RV inMexico
 |
| 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, is considered the most up-to-date source about camping and RVing south of the border.
Questions this issue:
Motorcycle Travel and Tent Camping
Kids and tropical holidays
Caravan companies
Sir,
I would like information on motorcycle traveling and tent camping in western Mexico.
Ray
Hi Ray,
We
don’t even pretend to be motorcycle experts but we do know the roads. A
group of motorcyclists used our Road Logs to navigate down Highway 15
and they "road tested" a new and upcoming Highway 200 Road Log that we
will publish soon. They gave it a BIG THUMBS UP. As motorcyclists they
required information on Topes (Speed Bumps), rough roads, military
check points and of course gas station locations. They reported that
the information was invaluable to them as they didn’t have to be
concerned about the next fill-up. Any of the road logs sell for under
$10. They come complete with a camping guide.
If you just want to look at potential camping places, go to www.ontheroadin.com
and spot a large map of Mexico on the front page. Click with your mouse
on any area that interests you. When you see a little trailer symbol,
click on it. You will get a picture of the campsite, a list of
amenities, directions, GPS, etc. It is free.
Hi Bill and Dot,
We
spend the summer traveling the hotspots with our three children that
are six, 10 and 11 years old. We are considering taking our truck
camper and boat to Mexico via San Diego or Arizona to a
tropical-feeling RV full hook up park. If you were planning a
winter getaway RV trip for a family for two to three weeks in Mexico
between December and March, could you share your favorite spots? Is it
better to go Baja or Sea of Cortez-side?
Mark and Jacqueline
Hi Mark and Jacqueline,
The
main problem appears to be time. You want a tropical place in the
winter yet only have two to three weeks to explore. Additionally you
have three kids in a truck. Impossible? No. Comfortable? Not likely.
When our kids were young they were happiest at a beach. Obviously with
your boat, you'll need a place to launch it. So we have restricted our
comments to water locations.
To
get to a tropical location you must drive south of the Tropic of
Cancer; either South of La Paz on the Baja or to Mazatlan on the
mainland. These destinations take three long drive days; something that
will drive you nuts with kids in a confined space.
You
may wish to revise your plans to driving somewhere warm, not hot. The
Baja has wonderful camping on Bahia Concepción but it's beach camping
-- not full hook-up. There are three full hook-up campsites in nearby
Mulege that would be just fine. On your way down it is an absolute MUST
for you to observe the birthing whales at Scammon's Lagoon. In February
we did this and the whales came right beside out boat. An unforgettable
moment was our daughter reaching into the water and petting this gentle
giant.
 |
| Whales so close to the boat you reach out and touch them Dot Bell Photo |
If
you choose the Mainland side of the Sea of Cortez, you could hit warm
weather as close as San Carlos. There are full hook-up parks here. If
the weather isn't to your liking, drive south until it gets better.
Hautabampito is a new area with beach, solitude and full hookups.
Farther south there are some full hookup parks on the water between
Culiacan and Mazatlan.
If
you can extend your holiday, there are many beach locations south of
the above recommendations. It is a question of whether you want to
drive five days to get there and spend another five driving back.
Hi,
My
husband and I want to take a nice trip to Mexico in a group of RVers.
Which are the best of the tours or caravans offered that are
safest and fun? And what are the rules about bringing pets into Mexico?
We talked about retiring there one day -- we are full timers in our
motorhome.
Mrs. Morey
Hi Mrs. Morey!
We
offer an "almost free" caravan to La Penita just north of Puerto
Vallarta. It has become an annual event. Please go to our website for
more information. Unlike most other caravans, ours teaches you how to
be independent travelers. Our goal is to get you up and running so that
you feel confident traveling solo throughout the country.
There
are also many good tour operators out there. The one we love the most
is Baja and Back. We have known these folks for years and their
customers just rave about the fun times and adventures with hosts Vanda
and Barry Monkman. They will be making a Copper Canyon and West Coast
run early this year. Go to www.bajaandback.com.
Dogs
and cats require a current vet certificate stating all shots are up to
date. It is unlikely that you will be asked for it going south, but it
is very likely you will be when you cross the border from Mexico to the
US. Take a tour of our website where you will find information about
campsites and rates, services, etc. If you have any more questions,
please feel free to write.
Helpful Hint:
Because many RV parks have poor water pressure, many RVers tote a small water pump to increase the pressure to their unit.
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 .
|
|
|
|
Traveler's
Guide to Mexican Camping
Headed to Mexico? Make this your guide. Authors
Mike and Terri Church cover everything you need to know to RV in this
inexpensive, fascinating land. More than 250 campgrounds listed, too! |
Mexico
By RV
Have you ever wondered what it would be like
to stay on one of the pristine beaches pictured in all the Mexico travel
books, or explore the historic Colonial regions and visit the ancient
ruin sites. |
Frommer's
Mexico 2005
Everything a visitor to Mexico needs
to know about spending time in the country is here. This is not a camping
guide, but anyone who plans to head south will find it a wealth of necessary
information. |
