travel trailer camping in mexico

Camping in Mexico

Camping in Mexico is something to add to your bucket list. There's nothing quite like rolling up on a secluded white sand beach in a Volkswagen van, falling asleep to the Milky Way above your head, and rising to the sound of crashing surf. Pull yourself out of bed and whip up a tasty plate of huevos rancheros  as you watch the sun rise over the water. Yep, there's something special about camping in Mexico. 

But what about logistics? Should you travel by campervan? Where can you camp? How can you ensure your safety? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more. 

Which Method of Camping Is Best?

The easiest and safest way to camp your way around Mexico is by hiring a campervan and driving yourself from campground to beach to desert to mountains. This way, you're in full control of where you're going, you can research places to camp before you get there to ensure they're safe , and they're usually much more comfortable options for sleeping, too. 

Alternatively, you can rent a standard car and pack your tent in the trunk for evenings. You'll be much more open to the weather in this case, and safety can sometimes be an issue, but you'll also be much more immersed in your surroundings. 

Where Can You Camp?

We can't write about camping in Mexico without mentioning this useful  Mexican camping page that's full of tips and advice for exploring the country by campervan. The most valuable piece of advice is to ask for permission before camping on private land. Site owner, Jeffrey R. Bacon, writes, "Whenever possible, obtain permission to camp, and practice low-impact camping techniques and safe fire handling practices. Pastors, cowboys, restaurant owners, local travelers, and even squatters have given me and my traveling companions helpful advice and accommodating assurance when we've asked for permission to camp."

Pitching your tent for free is great, of course, but as always, it holds pitfalls: If you're on private land without permission, you may be rousted in the middle of the night; if you're hanging your hat on a deserted beach, you may be fair game for predators.

Keep in mind that there are dangers everywhere and you'd have to face similar risks if you rocked up to a beach in the U.S. and decided to park your tent there for the night.

How Can You Find Campgrounds?

Let's assume you're traveling in your own vehicle and would prefer to stay in a campground. If that's the case, be sure to check this out some of the best campgrounds in the country . In fact, some of them are so nice that they're virtually resorts.

Prepare to Camp in Many Different Conditions

Mexico is a diverse country -- that's what makes it so amazing to camp in. It does, however, mean that you'll need to prepare for many different weather conditions. You might experience one of the coldest nights of your life up in the hills of Guanajuato, then a week later, you'll be sweating on the beaches in the Yucatan . Make sure you pack clothes for both hot and cold temperatures and prepare for sand, storms, and snow. 

Learn Some Basic Spanish

If you'll be camping in Mexico, it's wise to learn some basics of Spanish before you leave. Even if you'll be planning on spending significant amounts of time in more popular parts of the country, it's useful to be able to communicate and ask for help. Plus, the locals will always appreciate you making the effort to learn some of their languages, even if you mangle the pronunciation. 

Don't Drink the Tap Water

The tap water in Mexico isn't safe to drink, so you should opt to stick to bottled water or use a filter as you travel. The Grayl water bottle  for travelers is excellent. It allows you to drink water from any source and not get sick, as it filters out 99.99% of viruses, cysts, and bacteria. 

Tips for Driving

Make sure you feel comfortable and understand driving in Mexico . Learn about insurance, Mexican border crossings, and the interesting rules of the Mexican road. 

Lastly, consider buying Mike Church's Traveler's Guide to Mexican Camping and give it a good going-over before you leave. It covers many basics about camping in Mexico and has an extensive list of RV campground sites, too. 

Mountains, beaches, deserts -- Mexico is camping heaven. 

This article has been edited and updated by Lauren Juliff .

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RV Camping in Baja Mexico: A Complete Guide

This post may contain affiliate links. See our affiliate disclaimer here.

The Baja California Peninsula is an outdoor lover’s dream with stunning mountains, beautiful beaches and vast desert landscapes. RV camping in Baja, Mexico is the best way to explore all that the peninsula has to offer.

• 1 Overview of RV Camping in Baja, Mexico
• 2 Required Documents for RV Camping in Baja
• 3 Necessary RV Supplies for RV Camping in Baja
• 4 Crossing the Border to Baja in an RV
• 5 RVing in Baja with Pets
• 6 RV Parks in Baja, Mexico
• 7 Internet and Cell Service in Baja
• 8 Roads and Driving in Baja
• 9 Safety while RVing in Baja
• 10 RV Caravans to Baja

Overview of RV Camping in Baja, Mexico

This guide details all of the logistics needed to plan an awesome RV road trip down the Baja Peninsula. While traveling in another country does require more planning, RVing in Baja is not difficult.

I’ll start this guide by answering a few questions that we have been frequently asked.

Is RVing in Baja, Mexico safe?

Yes, it is absolutely safe. We did not encounter any safety concerns on our trip nor did we hear about any incidents from fellow RVers.

Can I drive a big rig in Baja?

Yes, absolutely. We traveled to Baja in a dually truck pulling a 34 foot fifth wheel. We also met many campers driving large, class A motorhomes.

Should I travel in a caravan?

Caravans are a nice option if you would like someone else to handle your trip planning. However, there is no reason you need to be in a caravan.

What kinds of campgrounds are available?

You can find all different types of RV campgrounds in Baja. There are plenty of both full-service RV parks and beautiful boondocking locations.

Read on for everything else you need to know before RV camping in Baja, Mexico. If you have any additional questions, drop them in the comments below. To check out pictures of our Baja RV adventure, follow us on Instagram .

Required Documents for RV Camping in Baja

To ensure a smooth border crossing into Mexico, you should make sure to have all the proper documents in order well before your departure date. Each person in your group needs a valid passport.

You should also carry the registration, lease agreement and/or title for your RV and tow vehicles. If you are traveling with dogs or cats, see the pets section below for details on the required paperwork.

Each person in your group will also need a Forma Migratoria Multiple (FMM) tourist card. The FMM card is available to purchase online, but you must stop at the border crossing to have it stamped.

Since an in-person visit is required for the stamp, it is easiest just to purchase your FMM at the border. See the section on crossing the border below for more details on this process.

The last document you need is proof of Mexican car insurance. You are legally required to have a Mexican auto insurance policy to drive in the country, so you must purchase a short term policy if your auto insurance is based in another country.

Short term auto insurance can be purchased online from Lewis and Lewis . If you are traveling outside of Baja and the free zone in Sonora, you will also need a temporary vehicle importation permit. If you are only RVing in Baja, an importation permit is not required.

You should print at least two extra copies of all documents before crossing the border, so you have back-up if any originals are misplaced.

Necessary RV Supplies for RV Camping in Baja

If you RV regularly, you probably have most of the gear you need. However, there are a few additional supplies I recommend for RV camping in Baja, Mexico.

To make the shopping process easy, I have created an Amazon list where you can easily purchase all of my recommend Baja RV gear.

The essential items you need are:

• 2 to 3 Jugs for Drinking Water
• An Extra Gas or Diesel Can (there are some long stretches with no gas stations)
• Portable Air Compressor to adjust tire pressure for soft sand and dirt roads
• 15 amp adapter (may Mexican RV parks have 15 or 20 amp service)
• Camping Mexico’s Baja (provides detailed information on campgrounds and routes)

I also recommend bringing at least one extra spare tire for your tow vehicle and or fifth wheel. While it is easy to find mechanics in Mexico, it may not be easy to find your exact tires.

RV parts can also be hard to find in Baja, so you should bring spare parts for anything in your rig that has broken before or is not in good condition. For example, we have had the same part on our RV toilet break twice, so we brought a spare toilet repair kit to Mexico.

It is also important to fill any prescriptions before crossing the border. Fill prescriptions well in advance as you may have to request insurance approval if filling more than a one month supply.

You can easily find household and personal products in Baja, but you should stock up on items if you prefer a specific brand. We also brought a large supply of toilet paper so we did not have to evaluate which Mexican brands were RV friendly.

Crossing the Border to Baja in an RV

We crossed the border into Baja through Tecate and left through Mexicali. Driving through at Tecate was a breeze, while driving back through at Mexicali took over 3 hours.

After our experience, and talking to several other RVers in Baja, I would highly recommend choosing Tecate for both border crossings.

Whether you purchase your FMM card online or in-person, you must stop at the border to have the document stamped. To avoid having to find RV parking at the border, you can walk across the border to obtain your stamp.

If you are crossing into Mexico at Tecate, camp the night before at Potrero County Park , which is just a few miles from the border.

The day before entering Baja with your RV, drive your tow vehicle or car south towards the border and park in the public parking area a few hundred yards from the border crossing. Walk through the brown turnstiles, past the Banjercito (bank) window and up the stairs on your right.

After entering the building at the top of the stairs, go into the door that says “migracion” on your right. In this office, you can request your FMM cards. The officer will provide your paperwork and direct you back to the bank window to pay for the cards.

Return to the migracion office to show your receipt and the officer will stamp your FMM cards. You can then walk down the street to re-enter the U.S.

When entering Baja in your RV, just drive straight up to the Tecate border crossing. Stop where signs indicate and wait for either a green or red light to flash. If you receive a green light, you can enter straight into the country.

If the light turns red, pull forward as directed by the agents for an inspection. After pulling forward, border agents will likely ask for your passports and/or RV registration and may want to search your RV. Most RVs are stopped for a quick inspection, so have all of your documents ready for the agents.

RVing in Baja with Pets

We brought our dog, Ted, and our cat, Mr. Man, on our Baja RV camping adventure. Overall, it was an easy experience traveling with pets, but it did require some extra preparation.

When we traveled to Baja in late 2019, both cats and dogs entering Mexico were required to have a vet certificate that was issued within 10 days of your border crossing.

As of December 16th, 2019, the health certificate is no longer required. Visit the USDA page on pet travel to Mexico for current requirements. You should always travel with a copy of your cat’s or dog’s current vet records and rabies certificate.

You should also bring enough pet food with you to last the duration of your trip. While pet food and supplies are widely available in Baja, it is unlikely that you will be able to find the exact brand you purchase in the U.S. or Canada. All pet food should be transported in its original container.

RV Parks in Baja, Mexico

There are all types of RV parks and campgrounds in Baja, Mexico. Many RVers spend most of their time dry camping on the beach, while others choose to stay at full-service RV parks. The book Camping Mexico’s Baja is the best resource for finding campgrounds in Baja and planning your route. You should not drive an RV into Baja without this book.

The quality of electric service varies greatly between towns and campgrounds. You should always use a surge protector when hooking up your RV to campground electricity in Baja. Generally try to avoid pushing your electric usage to maximum capacity by limiting how many appliances you use at once.

While you should not drink the water from the campground, it is fine to use to fill your tanks for other purposes. If you are nervous about the quality of the water, you can add a small amount of bleach to your tanks to ensure the water is safe for washing dishes and bathing.

Add one teaspoon of bleach for every six gallons in the fresh water tank. Pour the bleach into the hose before you begin filling. When you return from Baja, add chlorine bleach one more time and let it sit for 6 to 12 hours to sanitize your tanks. Then, flush your tanks repeatedly until the chlorine smell is gone.

Internet and Cell Service in Baja

Before your RV camping trip to Baja, contact your cell phone provider to learn if you will incur any additional fees in Mexico. Our unlimited Verizon plan included free talk and texting in Mexico, but limited data usage to 0.5 GB per day.

We talked to several other RVers with AT&T who said they were able to use their full data plan in Mexico for no extra fee.

While most towns and cities in Baja have strong cell service there are many stretches of roads and beaches that do not have any service. Only the nicest RV parks in Baja offer high-speed Wi-Fi, but many restaurants offer Wi-Fi for customers.

If you need to work remotely while RVing in Baja, it is best to make sure your cellular plan includes unlimited data in Mexico.

Roads and Driving in Baja

Driving an RV in Baja is an exciting experience to say the least. While the condition of Baja’s highways has improved vastly over the last few years, there are still some hazards that require driving with care.

Large portions of Mexico Highway 1 are two-lane roads with no shoulder. When you pass other RVs or trucks, you may be within a few inches of each other. Since there are rarely passing lanes, it is common courtesy in Baja to use your left turn signal to indicate when vehicles behind you can safely pass.

Where construction is present, the road often detours onto temporary dirt roads of varying condition. Just drive slow in these areas and you should be fine. It is also fairly common to encounter cows or goats crossing or blocking the road.

When you encounter animals, just slow down and turn on your caution lights until they are safely off the road. If cars from the other direction flash you, be prepared to stop for animals or another object in the road.

Since cell service is limited on many stretches of highway, you should download the Baja map on Google Maps before traveling so you can access directions offline. Downloaded maps expire in about 30 days, so try to download the full Baja map the day before you cross the border.

If you don’t speak Spanish, the passenger should have Google Translate open so you can quickly decipher road signs. You can also download Spanish in the app, so you can translate offline. Click here to learn how to say RV in Spanish.

There are military checkpoints on highways throughout the Baja Peninsula. These checkpoints make the country safer and are not anything to worry about. On our drive south, we passed through all of the checkpoints without any inspection or searches.

Driving north, we were stopped for a quick inspection a few times. During each inspection, the soldiers were friendly and simply checked our passports and took a quick look inside our RV.

Outside of the highways and town centers, many of the roads in Baja are dirt. Before taking your RV down an unknown road, test out the conditions in your tow vehicle. Bringing or renting a four-wheeler or ATV is a great way to explore Baja without damaging your vehicles.

Safety while RVing in Baja

We never felt unsafe or had any negative interactions with people while RV camping in Baja, Mexico. Our one interaction with the police occurred when we stopped for a bathroom break.

An officer pulled over to check if we needed help and chatted with us for a bit once he realized we were not in trouble. Generally, there is nothing to worry about traveling in Baja as long as you are using common sense and not looking for trouble.

The only safety tip I would suggest in Baja is not driving on the highways after dark. Due to the road conditions, lack of light and animals in the road, driving at night can be hazardous.

RV Caravans to Baja

We chose to RV in Baja without a caravan because we were traveling on a budget and wanted flexibility in our schedule. The only benefit I see to traveling with a caravan is having support if you blow a tire or have engine trouble. If you are an experienced RVer, you should easily be able to manage a trip to Baja without a guide.

If you are considering RV Camping in Baja, Mexico, put your worries aside and start planning your trip. This beautiful region has so much adventure to offer, and there is no better way to travel here than by RV.

Thanks for reading our complete guide to RV camping in Baja, Mexico.

If you are considering other international RV travel destinations, check out our guide on RVing in Canada .

Happy Camping!

Christina Pate is a seasoned full-time RVer who, along with her husband Justin, has journeyed across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Drawing from her extensive travels, RV repairs and RV renovations, she founded Travels with Ted to guide and inspire fellow RV enthusiasts. Christina is also the co-author of The Owner’s Guide to RV Maintenance and the creator of My RV Log Book .

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First-Timer’s Guide to RVing in Mexico: how to stay safe

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024
• 9 minutes read

When the mercury in the thermometer dips below freezing, it can be tempting to head as far south as possible to escape the cold.

Cold temperatures are especially tough if you are a full-time RVer. My wife and I full-time in an Airstream — I’ll never forget the time we were in Tucson and froze our tails off one night even with the heater running.

We thought we were as far south as we could get and yet, we were still cold. If you’ve ever found yourself in a spot like this, you might be asking: Is it safe to RV in Mexico?

It can be quite safe to RV in Mexico if you have the right plan and travel with a safety mindset. On the other hand, there are reasons you might want to avoid RVing in Mexico. If you travel alone, have a lead foot, have no knowledge of the Spanish language, and/or don’t like travelling with a game-plan, then RVing in Mexico would likely not be safe for you.

In this post, we’ll break down the strategy and conditions that can make RVing in Mexico safe while also pointing out situations where you should avoid RVing in Mexico.

Why Would You Avoid RVing In Mexico?

RVing in Mexico is not a one-size-fits-all idea. For example, you might have heard friends say they “RVd in Mexico” — which might really mean they drove their camper to a beach town and stayed put. 

That’s a very different trip from RVing all over Mexico. 

The point is, if you’re thinking about RVing in Mexico, you need to assess the safety of the specific areas you want to go to and the unique way you plan to travel.

If some or all of the following is true for you, you should avoid RVing in Mexico:

Safety concerns for the area you want to go to

Rather than avoiding RVing in Mexico because of countrywide travel warnings you see online (that’s like deciding to avoid New York State because of high crime rates for a tiny neighborhood in NYC), you should only avoid RVing in Mexico if you find specific information about travel dangers in the area you want to go to.

If, for example, you wanted to RV all along Mexican border towns, you’d likely want to avoid this trip due to higher general crime rates in those cities.  

Language barrier

If you have no knowledge of the Spanish language, no desire to learn a few phrases, and/or no interest in hiring a Spanish speaking guide, you should probably avoid RVing in Mexico. 

You don’t like rough roads

If you’re the type of RVer who always seeks out that perfectly paved road and gets nervous about potholes, you should probably avoid RVing in Mexico.

Mexican roads range from good to terrifying. If you’re not ready to drive slow, have a navigator guide you, and/or traverse roads with a caravan of people you know, you might want to avoid RVing in Mexico. 

You need well put together RV parks and campgrounds

Mexico has some wonderful RV parks. But they also have RV parks that are more disorganized than just about anything you’ll find stateside.

For some of us, that can be a fun adventure as we roll with the punches of fluctuating electricity, water shut offs, and other misadventures.

Personally, I find that to be all part of the adventure of RVing and I often meet some incredible people when I break out of comfort-zones.

But if you’re just not wired that way and crave well-established RV parks, you should either plan your Mexico RVing very carefully or avoid RVing in Mexico all together. 

If you’re bringing pets

You can bring pets to Mexico. But you’ll have to provide just about every record you’ve ever gotten for your animals and you’ll need to have all sorts of vaccinations and meds up to date.

If that seems like too much hassle, you should avoid RVing in Mexico.

7 Reasons Consider RVing In Mexico?

Just as there might be reasons for you to avoid RVing in Mexico there are also many reasons why you should consider RVing south of the border:

Great weather — Even the southernmost places in the U.S. can still freeze. Not so with many areas of Mexico.

Great people — Mexico does it right when it comes to welcoming visitors. You’ll be hard pressed to find a warmer, more welcoming group of folks than the ones you’ll find along the way while RVing in Mexico.

Caravans are fun — One of the best ways to RV in Mexico is with a caravan of friends or of a group you put together with fellow RVers. It’ll help keep you safe and you’ll probably make lifelong friends and memories on the trip.

Good cell coverage — You’ll generally have reliable cell service in Mexico.

Low costs — From campgrounds to food to repairs you might need along the way, you can save a bundle while RVing in Mexico compared to the U.S.

Practice Spanish — If your Spanish is somewhat bueno and you make an effort to speak it while RVing in Mexico, you can make big linguistic improvements while you travel.

Good places to park your RV along the way — Even if Mexican campgrounds can be less well put together than their U.S. counterparts, they are still often very warm and inviting places that are run by families.

On top of that, Mexico’s national gas stations (Pemex) almost always offer a safe, secure, and guarded place to stay for the night.

How To Stay Safe: Practice A Safety Mindset To RV In Mexico

If you plan to RV in Mexico, there are several strategies for staying safe:

Don’t carry wads of cash 

As with international travel of any kind, don’t set yourself up for a bad situation if you don’t have to. Carry limited amounts of cash and use secure ATMs to get what you need.

The ATM fees you pay will be a small price to make sure you don’t lose a fat wad of cash.

Don’t stand out 

You know how they tell you not to stare up at tall buildings in New York because they’ll know you’re a tourist? The same is true here. Be low key.

Don’t wear crazy clothes or valuable looking items. You’ll never be able to totally blend in, but you can still take steps to not draw attention when you RV in Mexico. 

Travel in groups

The best strategy for safely RVing in Mexico is to travel as part of a caravan with people you trust.

Avoid travelling at night

This is as much because of the roads as it is for your personal safety. Mexican highways are full of speed bumps and potholes that are almost impossible to see at night.

Additionally, you can help protect yourself from criminal activity by travelling only when you can see and be seen. Start early and end early while RVing in Mexico.

Travel with extra supplies 

Bring extra water, blankets, food, and anything else you might need in case you have to unexpectedly stop in a place for a long time.

You should also bring extra repair items for your RV like extra leaf springs, a bearing kit, extra spares, etc.

Make sure you have the basic tools you need to keep your RV running as you travel through Mexico.

What You’ll Need To RV In Mexico

There are several tools you need to avoid problems and safely travel in Mexico:

• Surge protector — RV parks in Mexico are much more prone to electrical issues. Protect your sensitive RV electronics by getting a good surge protector .
• Mexico specific RV insurance — Because it’s highly unlikely that your U.S. based insurer will cover your RV in Mexico, you’ll need to get a special policy.
• A way to communicate with your caravan — If you’re travelling with a caravan, grab some walkie-talkies before your trip so you can easily talk along the way.
• Cell phone plan with Mexico coverage — These plans are usually quite affordable and you should also chat with your current carrier to see what sorts of coverage options they offer in Mexico.
• Paperwork for pets — If you plan to travel with pets, be sure to have all the required paperwork to enter Mexico and return to the U.S. with your furry friends.
• A route plan — We know it can be fun to RV without a roadmap and discover things along the way, but Mexico is not the place to do that your first time. Instead, plan to RV in Mexico along a defined route. You should also seek out Mexico’s toll roads, which tend to be higher quality and much safer for road travel.
• Photocopies of all your info and emergency plans — Be sure you have photocopies of your driver’s license, passport, and any other important documents in case they get lost or stolen along the way.

Other Tips For RVing in Mexico

As you now probably see, RVing in Mexico can be safe in the right situations, but there are also situations where you’d want to avoid it. 

If you do plan to RV in Mexico, there are a few other tips you should be aware of. 

Use toll roads

Mexican toll roads are affordable and will be generally safer and of higher quality than other roads. 

Mexican toll roads also offer roadside assistance services that might not be available elsewhere.

Work on your Spanish

Unless you plan to hire a Spanish speaking guide or are already fluent, it’ll pay to learn some Spanish phrases before you start RVing in Mexico. 

Once in Mexico, why not practice your language skills by starting conversations with locals?

This is a great way to experience a new culture, learn something new, and truly immerse yourself in the Mexico RVing trip.

Find beachside spots for beautiful weather and low prices

RVing and camping by U.S. beaches can be very expensive. Not so in Mexico.

You can find highly affordable spots with low camping and food prices, all while enjoying some of the world’s most beautiful beaches from the doorstep of your RV.

It can be very safe to RV in Mexico, but there are also situations where RVing in Mexico is to be avoided.

By understanding the what, how, why and when of a safe RVing trip to Mexico, you’ll be set to make this international trip in your RV.

Just be sure to plan ahead and really get to know the areas of Mexico you’re considering RVing to.

About Author / Aaron Richardson

Aaron Richardson is an expert RVer and the co-founder of RVing Know How. Aaron, along with his wife Evelyn, has been living and traveling in their Keystone Fuzion RV since 2017. Their adventures span across the country and beyond, including memorable RVing experiences in Mexico. Aaron's passion for the outdoors and RVing shines through in his writings, where he shares a blend of travel stories, practical tips, and insights to enhance the RV lifestyle.

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RVing Baja, Mexico: Road Trip to Paradise

Flanked by the big surf of the Pacific ocean and the tranquil Sea of Cortez, with three mountain ranges and a cactus-studded desert running up the middle, Baja is what camper dreams are made of! With basically one main road escorting you to the big highlights and a few dozen spurs into unspoiled wilderness, it’s as easy or adventurous as you want it to be.

Even though we have spent extensive time in Mexico ( housesitting , vacationing, even road tripping ) and consider this country one of our favorites in the world, we were a little nervous about RVing Baja. This is in part because Mexico is often portrayed as “dangerous” in the news, but also because we didn’t know if our slapdash RV style would fly. We wild camp in the middle of nowhere, drive well past sunset, and own a vehicle you could break into with a can opener. When we realized these were our own problems and ones we could easily fix, it was time to discover the Baja magic!  

Table of Contents

Our Baja Road Trip Route

Bahía Concepción has some of the prettiest beaches and not a single chain hotel! Driving from the Pueblo Mágico of Loreto there is a bit of a lull, but when you reach the city of La Paz and its surrounding islands and mountains, it’s wondrous all over again. Greater La Paz was even worth hopping out of the camper for a few days of island glamping on Espíritu Santo and a rancho homestay in the Sierra de La Laguna. (If you want to carry on farther south, check out this blog from a previous trip around Los Cabos ). Read on for our favorite tips from roads less traveled.  

Baja Camping 101

Let’s start with the basics of camping in Baja. The average cost of an ocean-view campsite is around $7 and quite often free. To discover them, start by downloading the iOverlander app . This led us to a variety of gems, from secluded sand dunes to family-owned restaurants that let you stay in exchange for buying a burrito. The app also maps out where to find propane, fresh water, showers, dump stations, and more with their handy filters. If you like the social aspect of camping, check out the VanLife app or Xscapers to connect with fellow adventurers. FYI, camping on our own always felt totally safe and serene. To help make this happen, we didn’t drive after dark, read the comments for each iOverlander listing, and stopped going down dirt roads if rain was in the forecast (after we LEARNED THIS THE HARD WAY !).  

