couple days on remote beach north of BOLA area, couple days in the hills NE of Catavina, couple days on seven sisters coast.

Animas was scary when we peeked in

thebajarunner - 12-8-2018 at 11:45 AM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo

One of my Baja trips was a "drive about", with no more than one night at any location. One of the places I have wanted to return to is Las Animas, south of B.O.L.A.

I had the place to myself when I was there, but over the Christmas holiday, you may have company! As I found out later, I was within a day or two of sharing the beach with David K on one of his "drive abouts"! (Trip report #insert number)

I agree with your general plan, we did that earlier this year and had a great trip. I wrote it up under my "Chasing the Warriors around Baja" thread.

But a couple years ago we drove into Animas en route to San Francisquito.
Honest.... it was the spookiest place I ever visited in Baja.
The banjos were playing the "Deliverance" theme at full volume.
The "inhabitants" looked like a scene from the original Star Wars bar.

Maybe we just hit a bad time, but we beat feet outta there in a hurry.

TMW - 12-8-2018 at 11:59 AM

If you like isolation and you've never been to Timbabichi I suggest taking a run out there. A couple of nice beaches especially to the north. Visit with family members that built the Hacienda there. Interesting history. The drive down the mountain going in and out is interesting but not for the faint of heart.

thebajarunner - 12-8-2018 at 03:01 PM

Timbabichi is a little out of our normal range. Although this year we did make it as far as San Ignacio for an afternoon before going up to Campo Rene. (another thread, and a big disappointment for us)

Remote camping..... we went up to Isla Tortugas and then on to camp on the bluffs past Punta Falsa this year. Remote, gorgeous, and a fascinating tour of the abalone research and breeding station. Great views of Isla Cedros

We also have a favorite spot for remote camping out around Coco.
It is sort of a "Little Catavina" but it is so fragile that I don't post the location here. Last time in there some idiot had burned a bunch of truck radial tires in the prime camping area. Anyone wanting more info can contact me one on one via U2U for directions.

[Edited on 12-8-2018 by thebajarunner]

David K - 12-8-2018 at 03:12 PM

I am enjoying reading your posts, DH!

thebajarunner - 12-8-2018 at 05:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I am enjoying reading your posts, DH!

Assume that was aimed at me...if so thanks

Yeah, we need to post more on Baja and less on personal junk

Isn't that why we are here???

David K - 12-8-2018 at 06:24 PM

Exactly. Baja trip stories, Baja history stories, Baja fishing, surfing, hiking, off roading, and then some q&a too.

tobias - 12-8-2018 at 06:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Exactly. Baja trip stories, Baja history stories, Baja fishing, surfing, hiking, off roading, and then some q&a too.

That sounds like an awesome website! got a link? :lol:

Bajaboy - 12-9-2018 at 06:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Yes David, we've camp there many times and have so many fond memories of Pancho. We have a great framed picture of him at our casita.

I'll definitely take another look at your trip. Thanks!

Bajaboy - 12-9-2018 at 06:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

If you like isolation and you've never been to Timbabichi I suggest taking a run out there. A couple of nice beaches especially to the north. Visit with family members that built the Hacienda there. Interesting history. The drive down the mountain going in and out is interesting but not for the faint of heart.

I'd love to head out there. I'll wait to head out there until I have a buddy vehicle, though. El Gato Loco want to check it out?

shari - 12-9-2018 at 07:38 AM

the thing about AGua Verde is it is just soooo far...it's a very full day to get there if you leave at first light in order to find a good campspot before dark...and a full day back so if you only have 5 days it's not much time.
Have you been up to San Miguel de Comondu? It isnt a beach but is such a fascinating place to spend a couple days too.
Its cold over on the gulf side this time of year...there are some nice spots to camp on the Pacside near SAn Juanico too.

Bajaboy - 12-9-2018 at 07:46 AM

Quote: Originally posted by shari

the thing about AGua Verde is it is just soooo far...it's a very full day to get there if you leave at first light in order to find a good campspot before dark...and a full day back so if you only have 5 days it's not much time.
Have you been up to San Miguel de Comondu? It isnt a beach but is such a fascinating place to spend a couple days too.
Its cold over on the gulf side this time of year...there are some nice spots to camp on the Pacside near SAn Juanico too.

Yes, we have been there but it's been 10 years of so. San Gregorio/La Bocana is just west of there as the river flows to the ocean. I'm kind of leaning of going there. It's such a beautiful area.

[Edited on 12-9-2018 by Bajaboy]

Tomas Tierra - 12-10-2018 at 07:03 PM

If you rip down the beach from San Juanico towards Gregorio, there is a cool spot just before the tide pools start by Gregorio. Up in the dunes. Yu can still walk to the tide pools and point to fish halibuts and snooks. .takes a little to get up into the dunes, but it sure is nice

Sounds fun! Lots of good stuff in that area

Skipjack Joe - 12-10-2018 at 07:31 PM

The weather seems to be more stable on the Pacific side at this time of year than the Cortez side. It can blow 15-20 on the Cortez several days before calming down and ruin the camping of a 5 day trip. If you hit it right Sebastian or San Basilio can be heavenly. I would have a backup plan and make a decision based upon wind forecasts.

There are some nice beaches north of BOLA, Punts Final had a nice camping beach, Calamajue has a nice isolated cove on the south side, the opposite shore of Concepcion is supposed to be good with a dirt road that crosses to the Cortez for total isolation.

