Submitted by Dan & Lisa Goy
Longer then the US state of California, Baja California is a truly unique recreational Paradise-in-the Sun dominated by its 4,000 km coastline, which provides access to spectacular beach camping.
Dancing with spiny botanical oddities and crisscrossed by roads, Baja is one of the greatest ocean playgrounds imaginable, unique in its contrasting shorelines, deserts, mountains and plains. For RVers craving outdoor adventure, you will find a largely undeveloped, beautiful land where escape to another environment and culture is only a couple of days drive from places like Yuma, El Centro or Palm Springs. Our five favourite camping beaches on tour are:
Brisa Marina RV Park
This is where we fell hook, line and sinker for Mexico. Located in Bahia de Los Angeles, on the Sea of Cortez, this is one of the few campgrounds that RVers identify as a Winter Destination in the northern state. Given the unique geography, ocean currents and wind patterns, LA Bay, as it is referred to by many, can often have daily highs regularly seen in Bahia Concepcion 250 km further south. Although swimming is good in October and into November, the beach starts sandy becoming quite rocky at low tide, hence kayaking and fishing are the preferred activities. Sea lions, dolphins and whales are a common site as are whale sharks in October and early November.
Playa Santispac
Santispac’s convenient location, right off Mex 1 Highway and the closest to Mulegé of 12 beaches in Bahia Concepcion draws in crowds of RVers. The beach and bay, surrounded by steep hillsides and mangroves, remains incredibly popular, last season we counted almost 50 RVs on this beach in February 2014. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, swimming and fishing are routine on this beach. Vendors visit this beach daily and not only with blankets & T-shirts. Great local produce, fresh seafood, water, pizza, cinnamon buns, pineapple empanadas and great freshly made chicken tamales are just some of the items you can purchase.
Playa Tecolote
Believe it or not this beach is still free! Just 20 minutes from La Paz, the capital city for Baja California Sur, this is one of our favourites. Those RVers settling in for the winter head over to the east side, those dropping in for a short stay like ourselves, park on the front of the beach, right of the restaurants. The water here is a spectacular Mediterranean blue, a wonderful beach terrific for swimming. The days are warm, the nights cool and simply perfect for camping. Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking are very popular and lots of RVers are here for the fishing, yellowtail is a prized catch.
Fidel’s
Two other RV parks border Fidel’s El Pabellon Palapas Alvinos campground, however we are partial to Fidel’s. Located on the Pacific Ocean south of Lazaro Cardenas, it is about a one km drive from Mex 1. The beach can be a little cool and windy, but you are sure to enjoy the ocean air and spectacular sunsets. Fidel normally has plenty of firewood, good washrooms, with hot (sometimes) showers and also a dump station, which is almost impossible to use. There is access to water hook-ups and some 20-amp 120-volt electrical outlets, which cost a little extra. No worries about parking, often we are the only ones there with beach front for fifty.
Playa Los Cerritos
Historically Los Cerritos has always been very popular with RVers located off Hwy 19, south of Todos Santos and north of Cabo San Lucas. People have always flocked to this beach for the swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, whale watching (yes you often see them playing), and fabulous sunsets. With the new 4-lane highway Todos Santos is an easy 15 minutes away and Cabo only a 45-minute drive.
Los Cerritos Surf Colony opened up an RV Park, which is really just a dirt parking lot with a few palm trees that almost look alive. As of January 2014 our tours made regular stops here which folks have really enjoyed because we have access to the pool, hot tubs, washrooms, Wi-Fi, bar and restaurant.
There are many beaches on Baja that we are sure you will love, these ones are easily accessible for any size RV with lots of room to manoeuvre. Solar power is preferred over generators, but both are used on Baja beaches. Dry camping is not for everyone but for those that give it a try it is well worth the effort!
Dan & Lisa Goy are owner/operators of Baja Amigos RV Caravan Tours