Tecate Border Crossing

Instead of entering Mexico via the busy Tijuana crossing, we went 45 minutes inland to Tecate. This town is not just the home of Tecate brewery, but it is a Pueblo Mágico, (a special designation for Mexico’s most culturally rich and historic towns). There was one car in line and when it was our turn, the officer only asked for our car registration (not even our license or passports!) and to take a glance inside the camper before he sent us on our way. While we kept driving to make sunset in wine country, we would recommend staying a night in Tecate to get your Mexican bearings and enjoy its traditional town square, 1,500-year old cave paintings, and tour the peninsula’s most beloved brewery.  

Valle de Guadalupe: Wine Country Camping

Highway 3 carries on through beautiful mountain passes to Valle de Guadalupe’s “Ruta del Vino.” The region has been making wine for over 100 years, but the industry only started booming 20 years ago. Today there are more than 150 wineries, making it the “Tuscany of Mexico.”

For our first night in the country, we seized the opportunity to use our Harvest Hosts membership and camp at a winery (free of charge in exchange for buying a bottle). We pulled into L.A. Cetto just as the sun was hitting the mountains and casting its glow on their 4,000 acres of vines. Save from a security guard looking after the place (gracias, señor!), we had the entire place to ourselves. The next day we were happy to repay one of the country’s oldest and largest wineries with a tour and tasting. We’d also recommend Las Nubes and Bar Bura, not just for their wine but for their views of this gorgeous region.  

Punta Banda: Hot Springs & Marine Geysers

Less than an hour south of Ensenada (home of the original fish taco and Baja’s oldest cantina, the great Hussong’s), lies our favorite sliver of the far north: Punta Banda peninsula. It is full of natural wonders, starting with their hot spring beach! At low tide, you can see steam rising from the sand—those are your hot spots and where you want to start digging. We plunged our shovel (see our Baja packing list below) and 100-degree water bubbled up! In just fifteen minutes, we had a natural jacuzzi with views to the bluffs! Could Punta Banda get any better? It did.

At the tip of peninsula, we found Campo El Mirador , a campground on a mountain spine that drops to the sea and the famed La Bufadora marine geyser. At high tide, this blowhole shoots water up to 90 feet in the air! From your campsite, it’s a gorgeous hike through coastal succulent gardens and free when you arrive by foot! Hot Springs Intel : There is no name or sign for Punta Banda’s hot springs. This is what RVing Baja is all about! To get there, follow these GPS coordinates (31.7167, -116.6661) and park at the mini mart (good to buy some cervezas from them to earn your spot). On the right, there is unassuming long narrow path between properties that leads down to this delightful public-access beach!  

The Otherworldly Desierto Central

Baja’s tourists generally stick close to the border and Los Cabos in the far south, but little do they know that Baja’s most iconic beauty lies in the middle. The Valle de los Cirios is the second largest protected natural area in Mexico, spanning from coast to coast all way to the state line with Guerrero Negro. Towns vanish and cacti are the new skyscrapers. Fifty-foot tall cardons, Dr Suess-like cirios plants, pink barrel cacti, and boulders are strewn about the sierras.

The first sign of civilization you’ll encounter is one created 1,000 years ago by the Cochimí people at the incredible Cataviña cave paintings. We took the short, steep hike and ducked into the ancient art gallery. Spared from wind and rain, the ceiling retained its vibrant depictions of dancers, animals, and geometric motifs. Rather than hike back the way we came, we climbed down the backside to the river valley for some fun rock scrambling among this palm-tree oasis.

Connectivity Tip : There is no cell service between El Rosario and Guererro Negro. Hotel Mision Cataviña offers WiFi by the hour, plus a decent restaurant, bathrooms, and a beautiful cactus garden.  

Ojo de Liebre: Communing with Gray Whales

In addition to warm weather, gorgeous scenery, and fantastic people, the reason we came to Baja, Mexico is for the one-of-a-kind whale watching. Each winter hundreds of gray whales migrate from their feeding grounds in the Arctic to their breeding grounds in Baja. They come to birth and raise their calves in three Pacific lagoons: Magdalena Bay, San Ignacio, and Ojo de Liebre. With whale hunting a thing of the past, generations of whales have come to see boats and humans as a chance for friendly interactions. It seems unbelievable but mothers actively encourage their babies to approach panga boats!

So excited by this prospect, we seized the first whale-watching opportunity on our route. Leaving from Guerrero Negro with Mario’s Tours ($50 for three hours, plus lunch), eight of us hopped in a little boat and cruised along the sand dunes until we got to Ojo de Liebre. We saw whales spouting off in every direction and with patience, a mother and calf came to play with us for 25 minutes ( and we caught it on video !). Spyhopping and diving just inches from our boat, this was by far the most intimate whale encounter we have ever had. Though speaking of intimate, we later saw three whales rolling around in a courtship ritual!

Whale Watching Tip : While we loved our experience out of Guerrero Negro, the town of San Ignacio is a much cuter basecamp (a Spanish colonial charmer) and supposedly their lagoon has even friendlier whales!  

Don’t Miss These Spanish Missions

Heading out to the Sea of Cortez, incredible Spanish colonial missions begin to appear. Starting with Misión San Ignacio Kadakaamán, you’ll drive alongside gorgeous palm-lined lagoons and this stone beauty from 1728 appears in the heart of San Ignacio village. At the start of Bahía Concepción, the expat haven of Mulegé is great for getting gringo comforts and propane refills and, of course, its mission. Tucked high above town and up a snaking side street, it’s easy to miss but well worth the efforts to see this foreboding structure overlooking the river and sea. (Interesting fact, it doubled as a stronghold in defeating the invading Americanos during the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848.)

Farther south, the 17th-century Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó is the first mission the Spanish built in the region, making it mother of all Baja and Alta California missions. If you have the time, Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó is an hour off the main road from Loreto and supposedly the prettiest of them all!

Santa Rosalía: French Baja

Santa Rosalía is the first real town when Highway 1 hits the Sea of Cortez, and while it’s far from the prettiest, it is the quirkiest. It was started by a French mining company in 1884 so the architecture is unlike anywhere on the peninsula, with its ornate wooden homes and a metal church designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel of Paris tower fame. The owner of the mining company, snatched it up after its appearance in the World’s Fair and had it flat packed on a boat to Baja to bring some religious sophistication to town. He also made sure they had a quality French bakery—the one and only, El Boleo. We followed our nose to this institution and a worker motioned us over for a behind-the-scenes tour of their pastry chefs making the original recipes in the 19th-century stone ovens.  

Bahía Concepción: The Best of Baja RV Beach Camping

When you see those idyllic photos of Baja with turquoise waters, cactus-studded islands and white-sand beaches, it’s probably somewhere along Bahía Concepción. While there are surprisingly few tourists, there are few enclaves of snowbirds that have it all figured out. When we got to Playa Santispac, this beach cove dotted with islets took our breath away, as did the volume of RVers. We would normally be turned off by such a crowd and $10 camping fee, but something interesting was happening here. This was a world unto itself where over 100 retirees set up camp for months at a time, completely cut off from the outside world, with nothing but this stunning beach, the facilities of their RVs, and one rocking bar.

After a glorious kayak around the islands, we walked the beach chitchatting with people from Alberta, Michigan, and virtually every cold weather region in North America. Then the music sparked up! Turns out, the original Van Halen drummer winters down here and he’s formed a solid local band. We may have been 25 years younger than anyone at this party, but they were dancing us under the table until Baja Midnight (9pm) and rewriting the definition of a retirement community. For something more chill along Bahía Concepcion, Playa El Requesón is a stunning spit that fans into two coves and beaches like Playa Armenta are plenty beautiful for the price of free.  

Kayaking Bahía de Loreto National Park

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Mike & Anne – HoneyTrek.com (@honeytrek) on Mar 8, 2020 at 1:31am PST

The town of Loreto is a tourist favorite with its ancient mission, ficus-tree archways, margarita happy hours…but to us, it’s all about the Bahía de Loreto National Park. This UNESCO biosphere reserve and Mexico’s largest marine preserve is ripe for island hopping, scuba diving, and kayaking. For a self-guided kayak adventure, we honed in on Isla Coronado, a volcanic island with beach coves, rock scrambling, reptile spotting (16 species!) and sand spits too shallow to be reached by motor boats.

In the protected bay there was very little wind so we cruised alongside the birds, fishies, and bobbing sea turtles. After three miles of paddling, we reached the white sand beach, without a soul on it, and hiked the black boulders to the ridge. On the way home, our arms were feeling the burn, but a sandbar island and the lunch in our drybag kept us motivated. Our craft skidded ashore, feeling like this low-tide island only emerges for adventurers like us. Kayaking Tip : For the put-in spot, follow signs to “La Picazon” restaurant and have faith that the long dirt road will get you to a good parking spot (GPS: 26.0897, -111.3256) and a short path down to the beach.  

The Road Angels of Lonchería Lupita

After Bahía de Loreto, Highway 1 does a massive S-curve into the desert abyss until it swoops back out to the Sea of Cortez, and even though it’s not the most interesting stretch, we had one of our favorite cultural experiences here. It was getting dark so we consulted iOverlander and they listed “Lonchería Lupita” as a roadside cafe that’s friendly to RVers. We arrived as they were closing but instead of turning us away, the family invited us into their personal kitchen for an off-menu burrito feast complete with a mountain of steamed veggies (a vegan dream!).

While Lupita was preparing dinner, Mike and her grandson invented games with a ball and a box, while I enjoyed a chat with the patriarch. Then, in walks the daughter with her eight-day-old baby. Even though she’d only known us a few minutes, she put her newborn in my arms as if we were part of the family.  

La Paz Carnaval

We reached the vibrant city of La Paz, just in time for Carnaval! It’s said to be one of biggest pre-Lent celebrations in the country, so if you’re arriving in February, try to align your trip with the festivities ( dates here ). This five-day festival takes over the malecón (seaside promenade) with parades, bands, rides, games, and countless food stalls. With our expat friend Kristen Gill as an accomplice, we dove head first into the carnaval revelry. We cheered on the parade, sampled junk food, drank the legendary Doble Canalas (beer, clamato, and vodka), danced at every bandstand, and rode the swirling swings for 360-views over town.  

Bahía de La Paz: Snorkeling with Whale Sharks

Every winter upwards of 100 adolescent whale sharks come to feed in the Bay of La Paz. While this happens in various locations around the world, this is one of the most accessible and responsibly managed destinations for these wildlife encounters (read: no feeding or crowding). We went on a full-day boat trip with RED Travel , a Baja leader in sustainable tourism, and it exceeded our expectations. To make sure the whale sharks have ample space, a limited amount of boats can be in the sanctuary at any time. The good news is, “waiting your turn” means a boat trip into the archipelago to see rare birds like the blue-footed boobies, the San Rafaelito sea lion colony, and Balandra Beach (known to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful).

After a whale shark orientation by our brilliant young guide and biologist, Andrea Quintero, we were ready to swim with the world’s largest fish. The main rule is to stay out of their path (as docile as they are, they move like freight train). We swam alongside a baby, then a 25-footer, marveling at their gorgeous spotted skin, swishing fins, and the symbiotic fishes hitching a ride.

Swimming with Dolphins in Bahia de La Paz

As if our wildlife encounters couldn’t get better, a pod of dolphins was diving around our boat and our guide asked, “Want to swim with them?” With a heck yea, we dove back in and were eye-to-eye with a half dozen bottlenose beauties! To end the perfect day, we docked on a deserted beach for ceviche (cod or quinoa style), cervezas, and sunbathing. See this incredible day on film, here .  

Glamping Isla Espíritu Santo

Featured in our book Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America , Camp Cecil earns its spot in the “Safari” chapter and our hearts. During our three days on the island we cruised alongside dolphins, swam with baby sea lions, and spotted birds rarely seen outside of the Galapagos. Better yet, whenever we sailed or paddled back to camp, fine food and fabulous tents awaited us with big smiles. Watch this video —it’s time to go glamping Baja style!  

Ranchero Culture in the Sierra de la Laguna

The Sierra de La Laguna is also a UNESCO biosphere reserve, recognized for its contrasting ecosystems and volume of endemic species. Our two favorite tour operators Todos Santos Eco Adventures and RED Travel both offer trips here. As tempting as it was to try the brand new Camp Cecil de La Sierra glamp camp, we were excited to try an overnight trip with RED and learn more about their Mexican culture and reforestation programs. We arrived to the fourth-generation Mesa family ranch and were welcomed with a vegetarian feast. Sitting on their terrace, surrounded by tropical fruits and looking out to the rolling cow pastures, we started to see the interconnectedness of life on the ranch and food on the table.

Tortilla-Making in La Paz

Over the course of two days, Ricardo showed us how to milk cows and Cristina taught us to turn that fresh milk into cheese. We visited the neighbors who proudly showed us their thriving vegetable fields. In the evening, we spent time in the thatch-roof kitchen learning the art of tortilla-making, over the same comal Richie’s mother cooked on 70 years ago. As we were eating dinner, our guide spotted a pair of endemic elf owls and it inspired a nocturnal safari that lasted until 11pm, followed by another birdwatching session at sunrise. Despite its UNESCO status, the Sierra de la Laguna is being threatened by mineral exploration.

To prove that the cultural value of the Sierras is greater than the proceeds of mining, we need families like the Mesas, tour operators like RED, and tourists like you. Check out RED’s environmental and community initiatives here .  

Returning North

While it could be a bummer to retrace a 1,000-mile route, Baja is so gorgeous it’s worth a second pass. Plus, the recently paved Highway 5 makes it easy to switch things up with a drive along the Sea of Cortez to the Mexicali border. We cruised into the desert abyss, then Gonzaga Bay appeared like a mirage. Big mountains, sweeping beach coves, and islands spiking out of the sea, it was Baja at its rawest beauty. We pulled into the Papa Fernandez campground, where they charged us a whole $5 to camp on a million dollar beach (GPS: 29.8321, -114.4028) with only one other RV.

Further up the coast, make sure to stop at the unassuming town of Puertecitos and their ocean hot springs at low tide, when their rock pools hit the perfect temperature. For our last night on the Sea of Cortez, we stayed in the sleepy tourist town of San Felipe, walking the malecón, drinking margaritas, and toasting to one heck of a trip.  

Mexicali & Mechanics All Over Baja

As we were approaching the Mexicali border, it dawned on us that Mexico has some of the best and most affordable mechanics and we’d be remiss to not get a little more work done. We pulled into Super Mofles to weld a crack in our manifold downpipe, partly because it was a good deal, but also because auto shops had proved to be a priceless opportunity for cultural exchange. When we got our leaf springs done at Muelles Verdugo in La Paz, we felt so fortunate to spend the day with a pair of brothers in a medieval-style blacksmith shop passed down from their father, where they were literally reshaping metal with a coal fire, an anvil, and brute force.

We bonded and as a tip, we gave their adorable son my old Razor scooter and them a six pack of beer so we could raise a glass to their incredible work. All told we got a new muffler ($55), catalytic converter ($100), welded manifold downpipe ($10), oil change ($5), rebuilt front sway bar + bushings ($25), four new leaf springs (quoted at $1,100 in the US and $180 in Mexico), and an even better Buddy the Camper. From the Verdugo brothers welding to Lupita’s luncheonette, the warmth of the Mexican people is as strong as the sunshine.  

RVing Baja, Mexico: Planning and Packing

We love Baja and hope you fell in love with it too. Looking forward to your thoughts and questions in the comments below!

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32 Comments

Wow! What an adventure! I want to re-create this so bad. You had me at wine country camping. I’ve always wanted to see more of Mexico and this really is pushing me to go as soon as we get the chance. I love that some of the older folks were able to dance you guys under the table – that’s great! Also, I’ve found people in Mexico to be the most sincere, kind, and familial. The fact that your new friend felt comfortable allowing you to hold her most precious treasure, her newborn in your arms says it all. Exceptional post!

You totally should re-create it Stephanie. It was honestly one of the coolest road trips we have ever done. Most people just fly to Cabo, or go to the border town of Tijuana…and they totally skip all the magic in the middle! And you are spot on about the beauty of the Mexican people, they are so warm and giving (contrary to what the media would have you believe)

Baja is a place that has been on our travel wish list for awhile. We had a small taste test when we went wine tasting in Ensenada as a cruise port stop. We too were surprised with how great the wine from this region was. I can see why it would be a great spot for an RV trip. Some of those camping spots look simply stunning! I love that mix of desert and cactus with roaring seas! So cool that you were there when the grey whales visited. But scuba diving with whale sharks is on our absolute travel wish list. What an amazing experience that must have been!

Valle de Guadelupe was quite sophisticated and Ensenada is definitely getting trendier with its microbreweries and vegan food stalls. Though our favorite part of that area was just south on Punta Banda…it would actually be an easy weekend trip from San Diego if you’re ever that way! Baja is so darn pretty, all our camping spots were incredible and oh my goodness, the whale sharks! Hope you get back down to Baja!

I love it! This has always been. dream of mine and I love how thorough you were with your guide! Some of my must sees are the Marine Geysers and the whale watching! Cap it off with some whale sharks, I don’t think I’ll ever leave!

Glad you enjoyed it Joe! We felt the exact same way…we totally didn’t want to leave, and we are already planning our return, once this COVID madness is over.

Baja looks like it has everything! The outdoors, amazing beaches, those gray whales, good food, and of course wine tasting. Just added it to my list when I eventually get south of the border!

It has all of those things….and so much more! We spent 3 weeks there, and we EASILY could have spent 3 months on the peninsula!

I love road trips by RV. Last year we traveled for six months in a camper truck from Alaska to Florida. But we would like to make a similar trip to Mexico. I have added the places you guys visited to my list. Especially Valle de Guadelupe, because we are also wine lovers. And Punta Banda because we love hot springs, and when we only have a chance, we visit hot springs. And I would love to kayaking Bahía de Loreto National Park. You had such a beautiful adventure!

Hey Agnes, welcome! You guys did a road trip from Alaska for Florida….for serious? Did you do any blogs about it? Mexico was soooooo amazing, and so much safer than we thought (or rather, were told by the news) it would be! Thanks for the love girl!

This looks like the perfect life. I usually go with my car and stay in camping grounds, and my dream is to have a van or a camper to have the whole house with me. RVing Baja in Mexico looks an amazing destination, I’d love to be able to camp or glamp there one day. How long have you been traveling around?

Oh yeah camper/rv/van through Baja is the ONLY way to explore it (in our humble opinion)…we have been traveling North America full time for 3 years, and we can’t imagine a better way to see the continent!

Wow! This looks amazing! I haven’t had the courage to go RVing, but it is something that I have always wanted to do 🙂 You had me at the wine tasting, then I started seeing all the pics and I fell hard! The Ranchero Culture in the Sierra de la Laguna looked very unique, so raw and true. I always try to dive in the local culture of the places I travel to. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

Lulia, oh wow, thanks for the lovely reply. You TOTALLY need to try the RV style. It is such a unique way to meet people, and also to explore a country…because you are no longer bound by the city centers and where the public transportation goes. You can really get out in the country and into places most people never visit!

I love your photos at Bahía de Loreto National Park!

My husband and I are planning to do some boondocking in Baja. Curious on what type of auto insurance coverage you purchased? Full coverage or liability?

Baja is incredible, you’ll have a blast! We Sanborn’s liability insurance.

Greetings! My husband and met in San Felipe, Baja 31 years ago. On a subsequent trip we made it all the way to Baja de Los Angeles. It has been on our list to travel the whole of Baja by vehicle.

We are now 64 and 60 years old and we have another adventure to plan! We are looking at starting our trip in 12 months when we get ‘off the wheel’ – so to speak.

We will down size our home of 20+ years into a 5th wheel and rent the house out! Whoo hoo!

Putting this plan in writing makes me so excited as it makes it more real!

Your tips and guide are just what I was looking for to help in the process.

Kim & Steve Rapholz Ojai, California

Kim & Steve, congrats on the big downsize and upcoming adventures! We gave up our house 10 years ago for a life of travel it was the best decision we ever made! We love helping more people hit the road…have you checked out our Trip Coach page: http://www.HoneyTrek.com/TripCoach ? We’ve helped 60+ people successfully hit the road for multi-month and multi-year journeys and hope we can do the same for you!

Your trip sounded perfect, incredible write up! Thank you! I want to leave for a Baja trip next week and this answered many questions I had.

One question that comes to mind is: How fluent are you two in Spanish? If you are fluent how did that impact the trip and same question if you are not fluent.

I know very little Spanish and wonder if this trip would be best next winter with more knowledge of the language, or take this trip and learn with the locals lol?

So glad our post was helpful! Anne is close to fluent and I know a good bit of Spanish so it’s hard to gauge how hard a trip would be without it but what we do know is that the locals are incredibly friendly and that most have enough English to understand what you’re saying…and of course use however much Spanish you have to show you’re trying. Don’t wait…go for it!

Hi, I’m so thrilled that I landed in your Baja blog. I too have a Sunrader and just wanted to learn about how the roads were for your SR. Any tips for preparing my toyhome? I’m heading south in a few weeks!

Thanks and enjoy the holiday season!!! Ruby

yay for Sunraders!!! You’ll love Baja, just check the weather before you go off-roading so you don’t get in too deep. Did you see our “Boondocking Gone Wrong” article? that’s what I’m talking about lol. So glad you enjoyed our post and have so much fun in Baja…it’s camper heaven!!!

We went on a full-day boat trip with RED Travel, a Baja leader in sustainable tourism, and it exceeded our expectations. Nice post thank you!

That’s fantastic! Love RED and so glad you enjoyed our post : )

Thanks for the great article !! I would love to go . I’m a full time solo female rv ‘er. Is it safe , do able for someone traveling alone ?

So glad you enjoyed the article! Baja felt very safe…met lots of solo travelers and also groups to tap into when you wanted company. Lots of vanlife meetups and communities of rvers. Have so much fun!

Awesome read….I have always wanted to take our RV to Baja….i think you just gave us the courage to do it!

Hi. What a fantastic story about your adventure in Baja. I am solo female traveler with a 25 foot 2019 Ford Transit based class C motorhome (Leisure Travel Van). It has very low clearance and it’s only a rear wheel drive. Would it be possible to replicate your route with such a vehicle? I’m a little concerned about getting stuck in soft sand when beach boondocking. Thanks.

Besides our renegade “boondocking gone wrong” experience, which is largely because we didn’t check the weather and you never want to drive down sandy/clay roads around a rainstorm, we were totally fine. Our camper is an old dog, you’re 2019 Transit will do great! have so much fun!!!!

Hi, Anne and Mike! Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve read a few posts on RVing Baja because it’s a trip I’m looking forward to do soon and yours is the one I liked the most. I was wondering if this will be a suitable trip to do with a five year old kid and a toddler. What do you think? Thank you again! Ber

Hey Bernardo. Thanks for your kind words about our Baja RVing blog post…glad we were your favorite.

As for Baja, it felt SUPER SUPER safe. And I would say it’s the perfect trip for people of any age. So many amazing beaches to explore, hikes through MASSIVE cactuses, and just super friendly people at every turn. P.S. Just don’t plan to spend much time in Cabo, it’s super touristy and hella expensive 🙂

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The ultimate Baja camping guide (+ 35 of the best vanlife & RV campsites!)

Coming fresh from a year of vanlife in the American West, we were convinced that Baja would present a big change to our usual boondocking and free camping— we expected mostly paid campgrounds and crowded RV Parks, and even fretted about how we’d find clean drinking water or fuel in between towns.

In reality, camping couldn’t be easier in Baja, and we spent a measly $24USD on camping for our entire 6 weeks on the peninsula. We’re now totally convinced that Baja is the ultimate vanlife destination!

Here’s everything you need to know about camping in Baja, including a comparison of sites, where to find services like clean water and fuel, and a comprehensive list AND map of the 35 campsites that we can personally recommend for the ultimate Baja vanlife adventure!

What's in this travel guide

*Camping in Baja

Types of camping in baja.

RV Parks offer  the most complete facilities for campers  (hot showers, clean toilets, on-site dump station, laundry, WIFI) and are often located in very desirable locations, right in the centre of town or even on the beach.

Particularly for those in larger rigs who require shore power and regular services, you can’t really beat the convenience of an RV Park, and those available in Baja are very similar to what you’d find in the American West. If you don’t need facilities, though, these can be poor value compared to all the inexpensive or even free camping available on the peninsula!

• Facilities:  electrical hook-ups, dump station, toilets, hot water showers, laundry, WIFI, sometimes even a pool
• Typical cost:  250-800 pesos ($12-40USD)

Established campgrounds

On several of Baja’s more popular beaches, locals have established campgrounds that charge a small fee for day access or overnight camping, which helps support clean-up and the maintenance of very basic facilities.

These campsites are an excellent budget-friendly option for self-contained vans and RVs who don’t need many amenities but still prefer the safety and social aspect of camping near other travellers. In many cases, these campsites are in incredible locations and a destination in and of themselves!

• Facilities: toilets, palapas, occasionally a restaurant (which might offer WIFI for customers)
• Typical cost:  100-300 pesos ($5-15USD)

Boondocking

Amazingly, the Baja Peninsula offers an astounding variety of free camping and boondocking options — it easily rivals the American West in terms of stunning, remote campsites where you can enjoy your surroundings without paying a single peso!