Bajaboy - 12-10-2018 at 08:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

If you rip down the beach from San Juanico towards Gregorio, there is a cool spot just before the tide pools start by Gregorio. Up in the dunes. Yu can still walk to the tide pools and point to fish halibuts and snooks. .takes a little to get up into the dunes, but it sure is nice

Sounds fun! Lots of good stuff in that area

When we camped there, the vigilancia took us to the point on the north side of the river mouth. They needed air in their truck tire and I helped them out. Each day, they would swing by with fish for us. Cool guys. This was about 10 years ago. How far from the river mouth?

Tomas Tierra - 12-11-2018 at 09:08 AM

This is maybe a mile or so north of where you actually go around the point on the beach. That would put it ,what, a couple of miles north of the rivermouth? It's been a long time for me as well. Like four Toyota trucks ago

Have fun!

Bajaboy - 12-11-2018 at 11:42 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Tomas Tierra

This is maybe a mile or so north of where you actually go around the point on the beach. That would put it ,what, a couple of miles north of the rivermouth? It's been a long time for me as well. Like four Toyota trucks ago

Have fun!

Thanks! Looking forward to getting back down there.

Mulege Canuck - 12-11-2018 at 07:54 PM

Has anyone camped on the north side of Laguna San Juanico? Looks like some nice spots further up the rio away from the fishing village. Thinking it might work out for kayak fishing.

North of the river mouth along the beach looks like it might be pretty windy.

Tomas Tierra - 12-13-2018 at 03:38 PM

Laguna San Juanico?? Never heard of that, have been all over that area looking for fishing. Cadaje is the best

elgatoloco - 12-13-2018 at 04:08 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Bajaboy

Quote: Originally posted by TMW

I'd love to head out there. I'll wait to head out there until I have a buddy vehicle, though. El Gato Loco want to check it out?

2019 yes!

Mulege Canuck - 12-13-2018 at 06:25 PM

I must have the name wrong. It is the large rio 30 km south of SAN Juanico. On google earth it calls it La Bocana. I guess there must be two.

Anyone camped on the north side of the rio there ?

David K - 12-13-2018 at 06:53 PM

There are many La Bocanas... everywhere a river or lagoon meets the sea, it seems. Also where a canyon opens up is called a bocana.

I think you are describing where the La Purísima river (near where Arroyo San Gregorio joins it) meets the ocean? Punta San Gregorio and Boca San Gregorio and Estero San Gregorio are listed at that spot, on the topo map.

Mulege Canuck - 12-13-2018 at 08:29 PM

Roger that David.

Have you been down there? Looks like it might be good fishing.

Tomas Tierra - 12-13-2018 at 08:50 PM

I have fished that for snook, pargo, grouper. Small fish but lots of bites

Pretty soft getting in there..4x4

Mulege Canuck - 12-13-2018 at 09:02 PM

Thanks Tomas

I have always wanted to stop there for a night and check it out.

David K - 12-14-2018 at 03:48 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Mulege Canuck

Roger that David.

Have you been down there? Looks like it might be good fishing.

I only drove by that area, crossed the river, and noted roads off the San Juanico paved highway. The one at Km. 43 seems to be the one to the south side of the estero (bocana) of the river. I didn't note one for the north side:

Mile 0 (Km. 1) San Juanico at the San Ignacio road junction. As there are stretches of road without kilometer markers, utilize your odometer for this road log.

9.6 (Km. 16.5) A direct road to La Purísima joins here. It is approximately 20 miles unpaved and 4 miles paved to La Purísima from here.

22.7 (Km. 37.5) Crossing of the La Purísima River.

26.0 (Km. 43) Road north to Estero San Gregorio.

30.2 (Km. 49.5) Junction with Las Barrancas paved road. Las Barrancas is 1 km. to the west. A fishing village that was the location of a German-Mexican solar energy project. A paved road goes 4.5 miles east to meet the Insurgentes/La Purísima highway.

Of interest, this highway and the one through Todos Santos to Cabo are both measured North to South with the kilometer markers. Other Baja Sur highways are measured from south to north!

Bajaboy - 12-14-2018 at 12:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Mulege Canuck

I must have the name wrong. It is the large rio 30 km south of SAN Juanico. On google earth it calls it La Bocana. I guess there must be two.

Anyone camped on the north side of the rio there ?

That's the area I'm referring to.

Mulege Canuck - 12-14-2018 at 01:04 PM

OK

Thanks Baja boy. I will see if I can t get my camper stuck up there north of the river mouth. Sounds like those tidal pools could be good fishing.

Bajaboy - 12-14-2018 at 01:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Mulege Canuck

OK

Thanks Baja boy. I will see if I can t get my camper stuck up there north of the river mouth. Sounds like those tidal pools could be good fishing.

We took a road from the highway on the north side of the river all the way out to the point. Awesome camp site. Hoping we can still do the same as this was 10+ years ago. I do want to explore the beach north. We came over the mountains from Loreto. Awesome trip!

[Edited on 12-15-2018 by Bajaboy]

Mulege Canuck - 12-14-2018 at 03:45 PM

Ok I am all in. I will head over there.

Tomas Tierra - 12-14-2018 at 06:43 PM

At the top of the hill on the north side of the arroyo is the road. You have to run next to the paved road for a bit before it peels of towards the beach it Gets soft. There are a few places you canturn off of the soft road and prk. Short walk down to big boulders. Deep water in front of the boulders.. Let it sink out and start jigging......Boom!

Mulege Canuck - 12-14-2018 at 08:14 PM

You guys are killing me! I am stuck on Vancouver Island in jungle rain. My wife will not head down before Christmas.

I love surfing my Bigfoot camper through the sand but I have sure got stuck sometimes. Thanks again for the info.