Baja Bound

sun seeker · Since 09 Dec 2007 24 Posts

We are driving to southern Baja for our first time. Does anyone know if there is a camp ground on the US side of the border crossing at Tecate? We have heard this is a good place to cross over. What might be the possibilities of meeting someone there to caravan with? We have also heard rumors of check points manned by police or military impersonators. How do we know the difference. We will be leaving the Gorge between Jan 5th and 8th. Thanks Ben and Vickie

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 205 Posts Stoked

I have camped at Sweetwater County park a few times.
Its close to the Tijuana crossing, but there may be better ones for the Tecate crossing.
http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/Camping/sweetwater_map.html

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Dec 12, 08 2:44 am **Re: Baja Bound**

Mark · Fri Dec 12, 08 9:29 am **Re: Baja Bound**

pdxmonkeyboy · Fri Dec 12, 08 10:23 am **Re: Baja Bound**

GWTW · Since 11 Aug 2008 26 Posts Gone With The Wind

The truck driver stated, "Boys, keep off the moors. Stay on the road. Good luck to you."

Recall what they were told at the Slaughtered Lamb, "beware the moon."

pacspeed · Since 13 Jul 2008 16 Posts

I would cross at San Ysidro instead, around sundown, and camp off Ave. Revolucion the first night, so then you'll have a nice short walk back to the border when your stuff is all stolen.
You don't want to be stranded after a carjacking way out in the hills by Tecate.

newwindkiteschool · Since 17 Sep 2005 25 Posts Hood River / La Ventana

You might want to consider crossing the border at Tijuana around 8am and then driving to San Quintin and camping there the first night. I've made the drive about 5 times and have always gone that route with no problems. Seems like San Quintin is far enough to the South to escape the bandito problems of the border towns.

There is a privately owned campground just south of San Quintin where you will be safe... or splurge the $75 or so and stay at the Desert Inn. It's really nice and right on the beach.

As far as telling the difference between real Military and impersonators? The real military road blocks usually are all set up with little fox holes on the sides of the road with soldiers hiding in them so they can pull a barbed wire across the road (in case you try to keep driving). The soldiers will all have the same uniforms on and real machine guns. They are actually quite pleasant guys.. real young and polite too. Just don't carry any drugs or guns and you won't have any problems. They like it if you offer them a soda or even a beer (if it's hot). I've never run into any military impersonators but I'm sure they wouldn't be very well organized or have real military style vehicles... I've actually never heard of military impersonators only policia impersonators who have a red flashing light on their car and pull you over at night and then rob you. Never drive at night in Northern Baja!

Don't worry too much about it... I'd be more worried about driving through Los Angeles at night. Mostly the people of Baja are warm and friendly and would go out of their way to help you. It's just the handful of border town thugs that are ruining the reputation, they suck!

unbob · Since 31 Aug 2008 260 Posts 'da Gorge/LaV Obsessed