Much of Baja’s best boondocking is directly on the beach (you’re permitted to camp on just about any beach for free, unless there’s an established site), and although you can typically do this without 4WD, you’ll definitely want an air compressor, pressure gauge, and rugged all-terrain tires to access the best boondocking spots.

Check out this article for more tips on driving in Baja: The ultimate road-tripper’s guide to Baja, Mexico

• Facilities: none
• Typical cost:  FREE!

How to find camping in Baja

To find campsites when we’re on the road, we use  iOverlander , an awesome crowd-sourced camping app that collates reviews from travellers across the world to provide up-to-date info on millions of campsites and their access, amenities, price (where relevant) & heaps of other useful info.

The iOverlander app for  iPhone  or  Android  even works (with minor limitations) without service! This is always the first place we look for campsite info when we’re researching a new place, and it’s truly an invaluable resource for any road trip.

You’ll find that iOverlander is the MAIN resource used by everyone travelling through Baja, so it’s frequently updated and very reliable. During your trip, make sure to give back to future travellers by leaving your own reviews!

For mobile service in Mexico, I use  Airalo , an amazing app that offers data eSIM packages for nearly every country in the world — you can activate the eSIM entirely from your phone, so you’ll have service as soon as you drive across the border into Baja without needing to track down a local mobile shop! Use code BROOKE2994 for $3 off your first eSIM with  Airalo !

Where to find clean drinking water in Baja

One of our biggest concerns before travelling to Baja was refilling our fresh water tank, but it truly couldn’t be easier to find purified water ( agua purificada ) on the road in Mexico!

Locals rely on “water stores” for their own drinking water, so every single town will have a designated shop where you can purchase clean water, and almost all of these will allow you to fill your tank directly with a hose ( manguera ).

• Over 6 weeks in Baja, we spent just $14USD on water— expect to pay about 1 peso per litre (less than $0.05USD)!

Where to find dump stations in Baja

Although we never used them ourselves, it seems to me that the easiest and most convenient place to find dump stations in Baja is at RV Parks.

iOverlander is a great app for  iPhone  or  Android   where travellers mark these and other similar RV facilities throughout the peninsula!

Where to find fuel in Baja

In the not so distant past, all petrol stations in Mexico were government-operated— you’ll still see heaps of Pemex around , particularly in small towns, but you’ll also find familiar US petrol stations like Chevron, Arco, and even Costco in larger cities.

We consistently found Costco Fuel to be ~3 pesos cheaper than all other petrol stations , which may not sound like much, but adds up to around $13USD if you’re filling the tank!

• A 24-gallon (90L) fuel tank like the one in our Promaster 2500 van costs about 1400-1800 pesos ($70-85) to fill , which works out to be very similar to fuel prices we were paying in Washington or Oregon, and even a little cheaper than California.
• Expect to pay around 19-22 pesos per litre.

In Baja, gas station attendants always fill your tank for you, so it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with a few phrases:

• magna for standard unleaded petrol
• lleno, por favor for a full tank
• es posible pagar con tarjeta if you wish to pay by credit card (which I’d recommend, since this will blow through your cash quickly and you’ll definitely need it when paying for food and camping)

These attendants work entirely on tips, so it’s a good idea to carry around some 10 pesos coins and 20 peso notes for tipping — we gave a larger tip if they washed our windscreen, which most do!

About this camping list

• The camping list below ONLY includes sites where we personally camped OR that we visited to for the day , and it is definitely reflective of our own preference for free or inexpensive sites with limited facilities (dry camping) but with spectacular scenery. For 6 weeks in Baja, we spent just $24USD on camping!
• Campsite information and prices are current as of January 2022.
• All campsites listed here are also accessible with 2WD (and we drove to all of them in our front-wheel drive Promaster van), but often it will be necessary to air-down your tires or camp further back from the beach to avoid getting stuck—use your best judgement and, when in doubt, get out and walk the route to confirm it’s passable for your vehicle!
• With the exception of Loreto in Baja California Sur, I’ve included at least one free boondocking option for every single town mentioned in this post & in my recommended Baja itinerary!
• CAMPING FACILITIES: KEY
• 💦 water fill
• 🌮 food
• 🔌 hook-ups available
• 🚽 toilets
• 🚿 showers
• 🧺 laundry 
• 📶 mobile reception
• 💻 WIFI

Downloadable Google Map

ALL 35 of the campsites recommended in this post are available on the downloadable Google Map below! Save it to your phone to access camping information during your time in Baja:

Best campsites in Baja

Guadalupe canyon (mexicali), bn.

1 | Guadalupe Canyon Oasis

• incredible campground located in the heart of Guadalupe Canyon, offering private hot spring pools of various sizes & car or tent camping
• be warned that it is a long & treacherous drive to get here , but it’s worth the effort for 22hrs of private soaking (plus, there’s some great hiking in the canyon)
• bookings required
• Facilities: 🚽🚿
• Cost: $40-125USD
• Read more: HOW TO VISIT GUADALUPE CANYON OASIS HOT SPRINGS IN BAJA CALIFORNIA

2 | Laguna Salada

• on your way out of Guadalupe Canyon, it’s possible to boondock on the perimeter of Laguna Salada (the dry lakebed) to avoid driving back to Mexicali at night
• we did so with another couple for safety (due to being very exposed), but experienced no trouble and the locals seemed fine with us being there
• Cost: FREE!

San Felipe, BN

3 | San Felipe Brewing Co

• with permission (& the purchase of some beer), it’s possible to camp in the sandy parking lot of this craft brewery about 10min north of San Felipe in Playa del Oro
• excellent beer & lively atmosphere, with ping pong tournaments and pool tables
• a particularly good option considering how expensive the RV parks are in town!
• Facilities: 📶💻

4 | Campo San Felipe RV Park

• of San Felipe’s many overpriced beachfront RV Parks, this is in an excellent location with clean facilities & even a pool
• heaps of food, shops & the Malecón all within quick walking distance
• Facilities: 🔌🚽🚿📶💻
• Cost: 650 pesos

Bahía de los Ángeles, BN

5 | Playa La Gringa

• beachfront camping on rocky shores 15min from town with excellent access for kayaking, snorkelling & fishing (crabs, clams, octopus)
• heaps of space & privacy, yet possible to socialise
• Read more: VANLIFE DIARIES #40: BAHÍA DE LOS ÁNGELES, SAN IGNACIO & MULEGÉ, BAJA MEXICO

6 | Campo Archelon

• beautiful eco-focused, beach-front campground in town with hot showers, excellent WIFI & a delicious onsite café (Siete Filos)
• upgraded sites with palapas offer more space (additional 40p/p), otherwise expect to be VERY close to your neighbours
• great community vibes & a perfect spot to meet other travellers headed south through Baja
• reserve during busy season
• Facilities: 🌮🚽🚿💻
• Cost: 120 pesos per person for standard site OR 160 pesos per person for palapa site

Guerrero Negro, BCS

7 | Hidden spot in the sand dunes

• hidden spot behind the sand dunes about 10min from town & 2min off the highway
• nothing fancy, but safe and comfortable enough for a night
• Facilities: 📶

8 | Ojo de Liebre

• this is one of the best spots on the entire peninsula for whale watching & it’s possible to organise boat tours from the campsite
• only open during the grey whale season (mid-Jan to early-Apr)
• Facilities: 🌮🚽📶
• Cost: 100 pesos for standard site or 200 pesos with palapa

San Ignacio, BN

9 | Don Chon RV Park 

• this is one of several basic RV parks located on the shores of the lagoon
• with towering palms and waterfront access, it’s truly an oasis experience
• Facilities: 🚽
• Cost: 100 pesos

Mulegé, BCS

10 | Punta Prieta

• gorgeous boondocking site about 10min from town with excellent 4G reception
• wildlife sightings from this rocky beach include dolphins, blow fish, sting rays & sea turtles (we kayaked through a pod of about 100 dolphins, and it was one of my all-time favourite experiences!)

11 | Huerta Don Chano RV Park

• well-appointed campground located in a shady part of town
• perfect for those who need clean facilities while exploring Mulegé
• as one of the only established camping options, you’re sure to meet plenty of other Baja vanlifers
• additional 100p for hook-up
• Facilities: 🔌🚽🚿🧺📶💻
• Cost: 200 pesos

Bahía Concepción, BCS

12 | Playa Santispac

• without question, the BEST of Bahía Concepción’s many beautiful beachfront campsites!
• soft white sand & clear turquoise water, fantastic kayaking/SUPing right from the doors of your van, hotsprings nearby, gorgeous sunrise views
• reportedly quite busy at certain times of the year (multiple rows of RVs), but we managed to find a beachfront spot more than 150m from our nearest neighbours in January
• toilets/showers are extremely rough, 2 on-site restaurants provide passable WIFI (no mobile reception)
• Facilities: 🌮🚽🚿
• Cost: 200 pesos (we paid 300p for 2 nights)

13| Playa El Coyote

• another popular beachfront option a few minutes south on the bay with similar water access for kayak/SUP & rough facilities (as with those listed above)
• fresh seafood sold onsite

14 | Playa El Requeson

• unique for its narrow sand-spit that essentially offers 2 beachfronts & wonderful views
• very protected water for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, etc (be mindful of the tide-line when parking)

15 | Private rocky beach

• one of the only water-front boondocking options on the bay
• located at the southern end of Bahía Concepción on a rocky beach just off the highway among cactus gardens & thousands of seashells
• completely hidden from view, safe for camping
• no reception, but wonderful solitude & a few fire rings

Loreto, BCS

16 | Rivera del Mar RV Park

• situated a few blocks off the beach & easy walking distance to town
• well-maintained RV park with hot showers, washer/dryer facilities (35p per load) & great WIFI 

17 | Romanita RV Park

• spacious RV park that also offers hot showers, WIFI, washing facilities (but no dryers)
• a bit closer to the beach and to town than Rivera above
• organised boat tours to Isla Coronado for $35USD p/p (possible to sign up even as a non-guest)
• Cost: 250 pesos

La Paz, BCS

18 | Playa Tecolote

• north of La Paz & just beyond Playa Balandra
• busy beach popular with local families, but entirely free for camping & not terribly busy after day-trippers clear out
• several restaurants onsite, water taxis available to Balandra, paid toilet facilities (5p)
• incredible number of sea birds at sunset
• Facilities: 🌮🚽

19 | El Mogote

• plentiful boondocking available at this prominent sandbar north of the city
• in calm & clear conditions, it’s possible to see whale sharks right from the shore
• very sandy, but accessible in 2WD with caution
• Read more: SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS & SEA LIONS IN LA PAZ, BCS MEXICO: AN AMAZING TOUR WITH BAJA ADVENTURE CO

20 | MAREA Public Parking

• great option for safe, free, conveniently located street camping in La Paz; let the security guard at MAREA know you’re staying outside in the public area & they will watch your van

21 | Peace Centre

• Secure camping area within central La Paz, only a few blocks from the Malecón
• hot showers, WIFI, friendly staff
• limited room (only about 8 vans), so be prepared with other options
• Facilities: 🚽🚿📶💻
• Cost: 300 pesos

La Ventana & Los Barriles, BCS

22 | Hot Springs

• drive about 10min out of town past El Sargento & follow the somewhat rough (but manageable) dirt road out to the beach to find these free natural hot springs right on the shoreline
• several options for boondocking at or near the hot springs & these continue for several kilometres down the dirt road to the north
• hot springs only accessible at low tide; check tide charts here  

23 | El Sargento Beach

• beachfront campsite right in the middle of La Ventana, incredibly popular for kitesurfers
• walking distance to heaps of food & shops
• cold showers & decent facilities
• many RVs staying for the season, possible to negotiate lower rate for multiple days 
• Facilities: 🌮🚽🚿📶

24 | Ensenada de Muertos

• less than 30min from La Ventana, this hidden gem on the coast has some of the best snorkelling in all of Baja 
• free to camp in the Restaurant 1535 parking lot directly in front of the water
• decent WIFI, access to facilities only during business hours  if you purchase a drink or meal
• Read more: VANLIFE DIARIES #42: LA VENTANA, ENSENADA DE MUERTOS & CABO PULMO NATIONAL PARK, BAJA MEXICO
• Facilities: 🌮💻

25 | Los Barriles Rec Centre

• free overnight parking at the Recreation Centre in Los Barriles
• no access to facilities after-hours, but safe & quiet for a few nights

Cabo Pulmo National Park, BCS

26 | Abandoned RV Park

• our favourite free camping in the national park!
• right as you’re driving into town, there’s a small rocky beach next to what was once a beachfront RV park, just south of Punta Cabo Pulmo
• excellent water access for kayaking & snorkelling, prime whale watching (we saw about 50 whales from our campsite)
• decent 3G service & only a few minutes to walk into town
• Read more: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING CABO PULMO NATIONAL PARK IN BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR, MEXICO

27 | El Arbolito

• this paid beach provides access to some of the park’s best snorkelling (50p per person for day access)
• also offers overnight camping in what is essentially just a sandy parking lot
• Cost: 150 pesos per person

28 | Los Frailes

• sandy beach just beyond town, incredibly popular with long-term travellers & snow birds (many of whom park their RVs here for 5 months of the year, enjoying weekly food delivery, trash pick-up & water access from a nearby well)
• plenty of space available either on the beachfront or across the road in the arroyo
• beach is accessible to 2WD, but air down your tires & walk the road to scope out the safest route through the sand
• great snorkelling around the rocky north end of the beach & a beautiful stretch of pristine sand on the opposite side
• Facilities: 💦 🌮

East Cape, BCS

29 | Playa La Fortuna

• possible to park on or just in front of this sandy beach on the East Cape
• no facilities or mobile reception, but there is an upscale sushi restaurant just above the beach where you can find food, toilets & WIFI
• heaps of humpback whales offshore, plus good beginner surfing
• Facilities:

30 | Playa El Cardón

• another excellent beach off Camino Cabo Este just north of Shipwrecks where you can camp on the sand
• no facilities but spectacular views, particularly of whales

Los Cabos (San José del Cabo & Cabo San Lucas)

31 | Desert Park Nature Reserve

• sandy beach outside of San José del Cabo, sandwiched between 2 upscale resorts
• very comfortable overnight parking just a few steps off the beach

32 | Street parking in the Art District

• a few options for free street parking in the Art District of San José
• can be very loud during the Art Walk or on weekends/holidays, but safe & secure for sleeping
• Facilities: 🌮📶

33 | Playa Palmilla

• beautiful free beach between San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas
• busy with locals & tourists in the afternoon, but possible to stay in the parking lot overnight
• Facilities: 🚽🚿📶

Todos Santos, BCS

34 | La Pastora

• fantastic (& very popular) boondocking site a few minutes out of Todos Santos
• frequent humpback whale sightings right off shore during the winter
• decent mobile reception, perfect place to post up for a week or several
• Read more: VANLIFE DIARIES #44: TODOS SANTOS & TAKING THE FERRY FROM BAJA TO MAZATLÁN, SINALOA IN MAINLAND MEXICO

35 | Secreto de las Rocas

• beautiful beach & rocky coastline between Cabo San Lucas & Todos Santos, available for boondocking
• just off the highway, but quiet after dark (very popular spot for watching the sunset)

You are legally required to have Mexican auto insurance before driving across the border, after extensive research , I choose an affordable policy with Baja Bound (which worked in Baja & mainland Mexico). Spoiler: we had an ACCIDENT in Mexico a few months later and the agents at Baja Bound handled the entire process for us , from speaking to the police, getting insurance information from the other driver, and we didn’t pay a single PESO out of pocket— I truly can’t recommend this company highly enough!

Read more about Baja, Mexico

start here -> The ultimate road-tripper’s guide to Baja, Mexico

How to get the best Mexican auto insurance for a converted van or camper

Vanlife Baja & Mexico: A guide to crossing the border + all required permits (FMM & TIP)

The ultimate Baja camping guide (+ 35 of the best vanlife & RV campsites!)

Baja vanlife road trip itinerary for 1-3 months (+ driving directions & camping in 2023)

Ferry from Baja to mainland Mexico (La Paz to Mazatlán)

brooke brisbine

I've spent the last decade exploring the world— everything from solo trekking in the Andes to overlanding in Zambia, all while completing a PhD in Biomechanics, teaching at a university & securing permanent residency in Australia. In 2020, I finally fulfilled my dream of becoming a full-time nomad! Whether it’s vanlife in Mexico, scuba diving in the Galápagos, ticking off incredible US National Parks, or climbing in the Dolomites, I hope this blog will inspire your future adventures & help you find wonder in every corner of the globe. xx bb

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The comments.

La Pastora (Todos Santos) has not allowed overnight camping since last winter. It is now day use only. The police will show up if called by locals.

Hi Miguel, thanks so much for the update, that is helpful information!

Thank you for the info. I’ll be traveling down the Baja in December with my dog. Any info on pets being accepted at camp sites and shaded parking options as we will be staying in my Jeep/tent.

Stanford & Floyd.

Hi Stanford & Floyd!

Based on the number of dogs I saw in Baja, I wouldn’t imagine you’d have any issue at all! Shaded options will be a little trickier… it might be worth investing in an awning or rigging up a DIY, which is what we did. Limited usefulness in wind, but great to provide shade on beachfront camping that otherwise would have just been all-day intense UV.

Hope that helps a little bit & wishing you an amazing trip, Baja is the absolute best!!

Kat Maggrah

Hi Brooke – thanks for this page. It will be very helpful on my upcoming trip. I’ll be travelling as a solo female. Any thoughts on safety other than the obvious of not going anywhere after dark? How about border crossings and the double vehicle insurance? Thanks again

Hi Kat, hope you’re enjoying a beautiful (& safe!) trip through Baja! It’s a relatively tame place to travel and basic common sense will get you far– not driving at night or camping in sketchy spots are the big ones. The border crossing is very easy, the checkpoints along the way will be more stressful, but again, not anything you can’t handle!

Happy travels 🙂 xx bb

Thanks indeed for all the info. All in costs, including van running costs, how much would you say you are spending per day – assuming you also spend some money on the tourist attractions too.

Thanks in advance.

Hi DA, great question! I have a super detailed breakdown of vanlife costs so I can tell you with precision that I spent an average of $64/day for literally everything in Baja– fuel, food, activities, camping fees, CAR INSURANCE, laundry, SIM cards…

Hope that helps 🙂 xx bb

Hi Brooke, Nice Blog and pictures 📸. I’ve been Fulltime for a little over 6 years. My first year I started In Key West Florida and drove West going to Every national park and monument West of the Mississippi. I drove the Entire West coast from the Canadian border down to Cabo and back to Florida, 26,000 miles. They add up quickly. Now on my 6th year I have 168k time to slow down a bit. I usually spend my winters in South Florida or Southern Baja. Thanks again for your blog. Looking forward to reading and seeing more.

Wow, Ian, that sounds like such an incredible adventure! Are you in a van or truck camper or??

Winter in Baja is the ultimate, in my mind!

Zak and Fal

This is such a great blog! Thank you so much for such informative tips… We’ve been using a ton of these while planning our own trip to Baja!! 🙂

– Zak and Fal

Thanks for reading, Zak & Fal, I’m so glad to hear you found this post helpful in planning your trip to Baja!!

It is truly amazing. Hope you had an incredible time 🙂

Thank you for all the helpful information. As we are planning to travel to the Baja in January 2023, I was looking to somewhere to find tips that would make the trip less stressful and more enjoyable. So glad I found your site.

Well, thank you so much for reading and I’m super glad it helped you!

Hope you had a fantastic trip 🙂 xx bb

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10 Popular Mexican destinations for RVers

These are some essential places to visit on your mexican rv adventure.

Millions of people travel to Mexico each year and many of those are avid RVers. With two million kilometres of diversified landscape filled with spectacular scenery to explore and almost that many amazing destinations to choose from, your next trip should prove to be unforgettable.

Baja California

Known for deep sea fishing, diving, kayaking and being an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, the Baja is brimming with rich local culture and its welcoming citizens.

Exploring the Baja is perfect for anyone who is new to Mexico and wishes to become comfortable with taking their RV to this enormously popular destination for the first time. Small rural villages, warm sandy beaches and opportunities for countless experiences of deep sea fishing, off-road exploring, kayaking, whale watching and clam-digging are just waiting for you to enjoy.

Travelling south from the border town of Tijuana, the main highway Mex 1 extends south 1,711 kilometres to Cabo San Lucas at the very tip of the Baja Peninsula. Along the way there are camping facilities that vary from rustic boondocking on beautiful secluded beaches to fully serviced RV resorts that will surprise you.

1. Ensenada

Only 109 kilometres from the border, this is an important port town and a great place to stock up on supplies before heading south. Fishing in this area is good but those who just want to buy a fish should visit the fish market Mercado Negro situated by the fishing piers.

This very busy town is home to the Baja 1000 off-road race held each November and celebrates some very important fiestas that include Carnival in February. There are plenty of campgrounds and when searching for restaurants head to Calle Primera.

2. Bahia Los Angeles

This coastal town on the Sea of Cortez is easily accessible but remote, although its desert shoreline and blue waters entice people each year. Its majestic scenery is worth the drive as well as the fishing, boating, diving and kayaking opportunities when you arrive. Its population is less than 1,000 and really quite small with limited amenities but there are campgrounds in town and also more informal places outside of town. Check out the turtle hatchery.

Loreto is part of a development scheme similar to Ixtapa and Cancun. It really isn’t very crowded but you will find a golf course and a tennis court to test your skills at. Fishing and boating are very popular and if you are an experienced kayaker you may join others at Isla Carmen for some great kayaking. There are campgrounds available with room for big rigs who stay in the area permanently but also space for those stopping over on their way further south.

This is a favourite destination for many RVers and has a number of good campgrounds that are nothing fancy since this is not really a tourist town. Catching a ferry to the mainland is possible from La Paz (Pichilingue) but make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment. Visit the Museum of Anthropology for a very interesting experience.

5. Los Barriles

Los Barriles is gaining in popularity with RVers because it is less busy than Cabos to the south and the fishing is excellent because the deep water is just offshore. Boating enthusiasts as well and windsurfers love the area and there are a number of good restaurants, trailer parks and shops here. Campgrounds can be found along the beach as well as in little towns nearby or in the mountains for those who would like something a bit quieter.

6. Todos Santos

This was originally a mission and known for sugar cane but today is Baja’s art colony. There are many foreigners here who were looking for a simpler life and it has galleries, restaurants and a good bookstore. If you go to San Pedrito RV Park you will find one of the best beaches in the area. You are now in the tropics! Todos Santos is just south of the Tropic of Cancer.

7. Puerto Penasco (Rocky Point)

This started out as a small fishing village but today its main industries include fishing and tourism. With over a million visitors each year it also is very popular with RVers and many retirees have moved to the area permanently.

Situated only 100 kilometres from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco is located on a small strip of land that joins Baja California with the rest of Mexico and is part of the Altar Desert. It has been said that if you really want to enjoy Puerto Penasco you have to enjoy fishing, diving and other water sports—but don’t forget to bring your golf clubs.

8. Los Mochis

Los Mochis is the place to be if you choose to travel on the Chihuahua al Pacifico Railroad along the Copper Canyon. Caravan groups arrange for their clients to travel on the railroad in their RV or you can book a seat for yourself for a trip up the canyon to Chihuahua. If you catch the ferry from La Paz on the Baja you will dock in this area. The sugar refinery (Ingenio Azucarero) is worth visiting if you want to learn all about the process.

9. Mazatlan

Mazatlan is very popular with RVers and there are hundreds of RV sites available. If interested in Fiestas then you will find the Carnival in February to be one of the most thrilling events you can ever attend. Be prepared to stay up late and enjoy the enthusiastic crowds who will entice you to join in the excitement.

10. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is another tourist destination for many RVers who drive here and those who arrive by air. If you enjoy the hustle and bustle of a busy city then you will want to spend time downtown where there are many bars, restaurants, shops and major hotels. However, there are many small towns in the area for those seeking a peaceful environment. As typical in most tourist destinations there is every type of activity you can want here including access to deep sea fishing and golf. The many tour operators will take you anywhere you want to go.

Whether you are looking for a beautiful beach, rustic little towns, big cities, ancient ruins or museums to explore it is all here in Mexico. Do take the time to meet the locals, practice a little Spanish and enjoy this unique country that is Mexico for an experience you will talk about for years to come.

www.mexicoscoppercanyon.com

www.maps-of-mexico.com

www.rv-clubs.us/mexico_rv_campgrounds.html

www.mexicomike.com

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These are five of the Best RV Parks in Mexico

Flying down the roads of the United States in your RV is always a great way to scope out the country but sometimes we need to shake things up a bit. Mexico has become a more popular destination for RVers in recent years with the further development of infrastructure to get you where you need to go. That being said if you’re going to head down to Mexico, a good place to make some stops can be found in the western region of  Mexico .

For our purposes, the western region of Mexico includes the states of Colima, Jalisco, Michoacán, and Nayarit. Let’s take a look at the best places to stay when touring western Mexico, here are our top RV parks in West Mexico.

