Mexico
Summer camping on Mexico's west coast
By Bill and Dot Bell

Bill and Dot Bell

Dot and Bill Bell are Mexican RV experts and have taught and led seminars about camping in Mexico throughout Canada and the US. Their website, http://www.ontheroadin.com/ is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.

Questions this issue:
Hooking up With Experienced Mexico Travelers
Summer Camping on the West Coast
Helpful Hints

Dear Dot & Bill,
I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and would like to make my first trip into Mexico (Baja Peninsular) for the 2006 winter. I am traveling alone with my dog, in a 34 foot 5th wheel and a 1 ton Dually Truck 4 x 4.

As much as I have researched and readconcerning the do's and don'ts, I would still prefer to go across, taking my rig,for the first time with someone who knows the ropes....

Is there a place where one can meet up with experienced RVs and can tag alongfor the first time?

Early morning sillouette on the Baja. Bill Bell Photograph

Colin

Dear Colin,
There is no physical location that we know of where people hook-up together to cross the border. However there are other methods.

We offer a FREE (yup …No Cost) Ad and post it in a section of our website called “Build Your Own Caravan” where people can hook up over the internet.

Failing this I would suggest you head to the border and park at a San Isidro RV Park. Walk across the border and get your tourist Visa (you don’t require vehicle permits for the Baja) and walk back to your vehicle in the US. This avoids parking hassles at the border and leaving your rig unattended. The following morning – say at 7 – cross the border and you will just drive on through. Once outside of Tijuana, it is an easy freeway drive to Ensenada. Stay at the Campo Playa RV Park in Ensenada and make friends. We are sure you will find someone going down that you can tag along with.

We also suggest you purchase a Highway 1 Road Log and read the instructions to Ensenada carefully. You will see it is quite easy. For the rest of your journey the Roadlog will help you along your way. It tells you where the next Pemex or gas station is, on what side of the road; where to expect a Military check point and even where to slow down for the enevitable tope or speed bump. It gives exit points for RV Parks and locations and comes with a campground directory.

If you are REALLY trepidacious then you could consider one of the many caravan companies out there who offer this service. Please feel free to ask more questions and use us as a resource.

Adios and enjoy the Baja.

Dot & Bill

Dear Dot & Bill,
We are hoping to drive our 45' RV (towing a car) down the west coast of Mexico in August. Are there any RV parks that take big rigs and have 50 amp power? If so would you please send me some information on what's available and how to contact them?

Camping along the beach on the Baja. Bill Bell Photograph

TN

Hi TN,
Well, get ready for a real hot and sometimes sticky trip. It is rainy season and you will get lots of downpours. These usually last only an hour or two and are a welcome relief as they cool down the air and lower the humidity.

Mexico has a few – but not many RVparks with 50 amp service. Most are 15. The RV parks can usually take big rigs, especially at this time of year as there are few, if any, campers. Many parks close for the summer.

You can check out our website http://www.ontheroadin.com/ for individual RV Park information. It will give you contact numbers, pictures and other information that will help you decide which park you want. You will definitely not need reservations. For your journey we offer a downloadable version road logs that will help you on your way. It will help you with gas stations, (i.e., which carry diesel and which side of the road they are on) as well as what roads are 4 lane, narrow 2 lane, etc. Highway 15 past Mazatlan can come with an RV Park component that reviews each campsite (with Pictures) to help you along the way. Highway 200 goes along the south way past Acapulco. It is available now too.

Other resources include Woodalls and the Church & Church guide available at the RV bookstore right here online. We feel the Church book is superior.

Have a great trip and enjoy.

Dot & Bill

Helpful Hint:
Start preparing for your Mexico RV Trip now. Often summer sales and clearance racks will give you great prices on everything from barbeques to swimwear. Water shoes are a constant clearance item and are very useful for beach areas. It is also a good time to check out insurance companies online. You will get better attention as the companies are not as busy and you will have an opportunity to compare apples with apples in the comfort of your own home.

For more information about RVing and exploring Mexico, go to The Bell's Website or to ask your question about RVing in Mexico write editor@ontheroadin.com