Campground's on the way to La Ventana

synergy12 · Since 31 May 2007 139 Posts Stoked

We are going thru Tijuana on the way down and Tecate on the return trip. We plan on crossing the border early in the morning going into Mexico.

Can someone tell me the name or location of the campground that I have heard is about a 8 hour drive from the border.

Could also use locations of ones farther along the route 1 well.

Thanks,

Mike

DrewB · Since 16 Aug 2006 384 Posts PDX Obsessed

I usually spend my first night in El Socorro.
It is just a few clicks north of El Rosario and in my opinion is the last safe spot before The Wall or Santa Rosaliita.
It is only about 4 hours across the border, but you can jet early and make it all the way to the Bay of Conception the next day.
Then it is a pretty easy day to La Paz.
With the camper I can only go so fast.

That drive can be a little nerve-racking but it is worth it!

strapless101 · Since 17 Aug 2009 82 Posts gorge

I recommend San Quintin area campgrounds the first night: There are three El pebellons, we always stay at Fidel's (great showers and fresh/not brackish water). Always windy in San Quintin, great waves on the point to the south and never been on anything but a 7m. Water is cold!
Second night stay at Punta La Gringa in Bay of LA. Best butter water, super windy, somewhat sketchy offshore wind, but don't worry you'll eventually wash up in town.
Third night stay at Bahia Concepcion and eat chocolate clams
Fourth night kite south of Loreto and kite with no-one around.
Fifth night east cape.

Sure it is the slow cruise, but I drive and kite everyday of the trip. The peninsula is huge, there are vast opportunities for kiting, don't be in a rush to get to where everyone else already is. I have had some of the best kiting of my life in random places along both coasts.

niknas · Since 18 Sep 2006 189 Posts North of OR, South of WA Stoked

This is the way I and my wife have been driving south for the last 10 years.

We spend the night before crossing the border at the KOA in Chula Vista. In Chula Vista we exchange Dollars for Pesos at a near by Costco (get enough Pesos to pay for all your fuel/food with Pesos, the exchange rate is the best with no commission charged) and we pickup any last minute supplies. It also give my wife a chance to wash her hair before the 3 day drive to Los Barrilies.

The border is 8 miles from KOA so a early start over the border is easy with very little rush hour traffic. We hit the border before 8am every time. Pull into the far right lane (declarations last year there was automatic gate) and park under the awning. We get our FMM in advance along with our auto insurance from Vagaboundos in advance so all we need is to get our FMM stamped by the immigration agent. Sometimes he is open early and is located right where we park. Usually we have to walk a couple hundred feet back to the pedestrian gate at the border. Everyone speaks english so getting directions is not a problem. The whole process take less than 15 minutes. As soon as you leave the border be prepared to turn right to the road along the border fence to the toll road heading south to Ensenada.

It is a easy drive to Catavina from Tijuana where we camp at Rancho Santa Ynez located just south of town on the left hand (east) side of road. The campground is nothing more than a large parking lot, totally safe. We alway arrive there with a hour or so of daylight to walk the dogs and kick back for dinner and drinks. Some times the little diner is open but don't count on it.

The next morning we get up with sunrise (be forewarned that Catavina can be cold, sub 40 degrees). From Catavina we drive south to Bahia Conception and camp at the first large open beach front campground right off the highway. Again we arrive early enough to walk the dogs and relax. There is a small restaurant open five days a week with ok food.

The next day we again get up early with the sunrise and head south arriving in Los Barrilies around 3 pm. You will knock an hour off this time going to La Ventana.

We drive like old people all the way down, knock on wood, I have never been pulled over and hit up for morditas (the little bite, bribery). I guess I have lucky. The military check points going south a easy, usually they will wave you on though. Going north is a different story. Some check points will have you exit your car and do a cursory search. Again we have never had a problem with sticky fingers. DON'T DRIVE AT NIGHT....

Enjoy the road trip, we do. However we want to be there going south so we don't do any sight seeing on the way down. Going north is different story. We do as stapless101 does, checking out other campgrounds and beaches, whale watching, whatever.

Links:
http://bajainsider.com/driving-baja/baja-road-report.htm#latestreport Road reports
http://vagabundos.com/ auto insurance and visa

wylieflyote · Sat Sep 18, 10 8:46 am

synergy12 · Since 31 May 2007 139 Posts Stoked

Pardon my ignorance, but what is FMM?

Sella · Since 21 Apr 2007 1794 Posts Doin' The Dalles FLY'IN HIGH PIE GUY

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

niknas · Since 18 Sep 2006 189 Posts North of OR, South of WA Stoked

We travel with a truck and camper and spend 3 to 4 months on the East Cape. Tenting is not a problem. I see tents all of the time every where.

You need a FMM "tourist card" when traveling south of Ensenada. Be sure to request the max 180 days for your card. Keep the FMM with you at all times when traveling, you may be asked for it. You will also need your Passport to re-enter the USA. Don't forget Mexican auto insurance with legal aid.

Cheers,
Nick