5 of the Best RV Parks in West Mexico

San jose del tajo resort trailer park: guadalajara, jalisco.

This quaint RV park is set on the outskirts of Guadalajara and has its welcome mat out for you. Unlike many Mexican RV parks, this one is quite large with around 200 sites, 175 which come with full utility hookups and you won’t have to worry about adapters as this park does come with 30-amp electrical input. For facilities, you have bathrooms, showers, and laundry as well as a kiddie pool, resort pool, and a rec hall. Definitely one of the more established parks in the area.

Guadalajara also always has out its welcome for visitors. Their primary draw comes from their historic architecture and buildings but there are a variety of other attractions as well. Some of the crowd favorite historical buildings include the Instituto Cultural Cabanas which is both a museum and a museum piece in itself, Teatro Degollado and Expiatory Temple, just to name a few. Those interested in early American history will love the Guachimontones Pyramids and if you need something for the whole family, try … MORE

Club Roca Azul: Jocotepec, Jalisco

This resort is definitely one of the most well-stocked in all of west Mexico so make sure to give it a go if you plan on staying in the area. The 60 RV sites come with full utility hookups as well as Wi-Fi access. You get your typical RV park facilities such as showers and laundry facilities complimentary on top of some of the resort’s other facilities such as their walking trails, pools, club house, shaded picnic areas and snack bar. Heck, you’ll feel like you’re at a KOA when staying at Club Roca Azul.

Jalisco  is not loaded down with things to do but that’s kind of the point in this area. You can relax at the resort while enjoying drinks and local cuisine or take a jaunt down to Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, to stick your toes in the sandy shores or have some on-the-water fun. If the kids need an outlet there is a water park nearby and if you and your SO need an outlet, you have Monte Coxala Spa. Get some R & R in Jocotepec and Club Roca Azul.

Villa Patzcuaro: Patzcuaro, Michoacán

This combination garden hotel and  RV park  is beautifully landscaped and comes with the facilities and amenities you will need for your creature comforts. At your site, those amenities include full or partial hookups, depending on your preference. The shower and restrooms are kept clean and tidy for your use and a pool keeps you cool under the Mexican sun. Other services and amenities include Wi-Fi access, group use areas, and a tennis court, just to name a few.

Most of the fun in Patzcuaro is found just from walking around town. The hottest spot in Patzcuaro is the Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, more colloquially referred to as just the Plaza Grande. This area is full of neat shops, great dining and of course that signature historical Colonial architecture. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican experience and not just a tourist trap, give the Plaza Grande a try. Other areas of interest in the area include Santa Clara del Cobre, a historic site known simply as the Copper Place and the … MORE

Coconutz RV Park: Cuyutlan, Colima

This park actually came about due to the lack of reliable  RV parks  on the stretch of Pacific Coast in Colima. It is a brand new park that comes stocked with only four sites but those sites are decked out with full utility services and your choice of 15, 30 or 50 amp electrical hookups. There are also two separate bathhouses with showers that also have viewing decks on top. This RV park is beautiful in its simplicity as it was designed for  RVers by RVers  with hardly any frills. A great oceanside getaway in Colima.

There is no question that this park is meant for one thing, to stick your toes in the sand and relax, if that is your ideal stay then you’re already there. If you do need some activity you can take a drive to nearby  Puerto Vallarta  but Coconutz itself wants you to kick back, have a cerveza and enjoy the gorgeous views without being surrounded by tourist traps or barking salespeople, just peace.

Sol Tierra RV Park: La Penita de Jaltemba, Nayarit

Many of the RVers at Sol Tierra RV Park are Canadian and American seasonal campers but there’s plenty of room for everybody. The sites were developed not just for camping but for RVs specifically and the sites come with reliable 30 or 50 amp electrical as well as water and sewer hookups. Did we mention that all sites come with their own private shower and bathroom facilities? The site also hosts a laundry facility, pool, Wi-Fi access and rec room, all in a gated community with 24/7 security.

La Penita de Jaltemba and the local area is quickly gaining attention as a popular tourist destination and you’re more than welcome to experience it as well. They are located on the Pacific coast so that holds most of the fun in sportfishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and other types of Pacific fun. You can make your own souvenir at Splash of Glass or explore the outcroppings of  Isla Marietas National Par k. If you just want to kick back, take an hour drive to enjoy sunny and beautiful Nuevo Vallarta … MORE

If you’re gunning for an authentic Mexican experience on the Pacific Coast look no further than west Mexico. The combination of culture, sand and sun make western Mexico quite the experience that you’ll be hard pressed to match elsewhere.

Source:  https://www.tripsavvy.com

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RV Camping in Baja, Mexico

From 2019 to 2021, we spent about 8 months RV camping in Baja, Mexico. While there are fewer options than there used to be, we still found plenty of places to drop the jacks on the Baja Peninsula. If you are smaller and more nimble than our 34 ft. class A motorhome, you will have even more options.

Resources you use to find campgrounds in the U.S. might not be helpful in Mexico. We definitely had to switch up how we found places to stay.

iOverlander

By far, the most useful app for RV camping in Baja, Mexico was iOverlander . You will find free and paid sites on here. And the free boondocking listings will give you an idea whether or not you can get there with a larger rig. Use the app or their website. 

Our favorite app in the U.S. is Campendium and we still used it in Mexico but there wasn't as much information available.

Traveler's Guide to Camping Mexico's Baja

Lorena had a copy of the Traveler's Guide to Camping in Mexico's Baja and we were later gifted an older copy. You will find yourself in places without cell signal while traveling through Baja. It's not a bad idea to have an old school paper resource.

Are you planning an RV trip to Baja, Mexico? Here are all of the places we stayed with our RV.

A few things to keep in mind:

• Price: Prices listed are subject to change. And to negotiation. Things work differently in Mexico. The published price might not be what you pay. Just roll with it unless it's unreasonable.
• Dogbones: Make sure you have dogbones for your electrical connection. 15 amp is common down here.
• Use Protection: Do not connect to power in Mexico, or anywhere really, without using protection. We saw someone get their coach electrical fried from a surge at a campground in Redding, California. Be safe and protect your home.
• Water: We had no problem with the water in Baja, Mexico. We filter all water coming into the RV and have a secondary filter under the sink for drinking water. We do this everywhere, not just Mexico. Please consider a set-up like this or a Berkey rather than buying bottled water. The environment will thank you.

Okay, on to the camping spots in Baja, Mexico!

San Felipe, Baja California

If you're going to slow roll, San Felipe might be your first stop in Baja. We've stayed in two of the campground here. If you don't mind being away from town, you might want to try Pete's Camp. Camping is on the beach but without hookups.

Playa Bonita RV Park

Our first stop in Mexico in 2019 was San Felipe. We arrived a couple of days behind a caravan of about 50 RVs. They were all in one RV park, though, so we just had to find another one that could take three class A motorhomes.

That place turned out to be Playa Bonita . While we managed to get in and out of there, if you're longer than 34 ft. or not comfortable maneuvering into tight spots, this campground might not be for you.

Each site had its own palapa and full hook-ups. There was a bathroom with showers but it was rustic and there was no hot water at the time of our visit. The website says $20-45 USD per night. I think we paid $30-35.

Depending on your site, you may have water views. If not, the beach is accessible from the campground and you can catch beautiful sunrises and sunsets here.

Victor's RV Park

In 2019 when we arrived in San Felipe, the Xscapers had brought a caravan down and were staying at Victor's . In 2020, we decided to try it out. 

There are a couple of beach spots but there are pretty small. We were able to shoehorn our 34' motorhome in there. It was worth it for this view.

We didn't use the bathrooms there so I can't speak to their condition. There's a nice palapa to relax under and beach access.

Victor's is close to the malecon and shops. You can walk no problem.

Puertecitas, Baja California

Did someone say hot springs with an ocean view? Sign us up! And honestly, it's the only reason to stop at Puertecitas . There's really nothing else there.

There wasn't much to the campground but you do get to pull in and have a beautiful water view outside your front window. Plan ahead and bring firewood for a lovely campfire on the beach. It was 350 pesos per night in 2019 and 600 pesos per night our last stay in 2021. 

The setting for the hot springs was so beautiful. If you want to stay here and enjoy the springs, make sure low tide is at a convenient time. Otherwise all but the hottest pools will be covered up. And the hottest ones are too hot for soaking.

These hot springs are a bit stinky with sulfur so make sure you have an old bathing suit available in case the smell lingers. We didn't have too much problem with that.

Considering an RV trip to Baja, Mexico?

If you'd like to take your RV to Baja, Mexico, you might enjoy our video series from our trips all the way down to Cabo San Lucas and back!

Start here as we cross the border and head to San Felipe.

Local Plaza - Villa Jesus Maria, Baja California

Oh man, in 2019, the ride down Highway 5 was ROUGH. If you want to see how rough, go check out our video on YouTube . Thankfully, the construction is done and now it's one of the best roads in Baja.

In 2019, we wanted to make it to Guerrero Negro from Puertecitos, but couldn't quite get there before dark because of the terrible road so we ended up camping on the town square in Villa Jesus Maria . It was free, pretty quiet, and no one bothered us. What more could you ask for?

Guerrero Negro, Baja California

In Guerrero Negro, we stayed at Malarrimo in 2019. It's a restaurant, motel, RV park and you can book grey whale watching tours here.

The sites are nothing special, just a place to park with hookups around the back or side of the restaurant and motel. The bathrooms were pretty clean and the showers were nice and had hot water but at certain times the pressure was low. Cost per night was around $12.

As you can see, the parking is pretty tight.

The restaurant didn't have anything vegan but chips and guac so we didn't eat there. The location is convenient and you can walk to several markets from here.

Mario's RV Park

Even though we prefer Malarrimo, we've now stayed at  Mario's RV Park and Tours instead a few times. Mario's is right on Highway 1 and is an easier in and out. But let me give you a tip: do not settle in a spot until you have tested the power and water. Many of the power poles don't work.

It's about $15 a night for full hook-ups. In theory. We choose not to use the electrical here. The bathroom got the job done but was nothing special. There's a restaurant here but we didn't go in.

San Lucas Cove RV Park - Santa Rosalia, Baja California Sur

Our overnight spot just south of Santa Rosalia was San Lucas Cove RV Park . And it was a beautiful spot! You could park right on the water for 235 pesos (about $12) or a row back for 180 pesos (about $9). We chose the row back for easier in and out and we didn't even have to unhook the cars. There is no office. Someone will just come find you to pay.

The cove itself was beautiful. The water was clear and we got to see rays mating! Both the sunset behind us and the sunrise over the water were lovely.

The bathroom and shower was nothing special but it was serviceable and had hot water. 

This is the first campground on our travels south where we've encountered a bunch of seasonals that come every year and stay through the winter. Some people take their RVs back and forth but most just leave them down here. Often they build up decks, landscaping, and other touches of home around their spots.

Tips for RVing Baja

If you made it this far down the page, you're probably seriously considering an RV trip into Baja. If so, you might find these articles of interest.

Top 5 questions about RVing in Baja, Mexico answered

Rv boondocking and dry camping, loreto, baja california sur, old molo boondocking.

When we rolled into Loreto the campgrounds were full so we headed just south of town to a boondocking spot by an old pier . These are the kinds of spots that iOverlander excels at categorizing. We found the information left by other travelers to be pretty accurate. 

There was nothing fancy about this spot but we all three fit and it was pretty quiet. And you are right next to the Sea of Cortez. There were no facilities but there was a trash can.

Loreto Shores

On our way south in the Fall of 2020, we stopped at Loreto Shores . There's a pool and easy beach access. But it's outside of town which is really the charm of Loreto. There are more campgrounds right in town but they're going to be difficult for a bigger rig to navigate to and or fit into.

Riviera del Mar

On our way north in the Spring of 2021, we stayed here at Riviera del Mar . I'm not sure we would've been able to maneuver in here if the park hadn't been mostly empty. They only have 15 amp and will charge you extra if you run your A/C. We didn't hook up to electricity at all and they gave us a discount. Only a few blocks from the malecon, beach and the heart of town.

La Paz, Baja California Sur

Aquamarina rv park.

Note: Reported Closed

This park is now closed.

Our first stop in La Paz on the way south in 2019 was at Aquamarina RV Park . You can tell that at one time it was a lovely park but the elderly owner might be having trouble keeping it in shape. She is forgetful so you might want to get a receipt when you pay.

All the sites had full hook-ups and cost 500 pesos (about $25) per night. The shower was clean and had hot water. The park is surrounded by a fence and you will get a remote to open the gate when you check in. 

The park itself was convenient to town. You could walk or bike to see the sights. Don't count on it being open, though. We heard reports that they couldn't pay to have the sewer pumped out at one point.

Campestre Maranantha

It was sad to be heading back north after our time in RV camping in Baja, Mexico but we had some events back in the U.S. that we had to attend.

We stayed in La Paz again on the way north to catch the Carnival festivities. If you happen to be in the area around Fat Tuesday, put this on your list! It's similar to Mardi Gras but much more family friendly.

This time all of us met up with Richard and Cheryl at  Campestre Maranatha . This place had a pool although we were a bit too busy seeing the sights and enjoying Carnival to use it. The bathrooms were nice and the park is located just outside of town. It felt safe there and there was even a coffee shop on the premises, but we didn't go in. We've since stayed here two more times.

I have no photos here, but just imagine a gravel lot with a bit of landscaping and trees scattered around. It was nothing fancy but got the job done.

Playa Norte RV Park - Buenos Aires, Baja California Sur

If you would enjoy watching whales from your campsite and listening to rays leap out and slap the water, Playa Norte is where you want to be. All that for about $40 a night. Or, you can stay further back in the campground for less. You can stay for even less, for free, at boondocking spots to the north and south of the campground.

The bathrooms here are nice but you might not have hot water if someone has just run through a bunch of laundry. Speaking of laundry, bring close pins if you want to use it - they don't have dryers but they do have plenty of clotheslines. We didn't use the washers and instead took ours into town for wash & fold.

On calm days, people bust out their kayaks and stand up paddle boards. On windy days, it's time for wind surfing and kite boarding. During our 2-week stay, there were definitely more windy days than calm but we did have both in that time period.

Don't forget to close the gate! Otherwise one of the free-range cows might come into the campground for a visit.

It's a short bike ride into Los Barriles, a cute little town. You'll find just about everything you need here. There are bars, restaurants, coffee shops, groceries, vegetable stands, services and more. 

Los Frailes, Baja California Sur

Los Frailes is a free beach camping spot just south of Cabo Pulmo. Don't be put off by the fisherman's shanties. It's temporary housing during fishing season. There are no services here but there are some trashcans by the sign as you turn in.

If you do camp here, be smart and stay on the hard pack. Several cars got stuck running themselves up on the soft sand. We saw that a lot in Los Barriles, too. Know your vehicle's limits!

From your campsite you can walk to the point to snorkel.  You can see lots of big beautiful fish and coral right off the beach. In fact, if you take a snorkel tour from Cabo Pulmo, they might bring you to this spot. I didn't bring a camera, but we saw puffers, sergeant majors, urchins, a school of parrotfish and more. The water was pretty cold. Those of us without wetsuits had some regrets.

El Sargento Campground, La Ventana, Baja California Sur

El Sargento Campground is the public campground in La Ventana. Yes, you just walk right out past that tree and onto the beach. We camped here pretty late in the season, the second week of April. Even then the beach front spots were full. Most of these people stay for the whole season and some appear to be year round. There's a dump and water here but no electricity. The bathrooms .. exist. But it's centrally located if you want to hang out in La Ventana for a few days.

Vagabundos del Mar - Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur

Note: Closed

This park is technically closed and you probably won't be able to stay here. Hopefully it gets some new owners soon and reopens because it is very convenient.

Vagabundos del Mar used to be a beautiful campground until a hurricane hit. And it got hit hard. The campground was flooded and covered in sand. Vehicles were slammed into palapa supports. And now the owner is trying to sell it. Technically it isn't open. But we stayed there anyway.

There were three spots towards the front that were cleared out and all the services were working. So we stayed here because the convenience of this spot to all the sights in Cabo San Lucas couldn't be beat. Hopefully someone will buy this place and restore it to its former glory.

Todos Santos, Baja California Sur

Tortuguetos las playitas.

When we arrived in 2021, someone had moved boulders in front of the entrance blocking access. People report online that local residents did this.

Our main reason for visiting Todos Santos was to catch a turtle release. Tortuguetos Las Playitas combs the beaches in the winter time for turtle nests that wouldn't survive the colder temperatures. Then they let them incubate in a greenhouse on the beach. When the turtles hatch, they do public releases at sunset.

When we first hit Todos Santos, we were going to try to stay at an RV park in town. But it was full and we probably wouldn't have all fit in there anyway. And we're glad we didn't fit there because otherwise we wouldn't have found one of our favorite boondocking spots yet.

Right next to Tortuguetos Las Playitas, there's space for at least half a dozen RVs. Right on the beach. With views of the crashing surf of the Pacific Ocean right out your front window. 

Of course, the down side to this free beach camping spot is the road to get there. It's a little rough. Make sure everything is secured because you will be a rockin'. But it's so worth it.

Also, make sure you pick a spot on the other side of the dunes. If the people in the million dollar homes can see your RV they will bitch about it. And, a few sources say the other side of the dunes is the legal place to park.

Next time we'll definitely stay here as long as our tanks last.

Since the Tortuguetos Las Playitas site was closed in 2021, we headed a little further down the road and camped at La Pastora instead. This is also free beach camping. And the road there is a little bit better, but still not great. Be prepared for some bumping and rocking.

But when you get there, it's a wide open beach with loads of places to camp. Mind the soft sand, though. You don't want to get stuck!

This is a surfing beach and we enjoyed watching them. We also saw multiple whales. And the sunsets are spectacular.

There's not much nearby so you'll want to come with supplies or plan to run into town. Cell service here is not great so don't expect to do anything requiring much bandwidth. The marine layer came in while we stayed here and it was actually chilly! It does burn off during the day though.

Hacienda La Habana - Mulege, Baja California Sur

We've received a report in November of 2019 that the park is closed and for sale. If we hear anything different in the future we'll update again.

For a change of pace, and so we could have internet access during the week before we headed to the next spot for the weekend, we stayed at Hacienda La Habana which is in a citrus orchard in Mulege. And the owner will invite you to pick all you want! They even have a citrus juicer you can use.

Hacienda La Habana also has a pool and this time we did use it. It was a little cold but they did heat up the water by running it through a pipe in the sun and dumping it back into the pool. If you're cold, hang out near that pipe.

You will travel a dirt road to get here, but that's true for most places in Mexico so isn't that notable. The bathroom was lovely and had plenty of hot water. The grounds were grassy with views of mountains all around. It was hard to believe it was just a few miles from the coast. It looked so different.

You can stock up on produce from the organic farm next door. This would also be a good base to see the area if you wanted to make sure to have hook-ups and internet access. Full hook-ups run about 300 pesos ($15 USD.)

Playa Santispac - Mulege, Baja California Sur

We saw the RVs camping on the beach at Playa Santispac on the way south and knew we would stop here on the way back north. It took some planning though because there is no cell signal here at all. So we had to plan our stay for a weekend.

Bring your kayaks and stand up paddle boards for the calm, shallow, clear water.

If you get up for the sunrise you might catch one as beautiful as we did. I don't know if we'll ever top this one.

There is a hot spring here, so we had to search it out, but it looked pretty nasty.

You'll find a couple of restaurants here but we didn't go in either. 

If you're up for a challenge, there is a dump station. We didn't bother trying to back our rig into it. If you need to use it, scope it out first. It cost about $10/night to stay here.

Cielito Lindo Motel & RV Park - Venustiano Carranza, Baja California

We're flying north at this point so not many photos or sightseeing. We arrived at Cielito Lindo Motel & RV Park after driving all day in the rain. The RV and car were so muddy! So we didn't check out the restaurant, bathrooms, or grounds.

But, we did take time in the morning to walk over to the beach. And were we glad we did! The swirling patterns in the sand were beautiful.

We found lots of sand dollars here.

And it was just us. Not another soul in sight!

La Jolla Beach RV - La Jolla, Baja California

When you're going to pass by the world's second largest marine blow hole, you've gotta stop and check that out. So we camped at La Jolla Beach RV just south of Ensenada.

Does it get old watching us pull up to an ocean view? We certainly didn't get tired of it!

The campground was just about empty for our visit. The bathrooms had hot water but it was salt water. So it felt great but not totally cleansing.

That blow hole, La Bufadora , was about 5 km down the road. Be prepared to walk a gauntlet of merchants all selling pretty much the same stuff. But the blow hole itself put on quite a show! Get there about an hour before high tide for best results.

Popotla Mobile Home Park - Rosarito, Baja California

It costs about $30 per night for full hook-ups and for some reason doesn't include access to the pool. But we did get a fantastic view including a lovely sunset.

If you get bored here, it's about a 30-40 minute drive into Tijuana. We drove over there for dinner one night. Driving at night here is a little scary though because they don't light up the roads at all. 

And that's about all we have for you about RV camping in Baja, Mexico. If you have any questions for us about RVing in Mexico or any of these camping spots, get in touch by leaving a comment below! That way our answers will help the next person reading this. 🙂

About the Author

Laura nunemaker.

vegan. full-time traveler. rv dweller. food lover. cow petter.

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Decades of first hand Mexico tourism information from me, "Mexico" Mike Nelson.

Decades of first hand mexico tourism information from me, "mexico" mike nelson.​.

• Mexico RV Guide

Congrats! You finally found him. You found THE guy you’ve been looking for… Mexico Mike someone who actually knows what they are talking about and will shoot it to you straight about taking your RV to Mexico.

Mexico Mike , a veteran travel guide, is all about the nitty gritty details of expat life and auto adventuring in Mexico. Reading Mike’s guides is like talking to a nice guy you haphazardly met at your favorite diner and you hit it off with him right away. He comes across humble and low-key, but you can tell immediately he knows his stuff. He casually mentions that he’s been traveling there since he was a kid. And nothing against Mike, but (like the rest of us) it’s been a little while since he was a kid.

There’s nothing better than running into a veteran traveler that can give you the down and dirty, real-life intel on an area you are headed to in your RV. That’s exactly what Mike can do for you.

The table below is your connection to Mike and our information guides on RV’ing in each region of Mexico . Simply click on the link to get more details on that specific area. (And when we say details, we mean details!) In each of our guides, Mexico Mike tells you the truth and answers your real questions like:

• Is that RV park shady (literally and figuratively)?
• Is it gated and does it have security?
• Is WiFi available? How well does it really work?
• Who stays in this park? Are there caravans?
• Do I need a reservation? Are pets allowed?
• How long can my rig be for this park and is it easy to get in and out of?
• Are restaurants and markets close by?
• Am I going to be able to sleep or is it one big party?

Click Link Below for the Complete Guide to:

Places to Park your RV in this Region

Insider Tips from travel pro, Mexico Mike

• Club Nautico
• New Samula Trailer Park
• Rancho Sabacche
• Villas del Mar
• Rainbow RV Park
• Acamaya Reef RV Park
• Camping Cancun RV
• Acamaya Reef Caravan Park
• Paa Mul RV Park & Cabañas
• Xpu-Ha Campground
• Glamping Xpu-Ha
• Cocalitos Bacalar
• Yax-Ha RV Resort

The state of Yucatan is Mexico’s newest, most popular ex-pat hub. The whole peninsula is a favorite destination of RV caravans.

Whether you arrive by caravan or after a meandering route following your nose, you will stay in the same RV parks and enjoy the same hospitality of the Yucatecos, Mayans, and immigrants from all over Mexico who came to work here.

Check out the linked guide for the specific parks that caravans use.

RV Pacific Coast (Michoacan and Guerrero)

• Rancho Bugambilias RV Resort
• El Manglar Trailer Park
• Real de la Palma RV Park Ixtapa
• Troncones RV Park and Casa Canela
• H. Playa Azul
• Hotel Playa del Aguila

These are the most established, “regular” RV parks in the area. There are many less organized, suitable for small rigs or camper vans, or pickup trucks only. These are usually right on the beach with limited facilities.

Still, those who stay in them usually rave about them. One caveat – do not save a few pesos and camp on the beach. While this is a pretty safe area, being stupid anywhere usually gets you in trouble.

Also, I’ve noticed a number of restaurants with camping have pit bulls and resident drunks, who like their music loud from 10 PM to 3 AM. If you’re going to try an “unauthorized” camping spot, check it out before you decide.

