BajaNomad

Safe camping in Northern Baja

drzura - 6-11-2022 at 02:49 PM

Good afternoon ladies and gents. I am looking to do a 5 day camping trip somewhere from just north of Ensenada to possibly San Quintin. More than likely it will be a solo trip. Want to maybe do a little surfing, definitely surf fishing and just want to get out and enjoy the beach. Any suggestions of a safe place that would suite these activities? Thanks in advance.

bajatrailrider - 6-11-2022 at 03:20 PM

Coyote Cals in Erendida safe to camp there and surf

drzura - 6-11-2022 at 03:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
Coyote Cals in Erendida safe to camp there and surf


Thanks for the reply bajatrailrider. Coyote Cals is one option as you suggest. What about the Malibu Beach Sur RV/Camping park on the south end or Erendira. Any nomads have first hand knowledge of that place?

Don Pisto - 6-11-2022 at 04:01 PM

how about puerto santo tomas? some great camping crossing the river to the south and good fishing

SFandH - 6-11-2022 at 04:43 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajatrailrider  
Coyote Cals in Erendida safe to camp there and surf


Yup, Punta Cabras is a bit north of there. Good surf/camping spot. I've camped there twice.

Is there a map guy on this message board who could post a map image of the area? ;)

TMW - 6-11-2022 at 05:16 PM

If you go to Colonet and head west out to the sand dunes at San Antonio Del Mar on the south side away from the dunes there is good camping. There is basically three levels, use the top level. There use to be an outhouse there. The property owners may ask for a small fee. I've never paid but have heard others have.

You won't get wet from the due on the top level but will from lower levels.

I haven't had a lot of luck surf fishing there but there was a cook (retired navy) at the restaurant in Santo Tomas told me back in the 80's that if you wade out to either side of the dark pools in the ocean to about waist deep and throw as far as you can then slowly reel it in you'll catch halibut. I never did but I don't remember doing it early morning or near sunset when I've had my best luck in other places.

TMW - 6-11-2022 at 05:27 PM

In my opinion the best surf fishing is just west of Jesus Maria north of Guerrero Negro at Luguna Manuela. Pick a cove or head over to long beach (13 miles of sandy beach) some call it verity beach. you'll need a 4x4 due to the soft sand. Never had a problem camping there.

Lots of yellowfin croakers, corbina, halibut and some times a few spot fin croakers at seal beach where the seal colony is.

[Edited on 6-12-2022 by TMW]

TMW - 6-11-2022 at 05:35 PM

If possible get a copy of The Baja Catch 3rd edition by Neil Kelly and Gene Kira. It's the best fishing guide for Baja I've ever read. The last printing was 1998. Kelly has passed away and I'm not sure about Kira. It's considered by many to be the bible of inshore and surf fishing in Baja.

mtgoat666 - 6-11-2022 at 06:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
In my opinion the best surf fishing is just west of Jesus Maria north of Guerrero Negro at Luguna Manuela. Pick a cove or head over to long beach (13 miles of sandy beach) some call it verity beach. you'll need a 4x4 due to the soft sand. Never had a problem camping there.

Lots of yellowfin croakers, corbina, halibut and some times a few spot fin croakers at seal beach where the seal colony is.

[Edited on 6-12-2022 by TMW]


Laguna Manuela has some nice surfing, mellow shore break, with right swell. Also, great paddle boarding and kayaking below the lighthouse cliff area if the swell is small (can be a bit choppy if reflected). Can also be windy as snot.

David K - 6-11-2022 at 10:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by TMW  
In my opinion the best surf fishing is just west of Jesus Maria north of Guerrero Negro at Luguna Manuela. Pick a cove or head over to long beach (13 miles of sandy beach) some call it verity beach. you'll need a 4x4 due to the soft sand. Never had a problem camping there.

Lots of yellowfin croakers, corbina, halibut and some times a few spot fin croakers at seal beach where the seal colony is.

[Edited on 6-12-2022 by TMW]


Variety Beach was perhaps the best surf fishing we ever had (1980s) fior croaker, calico bass, and halibut... all excellent eating. The name was given to us by the late Nomad, 'whistler,' because of the many varieties of fish caught there. Fishing expert and 'The Baja Book' author, Tom Miller turned us onto the spot.

woody with a view - 6-12-2022 at 06:27 PM

Go to Cuatro Casas just south of Colonet. Turn right at the road to San Perdo Martir, go to the beach and turn left. Too easy. Richard is a cool guy and has a world class Showbowl if you can still ride a skate board. If there is not much swell this is your best option cuz it always pulls in any south swell. Camping along the point or a variety of beds to choose from in his hostel. Community kitchen as well.
Tell him Woody sent ya!