RV Coastal Jalisco and Nayarit

• Little Rig Trailer Park
• Heaven’s Gate
• Delia’s RV & Trailer Park
• Flamingo Trailer Park
• Paraiso del Pescador Bungalows & RV Park
• El Oasis Trailer Park
• El Dorado RV Park
• Tiburon RV Park
• Villas & Bungalows Tlaquepaque
• Savage RV Campamento
• El Caracol Camino
• Bungalows & TP El Pequeñito
• Ron’s RV Park
• Pretty Sunset Trailer Park
• Sayulita Trailer Park & Bungalows
• Hotel Costa Bahia
• Trailer Park Puerto Vallarta
• Rancho Sol Y Mar
• Boca Beach Camping & Trailer Park
• QúeMex RV et Trailer Park
• Bungalows Laguna del Tule
• VIP Trailer Park

Today Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit and Jalisco offer more choices in RV parks than any other part of mainland Mexico. The area has long had a reputation for safety for tourists and for acceptance of different lifestyles. Things to do in this region:

• Explore a rainforest
• Climb an active volcano in Colima
• Follow exotic birds in the wild
• Visit or volunteer at turtle hatcheries
• Indulge yourself in sport fishing
• Meditate in calm waters
• Surf in decent waves
• Re-discover nightlife
• Enjoy gourmet food
• Discover art (both native and modern)
• Delia’s Trailer Park in Etzatlán
• San Jose del Tajo, Guadalajara
• Jocotepec* (Lake Chapala)
• Chimulco Trailer Park

*one of the nicest parks in Mexico

Jalisco has such a variety of RV parks that I divided them into two articles. Once you leave Nayarit state heading south, the scenery and your choices of RV parks become more varied. Most everyone knows the beach towns around Vallarta. But for variety, check out some parks in the central part of Jalisco. Even if you are a beach lover, a little variety could spice up your love life.

Hotel and RV Park, Playa Miramar Playa Amor RV Park Stoner’s Surf Camp Paraiso Miramar Hotel & RV Park Los Cocos RV Park El Chaco Koala in Santa Maria del Oro Nayarit*

Driving your RV to Nayarit you’ll want to know which RV Parks to expect and how to get to them. Heading south of the state of Sinaloa , the scenery begins its transition to semi-tropical. Thick greenery grows to the edge of the road. Though not a rainforest, in a few spots, trees arch over the 2-lane blacktop, forming a canopy, briefly blocking the sun.

* This spot is for rigs under 30 ft. (the curvy road is difficult for larger rigs)—The town of Sta. Maria is set on the edges of a volcanic lake, a rarity in Mexico. From a hilltop overlook coming into town, the layout is picture-postcard-perfect. Deep blue water, terra-cotta roofs on villas ringing the lake. Few foreigners know about Sta. Maria.

Celestino RV Resort Villa Celeste Resort Villas Tortuga Cabañas & RV Park The Punta San Miguel Baraka RV San Fernando RV The Jaibas RV Mar-A-Villas Mar Rosa The California Trailer Park Tres Amigos RV

Note: Sadly, a fire destroyed an old favorite, Punta Cerritos this spring. It was popular with annual lessors and ex-pats. Whether it will reopen, we don’t know yet.

Mazatlán differs from most beach towns in Mexico. It is certainly different from the ones in Sonora . It is a city, fishing and cargo port. Even if foreign tourism stopped coming to town, Mazatlán would survive.

Prices are more reasonable than at other beach resorts , both for hotels and RV parks.

If you’re a deep-sea fisherman, Mazatlán claims to be the billfish capital of Mexico.

RV Baja California Sur

There are more than 100 RV-friendly parks throughout Baja California . Here are just a handful worth checking out in this region:

• Baja California Sur AquaMarina RV Park, Beautiful, waterfront setting with lush and well-maintained grounds.
• East Cape RV Resort,Spacious, extra-large lots, some of them pull-through. Right on the Sea of Cortez and lots of palm trees for shade. Plus extras like WIFI and organized day trips for fishing or sight-seeing.
• Loreto Shores RV Park, Reputation for being the safest RV park in Loreto. Good showers and extras like pool, laundry, WIFI, clubhouse with bar and kitchen.
• Mario’s RV Park, 40 full hook up spots with tap water, electricity and sewage. Guerrero Negro
• Mountain Shadow RV Park, A clean, safe, fun, and care-free environment for adults, no pets.
• Playa Norte RV Park, Clean washrooms, private showers, and coin laundry; right on the beach.
• Tango Azul Resort & RV Park, Spacious area for up to 10 RVs or trailers, and 7-10 tents.

Beautiful scenery, gorgeous weather — Baja California Sur makes for an epic road trip. The route is well served by RV parks with superior amenities and 24/7 security.

Tips and Tricks for RVing Baja Sur:

• Take spare parts with you. Replacement parts such as trailer tires and diesel truck parts can be tricky to acquire in Mexico.
• Make sure your cell phone works in Mexico . If you need to call roadside assistance you will need a cell phone .
• Stay in RV parks that are within walking distance of town amenities. You’ll get a bit of exercise in while picking up supplies and see a bit of the local color. Or bring your bike!
• Be prepared for rougher roads. Roads can be narrow and twisting along Mexico 1 from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas.
• For large RVs and motorhomes (and if you are towing), the Mexicali East border crossing is an easy one to use — there’s plenty of space and this crossing avoids the congestion of town.

RV Baja California

• Los Olivos RV Park
• Playa Saldamando
• Rancho Ojai – Tecate
• Costa Carel RV Park
• Club de Pesca RV Park
• El Valle RV Park
• Dolisa Trailer Park & Hotel
• KunKaak RV Park
• Playa de Cortes Hotel & Trailer Park
• Playa del Oro
• The Reef RV Park
• Totonaka RV Park

Don’t get locked out of your campground! Many RV parks require you check-in by a particular time before they close the gates for the night. Make sure you get to your campsite with plenty of time for check-in. Pack snacks!

• Polo Acosta Trailer Park & Hotel

Sonora is a favorite RV destination for Americans and Canadians. It costs less than Baja and the north is similar geographically. For a stunning vacation, take a look at these RV parks in Sonora. Neatly sandwiched between the stunning Sea of Cortez and its crystal white beaches and Arizona, Sonora, Mexico is the second-largest state in Mexico and a tourist’s dream. Not only does the thriving tourist destination offer unfettered access to the Gold Coast, but its mainland infrastructure is easy to navigate and enjoy.

RV Isla Aguada – Campeche

Isla Aguada, Campeche is overlooked by most visitors to the Yucatan Peninsula . Freedom Shores is an ADA standard wheelchair-accessible 4-star hotel and RV park on Isla Aguada . The rooms and the grounds are easily negotiated by travelers with mobility issues. It was designed and built based on the real-world experiences of the original owner, Bill Bussear.  Bill was a United States Marine who became a quadriplegic from a diving accident on his way to Viet Nam. Eventually, he moved to Mexico.

This is a special place with a special story. Bill tells it best himself Read it here.

Eight of the RV spaces are close enough to the beach that you can hear the sound of the surf in your unit. All 35 have EWS with 15/30 amps. The sites are attractive and set amidst 50-year-old Canary Island pine trees.

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Mexico Mike Travel Services 813 N Main McAllen, TX 78501

Before You Cross the Mexico Border

• FMM – Tourist Permit
• TIP – Vehicle Permit
• Surfing Mexico
• Wine Tasting Baja
• Medical Tourism Mexico
• Fishing Mexico
• Spring Break
• Mexico Off Road

© Copyright Mexico Mike Travel Services. All rights are reserved.

5 Amazing (and Safe) RV Destinations in Mexico

By: Author The Drivin' & Vibin' Team

Posted on October 27, 2023

If your RV adventures are primarily within US borders, you might consider heading to Mexico for something different. Striking landscapes, world-renowned beaches, and delicious food await you south of the border.

Unfortunately, some Mexican cities have tarnished the country’s reputation. News stories of cartel violence are enough to keep anyone away.

But don’t write this one off just yet. Today, we’re giving you five of Mexico’s safest vacation spots.

Let’s hit it!

Why RV in Mexico?

Mexico offers a wealth of opportunities for RVers looking to kick back, relax, and enjoy the balmy weather and beautiful vistas. You’ll have plenty to choose from, whether you want a tropical beach or a mountainous landscape. And often for a steep discount compared to similar places in the States.

Cultural distinctions between Mexico and the US make the experience even more meaningful. You can walk down streets flanked by vibrantly colored buildings, taste regional flavors, and admire traditional artwork. 

Of course, any time you head into another country, you’ll need to adjust to the differences. However, many vacation destinations near the border cater to US tourists. While you’ll want a guidebook and a Spanish dictionary, you won’t have the same hurdles to cross as you would on a different continent. 

Although we often hear stories of violence in Mexico, there are plenty of safe places to visit. Granted, being cautious and aware of your surroundings is always wise. But heading south of the border doesn’t put you in any more danger than places in the US. 

So, if the idea of sunshine, crystal-clear waters, and delicious food excites you, you’re in the right place. Here are five of Mexico’s safest, most stunning places to RV. 

#1 San Felipe

On the eastern coast of the Baja Peninsula is the lively town of San Felipe. Sitting in the northwest corner of the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Gulf of California, it offers the best of the coast and the desert. 

San Felipe was traditionally a fishing village. Those influences can still be seen today. Walking along the beach, you’ll see small shrimp boats pulled up to the shore and others hard at work.

However, the town’s economy has evolved as word got out to tourists. Spring breakers head to San Felipe for an economical week of sun and fun. Visitors come from far and wide throughout the year to enjoy unspoiled beaches and sprawling desert landscapes. While tourism is big business, it hasn’t caused the town to lose its charm. 

Plenty of notable attractions will keep you busy. You can see the largest cacti in the world at Valley of the Giants. Enjoy an eco-tour of the desert or charter a fishing trip into the Gulf. 

Where to Stay

Pete’s Camp is a highly-rated RV park located right on the water. They offer dry camping spots and full-hookup sites with 20 and 30-Amp service. You’ll also have access to a dump station and trash service.

Soak up the sun and dip into the warm waters steps away from your door. Their on-site restaurant, with a daily happy hour and live music on the weekends, is an excellent way to enjoy the vibes.

On your way to Mexico, we found 5 Cool Places in Texas for you to visit.

#2 Valle de Guadalupe

When you think of an RV trip through Mexico, you may not imagine vineyards. But that’s precisely what you’ll see at Valle de Guadalupe. In fact, 90% of Mexico’s wine originates here. 

Many local wineries offer accommodations for travelers. Other luxury resorts and gourmet restaurants are plentiful, too. But rest assured, Valle de Guadalupe is full of Mexican charm. Just because you can get here on paved roads doesn’t mean you won’t have an authentic experience. 

When you get tired of eating and drinking your way through the area, get your blood pumping with some thrilling activities. Soar through the air on a zipline, take a guided ATV tour across the desert, or explore the hilly terrain on horseback. 

The quickest way to get here is crossing the border at Tecate, California. 

The rustic Guadalupe RV Park features 20 pull-thru sites with 20-Amp service and water hookups. A dump station, trash service, and restrooms with showers are also available to guests. 

Located in the region’s heart, you’ll enjoy views of craggy mountains, palm trees, and vineyards. While you’re here, venture out to La Bufadora, the world’s second-largest blowhole. It shoots water 100 feet into the air every 13 to 17 seconds!

#3 Puerto Peñasco

Puerto Peñasco lies at the intersection of the Sea of Cortez and the Sonoran Desert. It’s the ultimate destination if you want to experience both.

That said, life revolves around the water for many. Snorkeling, scuba diving, and fishing are popular activities. Depending on the season, you might spot whales or shorebirds enjoying the Gulf’s bounties. 

Natural features have earned acclaim from worldwide organizations. El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This inactive volcano, surrounded by sand dunes, harbors plant and animal species unique to this region. 

Also called Rocky Point, there’s a large expat community residing here. Many landed in this area because of the stellar recreational opportunities, striking seascapes, and great prices. 

Getting here from the Lukeville, Arizona, border crossing is easy. Once you pass through Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, take Mexico 8 until you hit the sprawling beaches. 

If you want beachfront RV accommodations in Mexico, book a stay at Playa Bonita. This park has all the amenities you expect from a resort with views to match. 

Full-hookup sites include 20 and 30-Amp electrical service, cable TV, and free WiFi. Laundry facilities, restrooms, and a dog run are also available. Additionally, Playa Bonita offers a hot tub, book exchange, and recreation hall. And, of course, you can swim and fish to your heart’s content. 

Not sure about crossing the border? Here are 5 Reasons to Avoid RVing in Mexico .

#4 Rosarito

One of Mexico’s premier RV destinations is on Baja’s Pacific Coast, about 35 miles south of San Diego. There’s plenty to keep you busy on land or in the water. Rosarito offers unbeatable surf spots, scuba diving locations, and fishing opportunities. 

You can hide horses along the beach, take all-terrain vehicles off-road, or soak in the history at one of the many museums. If you’re a movie buff, check out the sites used for filming Titanic and Pearl Harbor .

Rosarito’s high-end condos, nightclubs, and waterfront bars and restaurants cater to tourists. When you imagine a vacation spot in Mexico, you might envision the landscape and architecture of this luxurious yet laid-back town.

You’ll find much to love here, regardless of your taste or budget. Both five-star restaurants and street carts offer flavors you’ll dream about long after you head back to the States.

Perched above the rocky Pacific coastline is the Popotla Mobile Home Park. The stunning views are enhanced by all the amenities they offer. 

Popotla offers full-hookup sites with 20-Amp service, a laundry room, restrooms, and showers. You’ll also have access to a bar, restaurant, and gym on site. Plus, 24-hour security means you’ll feel safe any time of the day or night. 

If the ocean is too cold for your liking, take a dip in their outdoor swimming pool. Or simply enjoy the best sunsets in the West as you sip a mojito and let your troubles drift away. 

#5 Ensenada

The city of Ensenada is just down the coast from Rosarito. Its Mediterranean climate, exquisite food, and natural beauty make it one of Mexico’s most popular RV destinations. 

Although Ensenada is Baja’s third-largest city, wildlife is abundant. On land, you might see bobcats, coyotes, and pumas. And in the water, you’ll observe sea lions, sharks, and gray whales. 

Of course, its waterfront location means ocean-based activities are all the rage. Surfing, kayaking, and sportfishing are popular among locals and visitors alike. If you decide to cast a line, you might catch tuna, mahi, or amberjack.

Back on land, there’s a lot to enjoy. Plentiful museums make it easy to learn about the region’s history. You can venture onto hiking trails or dine on fresh, local seafood. However you choose to spend your time here, be prepared to fall in love. 

If you want to escape the crowds of Ensenada, head north on 1D to Ramona Beach RV Park. They offer full hookups and dry camping sites right on the water. Many are big-rig-friendly pull-thru spots. 

They welcome pets, so you can bring your four-legged friends along. You’ll have access to free WiFi, trash service, and restrooms with warm showers. But we hear their bathrooms aren’t always well-stocked, so bring an extra roll of toilet paper, just in case. 

Dive Deeper: Traveler’s Guide to Camping Mexico’s Baja .

Is RVing in Mexico Worth It?

Opening up your itinerary to destinations in Mexico might change your RV game entirely. While some places like Tijuana have a bad reputation, many spots are as safe as popular locations in the States. 

Wherever you travel, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings. Don’t let fear keep you from exploring world-class vacation spots. If you do, you might miss out on exciting adventures!

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you,  we hate paying for camping . There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours.  Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site! 

We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state).  Access the list by submitting your email below:

• Feb 25, 2022

15 Best RV Camping Spots in Baja, California Mexico

Updated: Feb 28, 2022

There are so many free and cheap RV camping spots in Baja. The most expensive RV Campsite on this list is $15. Baja is a great place for budget travel. We loved it so much we RVed in Baja for four months and already plan to go back next year. The following are some of our favorite RV camping spots in Baja.

Please know these are just a sampling of some of our favorite Baja camping spots. We highly recommend you download the free iOverlander app to find Baja RV camping spots that will coincide with your route.

1.Campo El Mirador (La Bufadora)- 31.726544,-116.722395

This is paid campground at $100 pesos a night and dry camping about 2 ½ hours from Tecate. It offers amazing views of the Pacific Ocean from a clifftop perch. You can actually hike down the backside to the blowhole (La Bufadora) and avoid passing by all the vendors but if this is your first foray into Mexico why would you do that?

2. Cactus Garden near Catavina- 29.79693,-114.80470

Just off the highway tucked back among the boulders and huge cacti is this quiet little piece of desert heaven. This pic doesn’t do the sunset any justice. The sunset was the finest either of us had ever seen! Note this is dry camping with no amenities. Just serenity.

3. Playa La Gringa- 29.040497,-113.543381

This popular spot for southbound travelers was our first experience with whales in Mexico. Although we just heard them at night in the bay, it was really exciting just knowing they were right there. Many report actually seeing them. We just weren’t that lucky the few days we were there. This is dry camping with no amenities Sometimes a guy comes around and collects a fee to take your garbage. Bonus- when the tide goes out there are all kinds of cool starfish in the water.

4. Downtown San Ignacio- 27.283656,-112.897665

This adorable little town has what we both agreed to be the coolest Mission in all of Baja- and the cutest cat. We camped for free overnight right in the town square. No amenities but plenty of room for big rigs. You can also take a gray whale tour from here during the winter season. There are shops and restaurants around the square to enjoy.

5. Playa Santispac- 26.765782,- 111.886262

This was the first time we broke out the inflatable kayak and got to do some snorkeling . We felt like we had finally reached total relaxation and were really starting to get into the beach lifestyle of RVing in Baja. There is a gate upon entry where you pay $10 a night. In late 2021, there was a dump back behind the restaurant. There are two restaurants on site (1 with Wi-Fi) and vendors that pass by offering food, water and souvenirs. This is a very popular RV camp site in Baja so don't expect to have it to yourself.

6. Right down the road from Santispac but FREE- 26.750830,-111.896476

Just south of Santispac is free RV camping in Baja without amenities except for the occasional produce vendor. The tide changes the beach dramatically in this spot but you can still get out on the water and go to the same places as you can from up the road. Lots of hummingbirds here so break out that feeder we recommend you get. A short walk away you will find a little village with a restaurant for Wi-Fi.

7. Romanita RV Park Loreto- 26.011124,-111.340708

Our favorite RV park in Baja isn’t your normal RV park. It's really small (no class A’s or 5th wheels) and located in downtown Loreto. When we say downtown we mean walk outside and you’re a block from the malecon and two blocks from the “town square”. With the tree covered sidewalks and amazing food options, we love the authenticity of this charming little city. Price is $12.50 a night with water and sewer add $2.50 more for electricity. You can also book boat trips at the campground for a great price.

8.Playa El Tecolote (La Paz)- 24.337189,-110.310480

Free camping on the beach anywhere is cool. It’s even cooler when there’s amenities! This is dry camping but there is garbage pick up and showers and toilets for a small fee next to the restaurants. Just north of La Paz this spot includes restaurants and bars with water sports equipment rentals. The proximity to a major city has additional appeal. Another popular RV camping spot in Baja great for those who don't want to be camping alone.

TIPS FOR SAVING ON RV EXPENSES

9. Cabo Pulmo- 23.441370,-109.427440

This interesting beach has no sand. It's made up of smooth rounded rocks. It’s free RV camping and right down the road from the town of Cabo Pulmo where you can take tours of the National Park and snorkel with sea turtles and elephant seals. On our tour we also saw a huge pod of dolphins that basically surrounded our boat. The roads leading to and from this spot are pretty bad. Miles of sandy washboard. It’s slow going but quite the payoff. There are shops and restaurants within walking distance to enjoy.

10. Playa Santa Maria- 22.933670,-109.814920

This is a parking lot just off the highway in between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. You have to go under the highway to get here so nothing over 10 feet tall will make it. No Class A’s or 5th wheels will fit in the parking lot as well. That being said, this is the best snorkeling we found in all of Baja! Amazing schools of fish swimming all around you and the coral. You can park your RV here overnight plus they have security cameras up with a pretty nice bathhouse. Because of the amazing free snorkeling this spot is a must on your RV Baja adventure.

11. Todos Santos- 23.486700,-110.272750

Free RV camping north of Todos Santos in Baja with tons of room for any size vehicle. Crashing surf 24/7 and a breeze made this a lovely place to chill and sleep! This is dry camping so no amenities but there was a cell signal and on certain days massage is offered right on the beach.

TRAVEL WITH US!

12 Ojo de Liebre Campground- 27.746441,-114.018552

After a drive through a salt mine and miles of washboard you arrive at Laguna Ojo de Liebre. Although it’s quite beautiful in it’s own right, this final spot is not so much about the location and views as much as it is the activity available here. This is where you can not only see gray whales up close but oftentimes actually get to touch them! They are in the area from January-March but they say February is the best time to see them. Mother gray whales rear their young in this lagoon and they love people! They tend to gather around the vibrating motors of the tour boats and are happy to let you see them up close and personal. It’s a mind blowing experience for any animal or nature lover! It's $100 pesos to dry camp and $200 to camp with a palapa. Once you enter you can camp as long as you want for no additional cost. The whale tour is $900 pesos and they only take cash. There is also a restaurant on site.

STILL DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE RVING IN BAJA? JOIN US FOR A WEEK IN LA PAZ IN A ROOM

13. Playa Palmilla N 23.01026, W 109.71695

I read that there was great free snorkeling here but I couldn't find any RV camping listed on iOverlander. So I just googled up the location and we went to check it out. When we arrived we asked at the information desk if we could park here over night and we were told it wasn't a problem. So we stayed two nights for free in the hard packed parking lot right next to the beach. There was free snorkeling , bathrooms, and at night it was fairly quite. We were the only RV but felt very safe as its located within a exclusive community.

HOW TO SAFELY BOOKDOCK

14. Playa Ligui N 25.74191, W 111.25861

There are so many great spots to camp near Mulege on the Bahia da Conception. Earlier we mentioned Playa Santispec and the free camping near there. On our way back North we wanted to check out another spot on the beautiful bay so stopped here. This is free dry camping with no amenities not even cell signal but you can enjoy the cool coves near by and hike up on the rocks.

15. Mulege light house N 26.90223, W 111.95489

Just outside the town of Mulege you can RV camp for free near the lighthouse. No amenities here but there is a cell signal and some garbage cans. We loved the cute town of Mulege so be sure and check it out. Right on the water with a view of the cute small lighthouse.

There are lots of wonderful free and paid RV campsites in Baja. This is just a small sample of the many places we stayed in our four months RVing in Baja. To make your time in Baja more enjoyable we do recommend these supplies . Especially the sand board s as we did have to use them.

You also need special insurance and an FMM to RV in Baja. Find out more here.

Happy Trails,

Melissa & Wade

• Free Camping/Boondocking

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RVing in Mexico: Comprehensive Guide to Paperwork, Insurance, Safety and Everything Else You Need to Know to Cross the Border

Do cheap beers and tacos on the beach sound amazing? It did to us too. That’s why we decided to spend a few months this winter RVing in Mexico. We’ll share everything we learned in our research and preparation before crossing the border.

Since we travel full time and our RV is our home, we wanted to stay safe and follow all of the rules in place to protect us in Mexico. I was slightly overwhelmed by the paperwork required to take our RV into Mexico for a few months and I want to save you the headache of figuring it all out on your own.

Table of Contents

Is rving in mexico safe.

• Do I need an FMM to visit Mexico?
• FMM Application details
• Why you shouldn’t do the online FMM application?
• US .vs. Mexican auto insurance
• Does my US policy cover my car in Mexico?
• Financed vehicle requirements
• Pet requirements
• Illegal Items – What Can I Bring to Mexico & What to Leave Home
• RV restrictions in Mexico: Myths about Crossing the Border

Should I take a caravan to Mexico?

• Caravan Alternative: Group Travel

Can I work in Mexico on a tourist visa?

Internet in mexico.

• RVing to Rocky Point

Road Conditions

Road hazards.

• Car Accident
• Car Breakdown

Does Mexico have RV parks?

How much does it cost to camp in mexico.

• Satellite TV

Electricity

Cellular service.

• Conclusion : RVing in Mexico

Are you worried if RVing in Mexico is safe? It’s a common concern due to the media’s portrayal of murders, carjackings and other violent crimes. The Baja peninsula is one of the safest areas of Mexico and crime rates are lower than most American cities.

I know it might seem silly to ask if Mexico is safe but you’d be surprised how many friends and family members expressed concerns about our safety in Mexico. I find it odd how a single act of violence in Mexico on the world news concerns us but we’ve become numb to local news stories of carjacking, home invasions and mass shootings occurring around the corner.

We planned our route to only visit places that are considered safe to travel, Baja Norte and Sonora. At the time of our trip in early 2022, the US State Department advised avoiding the following states due to crime and kidnapping risks: Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas .

Property-related crimes are the most common occurrences with the majority being crimes of opportunity. A crime of opportunity occurs when criminals didn’t leave home planning to rob someone but they found an unattended bicycle or a drunk person with their purse open. The opportunity (a new bike or some extra pocket money) was too easy for them to pass up. The best way to prevent property-related crimes is to secure all of your belongings at all times.

• Secure all belongings especially purses and wallets in public places.
• Lock or stow all items to your RV when leaving your campsite.
• Don’t draw attention. Flashy expensive jewelry or wallets full of cash is a great way to attract unwanted attention.
• Many places do not accept credit or debit cards so you’ll need cash, preferably Mexican pesos.
• Separate your cash into different locations on your person. This way you can easily take a small amount out of one pocket when making a purchase without showing your entire wad of cash.
• Make a photocopy of your passport and drivers license. Keep the copies in a separate location from your actual IDs. I like to carry the photocopied IDs in my purse and leave my real ones locked in our RV safe.
• Know where you are going before you leave home. Solo travelers wandering aimlessly in dark alleys is a bad idea in any country.
• Mexicans are generally helpful and friendly but don’t blindly follow a stranger. Trust your instincts and be smart.
• Maintain your wits; don’t overconsume alcohol or other mind-altering substances.

For more safety tips in border towns check out Nuevo Progreso Border Crossing: How to spend a day across the border .

Required Paperwork for RVing in Mexico

I found the paperwork to be a bit daunting in preparation for our season of RVing in Mexico.

In the past, we’ve usually flown to new destinations. When arriving by air, the tourist visas are provided on the plane and arriving passengers are forced to the customs and border patrol agents before leaving the airport.

Non-nationals are required to obtain the following paperwork to legally RV in Mexico.

• FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple)
• Mexican liability insurance for all vehicles
• Notarized permission to drive in Mexico for financed vehicles with bank liens
• TIP if traveling beyond the FreeZone
• Valid Passport (at least 6 months remaining prior to expiration)
• Proof of current rabies vaccination for pets

Do I need an FMM or tourist card to visit Mexico?

An FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) is a Mexican tourist card or a visa. Everyone visiting Mexico should obtain an FMM especially if driving. Don’t forget to get your passport and FMM stamped at the INM (immigration) office when entering the country or the FMM is invalid.

This is especially important if you are driving in Mexico. An FMM is the only way of registering your visit with the immigration office. If you do not obtain an FMM, then you are technically in the country illegally. If you are involved in a car accident, your insurance will likely deny all claims since you were not in Mexico legally.

FMM application details:

FMMs are available for visits of seven days or less free of charge.

Each adult must obtain their own FMM.

180-day tourist FMMs are available for 638 pesos either online or at the Instituto Nacional de Migración (immigration) office located at the border. I strongly recommend obtaining your FMM tourist card in person on the day you enter Mexico.

Why you shouldn’t do the online FMM application for Mexico

We traveled into Mexico with a group of 100 RVs. They had a variety of problems with the FMM online application process.

Online applications might populate your FMM instantly but sometimes they take a few days to get emailed. The website says to allow up to 10 days for processing. I would recommend completing online applications only for the free FMM (visits seven days or less) before your trip to Mexico. If it doesn’t work, you can apply again at the border and you haven’t lost any money in the process.

If you apply online, you must print a hard copy of the FMM AND the payment receipt to present at the INM office when crossing. This policy is in place to prevent fraud and there are no exceptions.

Keep in mind the receipt must be the pdf offered after payment has been completed. It was the bottom right button on the payment screen when I completed my online application. Use Google translate to make sure you understand everything on each screen before proceeding. You will not be able to go back once you leave the screen.

A screenshot or bank statement showing payment will not suffice as proof of payment. If you do not have the correct receipt printed, you will be required to pay for another FMM at the border. We saw this happen to multiple friends when we crossed into Mexico. You can avoid all of this headache by buying your FMM in person at the border instead of online.

Mexican Insurance

If you drive into Mexico, you are required to obtain Mexican liability insurance.

Border agents often request proof of Mexican insurance as part of the inspection process. As with most things, you can shop around and get a better price in advance. If you prefer, you can wait and buy Mexican liability insurance at the border or in the US border towns.

We found the best pricing for Mexican liability insurance on Class As from Oscar Padilla . A friend told us her 5th wheel was cheaper from Portugal Insurance . These are both brokers, so be sure your policy will be underwritten by A-rated Mexican insurance company.

Six-month policies cost about the same as a single week of coverage. Some companies offer three-month policies for slightly lower prices than six months.

The liability policies are pretty standard pricing. However, comprehensive coverage is based on the insured value of your RV and insurance premiums can be very expensive for highly valued motorhomes.

In our price shopping, we found a six-month liability-only policy on our motorhome for ~$140. For ~$250 we could get a six-month full comprehensive coverage. Both prices quoted were based on our motorhome being valued at $50k.

What the difference between US and Mexican auto insurance?

Automobile insurance coverage options are similar to US insurance with either liability or full comprehensive coverage offered.

One major difference is all of the policies I reviewed included coverage for legal fees and bail bonds. This is due to Mexican laws regarding automobile accidents. Drivers are assumed guilty and may be arrested when involved in an automobile accident.

Coverage levels vary by policy. Be sure to read the fine print, I found vehicle theft was not covered under the liability policies I reviewed online.

Does my US car insurance policy cover Mexico?

Maybe but not likely. US insurance companies do not automatically provide coverage for driving in Mexico.

Between everyone in our large travel group, we didn’t find anyone with full coverage on all of their vehicles throughout Mexico with their existing US auto insurance policy.

As a Texas resident, our policy provides full coverage on our tow car within 50 miles of the US border. Our friends from other states, do not even have this coverage. In addition, we were able to purchase an add-on for Mexico coverage on our RV.

I spoke with both our US broker and insurance company and they both told me our vehicles were covered in Mexico. Do not take anyone’s word on your coverage. Review your policy documents yourself.

Upon reading the fine print, I discovered the 50-mile border limit on the car unless it was being towed by our motorhome and a maximum benefit paid for repair costs in Mexico on the policy. These limitations on our US policy caused me to purchase comprehensive Mexican coverage for our trip. I hope I never have to use it but it gives me peace of mind knowing we have some coverage.

Vehicle Registration

To bring any vehicle into Mexico, including an RV, you must have a valid vehicle registration from your home country.

The name on the registration should match your insurance and passport. Our border agent compared the VIN and license plate on the registration to our car.

If the vehicle is owned by a friend or family member, you should have a notarized letter of permission to drive their vehicle into Mexico. I recommend including full names of the driver and owner, year, make, model, license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN) in the letter.

Financed Vehicles

If you have a bank lien on your vehicle then your registration will likely list the bank as an owner. If this is the case, you will need a notarized letter from the bank granting permission to drive the vehicle in Mexico. Producing a permission letter shouldn’t be a problem for your bank but allow several weeks for processing.

TIP is a temporary import permit for vehicles entering Mexico however a TIP is only necessary beyond the Free Zone. We stayed in Sonora and Baja Norte so we didn’t need a TIP. If you want to RV in Mexico beyond the Free Zone, a TIP is required.

The FreeZone covers most areas along and within 12 to 16 miles (20-26 km) of the northern and southern borders. Additionally, the entire Baja peninsula and most of Sonora are within the FreeZone in Mexico which means you don’t need a TIP.

Applications for a temporary vehicle import permit for Mexico can be completed online .

Pdf containing proof of ownership must be uploaded during the TIP application. Ownership can be proven with a title, vehicle registration, a lease contract or a current financing agreement. Additionally, valid passport and FMM issued by the INM are required for foreign citizens

Keep in mind TIPs must be completed separately for an RV and tow vehicle. Truck permits only cover cargo or utility trailers but not RVs being towed.

Temporary Import Permit (TIP) to register your vehicle in Mexico costs around $50 USD per vehicle .

Automobile TIP permits are valid for 180 days in Mexico.

RV TIP permits are valid for 10 years. TIP permits are assigned to the owner and are not transferable if you sell the RV.

Foreign citizens entering Mexico must have a valid passport issued by their home country. Passport expiration should be at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

At the border, we gladly show our passports to customs and immigration officers but we do not let anyone else take possession of them.

I’ve heard too many horror stories of officials holding IDs until drivers pay a fine for a minor or non-existent traffic offense. Instead, we have a photocopy of our passport and driver’s license with us at all times. When we get pulled over, we will hand over our photocopied IDs instead of the real thing.

Domestic pets in good health are allowed into Mexico but some restrictions apply.

Only two cats or dogs are allowed per person. Import taxes are charged if traveling with more than 2 animals per person. As of 2022, health certificates are not required to bring pets to Mexico from the US or Canada. Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required but the paperwork is not always checked at the border.

Reptiles, even pets, may not be brought to Mexico. Birds are very difficult to bring into Mexico but importing them is not impossible.

Small pets like ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits and hamsters are allowed in Mexico with health certificates from your veterinarian.

You are allowed to bring up to 50 pounds of pet food per vehicle into Mexico but it cannot contain any beef products.

Illegal Items

Guns and recreational drugs are illegal in Mexico.

Do not attempt to cross the border with any guns, ammunition or drugs. If you do and get caught, you will go directly to a Mexican jail with no recourse.

Fresh meat and produce are restricted. The specifics of what food can be brought into Mexico are a bit overwhelming but the full details are available here .

We decided preparing for the border crossing was a great opportunity to clean out our freezer and refrigerator. So we arrived with no fresh meat or produce. Some of our travel partners arrived with a few veggies left; they were allowed in and told by the border agent in a stern voice to “not bring them next time”.

RV restrictions in Mexico: Myths about Crossing the Border with Trailer

You’ll find a lot of people who love RVing in Mexico but it’s not for everyone. And it’s especially not for every rig. Check out a few myths and the reality before attempting to cross the border into Mexico with a trailer, motorhome or other RV.

Some of the weight and size limits officially only apply to commercial vehicles but may be misinterpreted by customs agents. That means you might legally be allowed in Mexico but may be turned away at the border anyway. Honestly, unless you are fluent in Spanish I doubt you’ll be able to convince a customs agent they are wrong. I would try a different border or the same border the following day.

Myth: Trucks must be half-ton or lighter.

Reality: This is actually a GVWR vs cargo capacity issue. Vehicles with payload under 7,716 pounds (3.5 metric tons) are allowed but customs agents sometimes incorrectly refer to the GVWR. Some have found it easier to obtain their TIP online rather than attempting to obtain it at the border.

Myth: Motorhome weight does not matter.

Reality : Vehicles registered as motorhomes are allowed even if heavier than 3.5 metric tons. In short, motorhomes are not weight restricted.

Myth: Oversized or tall vehicles may not fit thru the border crossing.

Reality: True, there are height restrictions. The Mexican borders we have visited all have structures over the road at the crossing. And the entry back into the US has different height restrictions than the Mexican entry at the same border crossing location. Heights vary at each location so I’d recommend calling to verify current hours and height/size restrictions.

Myth: Heavy Duty trucks or semis are not allowed for recreational visits.

Reality: This is 100% true. We have two fellow Xscapers who tow their fifth-wheel travel trailer with an HDT semi-truck. Both of them have been refused entry to Mexico. Mexico considers heavy-duty trucks (semi-trucks) as commercial and entry will be denied. Commercial truckers are obviously allowed in Mexico with the correct paperwork. If you tow with a private non-commercial HDT or semi, I would make alternate plans for Mexico.

Myth: Mexican roads cannot accommodate big rigs.

Reality: It depends. But yes, roads in Mexico are generally more narrow than in the United States. And the Mexican roads get even more narrow the further you travel away from the US border.

Shoulders, where they exist, are pretty tiny and/or unusable. New or less confident drivers should definitely stick to toll roads or multi-lane highways as these are the roomiest option.

A friend told us that if we take our 37′ Class A, Pippi , down the Baja peninsula then we should expect to lose at least one side mirror to an oncoming truck. This was his best-case scenario for taking a big rig through Baja.

We’ve owned Pippi since 2013 and don’t want to willingly put her in harm’s way. Therefore we decided to stay in the areas closer to the border with highways similar to US road conditions.

Our friends’ Adventure Endeavor have owned several different-sized rigs and are more adventurous than us. They borrowed a small truck camper to explore Baja and left their big 5th wheel at home.

Only you know your risk tolerance and experience levels. Caravans and organized group tours are great for those who are concerned about safety and road conditions in Mexico. These groups do the same trips year after year and only travel on decent roads in safe areas.

Caravans are also great for those who do not want to research and plan their own route. My parents love showing up for an organized trip and being able to experience it without worrying about logistics.

RVing in a caravan through Mexico can be expensive.

Fantasy Tours is one of the more expensive and luxurious options. They generally offer full hookup campgrounds, some meals and excursions.

Escapees offer a cheaper option with rolling rallies or shorter events focused on a single location. Location, amenities, and duration vary each year. Their Mexico events generally occur in January or February. Check out their upcoming events.

Additionally, Escapees and Xscapers events are a great way to meet like-minded people. We’ve met most of our RV friends through Xscapers.

If you are not already a member, consider joining using our link . It costs you nothing extra and we’ll get a small referral credit that helps fund our awesome free content.

RVing to Mexico Caravan Alternative: Group Travel

Instead of joining a paid caravan, we took a more cheap and cheerful approach. We are traveling with friends in a group of RVs through Mexico. There are many online forums and Facebook groups to connect travelers interested in traveling in caravans.

Traveling with a group allows us to feel more safe driving rural roads. It is less appealing to harass a group instead of a single rig. Plus, when something inevitably breaks on your rig the likelihood of having the right tool, expertise and parts increases exponentially with a group.

Secondly, we’ve saved money on campground fees. Since we’re bringing more business with us, we’ve used our negotiating power to get better rates at campgrounds.

Lastly, it’s more fun to experience new food and places with friends. Since we had enough interested friends with us, we were able to charter a whole sunset catamaran cruise in Puerto Penasco.

Full Time RVing in Mexico

Full-time RVing in Mexico is fairly common with people living in campgrounds long term. Many Canadians and Americans escape winter in the warm sunshine of Mexico. Snowbirds, or winter visitors, are a big economic boost for warm destinations. You’ll see events like Gringo Bingo and dinner specials aimed at attracting business from these temporary residents.

Can I drink the water in Mexico?

No, you should not drink tap water in Mexico. Plumbing and water storage systems are not built for drinkable water. Everyone drinks filtered water including locals. Filtered water is available throughout Mexico including in grocery and convenience stores.

If you are RVing in Mexico for more than a week, it might be worth it to prepare your RV so you can drink your tank water in Mexico. I strongly avoid plastic waste and hate the idea of buying bottled water. Since we visited for multiple months, we added the 0.2-micron Virus Hero filter from RVFilter Store to our filtration system.

The filter is not cheap so we shared it with several friends. Using a refillable water bladder, pump and our filter system, we created our own mobile water filling station. We all were able to drink tap water in Mexico without getting sick.

Use coupon code “Pippi15” to get 15% off your entire order (including sale prices) at the RV Water Filter store.

Additionally, we rely on our Acuva UV water treatment to further sanitize our drinking water after it has been filtered. The Acuva is mounted under our sink and treats both the water going to our refrigerator and a countertop drinking faucet. It kills any bacteria or viruses using UV light. Acuva often runs promotions and sales so we were able to buy our system for around $300.

Use coupon code “Trying To Unwind” to get 10% off your entire Acuva order (including sales prices).

Will I get sick if I eat or drink in Mexico?

The food and drinks in Mexico will probably not make you sick if you make wise decisions.

Honestly, you might get sick anywhere and Mexico has a reputation for making tourists sick. You can take a few common-sense precautions to decrease the likelihood of getting sick in Mexico.

In Mexico, we never drink tap water unless we know it has been treated.

We also avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables at restaurants without running water . Basically, we only eat cooked items at roadside taco stands or food trucks.

Do I need to wash my produce in Mexico?

We also treat all of our produce (fruits and v egetables) with a vegetable treatment like Micro-Dyn. It treats many types of nasty micro-organisms like e-Coli and salmonella.

I even treat items with peelings that you plan to discard like bananas because bacteria on the peel may come in contact with the fruit.

Micro-dyn and similar vegetable cleaning products are available in the produce section of most large Mexican grocery stores. We saw it a Bodega Aurrera and Sam’s Club for about $1 a bottle.

Amazon also sells Micro-dyn if yiou want to arrive prepared.

It’s super easy to use a vegetable wash. You just place your produce in a bowl, add enough untreated water to cover them and then add the corresponding amount of treatment.

Each vegetable treatment is made differently. Some are very concentrated and only require a few drops per liter of water. Some contain iodine and require rinsing, others do not require rinsing. Read the instructions carefully.

After years of travel, we have pretty strong stomachs. But we always travel with anti-diarrhea medication just in case.

For more on grocery shopping in Mexico, check out Grocery Shopping in Mexico: How to Shop like a Local and Avoid Gringo Mistakes .

Mexico tax and immigration laws, allow visitors to earn income from outside the country while visiting Mexico on an FMM, a 180-day tourist visa. This means full-time RVing is possible in Mexico with a remote job.

If living in Mexico for more than 180 days, you may be considered a Mexican resident for tax purposes and owe taxes on all income earned while in Mexico.

However, if your business requires inventory, such as an Etsy shop, you will likely have to pay import taxes on these goods. When they see large quantities of new goods, border agents assume you are planning to resale the items in Mexico. You may even be refused entry.

When traveling in Mexico, foreign citizens cannot earn income from Mexican sources on a tourist visa. Like most countries, work visas are required for jobs earning Mexican income.

Keep in mind, internet and connectivity may cause challenges when RVing full time in Mexico.

Since we are not stationary, we use cellular data to get the internet. Telcel is the primary cellular provider in Mexico and visitors can easily purchase SIM cards with data blocks. SIM cards are available at gas stations, grocery stores and convenience stores in addition to Telcel retail locations.

Don’t expect easy plug-and-play solutions for cellular data plans in Mexico. Unlimited data plans are less common.

Most of our travel companions purchased the Telcel plans with a 2-hour block (less than $1 for unlimited data) or a 5-gig block of data (~$10). Once the time or data is exhausted, you’ll need to recharge your account online. Our friends who have used Telcel in Mexico have found the recharge process to be unreliable with recurring payment failures and website outages.

Prepaid unlimited data plans in Mexico are great for those working remotely while RVing full time. You can buy a SIM card in a retail store, activate it at home and be online quickly. However, if you have the same experience as our friends, prepare for a little frustration and some Google translating before you have it working.

Walmart offers a store brand cellular, BAIT , in Mexico. Their monthly plans are affordable and available in all Walmart and Sams’s locations in Mexico. BAIT sells sim cards that provide 30 days of unlimited data, calling (including to US & Canada) and texts for ~$13 but the initial setup can be confusing.

Our US-based AT&T cellular plan provides roaming coverage in Mexico on the Telcel network. Other US cellular carriers with plans that include roaming agreements in Mexico are Verizon, Cricket, T-Mobile and Google-Fi. Not all data plans provide Mexico coverage, so check the fine print before using data abroad.

Healthcare in Mexico

Visiting doctors and dentists in Mexico can be very affordable compared to US and Canada. However, it is always best to have world health insurance coverage like SafetyWing when traveling abroad.

SafetyWing covers expenses related to accidents and emergencies while abroad. Affordable monthly policies are available for all ages and most nationalities.

Mexico RV destinations

Common destinations for RV travel in Mexico include all areas of the FreeZone including Puerto Penasco, also known as Rocky Point in Sonora, Ensenada, San Felipe, Guerro Negro, Loredo, Bahia Conception and more in Baja.

The Baja peninsula is one of the most popular locations to RV in Mexico. Being separated from mainland Mexico, it is perceived to be safer and easier to navigate. The southern part of Baja offers smaller towns with a more authentic Mexican vibe.

Taking an RV to Rocky Point

Taking an RV to Rocky Point or Puerto Penasco is a fairly easy introduction to RVing in Mexico. The road to Rocky Point from the Lukeville Arizona border is a wide paved highway designated as a hassle-free zone. This means there are no checkpoints or roadblocks along the corridor after crossing the border.

I would still recommend traveling with a group for safety to Rocky Point during daylight hours.

Rocky Point caters to Arizonans on vacation. It has many of the amenities of an American town and most businesses accept dollars or pesos.

Driving an RV in Mexico

I would not recommend learning to drive your RV in Mexico. RVing in Mexico is better for those already comfortable driving their rig. Road conditions can be more extreme than US highways but are completely manageable in the right rig.

Roads in Mexico can be wide paved highways similar to the US but they vary. More often we’ve noticed lanes are slightly more narrow and sized for passenger vehicles rather than big rigs.

While driving in Mexico, Google navigation has tried to send us down narrow, dirt paths but we’ve had Google try to send us on a heavily wooded 4×4 trail in Colorado. Be smart and have an alternate route ready because sometimes Google is wrong.

This is all to say, yes roads are narrow in Mexico.

Road hazards are real in Mexico.

In cities, we’ve seen street dogs walk into traffic. Livestock is often free-roaming in rural areas and will wander into roadways. Follow posted speed limits and remain alert.

While RVing in Mexico, we’ve seen potholes large enough to consume a whole tire but we found similar sized potholes in Indiana last summer.

Topes are essentially speedbumps in Mexico. They are often added by residents to slow traffic down in front of their houses. They can be rounded and mild or very angular and jolting. Many times they are not painted and blend into the rest of the road well. Watch vehicles in front of you for a warning of future bumps..

Night driving is highly discouraged by tourists RVing in Mexico. Firstly, it is difficult to navigate new locations in the dark without considering all of the road hazards in Mexico. Additionally, the risk of crime increases in the dark. Ensure you arrive at your campsite before dark.

Keep both eyes on the road at all times and drive during daylight hours to avoid hitting road hazards.

Insurance in Mexico

Before driving your RV in Mexico, be sure you understand the coverage. Our policy limits repairs in Mexico to $500 but they will transport our vehicle to the US for repairs if it is undrivable.

What to do if you have a Car Accident in Mexico

If you get in a car accident in Mexico, do not move your car from the roadway until the police arrive. Do not pay other drivers cash for damages, report all accidents to the police. Scammers sometimes cause small fender benders to get cash payments from drivers who don’t want to deal with the police.

Report any accidents to Mexican insurance immediately. Accident claims after the vehicle is back in the US will likely be rejected.

If arrested as the result of an automobile accident in Mexico, contact your Mexican insurance company. This is especially important if your policy includes bail and legal benefits.

What to do if you have a Car Breakdown in Mexico

We travel with spare parts for our RV but sometimes more extensive repairs are necessary. If you experience a car breakdown in Mexico, the Green Angels will likely be able to help.

The Green Angels, Angeles Verde, are government employees who travel Mexican highways assisting stranded motorists. They have a reputation for being very innovative and creative in solving problems. They do not charge for their labor but do charge for necessary parts.

I added the Green Angels in my phone contacts before visiting Mexico and you should too. The 24-hour toll-free number for the Green Angels is 01-800-987-8224. In case of emergency, you can also dial 078.

Police in Mexico

There are varying opinions about the ethics of police in Mexico. The same can be said in many other countries including the US. I know you’ve heard stories about police attempting to extort bribes during traffic stops.

Bribes are illegal in Mexico. Any attempted bribes should be reported to the appropriate agency.

That being said, when driving in Mexico foreign citizens should strive to be the best driver they’ve ever been. Always make complete and total stops at stop signs, never drive over the speed limit and pay attention to traffic signs. Don’t give a police officer any reason to stop you.

If you are pulled over and told by a police officer that you owe a fine, ask to pay at the police station. Be willing to follow them in your vehicle to the police station to pay your fine. Request a receipt for your payment. Sometimes they may dismiss the charges rather than deal with the hassle. Be prepared for the worst and hopefully you will only have positive experiences.

Fuel in Mexico

Fuel in Mexico is generally safe for American vehicles. Sketchy gas stations in rural areas should be treated with caution as storage tanks or fuel may be old.

Ultra-low sulfur diesel is available throughout Mexico. Newer motorhomes or trucks that require Diesel Exhaust Fluid to improve emissions will have a challenge finding DEF in Mexico. DEF is not available in Mexico so bring twice as much as you think you’ll need.

All fuel is priced by the liter. Most gas stations in Mexico have attendants to pump fuel and tips are expected.

Yes, Mexico does have RV parks. They vary from resort-style parks with American price tags to dirt lots by the beach with no amenities.

It depends on where you go and what amenities you need.

Free beach camping does exist in Baja. Other beaches allow camping and charge a few dollars a night to park.

We’ve found an abundance of campgrounds in Mexico.

Some campgrounds offer dry camping options ranging from $10 to $20 a night. Full hookup sites start around $20 a night and we’ve seen them go as high as $60 a night. Weekly and monthly discounts are available at most campgrounds. Cash is primary and sometimes the only accepted form of payment at smaller campgrounds.

Camping in Mexico

Camping in Mexico is slightly different than camping in the US. Campgrounds exist but amenities are slightly different.

The tap water is Mexico is not safe to drink but filtered purified water is available at grocery stores and shops in every town. Instead of dealing with the hassle and trash of bottled water, we added the 0.2 micron Virus Hero filter to our existing canister system from the RV Filter Store. We also have an Acuva UV light treatment system that treats our drinking tap for bacteria. Since using this system, we have been treating and drinking Mexican tap water without any problems.

We have not experienced great water pressure in campgrounds and rely on our water pump to use our tank water instead of trying to use campground water pressure.

Satellite television

Satellite providers from the US, DirecTV and Dish, work in Mexico. You can even establish a local service if you are interested. In Puerto Penasco, we were able to watch Phoenix local news on our DirecTV. I’ve been told satellite TV service stops working further south than Matzalan but I have not confirmed this personally.

Electric hookups are available at campgrounds when RVing in Mexico.

We relied on our solar and lithium set up to dry camp without electrical connections. To read more about solar, check out RV Solar Installation: How we power our home with sunshine .

However, a surge protector is a must-have when plugging into campground power. We’ve heard horror stories of US campground electric surges frying entire electronic systems in RVs. Mexico’s electric power grid can be piecemealed together. Outages and surges are not uncommon.

Cellular service is available in most of Mexico.

Telcel has the nation’s largest cellular network and has roaming agreements in Mexico with most major US carriers. Our AT&T plan includes service in Mexico but not all plans offer coverage. Read the fine print of your plan before you leave home. Jump back to the Internet in Mexico section for more details on data plans.

Conclusion: RVing Mexico

RVing in Mexico can be very rewarding but it comes with some paperwork and headaches. However, spending the winter on a Mexican beach has been pretty magical and definitely worth it. We hope our preparation and research will save you time and energy when preparing to RV in Mexico.

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The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Loreto, Baja Mexico

September 2, 2022 March 24, 2020 | Christopher Harvey

Last Updated on September 2, 2022 by Chris and Lindsay

Everything you need to know about RV camping in Loreto, Baja Mexico.

Camping in Loreto is a great option if you are looking to balance adventure and activities with the opportunity to relax and enjoy a mostly quiet seaside Baja town. 

Although Loreto is home to many ex-pats, there is still a great Mexican look and feel to the town. 

From its historic mission to the many bars and restaurants along its Malecon, Loreto has a special charm to it well worth a few days of your time. 

Guide to RV Camping in Loreto

If you are planning on camping in Loreto you have plenty of options. Because Loreto has a great reputation among the RV community, there is no issue finding a place to camp.

What is more, most of the RV camping options are located in the city center so you are right at the heart of Loreto itself.

Of course, if you are looking for more low key camping you’ll probably want to pass on Loreto. It is a great town to stock up on water, groceries and propane if you need to.

Plus you can likely pay one of the RV campgrounds to dump your tanks if you are in need.

But since our favorite campground in Loreto is just 200 pesos (USD$11) at the time of writing, you might as well camp in town and enjoy at least one day and night exploring Loreto.

Reasons to Visit Loreto

Loreto is known for its vibrant marine life and the fact there are a handful of islands off the coast that make for great day trips.

Blue whales are most common off the coast of Loreto and you can catch any number of boat tours to try and see them.

Warning, blue whales are a bit more elusive than the humpback and grey whales that frequent the Baja coast. So just because you’re out on a blue whale tour doesn’t ensure you will actually see any.

But you are likely to see a fair share of dolphins and perhaps even sea lions as well. Both species are known to inhabit the waters off the coast of Loreto.

The fishing is also pretty decent in Loreto. Whether you have your own boat or hire out a ponga for the day you likely won’t return empty-handed.

There’s good bottom fishing and the trolling will turn up all sorts of sports fish.

Also of interest from Loreto is a short half-day trip to San Javier mission . This mission is tucked away in the mountains inland from Loreto about 15 miles or so.

A twisty road will bring you into San Javier where you can feast on all sorts of fresh organic fruits and vegetables harvested in the valley.

Things to do in Loreto

As mentioned, Loreto is a haven for maritime activity. But there is more to do than set out to sea if you have other interests.

These are some of the top things to do in Loreto: 

1) Visit the Mission.

As the oldest mission in the first capital of Baja, Loreto’s mission is on par with many others throughout the peninsula.

It was built in 1697 and still holds regular services you are welcome to attend.

2) Walk the Malecon.

Loreto’s Malecon pales in comparison to that of La Paz (most other Malecon in Baja do as well!). But it is nice for the short walk you can take.

Sunsets are spectacular as they light up the islands and surrounding mountains.

There are a few great restaurants and bars opposite the seaside of the Malecon where you can enjoy a bite to eat and some people watching.

3) Hire a Ponga.

The harbor is full of pongas tied up and waiting to take tourists out for a ride.

Depending on your interests you can find captains right there in the harbor who will take you fishing, whale watching, snorkeling/diving, touring the islands or just hanging out on the water for the day.

4) Go kayaking/SUP.

You can rent kayaks at a number of places in town. And if you have your own, you can put in on the beach next to the lighthouse on the Malecon. 

If the water is calm you’ll have an awesome time exploring the bay. Looking for a great SUP to travel with you?

We take our iROCKER inflatable SUP everywhere in our truck camper.

5) Dance (or watch everyone else dance).

Most nights of the week there is a live band (or bands) at the restaurants in the main plaza in town.

You can grab a tasty beer at El Zopilote Brewing or a pizza from Mezza Luna and then dance to the live music.

If you’re not much into dancing, enjoy watching those who are.

Another great place for music and dancing is Giggling Dolphin , which has a great cover band and a small dance floor where they expect that someone is going to dance!

Our Experience Camping in Loreto

We missed Loreto on our way south as we ended up joining a caravan going off-road through the Pacific coast between Laguna de San Ignacio and San Juanico.

However, we looked forward to stopping in Loreto for a few days on our northward drive from La Paz. 

Having camped in some beautiful, free places for the previous few months we were not eager to pay for camping again.

And some of the campgrounds in Loreto can be pricey. 

But we found El Moro RV and Hotel to be just what we were looking for. A full hookup on gravel (as opposed to dirt) with an incredibly hot shower cost 200 pesos.

What’s more, we were 2 blocks from the Malecon and 2 blocks from the main plaza where there was always live music and delicious food in the restaurants along the plaza. 

We planned to only spend 2 nights camping in Loreto but we ended up spending 5 instead.

Our goal was just to see Loreto and prepare for the week or so that we planned to camp on Bahia Concepcion. (Coming from the south Loreto is the best place to stage your camping on Bahia Concepcion.)

But with our campground well within our budget and the town quite charming we were easily captivated by Loreto and decided to spend a few extra days there. 

We didn’t do anything special by way of tours or adventure. As we hadn’t planned to spend much time in Loreto we didn’t budget for any fishing or marine life tours.

As much as we wanted to see the Blue Whales we just didn’t want to take a chance that we would not see them.

However, we celebrated a friend’s birthday at the brewery one night and enjoyed a delicious meal and some great cover music another night.

A few nights were windy. But one night on the Malecon was absolutely magical. 

For us, Loreto definitely didn’t disappoint. 

Getting There

You will reach Loreto from the north approximately 2 hours south of the last beaches along Bahia Concepcion.

This drive is spectacular and beautiful as you will twist and turn through desert mountains most of the time.

There are a few steep grades, however. So do take note if you have a bigger RV. 

If you come from the south it will be after a long day from La Paz (5 hours) or from Ciudad Constitution or Ciudad Insurgentes.

We camped outside of Ciudad Constitution and did a grey whale tour in Adolpho Lopez Mateo before arriving in Loreto.

This was approximately 2 hours from Insurgentes. 

The town of Loreto is full of somewhat narrow streets. Many of the streets are cobblestone and appear more like pedestrian walkways than drivable streets.

However, you likely won’t be the only car on one of these roads so just be careful driving in town.

In fact, one of the RV campgrounds (Romanita RV Park) is actually down a pedestrian road. It is necessary, and 100% legal, to drive down the pedestrian road to get there.

Camping In Loreto

Camping in Loreto is actually more affordable than you would think for a town that boasts so many ex-pats.

There are campgrounds where you can pay a little more to have a more luxurious stay. But either El Moro or Romanita RV Park offers camping in Loreto for 200 pesos (USD$11) or so.

The other option for RV camping in Loreto is Rivera Del Mar RV Park and Campground .

Expect to pay a bit more for this one. How much more is to be determined as people often negotiate rates based on their RV and length of stay.

Loreto Shores is your final camping option in Loreto and is the priciest of all. They do offer a pool and are big rig friendly. 

Key Resources for Camping In Loreto

As there are multiple campgrounds in Loreto this table will outline the general amenities of the town. 

About Author

Christopher Harvey

Christopher Harvey is the co-founder and main copywriter for Called To Wander. His passion is to create content that engages and informs readers and helps them to pursue the Abundant Life on the Road. Aside from writing, he also edits videos for the YouTube channel. He has freelanced for a variety of publications and consults with different brands on SEO and content strategy.

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RIGHT ON THE BEACH - NO KIDDING!

South Baja, Mexico's ONLY beachfront full-service RV park, located on a world famous windsurfing beach in Los Barriles.

Bienvenido a Los Barriles, Baja California!

On the sea of cortez.

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We are situated directly on a beautiful wide open beach, where there are no worries, only paddle boards, wind surfing and kiteboarding. And of course, the best sunrises!

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From pull-through RV sites, to beach tenting and a dedicated caravan area, we have the perfect space for you. Full services and free wifi year-round, means you can come for a quick visit , or stick around .

Ride ATVs, horses, mountain bikes, or hike miles of pristine beach and arroyos. Find hidden waterfalls and enjoy incredible vistas. Snorkel with tropical fish, or just watch the whales.

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Beachfront Sites

Long Term Leases

Park Office

Native Plants

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Casita for Rent

Pets welcome.

Bring rover on over. Our onsite veterinarian clinic & pet grooming ensures your companion will be happy and healthy!

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Municipal water and power (15 to 50 amp), septic on site. Clean washrooms, private showers, and coin laundry.

Check email, and let work know you're never coming back! Check the Baja Pony Express to see what's happening in town.

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We enchance the natural beauty with lots of flowers and trees planted from up to 20 years ago. It's a birders paradise!

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There's a corner grocery one block from the park, and everything you need is just half a mile away in Los Barriles.

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Is It Safe To Drive An RV In Mexico?

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Mexico has lots to offer but often gets avoided when it comes to travel. The number one reason for this is safety. So is it safe to drive your RV in Mexico?

RVs give you the freedom to roam where ever your heart desires, this is why so many people choose to join the RV life. Before travel to any foreign country, safety should always be considered.

Mexico has so many things to offer, warm weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and tons of history. It shouldn’t be a surprise that it ranks consistently in the Top 10 visited countries in the world and welcomes approximately 50 million tourists a year.

Many people experience Mexico by flying into the country and using guided tour transportation. Or, tourists oftentimes stay at resorts where they will stay for their time in the country.

This is common and for the most part, considered “safe” by most. But what about driving an RV into Mexico and traveling alone while navigating the country yourself, is it still safe?

Let’s take a little trip south of the border!

Crossing the Border Into Mexico in Your RV

Every country has its own requirements upon entry. Preparation with documentation and travel plans at the border will help ease the process. Entering by land requires a trip through a manned border crossing and a stop at immigration.

Can You Cross the Border in an RV?

Can you cross the border into Mexico in an RV? Yes!

Can you cross the border in your RV? Maybe.

Despite what you may have heard, Mexico does have rules to follow. Sure stop signs are a suggestion and speed limits are approximate but they do have some regulations when it comes to vehicle weight and size. These vary from state to state, so before you head out you should familiarise yourself with the local regulations. This is especially important if you have a 1-ton truck pulling your RV .

Crossing the border with an RV into Mexico is no different than doing it with a passenger vehicle. In general, here’s what you need to cross with your RV:

• Mexican auto insurance
• Temporary Vehicle Imporation Permit (commonly referred to as a “TIP”)
• Tourist Permit or “FMM” – remember it is YOUR responsibility to stop and get your FMM
• Vehicle registration and in some cases, a letter from your vehicle(s) lender stating you have permission to take it to Mexico

Do I Need a Passport to RV in Mexico?

Yep! Proving your citizenship with a valid passport is a requirement.

When you get to the border you will have to fill out a tourist visa which is usually valid for 180 days. The requirements are that you have to be able to prove you’re legally traveling while in the country with a passport and tourist visa. Upon exit, you will need to return some documents back to immigration.

It is also a good idea to have copies of your ID. You always want to be able to identify yourself.

Can I Travel with my Pets in an RV in Mexico?

So you and your RV can travel to Mexico but what about your pets? Pets are allowed to cross the border with you in your RV. Although not common, checks may be performed to ensure they are in good health by officials.

As of 2019, dogs and cats no longer require a health certificate to enter Mexico. As long as your pet has no obvious health issues that would be cause for concern from an agent they will be good to go.

Although no longer a requirement, it’s not a bad idea to have your furry friends checked out by your vet before the big trip. Carrying a health certificate for your pet could save a hassle should anyone at the border suspect any health issues.

If you have a pet other than a cat or dog, it is best to check with Mexican authorities about transporting them across the border. Birds and small animals such as ferrets are allowed but do require extra documentation.

Once in Mexico, it is very pet-friendly. Many places allow pets and you shouldn’t often find yourself inconvenienced. Mexico is notorious for having a large number of stray dogs and even pet dogs that run loose on the streets. It’s best with unknown dogs to be cautious about things like ticks/fleas/lice, kennel cough, and other transmittable diseases (like rabies).

This should go without saying but Mexico is hot so have water available and don’t leave your pets unattended!

Can You Take an RV Rental From the US Into Mexico?

Providing they have the proper paperwork, rental vehicles are allowed to cross the border into Mexico.

RVs are no different. There should be no issue from the border official with the crossing providing you have the proper registration and Mexican insurance.

Not all car rental companies allow cross-border travel and each RV rental company will have its own policies. It is important that any rental company is aware of your plans to cross the border.

As of this writing, none of the large US or Canadian RV rental companies allow their RV rentals to cross into Mexico. Another option is to inquire with a peer-to-peer RV rental company and make arrangements with the RV owner.

Can You Rent an RV in Mexico?

Maybe you would rather fly to Mexico or cross in your own passenger vehicle and rent an RV to explore when you get there.

If this is your plan you are likely going to be dealing with private parties perhaps friends who live or are traveling in Mexico. There are currently no RV rental companies in Mexico that we could find.

There are some RVs for rent in Mexico through Facebook and local rental sites. The vast majority being stationary RVs that are set up on sites and not for travel.

Do I Need Special RV Insurance in Mexico?

RV insurance in Mexico is similar to that in the rest of North America. There is no special Mexico RV insurance. The vehicles must have a valid Mexican insurance policy which is very similar to your current policies.

In general, for motorhomes and camper vans you will have a policy for that vehicle similar to what you currently have but with coverage for Mexico. For RVs being towed, they can be covered under your tow vehicles coverage for liability only with no coverage for the towed RV. Or, you can have coverage for damage and theft to the towed RV while hitched and additional coverage available for damage and theft when unhitched.

The good news is that insurance in Mexico is relatively inexpensive. You can buy it online before you cross the border. Keep in mind that you typically need to purchase your policy at least 24 hours before you cross. Here are three recommended insurance companies:  Cross Border Coverage , BajaBound ,  Lewis & Lewis , and  MexPro . 

When you take your vehicle to Mexico, you need to keep enough insurance coverage in place to maintain the vehicle’s legal registration in your home country. –  Mexexperience 

Will my Health Insurance Cover Me in Mexico?

A big concern for most people traveling to Mexico is health insurance. Rightfully so, you do not want to be in a foreign country and have a medical emergency with no coverage.

For most people, any government health care or employer insurance plan will not cover you in Mexico. You may have options with your current private provider for additional coverage in Mexico.

In the majority of cases, you will have to purchase travel insurance for your time in Mexico. Depending on your age and health history travel insurance is very reasonable and worth the cost.

After Crossing the Border Into Mexico with an RV

Now that you’ve crossed the border, it’s fiesta time!

Does Mexico Have RV Parks?

Now that you are across the border you are going to need someplace to stay.

Mexico doesn’t have thousands of RV parks like the US and you won’t find any KOA resorts. That being said, there are RV parks in Mexico for both short-term and long-term stays. However, there is no great resource for a complete list of parks.

Parks open and close frequently so it’s best to contact them before travel. Online ex-pat groups and forums can be a great resource as well. For some parks, you might find them on CampgroundReviews .

Some of the parks are very basic without amenities like pools and dumping stations, rather providing more or less a place to park with hookups.

Long-term parks are often full of ex-pats who have been there for a while and with the growing popularity, they are often full (and pricey). These parks generally have more comforts and conveniences. Many allow RVs to be covered with palapas and additions like outdoor kitchens.

The Baja California peninsula has parks scattered from the border all the way down the coast. Mainland Mexico has fewer RV parks that are stretched over a much larger area.

It is a good idea to have a surge protector as electricity in many parts of Mexico can be unreliable, dropping and surging in voltage.

Can You Live Full-Time in an RV in Mexico?

In short, yes, absolutely you can live full-time in an RV. I am doing it right now. That being said, there is more to it than just parking and staying…

Full-time RV living has become a very popular life choice and is steadily increasing. Living full-time in your RV comes with some challenges, the main one being where your RV will be parked. Whether for one night or long term, you need a place to stay.

Mexico will present this same challenge, however, there are no Mexican laws specifically to deter RV living. Privately owned properties such as stores, gas stations, and hotels have their own rules regarding RV parking. Most people’s experiences seem to be that as a whole Mexico is accommodating to RVers.

A great option is a park allowing full-time RVers. These can be hard to find as, with most warm destinations, lots of people have the same idea. Restrictions on where an RV can be used for a dwelling are often an issue in Canada and the US. In Mexico however, far fewer restrictions exist making private or rented land a good option as well.

Considerations for Full-Time RV Living in Mexico

Some people imagine parking their RV on a white sand beach and living there. Although this is an option for sure many of the beaches are patrolled and do have hours of use. Especially right now, most beaches are closed for overnight camping.

Two major considerations with living full-time in Mexico are weather and more weather. Mexico is hot, that’s why so many people love it. Temperatures vary depending on what part of the country you are in but most of the country is hot and/or humid.

In Baja, the climate is very dry however temperatures can be extreme especially for the summer months. Air conditioning in an RV is a must! This should be considered if you will be boondocking; do you have a power source to run an AC on a consistent basis?

Other parts of the country can be very humid which we all know can reak havoc on RVs. Again, having a way to keep humidity down will be required.

The other weather consideration is storms. Tropical storms and hurricanes are common in Mexico especially near the coasts where most people will choose to travel and live.

Having a location that protects your RV in these situations is advisable. A generator is something to consider as well because power outages are common in Mexico.

Living in an RV with no AC in August in Mexico is no fun! Take it from someone who’s done it.

Where are the Safest Places to RV in Mexico?

Mexico is a big country with many cities and towns to explore and travel through. Like any location, there are areas better to avoid if possible.

RVing in Mexico is very popular and so caravans leave the US on a regular basis. This can be a great way to explore with the comfort of having a large group and maybe even some people who have traveled there before.

Your comfort level will determine where you feel safe. Many ex-pat locations such as Lake Chapala, Puerto Vallarta, Oaxaca, Merida, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, and most of Baja will have the comfort of foreigners like yourself and more English speaking locals. For many, this gives a sense of safety. Larger locations with a dense ex-pat population and money can also draw more petty crime.

Small rural towns may feel unsafe due to the lack of law enforcement and “all eyes on you” feeling but can be some of the safest and most memorable spots.

As mentioned before, border cities and towns statistically have more crime due to larger populations and the cross-border crime element.

Regardless of where in Mexico you find yourself, there are a few things to do to help you stay safe.

Learn Some Spanish

Knowing some Spanish is a great help. You don’t have to be fluent but knowing some basics can help you in some situations. An uncomfortable situation becomes even more uncomfortable if you have no idea what’s being said and can’t express yourself.

Follow Your Gut

Using your natural instincts will keep you out of most bad situations. If you are somewhere you feel unsure of, leave. If a group is making you uncomfortable, avoid them.

Try to Fit in

Try not to look like a tourist; expensive jewelry, phones, and bags may attract the wrong people.

Use Main Highways

Staying on toll roads ensures there are is some roadside assistance available and police and military checkpoints and patrols. Driving in Mexico is an adventure in itself – it’s all part of the fun!

What About the Criminal Presence?

Anyone traveling in Mexico is aware of the cartel presence. Although it has its reaches throughout all of Mexico, there are areas considered to be more involved. Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, Sonora, Sinaloa are all names probably heard in the news. Again, mostly border states that will be pass through states.

The overwhelming amount of crime and violence in these places is among criminals and not innocent RVers. The states are large and like any US state, it’s not accurate to designate any entire state as dangerous rather than just a particular area of a town or city.

Is it Safe to RV in Baja Mexico?

Baja Mexico is the peninsula directly below California. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the West and the Gulf of California to the East which separates it from mainland Mexico. A large majority of the peninsula is desert.

1000 miles from the US border to the Southern tip is Cabo San Lucas. There is a lot of beautiful coastline down both sides of the Baja peninsula (perfect for RVing!).

Sharing a border with California makes Baja very popular for travelers. Many ex-pats have homes here so you are likely to interact with Americans and Canadians in your travels.

Being so popular with Americans, there is lots of US influence here and English is more widely used than in other locations.

Baja is a safe place to travel and might be more comfortable for those nervous about traveling in Mexico due to the American influence there. The border cities of Tijuana and Mexicali are large, busy cities that like most border cities have a higher rate of crime. Most people choose to cross the border and just pass through to a quieter location for overnighting.

What is the Best Route Down the Baja Peninsula?

You will have two options for traveling South on the Baja California peninsula after crossing the border: highway 1 through Tijuana or highway 5 through Mexicali.

Highway 1 is the main highway so it has more traffic including large truck traffic and passes through a few busy cities South of the border. Good for amenities and pitstops but busy and more navigating required.

Highway 5 bypasses all of the busy spots and runs along the gulf side for approximately 250 miles and then connects to highway 1. This route has less traffic but also fewer amenities (like gas stations). For people uncomfortable traveling in more isolated areas, this route may not be for you.

Along the main highway in Baja, you will see the Green Angels. This is basically Mexico’s AAA. The Green Angels have trucks equipped to provide repairs from flat tires and dead batteries to minor engine and mechanical repairs.

How Can I Legally Protect Myself in an RV in Mexico?

Should you require legal assistance or representation in Mexico, you will need someone licensed to practice law in Mexico. Legal advice may come from your current lawyer or a lawyer in your country of residence however any legal action will require a Licensed Mexican lawyer.

There are lots of English-speaking lawyers who deal exclusively with non-citizens. Online forums can provide you with recommendations from your fellow countrymen.

Your countries embassy will also have a list of lawyers in Mexico that you can contact. If your plan is to be in Mexico for an extended period you could contact a lawyer prior to travel so the connections have already been made.

In terms of physical protection, know that it is illegal to bring firearms and weapons into Mexico.

5 Reasons to Avoid RVing in Mexico

RVing in Mexico is a fun way to see a beautiful country and experience a different culture. That being said, it isn’t for everyone. Here are five reasons why RVing in Mexico might not be for you.

1) Driving Conditions

This is a big one and anyone who has driven in Mexico will agree. One thing you always hear is, do not drive at night!

This is true but not because of banditos, it’s because of road conditions and animals. It is not uncommon to come across a large unmarked hole in a road or a rockslide that hasn’t been cleared. Topes are large speed bumps that are often unmarked that can cause damage or loss of control. They are all over the place and sometimes in unsuspecting places.

Farm animals roam free in much of Mexico and they all seem to gather on the warm asphalt at night.

Not all roads are in bad shape and there are some nice highways to travel but even the maintained roads are narrow and many without shoulders or guard rails. This can be nerve-wracking while driving or towing an RV.

2) Being Scammed

Some people will picture being blocked on a road and having your RV stolen leaving you alone in a desert. While this can happen as it can anywhere in the world, it is unlikely.

The much more likely thing is you will be scammed at a gas station or tricked into leaving a bag or valuable unattended. Being situationally aware is your best defense.

3) Availability of Things

Part of your planning pre-trip should include buying possible things you will or may need. Parts for your RV will not be as easy to access in Mexico especially in a rural area. A breakdown may mean waiting days or weeks to get something you need.

Many of your favorite things won’t be available and although not a trip stopper, it may be a big deal to you going weeks or months without it.

4) Law Enforcment Corruption

Yes, this is an issue in Mexico. Mexican police are paid very modest salaries and although it’s no excuse, it does lead to fishing for extra.

If you’re pulled over by a Federale with a large gun and no English vocabulary, the situation can be stressful. This is where some Spanish comes in handy. Although widely accepted, it is illegal to bribe police and it is encouraged to ask for your ticket and pay it when and where needed (usually the police station).

Many people choose to carry a small number of pesos to smooth over the situation by paying a reduced on-the-spot payment. Keep in mind some police will try and get you to pay them directly but this is by no means an armed robbery, stand your ground and make them write your ticket.

5) Getting Lost

Nobody likes getting lost but getting lost in an unfamiliar country can be even more stressful. Signage can be lacking, roads that are on a map are no longer there, or you misunderstood someone’s Spanish directions. There are lots of ways to get lost in Mexico and when traveling in a large RV or towing it can be stressful, to say the least.

There are many places with no cell signal so don’t rely on that. Have downloaded maps, a Mexico-specific GPS, or an old fashion road map.

It’s worth mentioning again that a little Spanish can help in this situation.

Mexico is a great country with lots to offer. The year-round good weather makes it great for RVing. Beautiful coastal drives, tacos, and camping on the beach scream epic road trip!

RVing in Mexico takes some planning and consideration. Hopping in your RV and heading to Mexico on a whim may not be the best idea. Personal safety is a priority regardless of where you are traveling so take the steps to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your trip!

About the author…

Jennifer and Kendall are avid RVers and part-time van lifers who share their years of experience both as full-time RVers and nomads through writing.

Jenn and Kendall have explored Canada, the USA, and Mexico while RVing and living full-time in all 3 countries.

They have been fortunate to work not only as part of the RVBlogger team but also with RVLife, DIY RV, Camper Report, RV Magazine, Rootless Living, Vanlifers, and more.

They have also shared their RV experience through DashboardDrifters.com and are the founders of RVSpotDrop, a web service for full-time RVers.

1 thought on “Is It Safe To Drive An RV In Mexico?”

Very informative and helpful! My husband and I are healthy, athletic 65 year olds. We plan to move to MX. He is a world traveler and thinks I will feel safer in Baja. My son lives on the OR coast so we want to travel safely annually to visit.

We were leaning toward an RV like yours but also looking at the vans. We have not owned either. After watching this, it seems the van may be more appropriate.

I just hope we can cope in such a tiny vehicle! Any thoughts?

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RV and Motorhome Travel in Baja

The Baja Peninsula is a popular destination for travelers with RVs and motorhomes. With the warm winter weather, beautiful beaches, delicious food, outdoor activities, and Mexican hospitality, Baja is a perfect spot for snowbirds and adventurous travelers.

RV Parks with Full Hookups

There are over 100 RV friendly campsites throughout Baja California. These facilities range from minimal campgrounds to large RV parks with full hook ups. Check out our picks for some Baja RV parks with full hookups on the peininsula.

Mexican Auto Insurance for your RV

Discover Baja is pleased to offer Mexican auto insurance for your motorhome or RV. Both full coverage and liability-only policies are available. Our special super-saver policies (available only for Discover Baja members) are valid for a full year and can save you hundreds of dollars if you will be spending less than 120 days out of the year in Baja. You can learn more or get a quote on our Mexican Auto Insurance for RVs and Motorhomes Page .

Resources for RVing in Baja

• We recommend getting a copy of the book “Camping Mexico’s Baja” by Mike & Terri Church for a full list of campsites and RV parks on the peninsula.
• A good Baja map  is another important essential.

DBTC Insider Tips for RVing in Baja

• For large RVs and motorhomes (and/or if you are towing units), the Mexicali East border crossing is an easy border crossing to use because there is plenty of space and the border crossing avoids the congestion of town.
• Diesel gas is available throughout the peninsula. Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) is widely available throughout most of Baja California (Norte), but is currently not available in Baja California Sur.
• Roads can be narrow and windy along highway Mexico 1. It’s especially important for larger vehicles to drive slowly (we recommend keeping it under 50 mph) and only during daylight hours.
• As with driving any vehicle in Baja, it’s recommended that you bring spare parts for your rig as specific parts can be difficult to find in certain areas of the peninsula.

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How a Yucatan jungle hike could help revive Mexico's ailing Maya communities

Inland from Yucatán’s white beaches, the long-distance Camino del Mayab hiking trail is set to revive ailing Maya communities with jungle treks weaving past overgrown haciendas and secret cenotes.

It’s an indescribable feeling, plunging into cool, clear water after walking for hours through the Yucatán jungle. I’m surrounded by the tall overhanging cliff walls of a cenote — a type of freshwater sinkhole believed by the ancient Maya to be portals to the underworld, and often used as sacrificial sites. The water is a mix of emerald green and turquoise, with large lily pads floating on the surface and thick alamo tree roots plunging to its depths from the cliffs like giant eels.

It’s day one of my five-day hike along Mexico’s Camino del Mayab — a long-distance hiking and biking trail opened in late 2020 — and the 32C heat and 80% humidity is getting to me. But with 11 miles to walk before sunset, there’s only so much time for pool dips. Following a dirt path flanked by thick jungle, we reach San Antonio Tzacalá, a small Maya village built around the crumbling red walls of a 19th-century hacienda. Abandoned in the mid-1900s, the Spanish estate has been lost to nature: entire alamo trees rise from the roof like squatting giants, while creeping vines pierce through thick cement as if it were honeycomb.

“Yucatán is the land of cenotes and haciendas,” says Cristian Sulub, a fresh-faced 22-year-old wearing rimless, rectangular glasses and a straw hat. Cristian, who is of Maya descent, is San Antonio Tzacalá’s youngest-ever mayor and a keen historian. When he heard we were walking through his town, he came to greet us. “Cenotes represent our ancient past; haciendas our colonial history.”

The hacienda in San Antonio Tzacalá is one of hundreds in Yucatán, built during the 19th century when the henequen trade took off. Henequen, also known as sisal, is a type of fibrous agave native to the Yucatán Peninsula, used by the ancient Maya for thousands of years to make ropes, baskets and fishing lines. But in the mid-19th century, the Spanish began exporting Yucatán’s ‘green gold’ to the US and Europe. Forcing the Indigenous population to work the fields for little or no pay, European plantation owners grew extremely wealthy, building railroads, factories and more than 300 haciendas across Yucatán.

Three years in the making, the Camino del Mayab is a 68-mile trail created to help reverse centuries of colonial exploitation in Yucatán — ‘Mayab’ is what the ancient Maya called Yucatán before the Spanish changed its name in the 16th century. After the Mexican Revolution of the 1910s and the Great Depression of the 1930s, Yucatán’s henequen industry began to decline, with most haciendas closing by the 1950s. Inequality and prejudice towards the Maya, however, continued. Today, higher education, jobs and access to medical care are limited outside of Mérida and Cancún, forcing many Maya people to abandon their villages and way of life.

“The Maya village is under threat,” says our guide Uri Huesca, as we make our way out of the crumbling hacienda. Uri is the co-founder of EcoGuerreros Yucatán, the environmental organisation that founded and now manages the Camino del Mayab. “We want to empower Maya communities to make a living without leaving their homelands, while also sharing their history and culture with the world.”

The Camino del Mayab follows old henequen transportation routes through 14 Maya communities, from the former plantation village of Dzoyaxché to the ancient Maya city of Mayapan. The trail was developed in partnership with Maya communities, and 80% of its profits remain in Maya villages through the hiring of local guides, camping on community-owned lands and eating home-cooked meals prepared by village cooks.

Continuing to Pebá, a two-hour walk from San Antonio Tzacalá, we spot a flash of electric blue and pale orange among a sea of endless green. It’s a Yucatán jay, a bird endemic to the peninsula. Further on, perching on the branches of an 80-year-old ceiba tree, is a turquoise-browed motmot, a cenote-dwelling bird the ancient Maya used to find fresh water.

“Yucatán is one of Mexico’s most biodiverse states,” says Uri, as we pass a Middle American indigo snake coiled under a bush of purple pea flowers. “But it’s at risk of being destroyed.”

There are almost 400 bird species in Yucatán and over 100 mammals, many of which are endangered. Jaguars, tapirs and ocelots, Uri explains, would have once been abundant here, but due to habitat loss — some 50,000 acres of jungle are lost annually in Yucatán to farmland and illegal logging — they’ve become increasingly rare.

Environmental activists have also blamed the new Tren Maya — a controversial 966-mile train line launched in December 2023 that crosses the Yucatán jungle — for endangering the peninsula’s biodiversity.

“The Camino del Mayab isn’t just about saving Maya culture, it’s about protecting nature, too,” says Uri. EcoGuerreros has helped to establish hundreds of acres of ecological reserves in Yucatán through a network of protected ejidos, communal land managed by Indigenous communities.

The next day, a Pebá local known as Don Octavio — a slight, elderly man with deep lines across his forehead and dirt beneath his nails — guides us through the jungle to the Maya village of Yaxcopoil, home to one of Yucatán’s best-preserved haciendas. Wearing smart suit trousers and leather sandals, Don Octavio hacks a path through the thick overgrowth with his machete, pointing out medicinal herbs and wildflowers pollinated by meliponas, stingless bees whose honey has been cultivated by the Maya for 3,000 years.  

Among the vegetation are a few surviving henequen from an abandoned plantation Don Octavio used to work on. Unlike most plantations in Yucatán, which closed in the 1950s, this one continued to operate for a few decades longer. Don Octavio says the plantation owners treated him well, and the work allowed him to stay in his village. “Now look at it,” he says, pointing to a pile of rubble that would have once housed a Maya family. “Everyone’s leaving to work in Mérida. Soon, there will be no one left.”

Over the next few days, as we walk 40 miles from Yaxcopoil towards Mayapan, I watch pink fog lift from the jungle canopy at sunrise, eat pulled pork slow-cooked underground and fire-toasted tortillas in the homes of Maya families, and camp beneath a sky full of stars. But swimming in the region’s cavernous cenotes is what I look forward to most.  

I imagined the end of my journey on the Camino del Mayab stood atop Mayapan’s Temple of Kukulcan, seeing the trail I’d just walked sprawled across the jungle beneath me. But protests over entrance fees have closed the trail’s finishing point. Instead, I’m on the shores of a cenote near X-Kanchakán, where a white-robed shaman is summoning the Maya gods under the thundering rain. His chanting — spoken in Yucatec Maya — reverberates across the water with a deafening clap of thunder. When he finishes, the rain clears and the sky lights up in a strange silver-purple hue. “A good omen,” says the shaman in Spanish. “You’re welcome here, traveller.”

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7 Top Fashionable Destinations to Visit in Your RV

What if your next road trip could be more than just a journey from point A to point B? 

Drive through beautiful landscapes, find cool shops, and get inspired by different city styles - all while traveling in your RV. If you love fashion and travel, get excited! We're about to share some amazing places to visit!

1. New York City, New York

New York City is a fun place for fashion lovers. In Manhattan, there are trendy areas like SoHo, where you can shop at upscale designer stores and enjoy cool cafes. If you love luxury, check out Fifth Avenue uptown for fancy shopping. Whether you love expensive fashion or casual street style, NYC has everything.

New York isn't just famous for its streets. It's got a relaxed vibe, especially in fashion. There's Fashion Week with its extravagant shows and regular folks in Central Park flaunting their own styles. Fashion is all over the place! And guess what? You can park your RV nearby and enjoy the fashion scene while relaxing in your home on wheels.

2. Las Vegas, Nevada

There’s more to see in Las Vegas than just casinos and shows. It's also a great place for fashion! Walk along the famous Strip, and you'll see many unique shops with all kinds of clothes. You can find everything from famous brands to vintage stuff. Whether you want to keep up with the latest styles or find something unique, Las Vegas has everything you need.

Fashion isn't just about the clothes. It's also about how you wear them. People can wear whatever they like in Las Vegas, and being unique is encouraged. So, feel free to mix things up, try bright colors and cool designs, and show off your style. With an RV Rental in Las Vegas , you can drive around the city and shop as much as you want.

Then relax in your cozy mobile home, all set to do it again the next day. So, why not spice up your wardrobe with Vegas-style attire and make your RV adventure unforgettable?

3. Los Angeles, California

In LA, there's more to see than just Hollywood glitz. It's a big deal for people who love fashion and want to be noticed. You've got chilly places like Venice Beach and fancy stores in Beverly Hills. Whether walking on Rodeo Drive, looking for fancy brands, or exploring vintage shops in Silver Lake for something special, LA has something for everyone who loves fashion. It's a giant playground for fashion lovers!

Why not enjoy LA's sunny vibe in your comfy RV? Drive around the city, show off your style, and have fun! Plus, there are many RV parks by the coast where you can relax and feel at home.

4. Miami, Florida 

Miami is a fantastic place for fashion! There's Wynwood, which is full of colorful murals, and the Design District, which has cool and chic stores. Then there's Ocean Drive! The old buildings there match perfectly with your trendy clothes. And South Beach is where people flaunt their best swimsuits and beach stuff. Miami blends Latin energy with city style, making it a super trendy place for fashion, just like its hot weather!

There's another side to Miami -- the streetwear scene. Go to Wynwood Arts District, and you'll understand. It's a colorful, artsy world with graffiti, cool cafes, and people in edgy street style. You'll see skateboarders in unique tees and artists in paint-splattered overalls. It's a mix of creativity and self-expression.

5. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe is a unique city mixing Native American customs with modern art and fashion. You'll notice lovely adobe buildings and old places that seem like magic. Plus, there are many exciting shops and galleries to check out! You can discover unique pieces, such as handmade jewelry, stunning fabrics, and clothes created by local artists. You'll enter a world where tradition and creativity come together.

Santa Fe has an amazing vibe. The city is inviting you to come and enjoy its awesome fashion scene. There are also outdoor markets where you can find one-of-a-kind stuff that suits your style, no matter your budget.

But here's the best part: Santa Fe is great for RVs. They have campgrounds where you can park your home-on-wheels, surrounded by incredible desert views. Picture waking up in the morning, stepping out into the New Mexico sunshine, and then exploring all the fabulous fashion this city has. It's like fashion and adventure combined, right on the road.

6. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville isn't just about cowboy boots and country music. It has a cool vibe with Southern charm and style. There's a lot to see here! Have you been to the trendy stores in 12 South? And the vintage shops in East Nashville are fantastic, too. If you like fashion, you'll find incredible stuff all over this city!

Explore Broadway for fun with its bright lights and cowboy boots. Or walk through Germantown for cute shops and cafes in old buildings. Nashville's shopping scene will make you feel stylish and creative.

7. Portland, Oregon

Portland is amazing because it's relaxed and has a trendy vibe. There are many neat shops, old-fashioned stores, and local designers here. Walk around Alberta Arts District to see all the quirky stores selling handmade jewelry, old-style clothes, and fun accessories. If you like vintage things, check out Hawthorne Boulevard. It's full of thrift stores and secondhand shops where you can find great stuff.

Whether you're into eco-friendly fashion, streetwear, or the chill bohemian look, Portland has it all. Explore the city's artsy feel and stroll through its diverse neighborhoods, each with its own style.

So there you have it, fashionistas -- a stylish road trip awaits! Whether you're in bustling New York City or sunny Miami, there are many trendy places to check out in your RV. Pack up, hop in, and get ready to turn heads wherever you go!

The post 7 Top Fashionable Destinations to Visit in Your RV  appeared first on The Rebel Chick .

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United States and Mexico Announce Plan to Remediate Denials of Rights at RV Fresh Foods Facility

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April 22, 2024

WASHINGTON – The United States and Mexico today announced a course of remediation to address denials of rights at the RV Fresh Foods facility, which produces guacamole in the state of Michoacán. This case is the first time the United States has used the mechanism in the food manufacturing sector. It is also the first time both the United States and Mexico have identified violations related to the conduct of the petitioning union. The remediation plan will provide a holistic solution to the issues at the facility, ensuring both the union and employer follow Mexican law and workers at the facility are able to enjoy their rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.   “This remediation plan will help to ensure workers at the RV Fresh facility can reap the benefits of union democracy as we continue to use the RRM to support Mexico’s labor reform and achieve conditions in which workers can exercise their freedom of association and collective bargaining rights without restriction, said Ambassador Katherine Tai . “We commend the Government of Mexico for committing to take action at RV Fresh to address existing labor violations.”   "The remediation plan at RV Fresh supports workers’ ability to elect and govern their unions," said Deputy Undersecretary of Labor for International Affairs Thea Lee. "This plan, developed in collaboration with the Mexican government, marks a significant step toward safeguarding workers' rights and advancing fair labor practices." 

The course of remediation details a plan to remedy violations of Mexican law at the facility, and it includes measures aiming to prevent violations in the facility moving forward.   Under the course of remediation, the Government of Mexico will ensure that RV Fresh:

• Distributes hard copies of the collective bargaining agreement to all workers;
• Implements its neutrality statement and company guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining, including a zero-tolerance policy for violations, and commits to delivering annual training to all company personnel on these commitments;
• Maintains on its website the company guidelines, neutrality statement, zero-tolerance policy for the violation of these policies, and information about how workers can file complaints with the Government of Mexico related to violations of their rights;
• Implements the agreements it reached with the union through dialogue sessions led by the Government of Mexico, including following a protocol for the union’s access to the facility and an agreement that the company will not make payments to the union, unless those payments are union dues collected from workers pursuant to the union’s statutes;
• Commits to allowing specialized trainings at the facility for workers, management, and union representatives on the role of labor organizations and union democracy in the workplace as provided for in Mexico’s labor law.

The Government of Mexico will ensure the union:

• Submits updated statutes for the relevant Mexican labor authorities’ approval and provides the updated statutes to RV Fresh and workers;
• Refrains from committing acts of extortion or obtaining gifts from RV Fresh;

The Government of Mexico will:

• Inform RV Fresh company personnel and union representatives of the findings in Mexico’s report, and of the requirements set out in the Course of Remediation;
• Monitor the facility, including by conducting periodic inspections related to the obligations of this course of remediation and compliance with Mexican laws related to freedom of association and collective bargaining;
• Maintain a telephone line and/or direct email address for workers to anonymously report any intimidation, coercion, or threats with respect to their selection of a union or union activities, or non-neutrality, or interference in internal union affairs;
• Initiate sanctions proceedings, according to Mexican law, if Mexico has information that shows violations of Mexican law, and impose appropriate sanctions against individuals, labor organizations, or companies that have been found to violate Mexican law.

The United States and Mexico agreed to establish a deadline of June 14, 2024 to complete the course of remediation.  

Background The United States Trade Representative and the Secretary of Labor co-chair the Interagency Labor Committee for Monitoring and Enforcement (ILC). On January 17, 2024, the ILC received an RRM petition from the Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores y Empleados de la Industria del Comercio, Alimenticia, Textil, Automotriz, Metalúrgica, Servicios y Distribución Generalísimo José María Morelos y Pavón , a Mexican union, and the Confederación Central Nacional (COCENA), a Mexican union confederation. The petition alleges RV Fresh Foods committed acts of employer interference in union activities, including by restricting the union’s access to the facility and intervening in the process of electing union delegates. The ILC reviews RRM petitions that it receives, and the accompanying information, within 30 days.

The ILC determined that there was sufficient, credible evidence of a denial of rights enabling the good faith invocation of enforcement mechanisms. As a result, on February 16, 2024, the United States submitted a request to Mexico that Mexico conduct its own review. Mexico agreed, and on April 1, 2024, concluded there are ongoing denials of the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining at the facility. The United States and Mexico then agreed on a course of remediation to remediate the denials of rights.   Read the full course of remediation here .   Read an unofficial courtesy Spanish translation of the full course of remediation here .  

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I've stayed at the chain of luxury campgrounds converting Airstream trailers into hotel rooms. It's a no-brainer for Hilton to bet on them.

• Travelers can soon use  Hilton Honors points at AutoCamp's popular "glamping" resorts. 
• The chain is best known for its high-end  Airstream-trailer hotel rooms .
• The rapidly expanding luxury camping chain has seven locations, many near national parks.

Hilton wants to know: Why stay in a conventional hotel room when you can pay more than $600 a night to sleep in a trailer?

The hotel giant says its members will soon be able to earn and use Hilton Honors points to book AutoCamp's chain of luxury campgrounds , best known for their stationary Airstream trailer hotel rooms.

It's Hilton's first move into the increasingly popular "glamping" — a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping" — industry.

As someone who's stayed at two of AutoCamp resorts, I think the mutually beneficial partnership is a great idea.

Like other "glamping" and campgrounds, AutoCamp experienced a windfall in bookings during the COVID-19 pandemic

AutoCamp has seven high-end resorts. Most are near national parks (like Zion, Utah) or popular city-folk getaways (like the Catskills in New York or Cape Cod in Massachusetts).

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Two more properties — one in the booming Texas Hill Country and another near Sequoia National Park — are scheduled to open in the next year.

You could say Hilton is late to the high-end camping trend — Four Seasons opened its first $4,000-a-night adult-only luxury tent resort in 2022, after all.

But better late than never: In 2023, campground giant Kampgrounds of America called the industry an "aggressive growth segment," with four in 10 campers expressing interest in glamping that year.

Hilton has yet to disclose how many points it'll cost to book an AutoCamp vacation or when they'll become available, but the glamping company isn't known to be ultra-affordable. In the summer, a weekend stay can range from about $300 to $670 a night.

What it's like at an AutoCamp resort — and why the partnership makes sense

Many luxury campsites have high-end canvas tents or tiny homes. While AutoCamp offers both, its most popular accommodations are its nostalgic, 31-foot-long Airstream trailers .

I've stayed at AutoCamp's Yosemite and Joshua Tree resorts. Although it's been two years since my last visit, I still prefer these fun trailers to any hotel or Airbnb — even ceding time at the national parks to spend more at the trailer-lined properties.

I love camping as much as I love the plushness of luxury hotels. AutoCamp combined the best parts of both to create a high-end concept that could delight even the biggest nature hater.

AutoCamp's resorts are significantly more comfortable and amenities-saturated than most traditional campsites, making it the perfect option for travelers who want the camping aesthetic without the camping pains.

No need to sleep on a dirt floor, forgo warm showers, or "go outside." Every AutoCamp trailer has beds with pillows, bathrooms with high-end toiletries, and kitchenettes with microwaves — not to mention the private outdoor seating and firepits.

Guests also have access to a communal lounge with food and beverage (yes, alcohol) menus, a general store, and a midcentury modern flair. Some locations flex a swimming pool and on-site programs like guided walks as well.

Given these high-end hotel-like comforts, it should be no surprise that Hilton has decided to go with AutoCamp for its first venture into the great outdoors.

The glamping company's properties are the perfect compromise between the invigorating seclusion of camping and the indulgences of a traditional Hilton hotel.

Watch: How one couple turned their pickup truck into a DIY camper

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Golden Transcript

Golden-area RV murder case set for trial in late July

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The 51-year-old defendant in the Golden-area RV murder case and his attorneys are making final preparations for his two-week trial in late July.

Donald Harris has pleaded not guilty to murdering Matthew Hire, 57, who was found dead of a gunshot wound in his own RV last spring.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office investigators believe Hire was killed in late March 2023, but his body wasn’t found until mid-April when a deputy found his RV door swinging open in the Golden-area Wooly Mammoth Park-N-Ride lot.

Harris — an acquaintance of Hire’s — has been charged with first-degree murder, a felony charge of possession of a weapon by a previous offender, and two sentence enhancers.

Harris, who’s in custody in Denver for a separate case, had a $2 million cash-only bond set in the murder case.

On April 22, Harris appeared at the Jefferson County Courthouse for a daylong motions hearing, where his defense team argued for several provisions before his July 23-Aug. 2 trial dates.

Among them was a motion against livestreaming either the April 22 motions hearing or the jury trial on the Colorado courts website . Harris’ defense attorneys said, with almost 100 witnesses expected at the trial, they wanted to ensure the witnesses’ sequestration during the proceedings and protect Harris’ right to due process.

Judge Jason Carrithers granted the motion, saying there’s no way to tell who, if anyone, is watching via livestream . However, he emphasized, the public can still attend Harris’ court dates in person at the courthouse or by logging into WebEx , where they must enter a name that the prosecution and defense can crosscheck.

The parties spent several hours reviewing the defense’s other motions, such as whether any of Harris’ statements to law enforcement would be admissible in court and how much time both sides would have for jury selection. Carrithers denied several of them, but some were left undecided.

He scheduled Harris for a pretrial readiness conference at 1 p.m. July 15 at the Jefferson County Courthouse, where the parties can review any outstanding matters before the trial dates. He also placed a July 12 deadline for both sides to finalize their lists of witnesses and exhibits.

Harris’ trial is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. July 23 at the courthouse.

With almost 100 witnesses in the case and a significant amount of physical evidence to review, the prosecutors told Carrithers, “This trial is going to be interesting.”

History of the case

During Harris’ Aug. 11 preliminary hearing , Jeffco Sheriff’s Office investigators testified how, on the night of March 25, 2023, Hire’s RV was parked outside the Golden hotel where Harris and his girlfriend were staying. Harris and Hire were in the RV, and Harris reportedly didn’t come back to the hotel room that night and didn’t answer his phone.

The next morning, the RV was gone and Harris wouldn’t tell his girlfriend where he’d been, the investigators said.

Harris’ girlfriend later told investigators how, before Hire’s death, she’d overheard Harris and another friend talk about having access to Hire’s money and how they were going to “rip him off.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, cell phone data showed both Harris and Hire’s phones were at the Wooly Mammoth lot between 3-3:30 p.m. March 26.

However, a few hours later, a Golden Police Department officer contacted Harris at the Golden Home Depot and arrested him on outstanding warrants in Denver.

After Hire’s body was found inside the RV on April 14, 2023, JCSO investigators examined the items Harris had when he was arrested and found a jacket with Hire’s blood on it. Harris also had Hire’s cell phone and keys to storage containers inside Hire’s RV.

Investigators also reviewed messages Harris sent and received while he was in jail, where he reportedly coordinated with friends to hide evidence, such as the RV itself and his girlfriend’s Jeep.

In searching the Jeep, investigators found a .22-caliber revolver that’s believed to be the murder weapon. It had a single fired shot in it, which matched the bullet fragments found in Hire’s body. The revolver also had Hire and Harris’ DNA on it, investigators stated.

During the Aug. 11 preliminary hearing , Harris’ defense attorneys contested the first-degree murder charge, saying there was little to no indication of any premeditation or physical evidence the homicide took place in the RV.

JCSO investigators confirmed there was no visible blood spatter, and all the tested surfaces were negative for blood. There also wasn’t anything to indicate a gun had been fired in the RV, or that the RV had been cleaned, the defense argued.

“There’s no evidence this homicide even happened in Jefferson County,” one of Harris’ attorneys said. “ … (The prosecution) hasn’t presented any evidence as to where the homicide might have occurred.”

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